The Best TikTok Life Hacks That Actually Work (and a Few That Don’t)
TikTok is a goldmine of life hacks promising to make everything faster, easier, and just a little bit cooler. But with so many hacks out there, which ones actually live up to the hype? We tested some of the most popular TikTok hacks to see which ones are worth trying—and which ones are just plain duds. Let’s dive in!
1. The “Microwave Your Pasta” Hack
The Hack: Instead of boiling water on the stove, just add pasta and water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it until the pasta is cooked.
Verdict: It Works!
Surprisingly, this one actually does the job. It’s a quick fix if you’re short on time or don’t want to use the stove, although you may need to add extra water halfway through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overflow!
Pro Tip: Stir halfway to avoid sticky pasta clumps.
2. The Frozen Aloe Vera Ice Cubes for Skincare
The Hack: Freeze aloe vera gel in ice cube trays to use as a cooling, soothing treatment for your skin.
Verdict: It Works!
This hack is as refreshing as it sounds! The frozen aloe cubes feel amazing, especially after a day in the sun or if you’re dealing with irritated skin. Plus, it’s all-natural, and your skin will thank you for it.
Tip: Just make sure to use pure aloe vera for the best results.
3. The “Egg Peel” Hack with a Cup of Water
The Hack: To easily peel a hard-boiled egg, put it in a glass with a little water, shake, and watch the shell slide right off.
Verdict: Mixed Results
For some, this hack works like magic. For others, it’s a mess. If your egg isn’t perfectly hard-boiled or the shell is too thin, you might end up with a soggy, cracked egg. When it works, it’s great, but it’s not foolproof.
Tip: Use this hack on eggs that are cooked and cooled for best results.
4. The “Scrub Daddy” Toaster Cleaning Hack
The Hack: Use a Scrub Daddy sponge to clean burnt residue off the inside of your toaster slots without damaging it.
Verdict: It Works!
This hack is surprisingly effective and way less messy than other methods. The Scrub Daddy sponge is soft enough not to damage the toaster but strong enough to clean off any crumbs or burnt bits inside.
Warning: Unplug the toaster first, just to be safe!
5. The Lipstick Blush Hack
The Hack: Use your favorite lipstick as a cream blush by dabbing a little on your cheeks and blending it in.
Verdict: It Works!
This one’s a keeper! Lipstick works great as a blush in a pinch, giving you a cohesive look with a single product. Just go easy on the amount—start small and build if needed.
Pro Tip: Go for a creamier formula for easy blending.
6. The Rice Cooker Pancake Hack
The Hack: Pour pancake batter into a rice cooker to make a thick, fluffy pancake cake.
Verdict: It Works, But It’s Time-Consuming
The results are delicious—a super-fluffy, cake-like pancake that’s definitely Insta-worthy. The downside? It takes about 30 minutes to cook, so it’s not the fastest option if you’re hungry.
Tip: Use nonstick spray to make sure your pancake comes out smoothly.
7. The “Strawberry Stem” Trick with a Straw
The Hack: Use a straw to push through the bottom of a strawberry to easily remove the stem.
Verdict: It Works!
This hack is simple and surprisingly effective. Just push the straw through the bottom of the strawberry and pop the stem off with minimal waste. It’s a game-changer for smoothie lovers!
Bonus: Works great with metal or reusable straws for an eco-friendly option.
8. The Smashed Garlic Peel Hack
The Hack: Put a clove of garlic under a glass, smash it, and the peel will slip right off.
Verdict: Doesn’t Work as Well as It Sounds
While smashing garlic does loosen the peel a bit, it’s not as magical as TikTok makes it seem. You’re better off using the classic chef’s knife smash-and-peel method, which is quicker and less finicky.
9. The “TikTok Leggings” Butt Lift Hack
The Hack: These leggings promise to lift and shape your glutes, giving you an instant boost.
Verdict: It Works (Kind of)
These leggings do have a flattering fit and a slight lifting effect, but they’re not quite as miraculous as TikTok would suggest. They’re great for adding a little shape, but don’t expect a full transformation.
10. The Dishwasher Tablet Oven Cleaning Hack
The Hack: Use a dishwasher tablet to scrub stubborn stains off your oven door.
Verdict: It Works, but Be Careful
This hack is surprisingly effective, but it requires some elbow grease. Make sure to use gloves and don’t scrub too hard, as it could scratch glass or metal surfaces. It’s a great trick for those deep, baked-on stains.
Tip: Use a damp tablet for better results, and always test a small area first.
11. The Avocado Water Hack
The Hack: Store cut avocados in a container with water to keep them fresh and green longer.
Verdict: It Works!
This hack is simple and surprisingly effective at keeping avocados fresh for up to two days. Just make sure to change the water daily if you’re storing them longer.
Pro Tip: Keep the container airtight to prevent browning.
12. The “Floating Eyeliner” Hack
The Hack: Apply eyeliner above your crease to create a floating liner look for added drama.
Verdict: It Works (If You’re Steady-Handed)
This hack is great for adding a unique look to your makeup routine, but it can take some practice. If you have a steady hand and a bit of patience, this hack adds an edgy flair to your look.
Tip: Use a fine-tip eyeliner pen for precision.
13. The Candle-Warming Hack for Better Scent
The Hack: Instead of lighting your candle, place it on a warmer to melt the wax evenly, resulting in a stronger scent without the smoke.
Verdict: It Works!
Using a candle warmer is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite scent without worrying about smoke or uneven burning. The fragrance fills the room quickly, making it a must-try hack for candle lovers.
Try It With Fox & Wolf Scents: Place Whispering Woods or Bonfire on a warmer to fill your space with an earthy, inviting aroma.
Final Thoughts
TikTok hacks are hit or miss, but the ones that work can really add convenience and creativity to everyday life. From kitchen tricks to beauty hacks, the best ones offer practical (and sometimes surprising) solutions to little problems. Have fun trying these out, and remember to keep a sense of humor—sometimes the hacks that don’t work make for the best stories!
If you’re looking to level up your TikTok testing ambiance, check out Fox & Wolf Scents here. A cozy fragrance can set the mood for a fun day of experimenting—whether the hack works or not!