20 Prison Hacks That Are Genius In Everyday Life

1. Use conditioner all over your body to smell good

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While conditioner can leave your hair smelling pleasant, using it all over your body may not be suitable for everyone. Conditioners are primarily designed for hair, and their ingredients may not be optimized for skin application. But when in prison, you don't have easy access to body soaps or perfumes - so it's perfect in a pinch!

2. Eat mustard to tackle heartburn

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You might think mustard is the worst thing for heartburn because of its fiery taste, but using mustard to tackle heartburn is a popular home remedy that some people find effective due to its unique properties. Mustard contains vinegar, which is thought to neutralize stomach acid, and turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the lining of the esophagus.

3. Use toothpaste to clean your shoes

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Using toothpaste to clean your shoes is a popular DIY hack that can be surprisingly effective, particularly for removing stains and scuff marks from certain types of footwear. Toothpaste typically contains mild abrasives, such as calcium carbonate or silica, which can help to scrub away dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of your shoes without causing damage to most materials.

4. Treat razor burn with deodorant

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Especially that bikini line! Deodorants often contain menthol or other cooling agents that can provide immediate relief to razor-burned skin by soothing irritation and reducing discomfort. The cooling sensation can help numb the area and alleviate the stinging or burning sensation commonly associated with razor burn.

5. Early rising is actually very important (sorry night owls)

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If there's one thing you learn in prison, it's that you have no choice about early rising every day. One thing prisoners are faced with is early morning eating routines - and if you don't get up early, you don't eat. Adopting this in the real world can help for a better routine, but scheduling something important first thing, forcing you to get up - and be more productive.

6. Test whether a battery works by bouncing it

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When in prison, commodities are precious - so if you're trading a battery for something else, you need to be sure it works. When a battery is bounced, its weight and internal components affect how it responds to the impact. A fully charged battery typically contains more electrolyte and active material, making it heavier and less prone to bouncing high.

7. You can use a battery as a makeshift lighter

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There are numerous methods prisoners employ to obtain fire or spark while incarcerated, but one stands out for its simplicity and clever design. It involves attaching a wire to the negative terminal of a battery. When illumination is needed, simply make contact between the other end of the wire and the positive terminal of the battery. This action causes the exposed portion of the wire in the middle to heat up, providing the desired flame or spark.

8. Make toast by sticking it on hot pipes

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Prison toast, a creative culinary invention born out of necessity, involves using unconventional methods. The wrapped slice of bread is placed strategically onto the hot pipes, where it is left to heat for approximately five minutes. During this time, the heat from the pipes penetrates through the paper wrapping, effectively toasting the bread inside.

9. Replace water with apple juice when cooking rice

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Replacing water with apple juice when cooking rice not only infuses the grains with a delightful fruity flavor but also offers a quick, affordable, and easy way to enhance your dish. The natural sweetness of the apple juice adds depth to the rice, making it a versatile option for both savory and sweet recipes.

10. Make a microwave cake by using Oreo cookies

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Making a cake in the microwave using crumbled-up Oreo cookies and milk is a creative and convenient dessert option that requires minimal effort and ingredients. By combining the crushed cookies with milk in a mug or small container, you create a rich and indulgent batter that can be cooked in minutes using the microwave.

11. Cook ramen using a plastic bag and a towel

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You can prepare Ramen noodles in a plastic bag by filling it with hot water and wrapping it in a towel for a few minutes. This innovative method allows you to enjoy a hot and satisfying meal even without access to conventional cooking appliances. Simply place the dry noodles in the plastic bag, add hot water, and seal the bag securely. Then, wrap the bag in a towel to retain heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the noodles to cook.

12. How to make easy 'prison burritos'

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Crush mini bags of Cheetos and add half a pack of Ramen noodles along with a bit of hot water to the bag of Cheetos. After sealing the bag and allowing it to sit for a few minutes, the result was a makeshift burrito-shaped concoction with a cheesy, noodle-filled center. This inventive recipe was born out of necessity, as bowls are not readily available in jail.

13. Getting a toned body: prioritize, limit distractions and be consistent

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Most people would agree that one thing inmates come out of prison with is a very toned 'prison bod' - and there are three things they attribute that to. So if you want to get into shape in the everyday world, take a page out of a prison handbook: prioritize your time, limit your distractions so you work out more and - as always - be consistent!

14. Use Kool-Aid as temporary hair dye

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Select the desired shade of Kool-Aid powder that matches the color you want for your hair. Next, prepare a mixture of the Kool-Aid powder and water in a bowl. The ratio of powder to water can vary depending on the intensity of color you desire. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to clean, damp hair using a brush or your fingers, ensuring that the color is evenly distributed throughout your hair.

15. Or, mix it with Vaseline to make a lipstick

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To make this DIY lipstick, start by scooping a small amount of Vaseline into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, add a pinch of Kool-Aid powder to the Vaseline and mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed and the desired shade is achieved. You can adjust the intensity of the color by adding more or less Kool-Aid powder.

16. You can use coffee as eyeshadow

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To achieve this DIY eyeshadow, start by grinding coffee beans into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Then, transfer a small amount of the finely ground coffee powder onto a clean surface or container. Using an eyeshadow brush or your fingertip, gently pat the coffee powder onto your eyelids.

17. Or, you can use it as a nice face mask

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Utilizing coffee as a face mask is a rejuvenating and aromatic way to invigorate your skin while enjoying the benefits of its natural properties. To create this DIY face mask, begin by mixing finely ground coffee with ingredients such as honey, yogurt, or coconut oil to form a paste-like consistency. Apply the coffee mask evenly to your cleansed face.

18. Use tampons as hair curlers

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To use tampons as hair curlers, start by dampening your hair slightly to help the curls set. Then, take a tampon and wrap a section of hair around it, starting from the ends and rolling upward toward the scalp. Secure the tampon in place by tying the ends or using bobby pins if needed. Repeat this process until all of your hair is wrapped around tampons.

19. Colored crayons can work as eyeliner in a pinch

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We by no means condone this because it could of course be a little tricky - and perhaps painful - but it's been known as a prison hack lacking beauty products! Start by gently warming the tip of the crayon with your fingertips to soften it slightly, making it easier to apply. Then, carefully glide the crayon along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working outward, to create a bold and colorful line.

20. Add water to a magazine cologne strip to make it last longer

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By moistening the cologne strip with water, the fragrance molecules are activated and released more gradually, allowing the scent to linger in the air for a longer period. This method works particularly well with perfume samples found in magazines, which often contain a concentrated formula.

21. Use toothpaste to camouflage holes in the wall

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Using toothpaste as a makeshift solution to camouflage holes in the wall is a quick and resourceful technique that many individuals employ to conceal imperfections in their living spaces. This DIY method involves filling small holes, such as nail or screw holes, with toothpaste and smoothing it over with a putty knife or your finger until it is flush with the surrounding wall surface.

22. Turn toilet paper into an oven

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The toilet paper is tightly rolled into a cylindrical shape, with the ends folded inward to create a compact structure. Once prepared, it is ignited, allowing it to burn gradually from the inside out. This method effectively slows down the burning process while enhancing the intensity of the heat produced. Inmates then hold their undercooked meal over the flame, achieving the desired level of heat and crispiness!

23. If you want to be heard, write it down

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If prisoners want to speak to people on the outside world, they have a very limited phone call allowance - or they write letters. And this is a valuable skill to learn. Prisoners can ensure their voices are heard by writing letters to friends, writing to reporters or even keeping a journal. Keeping a written account can be helpful in everyday life if you have views you want to share.

24. You can become a better communicator by writing regularly, too

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Most people will agree that writing something down is easier in terms of expressing yourself, because it gives you time to think rather than stumbling over your words. If you want to be a better communicator in life, most prisoners would agree that practicing the art of writer helps you to be a better speaker, too.

25. Make time to read books every day

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Serving time in prison leaves you A LOT of time for reading - and most prisoners spend their time consuming book after book. Rather than being a pastime, reading is vital for learning new things, learning new works and gaining knowledge that can help on the outside world.

26. Stop spending so much by making every dollar count!

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Prison leaves inmates having to think differently about how to spend their money - because they don't have a lot of it, and things in prison are expensive. This forces inmates to think differently about how to make the most out of every single dollar - a practice which most on the outside will agree is helpful for monthly budgeting. Prisoners also swear by looking for discount codes, too!

27. Entrepreneurs: bend the rules to get ahead...

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A lot of prisoners work out how to bend the rules in their favor in prison, such as being able to access better food if they worked a shift in the kitchen. A lot of prisoners, too, work to become better on the outside world in terms of being an entrepreneur - so if you want that, too, learning how to bend the rules to work in your favor is a helpful hack most inmates learn.

28. Making a tampon out of a regular pad

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Menstrual products can be scarce in prison, but they can also be hard to obtain or expensive for certain people in everyday life, too. To fashion a tampon from a sanitary pad, simply remove the top and bottom layers, then extract the inner portion. Twist the inner material tightly and reapply the top layer, ensuring to leave a portion for a makeshift string.

29. Use an iron to make grilled cheese sandwiches

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To make a grilled cheese sandwich assemble your desired ingredients between two slices of bread, then wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil to protect the iron's surface. Next, carefully place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface and press the hot iron firmly on top. The heat from the iron melts the cheese and toasts the bread to golden perfection.

30. Making your own tattoo ink on a budget

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Begin by melting petroleum jelly in a microwave-safe container until it reaches a liquid state. Next, tear off a piece of toilet paper and place it in the bottom of the lotion bottle, using it as a makeshift sponge to absorb the melted petroleum jelly. Then, add a drop of shampoo to the mixture to enhance the ink's consistency and color intensity. Finally, mix in alcohol from alcohol pads to sterilize the ink and ensure its safety for skin contact.

31. Easy homemade tamales with tortilla chips and water

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Crush tortilla chips into fine crumbs, ensuring that they are of a consistent texture. Then, gradually mix the crushed chips with water until a thick, dough-like consistency is achieved. This mixture serves as the base for the tamale filling, providing a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional masa. Once the dough is prepared, spoon it onto softened corn husks or banana leaves, adding your choice of fillings.

32. Other genius life hacks you need to know about: use soda can tabs for extra clothes hangers

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If your closet is bursting at the seams, consider this clever space-saving hack using soda can tabs. Simply slide a soda can tab onto the hook of a clothes hanger, then hang another hanger from the lower loop of the tab. This creates a cascading effect, allowing you to hang multiple garments vertically from a single hook.

33. Use a shower cap for dirty shoes

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Packing shoes in your suitcase can be a messy affair, especially if they're covered in dirt or mud. To keep your clothes clean and your luggage pristine, repurpose a clean shower cap as a protective cover for your shoes. Simply slip each shoe into a shower cap before placing them in your suitcase. The elastic band will secure the cap around the shoe sole.

34. Remove permanent marker using rubbing alcohol

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Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a surprisingly effective solution for removing permanent marker stains. Its solvent properties break down the ink, making it easier to wipe away. Simply dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stained area until the marker fades.

35. Use binder clips to tidy those unruly cables

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Tired of untangling a mess of cables behind your desk? Enter the humble binder clip. By affixing binder clips to the edge of your desk or another convenient surface, you can create simple cable organizers. Thread your cables through the metal loops of the clips, and they'll stay neatly in place, preventing them from slipping down or tangling.

36. Lemon juice for cleaning brass

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Brass fixtures and decorations can lose their luster over time due to tarnish buildup. Fortunately, you can restore their shine using a natural solution: lemon juice and salt. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt over the exposed flesh. Then, use the lemon like a sponge to rub the mixture onto the brass surface. The acid in the lemon juice reacts with the tarnish.

37. Use a hair straightener on collars and hems

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When you're pressed for time and don't have access to a traditional iron, a hair straightener can serve as a convenient alternative for smoothing out wrinkles on shirt collars or hems. Its narrow, heated plates allow for precise control, making it ideal for tackling small areas with stubborn creases.

38. Use a binder clip as a key chain organizer

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If you're tired of fumbling through a cluttered mess of keys in your bag or pocket, try this organizational hack using a large binder clip. Thread your keys onto the metal arms of the clip, stacking them neatly to prevent tangling. The sturdy grip of the binder clip ensures that your keys stay securely in place until you need them.

39. Use Velcro strips to keep sliding rugs in place

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Area rugs are a stylish addition to any room, but they can become a safety hazard if they slip or bunch up on hardwood or tile floors. To keep your rugs securely in place, use adhesive-backed Velcro strips along the edges. Attach one side of the Velcro to the underside of the rug and the corresponding side to the floor surface.

40. Use dryer sheets to get rid of static on clothes

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Static cling is a common nuisance, particularly during dry winter months or when working with synthetic fabrics. Thankfully, dryer sheets offer a simple solution for banishing static and keeping your clothes feeling soft and fresh. Rubbing a dryer sheet over your garments helps neutralize static electricity.

41. Loosen a stubborn screw using a rubber band

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Stripped screws can be a frustrating obstacle when attempting DIY repairs or furniture assembly. Fortunately, a rubber band can provide the extra traction needed to loosen a stubborn screw. Simply place a wide rubber band over the stripped screw head, pressing it firmly into the groove. Then, insert your screwdriver into the screw head and apply steady pressure while turning counterclockwise.

42. Clean your electronic screens with a coffee filter

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Electronic device screens are prone to collecting dust, fingerprints, and smudges over time, detracting from their clarity and performance. For a quick and effective cleaning solution, reach for a coffee filter. These versatile filters are gentle yet absorbent, making them ideal for removing dirt and grime without scratching delicate screen surfaces.

43. Use a muffin liner as a popsicle drip-catcher

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Popsicles are a delightful treat, but they can quickly become messy as they melt, leaving sticky drips on hands and surfaces. To contain these drips and prevent sticky fingers, repurpose a muffin liner as a makeshift drip catcher. Begin by poking a small hole in the center of the muffin liner base. Then, slide the popsicle stick through the hole, allowing the liner to catch any melting liquid.

44. Cut soft foods using dental floss

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Cutting soft foods like cheese, cake, or cinnamon rolls can often result in messy, uneven slices. Dental floss offers a simple solution for achieving clean, uniform cuts without squishing or tearing the food. To use this technique, slide a length of unflavored dental floss under the food item to be sliced. Cross the ends of the floss over the top of the food and pull them in opposite directions.

45. Use a binder clip to get every last drop of toothpaste out

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Getting every last bit of toothpaste out of the tube can be a frustrating endeavor, especially when you're nearing the end of the tube. A binder clip offers a clever solution. As you use the toothpaste, gradually roll the clip upward, pushing the remaining product toward the nozzle. This simple yet effective technique ensures that you get the most out of your toothpaste tube.

46. Hold a nail in place using a clothespin

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Hammering nails into walls or furniture can be a precarious task, often resulting in painful mishaps if the nail slips or wobbles. To keep your fingers safe and secure the nail in place, enlist the help of a clothespin. Simply clamp the nail in the jaws of the clothespin, leaving a small portion protruding for hammering.

47. Use a bread clip for labeling cables

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Identifying cords and cables behind desks or entertainment centers can be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, bread clips offer a simple solution for labeling cables and keeping them organized. Begin by writing or printing labels for each device or cable type. Then, clip a labeled bread clip around the corresponding cord, ensuring that the label is visible.

48. Remove furniture dents using ice cubes

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Begin by placing an ice cube directly over the dent and allowing it to melt completely. As the ice melts, the water will gradually saturate the compressed fibers, causing them to swell and regain their original shape. Once the area has dried completely, fluff the fibers with a fork or your fingers to blend them seamlessly.

49. Avoid blisters from new shoes by using lip balm

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Breaking in new shoes can be a painful process, often resulting in blisters and discomfort as your feet adjust to the fit. To minimize friction and prevent blisters from forming, apply a thin layer of lip balm to areas where the shoes rub against your skin. The smooth, moisturizing texture of the lip balm creates a protective barrier.

50. Prevent snow sticking to your shovel using cooking spray

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Shoveling snow can be a strenuous task, made even more challenging when snow sticks to the blade of your shovel, weighing it down and slowing your progress. To prevent snow buildup and make shoveling easier, coat the blade of your shovel with cooking spray before use. The nonstick properties of the spray create a slick surface that prevents snow from adhering to the shovel!