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Life Hacks

10 Genius Ways Clear Nail Polish Can Make Your Life so Much Easier

By Jess Catcher

Most of us have a bottle of clear nail polish sitting in our bathroom cabinets. We usually reach for it to seal a fresh manicure, but the simple product can be used in so many other ways to help make life easier. For example, you probably already know about using the clear liquid to stop snags in your tights from getting worse. That is the same principle behind a lot of the life hacks listed below, but used in ways you’ve maybe never even considered.

How many times have you rolled your eyes when yet another loose button falls off your favorite shirt? And can you count the struggles you’ve had threading a needle to sew that button right back on? It turns out that clear nail polish can help you avoid both of those pesky issues, plus plenty of other amazing ideas you might kick yourself for not thinking up before now. You can even share the tricks with your friends and take all the credit yourself — we won’t tell. Take a look to see how clear nail polish can solve so many issues around the house and in your daily life. 

  1. Keep loose buttons from falling off.

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    When you notice that a button on your shirt (or other clothing) is starting to look a little precarious, fortify it with a few coats of clear nail polish. This will save you from constantly having to reach for a needle and thread!

  3. Stop jewelry from turning your fingers green.

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    Jewelry doesn't have to be made of real silver or gold to look good. Unfortunately, fake pieces can leave an annoying stain on your skin after wearing them. Use clear nail polish to put a barrier between the faux metal and your skin to avoid the issue entirely.

  5. Make matches waterproof.

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    Whether you're planning a camping trip or preparing a safety kit in case of emergencies like flooding, dipping your matches into clear polish will keep them from becoming useless in wet weather.

  6. Secure the tiny screws on eyeglasses.

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    There's nothing more annoying than loose lenses constantly slipping off your face. Keep everything secure with a little dab of clear polish on the tiny screws to make sure they stay nice and snug.

  7. Prevent rust stains from metal cans.

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    We've all seen that ring of rust from a hairspray can or other metal canisters we keep around the house. Line the bottom with a few coats of clear nail polish and you'll never have to worry about those unsightly circles again.

  9. Stop splintered wood from snagging.

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    Wood furniture is a classic decor choice, but a little splintering is common over time. Save yourself from potentially snagging your favorite sweater on a coffee table by sealing those jagged bits with clear nail polish.

  10. Thread needles faster.

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    The biggest hassle with sewing might happen when the thread refuses to loop through the tiny needle's eye. Adding clear nail polish to the end of your thread can make it much easier to slip right through without any frustrating fraying.

  11. Seal envelopes without licking them.

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    There's no risk of painful paper cuts if you use clear nail polish as glue to seal your envelopes! Plus, you'll never have to deal with that icky taste lingering in your mouth long after the letter has been sent.

  13. Make labels smudge-proof.

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    Labels for homemade goods or leftover foods you stuff in the fridge can quickly become illegible. Stop condensation from smearing the ink by adding a few coats of clear nail polish before storing.

  14. Make sure tiny cracks in windows don't get worse.

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    Those teeny, tiny cracks on your car or home windows can grow into major issues fast. Although clear nail polish won't solve the problem entirely, it can buy you some time and keep things from getting worse before a professional has the chance to fix it.

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