Step aside, ginger ale; ginger beer is here, and it's delicious. Ginger beer is made by fermenting a combination of ginger simple syrup, yeast, and water, which gives it its robust flavor and sparkling quality. It's extremely simple to make, but you do have to wait a bit for ...more
While it is common sense to toss empty water bottles into the recycle bin, most people do not know that it is also important to remove the plastic bottle cap before recycling. Plastic bottle caps and plastic bottles are made up of different plastics, and the plastic found in b ...more
Separating an egg yolk from the white is one of the most universally hated kitchen tasks out there. Most cooks prefer using their hands or the egg's own shell to separate them. For those who don't like getting messy, there are countless devices designed solely for this purpose ...more
Eggs are a staple food for most Americans, which is no surprise, considering how necessary they are in savory and sweet recipes alike. On their own, they're usually not too eggs-citing. However, these clever egg hacks will make your egg-making easier, more fun, and more intere ...more
Here's a DIY dream. Solar-power, recycled bottles, snap'n'go toy car! Simple. How easy to transform trash into toys. Plastic bottles take 700 years to decompose in a landfill. And annually, America uses over 150 billion plastic water bottles. The inventor of this solar powe ...more
With tick-borne diseases on the rise, it is especially important to protect yourself from the prevalence of ticks in the outdoors, especially if you live in a high-risk region like New England, the mid-Atlantic states, and the upper Midwest. You can make your own all-natural, ...more
Do you have two dollars and a water bottle? Then you can put together this simple but awesome solar-powered lantern that will provide more than enough light to read by at night. To begin, you'll need a water bottle, of course, some string, and optionally, a little bleach. You ...more
Maybe not water per-se, but with this simple technique you can turn one of the most abundant materials on earth into a highly explosive gas. WARNING: Ignition of an incendiary or explosive material may not be legal in your area, so check local laws before attempting. Use of t ...more
One good thing about having friends who are constantly on their phones and tablets is it's easy to figure out what to get them for Christmas. Everyone hates getting gifts that just sit around, so it's always nice to get something that improves an item you use on a daily basis. ...more
Using an empty Gatorade bottle, empty 5 oz. food container, power drill, string, and some red nail polish, you can easily construct your own DIY hummingbird feeder in less than 10 minutes to attract hummingbirds to your own backyard garden. The bottle serves as a vessel for t ...more
If you have read any of my previous articles or viewed the many videos I have published, it's quite clear that I appreciate a good rocket or fiery projectile. The following video will certainly not lessen that reputation. Using very inexpensive and common materials, this vide ...more
Water purifiers are already portable, but not as portable as this crazy invention. Created by Marcus Triest and Ryan Lynch, the Solar Bag can be worn like a shoulder bag and holds up to 2.5 gallons of water. In a feat of ingenuity, the bag is designed to use sunlight to purify ...more
When temperatures drop and hit new lows during the cold, winter months, it's hard not to crank the heat up. That means increased energy bills each month, no matter if you rely on gas, electric, or another fuel for heating. Instead of resorting to blankets, coats, and layers u ...more
The origins of vodka are shrouded in mystery, with both Russia and Poland laying claim to its invention. Some say Genovese merchants brought vodka (then known as aqua vitae, or the water of life) in the late fourteenth century to Russia. For many years, vodka wasn't just an al ...more
The best way to recycle is to reuse trash items as new, useful ones in your own home. If you enjoy gardening, watch this video to learn how to turn an old plastic milk or juice bottle into a cute plastic watering can for your plants.
Christmas trees, once decorated and brightly lit, are the penultimate holiday decoration, but authentic pines lose their brilliance fast without any nourishment. Plus, they are major fire hazards without regular hydration. But watering one requires a lot of sliding around on t ...more
Who knew some plastic, water and air would be so much fun? If you like rockets and explosions, you probably knew. And so did this guy, who shows you how to make an awesome water rocket that can shoot over 200 feet! Before you try following along with the rocket build, you shou ...more
I am writing this quick post in response to the recent earthquakes and tsunamis that are affecting Japan. As soon as the news broke, and we began to hear of tsunami warning for our area, I immediately realized how under prepared I was for a natural disaster. The thing that dro ...more
Learn to make Robinson Couplings for water rockets with this video tutorial. For this project you need aluminum and a plastic bar. You need to make the inner coupling on the lathe. Machine the aluminum bar to the right size and then cut the thread. Then drill the coupling hole ...more
Concoct soda at home—over time, you'll save a bundle by not using the store-bought stuff. Plus, it's fizzy fun! You Will Need * 1/8 tsp. brewer’s or bread yeast * 1/2 c. lukewarm water * 1 gal. water * 2 1/4 c. sugar * 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon of soda extract in the fla ...more
First, cut a plastic bottle down the middle the long way. Next, put a little candle in one of the halves. Then, using 1/8 inch copper tubing, make the engine by bending the middle of the tubing around a nail a few times, then removing the nail. Use the nail to poke two holes i ...more
A hungry tick is a determined little bugger—it wants to find its way into your skin if it’s the last thing it does. Here’s how to make sure it is the last thing it does. You Will Need * A pair of fine-tip tweezers * Some rubbing alcohol * Cotton balls * Warm water * Soap * A ...more
This video is a tutorial on how to use chromatography correctly to study plants. The tools needed to complete the task are a plant, jar or bottle, rubbing alcohol, paper coffee filter and a plastic spoon. The first step is to chop the plant up and place it into a jar followed ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to take sticky labels off easily. All you need to do this is a blow dryer. First, set your dryer to the highest heat setting possible, then blow the air onto your label for 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat in constant contact with the label, then after ...more
This video is about how to easily trim side swept bangs at home. You will need a plastic grocery bag, a spray bottle, a clip or ponytail holder, a comb and some sharp scissors. First put your hair behind your ears so you can see where your bangs start and comb your bands strai ...more
In this video, we learn how to build your own stomp rocket out of household materials. Materials you will need are: plastic bottles, bicycle inner tube, 2 feet PVC pipe, duct tape, masking tape, and file folders or card stock. Now, take your PVC pipe and roll paper around it a ...more
In order to make Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent, you will need the following materials: A dutch oven or a large pot, a grater, a spoon, ¬O cup of Borax, ¬O cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, a bowl, a measuring cup, 3-5 gallon cleaning bucket, empty plastic detergent bottles ...more
This video presentation is a tutorial of how to make a baking soda and vinegar rocket. Materials involved include a water bottle, vinegar, baking soda, toilet paper, and knife. First step is to use the knife to gouge a hole in the cap of the bottle. It should not be too large, ...more
WonderHowTo is made up of niche communities called Worlds. If you've yet to join one (or create your own), get a taste below of what's going on in the community. Check in every Wednesday for a roundup of new activities and projects. Thanks to all of our active moderators and ...more
In this video we are shown how to make a homemade rocket. The necessary items are as follows: A plastic bottle, a bicycle pump and a cork. First, cut the cork in half and make sure that it fits in the mouth of the bottle. Next, take a nail and push it through the cork so that ...more
Beer adds a nice yeasty flavor to this batter, which can also be used for fish and chips or any other fried seafood. You Will Need * 2 1/2 c. flour * 1/2 tsp. salt * 1 tbsp. paprika * A 12-ounce bottle beer * 2 lb. shrimp * Vegetable oil * Lemon wedges * Cocktail sauce * A dee ...more
Ouch! Is your baby's bottom red and sore? Say goodbye to diaper rash with these tried-and-true remedies. You Will Need: * Diapers * Diaper-rash cream * Unscented baby wipes * Unscented, alcohol-free soap * Washcloths * A squirt bottle (optional) * Cotton balls (optional) * War ...more
Microwave ovens are an essential part of modern life. It is important to know how to use them safely. Step 1: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model. Never operat ...more
Alas, today we continue on the journey to a more environmentally conscious way of being with part 2 of How to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly. Check out part 1 here. Greening your beauty routine is not actually a selfless decision. In fact, when you cut back on pla ...more
Planning the Trip Get lots of brochures Send for brochures of the places you will be visiting. Make a travel book with the brochures to get the grandchildren and their families excited. The best place to contact for these brochures are the Visitors Bureaus or the Chamber of ...more
Check out this video to see our Fantastic Foamy Fountain in action. The experiment uses Hydrogen peroxide and dry yeast. Hydrogen peroxide is similar to water but has an extra oxygen atom. This makes it more dangerous, and only adults should handle the hydrogen peroxide. When ...more
Do you do last minute cramming before you go to the dentist? No, I don't mean reading up on orthodontia in hopes of having an intellectual conversation about crowns with your dentist (how you can talk at all with all those tools in your mouth is beyond me, though dentists alwa ...more
Recycling your garbage is noble and, in many places, mandatory. But it also can be very confusing. This guide will clear up the rules. Step 1: Check Laws Check the local laws regarding recycling in your town. Step 2: Rinse Rinse glass bottles, plastic containers, and alumi ...more
I have an absolutely wonderful time making projects and writing articles for all of you mad scientists! Today, I will bring you behind the scenes for a look at the workbench, tools, and software that make the Mad Science World possible. Above is my beautiful workbench! My who ...more
I love making my own printed circuit boards. It really gives a professional look to a finished project, and having all the design files means I can whip up another batch whenever I need to. However, when I need to make, say, three thousand swarmbots or fill an order for a doze ...more
Get the requirements You will need a plastic cap (from a bottle), PVC pipe, and a tube with a diameter not larger than the cap's. Cap. PVC. Tube. Drill some holes You need to drill 2 little holes, one in the cap, and one in the PVC pipe. It should look like this: Hole in c ...more
I used a plastic water filter for years. Who wouldn't? It cuts down on buying bottled water, which, as it turns out, is pretty much the same as unfiltered tap water. Plus, bottled water is terrible for the environment and your wallet, too. Water that costs only pennies a day a ...more
What’s better in the summer than playing around in the water? Lounging in the pool, water balloon fights, and playing in the sprinklers helps us forget how much it sucks to be outside in 100+ degree weather. Sprinklers are especially fun to play around in, particularly if you ...more
Gatorade: its popular red flavor can stain the whitest fabric, and its sweet taste is oddly refreshing after breaking a sweat. If you've ever participated in a sport, you probably spent halftime at games and practice breaks chugging the stuff. Though it made its name as a spor ...more
The drinking straw isn't just there to help you make annoying noises when you get to the bottom of your soda. That little tube of plastic is extremely versatile and can make your life a lot easier with a little know-how. Curious? Read on to find out more. Bendy or straight, th ...more
Here's how to build a sexy looking water-fuel generator that will convert your tap water into an extremely powerful, clean burning gas! Video: . An oxyhydrogen generator, like this one, uses electricity from your car battery to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gasses. Toge ...more
There's nothing in this life that we love more than making one ingredient or one food tool do multiple things. It saves money! It saves time! It makes us look smart at cocktail parties! Without further ado, here are several ways to save money, waste less food, and make the mo ...more
Bottled water is a rip-off. Not only is it pretty much the same stuff that comes out of your tap for free, but plastic bottles are rarely recycled and thus account for a huge amount of the waste that's overflowing our landfills. Next Up: Water Bottles You Can Eat Fortunately, ...more
Each year, about 40% of all food produced in the United States goes uneaten and gets thrown away. Become a part of the solution and not the problem by practicing the following simple hacks to make your produce and perishables from the supermarket last for as long as possible. ...more
Acetone-based nail polish remover is great for removing nail polish, and it's also great for some DIY uses around the home. From eliminating scratches to fixing the consistency of correction fluid, its uses are varied but all effective. With nail polish remover, you can also c ...more
Cleanliness is next to godliness. My interpretation of that age-old adage means that keeping your house clean is just as un-fun and boring as being a goody two shoes. That's why they call things like laundry and doing dishes "chores," I assume. Yuck. Lucky for you, though, we ...more
Everyone has a junk drawer in their kitchen. It's like an unspoken rule. The junk drawer is full of all the strange bits of what not that accumulates in your home over time. Everything in there is useful, and you never want to throw any of it away for fear that you might need ...more
Tonic water, seltzer water, club soda, and mineral water: these 4 types of "bubbly water" are often, erroneously, used interchangeably. But the truth is that each possesses unique qualities and uses that set them apart from each other. Most experts can tell types of bubbly wat ...more
Decorating your Christmas tree does not have to be an expensive ordeal. You can easily make personalized, unique ornaments for your tree by using things lying around your home, like toilet paper tubes, paper towels, wine corks, old newspapers, CDs (remember those?), plastic wa ...more
The paper towel is a wondrous invention. It allows cooks to wipe up really gross stuff without having to constantly do laundry and drain fried foods so they're crunchy and crispy instead of oily and heavy. But did you know that your humble paper towel has several other uses be ...more
Living in Los Angeles has given me the opportunity to attend a bunch of really cool events. I've been to Dodgers, Lakers, and Clippers games, a few concerts at the Staples Center, and a plethora of smaller joints. In all of these places, I've found a consistent annoyance—I wa ...more
Vacuum sealers keep food fresher longer by first removing the air from plastic food preservation bags and heat sealing the bag to keep air out. They have rapidly become a popular way to keep your frozen food fresh. They have one big problem, though. Vacuum sealers can get qui ...more
There are some really talented graffiti artists out there. Some of them are good enough that businesses hire them to paint advertisements, rather than hiring someone to scrub their work off the side of the building. Then there are the taggers who just go around painting their ...more
Video: . The macho and easy way to make golden eggs. How to scramble eggs inside their shell useing a drill. AKA Fuwatoro Eggs. You need a 0.5 liter plastic bottle. Cut it in half and drill some holes in it. Drill a hole in the cap. You need a bolt, some washers and a nut. As ...more
When you have a lot of equipment, dragging it everywhere with you can be a pain, especially when the weather's bad. Sure, you can put it in a camera bag, but a lot of them don't protect your stuff from water, and waterproof cases can get expensive. Rather than buying a case, ...more