Some hacks are backed by science or skill. These aren’t. The tricks in this list only seem clever because they happen to work once in a while—usually by sheer luck. From viral DIY fixes to weird household shortcuts, these hacks rely on coincidence, timing, or just the right set of conditions to pull off. They’re not reliable, and they definitely won’t work every time. But when they do, it feels like magic. Whether it’s charging a phone with a lemon or pulling pet hair off your couch with a balloon, these oddball solutions get the job done… sometimes. Here are 25 hacks that only work when luck is on your side.
Charging a Phone with a Lemon
A viral hack claimed you could charge a phone by sticking copper and zinc nails into a lemon. In theory, the lemon acts as an electrolyte, creating a weak current. However, the voltage produced is far too small to charge a phone. It’s a fluke if a low-powered LED lights up, but not much more. This hack gained traction online thanks to its impressive visual presentation, not practicality. Even connecting several lemons doesn’t generate enough current. It technically “works,” but only because people misunderstand what’s actually happening.
Freezing Your Jeans Instead of Washing Them
The idea is that freezing jeans kills bacteria and odors without damaging the fabric. It occasionally works if the jeans are only lightly worn and not visibly dirty. However, freezing doesn’t kill most bacteria or remove oils and stains. Any fresh scent afterward is usually due to drying out or the cold masking odors temporarily. People often assume it worked because the jeans weren’t that dirty to begin with. It’s a hack that only appears effective under very specific, lucky circumstances.
Using a Potato to Unscrew a Broken Lightbulb
If a lightbulb base breaks off in a socket, a raw potato can sometimes be used to twist it out. The soft flesh grips the metal just enough to turn it without cutting your hands. This trick only works if the bulb isn’t jammed or corroded into the socket. In many cases, the potato crumbles or fails to get a grip. If it works, it’s because the break was clean and the socket was in good condition. Otherwise, you’re left with a mess and no progress.
Turning a Soda Can Tab into a Straw Holder
Flipping the pull tab over a soda can and inserting a straw through the hole is supposed to keep the straw in place. Sometimes this trick works—but only if the tab isn’t too loose or bent. The idea is that the straw sits snugly through the small hole, anchored by the metal. In reality, many tabs are too flimsy or misaligned to hold the straw effectively. Often, the straw still floats or spins out of place when you drink. This “hack” appears successful only when the conditions happen to line up just right. It’s not a reliable method and functions more due to coincidence than clever engineering.
Using a Balloon to Remove Pet Hair
Some people swear by rubbing a balloon on furniture or clothing to remove pet hair using static electricity. The idea is that the static charge attracts loose fur, making it easy to collect. In rare cases, especially on smooth fabrics, this trick seems to work. However, results are inconsistent and depend heavily on humidity, fabric type, and how much hair is present. Balloons often fail to generate enough static in damp or humid environments. It may pull a few strands off, but it won’t clean surfaces as effectively as a lint roller or rubber glove. When it works, it’s largely due to a fluke combination of dry air, light fabric, and loose hair.
Fixing a Scratched CD with Toothpaste
Toothpaste is often suggested as a fix for scratched CDs because of its mild abrasiveness. The idea is that it can buff out small surface scratches enough to let the disc play again. In some cases, this appears to work—especially if the scratch is shallow and not near the data layer. However, many toothpastes are too gritty or messy, causing further damage. Often, the disc only plays once or skips sections despite the fix. People sometimes think it worked simply because the CD happened to read properly that time. When it does work, it’s usually due to luck rather than the effectiveness of the method.
Using a Paperclip to Eject a Phone SIM Tray
Paperclips are commonly used to pop open SIM card trays in smartphones. This only works if the paperclip is the right size and has a strong enough structure. Too flimsy, and it bends without applying the necessary force. Too thick, and it won’t fit into the eject hole at all. Some people get lucky using a random paperclip that happens to match their device. It’s not a universal fix and can even damage the tray or mechanism if forced. When it works, it’s due to a fortunate match of size, strength, and pressure—not because the paperclip was made for the job.
Boiling Water to Remove Carpet Dents
Placing an ice cube on carpet dents and letting it melt supposedly lifts the fibers. The idea is that the moisture helps the carpet bounce back to its original shape. Some people report success when the carpet pile is soft and shallow. However, results vary widely depending on the carpet type and depth of the dent. Often, the dent rebounds naturally over time, which makes it seem like the hack worked. If it succeeds, it’s mostly due to timing and material, not the ice itself. In many cases, it does nothing at all.
Drying Wet Shoes with Newspaper
Stuffing wet shoes with newspaper is a classic trick that some people swear by. The idea is that the paper absorbs moisture and helps the shoes dry faster. It can be effective in dry environments with good airflow. However, if the humidity is high or the shoes are soaked, the newspaper becomes saturated quickly. Different shoe materials also affect how well the method works. In many cases, shoes would have dried on their own, making the hack seem more effective than it is. When it works quickly, it’s usually due to a fluke of environmental conditions rather than the newspaper itself.
Hanging a Spoon on Your Nose
This quirky trick involves balancing a spoon on your nose using surface tension. It occasionally works if the spoon is lightweight and the skin is slightly oily. Body temperature and humidity can also affect success. For some, it sticks easily, while others struggle no matter how they try. The trick seems scientific but lacks consistency or control. It’s often passed off as a “fun hack” without any real purpose. When it works, it’s purely due to a fluke combination of conditions.
Using a Dorito as Kindling
Doritos can catch fire due to the oils, starches, and seasonings they contain, making them a surprising firestarter. Some campers and survivalists claim they’ve successfully used them to ignite a fire in emergencies. The hack works best in dry conditions where airflow supports combustion. However, the chip’s ability to burn isn’t consistent across flavors or humidity levels. In damp or windy environments, it often fails entirely. When it does work, it’s mostly due to the perfect mix of dryness, oxygen, and flammable coating. It’s more of a novelty trick than a reliable method.
Rubbing a Banana Peel on Scuffed Shoes
Banana peels contain natural oils and potassium, which some claim can shine and polish leather shoes. In a few cases, rubbing the inside of the peel on scuffed areas produces a temporary shine. This effect happens more on smooth leather and light scuff marks. However, the peel often leaves behind a sticky residue. Dirt can cling to the area afterward, making it look worse over time. The hack appears to work mainly due to coincidence and the moisture in the peel. It’s not a reliable or consistent shoe-care method.
Using a Butter Knife as a Screwdriver
In a pinch, people sometimes use a butter knife to turn screws. This hack works only if the screw is loose and the knife blade fits the slot well enough to apply torque. Most of the time, the knife is too wide or too soft to be effective. It can easily strip the screw or damage the knife’s edge. Occasionally, it works because the screw wasn’t tightened properly in the first place. It’s more a matter of luck than a reliable technique. While it might save the day once, it’s not a substitute for a real screwdriver.
Using a Penny to Check Tire Tread
Inserting a penny into tire treads is a common trick to gauge whether the tread is too worn. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch and considered unsafe. While it provides a quick visual estimate, it’s not a precise measurement. Different areas of the tire may wear unevenly, making the penny test unreliable in isolation. The method can also be misleading if the user doesn’t insert the coin correctly. It sometimes “works” because the tire wear happens to be obvious, not because the penny is an accurate tool. For true safety, a tread depth gauge or professional inspection is a better choice.
Microwave Drying a Wet Sponge
Microwaving a wet sponge is often suggested as a way to sanitize it. The idea is that the heat kills bacteria and mold. In some cases, this does work—but only under very specific conditions. The sponge must be microwave-safe, fully saturated with water, and not contain any metallic parts. If it’s too dry, it can catch fire or melt. Even when it goes smoothly, it doesn’t remove all pathogens. When it appears to work, it’s mostly due to a fluke of timing, moisture, and material.
Fixing Dents with a Hair Dryer and Compressed Air
This hack involves heating a car dent with a hair dryer, then spraying it with compressed air to rapidly cool the surface. The theory is that the metal contracts from the sudden temperature change, popping the dent out. While this can occasionally work on small, shallow dents, it’s highly inconsistent. The success depends on the type of metal, paint flexibility, and dent location. It’s more likely to work on plastic bumpers than actual metal panels. In many cases, nothing happens at all. When it does work, it’s mostly due to a lucky alignment of conditions rather than a reliable technique.
Using Nail Polish to Stop a Run in Tights
Clear nail polish is often recommended to stop a run in tights from spreading. It can work by hardening the fabric around the tear, essentially freezing it in place. However, this only works if the run is caught early and the polish is applied immediately. If the tear is already too large, the polish won’t help much. It can also cause the fabric to stiffen or discolor, making the area noticeable. The hack is more effective on certain types of nylons than others. When it works, it’s due to timing and fabric type—a small fluke that creates a temporary fix.
Bouncing a Battery to See if It’s Dead
A popular hack suggests dropping a battery from a short height to test if it’s dead—if it bounces, it’s supposedly empty. This is based on the idea that the internal chemistry changes as the battery discharges, affecting its density and bounce. While there is some scientific basis, the results are highly inconsistent. Different battery brands and models behave differently when dropped. Temperature, age, and floor surface can also skew the outcome. Sometimes a nearly full battery will bounce, while a drained one won’t. When it appears to work, it’s more of a fluke than a foolproof test.
Using a Penny to Tighten Loose Battery Contacts
Some people place a penny in a battery compartment to bridge a gap and complete the circuit. It can work if the battery is just slightly too short and the device design happens to accommodate the extra metal. However, this is risky and not recommended. The penny can cause a short circuit or damage the device over time. It’s not a consistent or safe solution, just a makeshift fix that occasionally aligns. When it works, it’s due entirely to a fluke in size and pressure.
Sealing a Leaky Pipe with Duct Tape
Duct tape is often seen as a universal fix, and some people try using it to stop leaky pipes. In a few cases, it holds temporarily—especially if the leak is minor and water pressure is low. However, the adhesive isn’t waterproof enough to create a lasting seal. Over time, moisture seeps through or causes the tape to peel. When it does seem to work, it’s usually due to a lucky combination of conditions. For any real plumbing issue, proper sealants or professional repairs are necessary.
Using Milk to Remove Ink Stains
Soaking an ink-stained item in milk is an old home remedy. In some cases, proteins or enzymes in the milk may help break down the ink. However, the results are highly inconsistent and depend on the fabric and type of ink. Sometimes it works a little, but often it does nothing or spreads the stain. When it appears effective, it’s mostly due to luck and timing. Commercial stain removers are far more reliable and safer for most materials.
Using a CD to Reflect Sunlight Into a Room
Placing a CD in a sunny window is said to redirect light into darker areas of a room. Occasionally, the angle and reflective surface align just right to bounce light effectively. However, most of the time it creates scattered glare or weak reflections that don’t help much. CDs aren’t designed to focus or amplify light, so the results are inconsistent. When it seems to work, it’s usually due to lucky placement and timing. It’s more of a visual novelty than a practical lighting solution.
Using a Spoon to De-Puff Eyes
Chilling a metal spoon and pressing it under the eyes is a common beauty hack. It can feel soothing and may reduce puffiness temporarily by constricting blood vessels. However, the effect is usually minimal and doesn’t last long. It doesn’t treat the underlying causes of puffiness, like allergies, lack of sleep, or fluid retention. The benefit comes more from the cold temperature than the spoon itself. When it seems effective, it’s usually due to timing or placebo rather than a reliable method.
Using Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair
Applying lemon juice and sitting in the sun is a natural hair-lightening trick. Sometimes it works—if you have light hair and the sun exposure is strong. But it can also dry out hair and cause uneven coloring. The acidity weakens strands, making them brittle. It only works under the perfect combination of hair type, sunlight, and time. When people see results, it’s often minimal and inconsistent. Professional lighteners are far more effective and safer.
Using Olive Oil to Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge
Dryer lint is flammable, and some campers use it as a cheap fire starter. It can work—if the lint is dry and fluffy and the conditions are just right. But if it’s slightly damp or packed too tight, it won’t ignite easily. It also burns quickly and may not last long enough to catch kindling. Not all lint is equal—synthetic fibers burn poorly or release fumes. When it does start a fire, it’s often a fluke of the right mix. Safer, longer-burning fire starters are a better choice.