If you're a Febreze fanatic, you're well aware that the "odor eliminator" can be pretty pricey, and that's reason enough to stop buying it. There are cheaper ways to stop smells from invading your home, from using lemons to de-stink a litter box or garbage disposal, to using ...more
This is a bare bones science experiment using only items that would be sitting around the average household. Set up, research, and clean up of this volcano experiment will take under five minutes. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make a model volcano. All you need is ...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
In my last quick clip, I demonstrated how to take a bottle of soda and freeze it on command. I received many requests for a more detailed article on this, so here we go. This "super cool" trick works with cans of soda too, not just bottles! Video: . This project was inspired b ...more
Giveaway Tuesdays has officially ended! But don't sweat it, WonderHowTo has another World that's taken its place. Every Tuesday, Phone Snap! invites you to show off your cell phone photography skills. Submit your best shot to our weekly competition for a chance to win an awes ...more
Try out this science experiment... watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a simple rocket with film canisters. This is purely educational, and demonstrates the reaction of an Alka-Seltzer tablet, toilet paper, and water. If you don't have Alka-Seltzer, you can substitu ...more
Hmm... wondering what to do with a lazy Sunday afternoon? Why not build a volcano that can erupt? Have fun and make a mess, all in the name of science! You Will Need: • 6 c. flour • 2 c. salt • 1 c. water • Small plastic bottle • Baking sheet • Acrylic paint • Paint br ...more
Oh, boy. A stopped-up drain. It'll inevitably happen with any home plumbing system and your kitchen sink is no exception. That clog won't go away on its own and will require immediate attention to keep any standing water from rising. But you don't have to resort to calling an ...more
There are plenty of things you can use at home to make your own rocket, like sugar, matchsticks, or even trash. They may not be as impressive as a real rocket, but they can still be a lot of fun. In this video, How To Lou shows how he made a high-flying water rocket out of som ...more
Want to make your own glass drinking cups? You don't need to be a glassworker to get creative. Just recycle some of your old beer, soda, or wine bottles into stylish toothbrush holders or glass cups. You can tie a loop of string that was dipped in nail polish remover around a ...more
While seltzer water is commonly consumed as a beverage (and a healthier alternative to carbonated soda), it is less known as a fantastic addition to many familiar recipes. The bubbles in seltzer water expand when heated, and when added to certain foods, it instantly allows the ...more
Want to make your own soda or maybe just bring a dull one back to life? Homemade sodas don't always live up to the store bought ones because they can taste flat by comparison. This quick and easy method makes super fizzy drinks with only four ingredients. Because putting dry i ...more
So your mom may have told you not to spoil your appetite with that chocolate chip cookie you were eating before dinner, but did you ever think about what that energy drink your sipping on looks like in terms of its sugar content? The article "20 Worst Drinks in America" takes ...more
Hydrogen can be used to improve mileage. The hope with this method is that hydrogen will increase the amount of gasoline combusted and increase fuel efficiency, as you trickle hydrogen into the tank. Often propane is used to increase gas mileage. The studies are still being do ...more
Unless you're a bartender or a hardcore drink aficionado, understanding the different types of carbonated water and their best uses can get confusing. This is especially true since most people use the terms "club soda," "sparkling water," and "seltzer water" interchangeably wh ...more
Are you a messy burger eater? Ants and fruit flies invading your home? Hate drinking warm drinks? Find out the quick and easy DIY solutions to these problems with these 10 amazing tips and tricks for the summer. Video: . I had seen pictures of some of these useful ideas on the ...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
Pimm's cup originated in London in the 19th century and is a delicious summertime drink. A perfect summertime cocktail which is easy to make and great to drink! Ingredients: Pimm's liquor lemon juice simple syrup fruit (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, orange, lime, lemon, ...more
Malibu rum, Malibu mango rum, Midori melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and soda water make up the posion ivy cocktail. Follow along with bartender Isaac as he gives step by step directions for how to mix up this sweet and fruity specialty drink (bottle twirling and Boston accent ...more
If you get looks of exasperation whenever you stammer out a drink order, take this crash course in bar-speak. Step 1: Learn this neat terminology Learn the correct terms to specify your drink’s temperature. Ordering it “neat” means the liquor will be served right out of the b ...more
When alcohol tastes bad, there's little you can do to save it—or so you think. While it might seem easier to toss your entire bottle of old, opened wine, or to give up and drink crappy vodka anyway, there are creative ways to turn a spoiled or just plain bad boozy beverage int ...more
In order to make a glowing lightning bug sculpture, you will need the following: an empty pop bottle, a yellow marker, a pipe cleaner, construction paper or card stock, and glue. Make sure that the soda pop bottle that you've chosen to use has a ridge around it. Clean it thor ...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
Incredibly tiny in size, splinters can be frustratingly difficult to remove from your skin. If large and not completely embedded, a splinter can usually be extracted using tweezers, tape, or glue, but if it's small and in there pretty good, you'll have to get more creative. O ...more
If you’re looking for a new drink to make your signature then with summer just around the corner you have to try a Campari and soda. This drink is easy to make and is popular and refreshing because of the soda water and the fresh lime. Watch this video to learn how to make a ...more
...Or just a little tipsy. Rhubodka = Rhubarb vodka, the perfect summer drink. Very easy to make, recipe courtesy of Apartment Therapy. You Will Need: 1 1.75-liter bottle of vodka (bottom shelf cheap vodka is fine) 4-5 sticks of red rhubarb (not green) 1/3-1/2 cup sugar ...more
The trick in this how-to video works with any carbonated beverage (never use beer). Take your beverage and cool it down to a temperature around 20F or -7C. Either the freezer or outside if it is cold enough. When opened it will freeze instantly. The reason: This demonstrates t ...more
Learn how to make tonic water. Why spend money on store-bought tonic water when you can have fun at home doing it yourself for a fraction of the cost? Step 1. Combine ingredients Put all of the ingredients except the sugar in the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. St ...more
Learn how to clean green. Forget the industrial cleaners and acids: a few household basics are all you need to breathe fresh air into your home. You Will Need * Windows that open * Natural fiber sponges * Cotton cleaning cloths or rags * White vinegar * Baking soda * Lemons ...more
Preserving the environment is not only the right thing to do—it can result in significant cost savings for your business. Step 1: Educate yourself Educate yourself about the local, state, and federal environmental regulations that apply to your business. Step 2: Evaluate you ...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
The World's Easiest Lava Lamp! This is an easy, fun science activity that is great for any age. In fact, our video crew ended up taking the extra bottles home to show their friends. It is also a great demonstration of liquid density, the release of gases in a chemical reaction ...more
In this video, GoPlanetEarth.com shows viewers how to make bath bombs. The ingredients needed are: a half cup of Epsom salt, a half cup of citric acid, one cup of baking soda, one teaspoon of liquid glycerin, one teaspoon of water, three teaspoons of oil (the fragrance for you ...more
Need to add some spooky ambient fog to your super-scary Halloween party? Rather than shelling out money for a fog machine you'll probably only use once a year, make a trip to the nearest drug store and pick up a bottle of glycerin, a gallon of distilled water, a 2-liter bottle ...more
There's a broken canister of mutant ooze leaking down into the sewers! But don't worry because this sticky slime is non-toxic, and it's so easy to make, a three-year-old can do it! Video: . Inspired by Dr. Anne Helmenstine with About.com, my kids and I found and slightly modif ...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
Add some fizzle and sizzle to bath time with a homemade bath bomb. Bath bombs make great holiday or birthday gifts. You will need: 1 c. baking soda 1/2 c. cornstarch 1/2 c. citric acid 2 1/2 tbsp. sweet almond oil 1/8 c. distilled water 6 drops of the essential oil of your ch ...more
Ever wondered how a tornado works? Well, wonder no longer and watch this video tutorial for teachers and students alike. You will see how to create tornado demonstrations for use in the classroom or for fun. These science experiments are sure to keep your children listening a ...more
From poison oak to allergies, irritants can cause an irritated area that can itch for hours. Itching is annoying and distracting, but you don't have to go to the store to find relief. You can make a topical cream to alleviate itching with things you have at home. Stop the itc ...more
A lukewarm can of soda placed in a refrigerator can take about 45 minutes to chill. On the other hand, a lukewarm can of soda placed in a bowl of ice, water, and table salt can take less than 5 minutes. Don't have ice lying around? Wrap your can or bottle in a wet paper towel ...more
Give a new look to your photographs! Use coffee! This video tutorial will show you how to develop film with coffee and washing soda, along with a little vitamin C. Developing photos with this so-called "Caffenol" developing, produces pictures lovely, soft-contrast, black-and- ...more
Commercial hair conditioners aren’t just expensive, they’re loaded with chemicals. Why don’t you whip up something more natural at home? Step 1: Use green tea Green tea is rich in compounds that make hair shiny and silky. Pour two cups boiling water over two tea bags and stee ...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
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
Most wood furniture is long-lasting, durable, and resistant to great wear and tear over the years. However, set a single sweaty, wet cup or bottle on the surface of your favorite wood dining table, or your prominently placed wooden coffee table, and you'll end up with a round ...more
It feels great to wrap up in a big, fluffy towel after a steamy shower, but it's frustrating when that towel isn't quite up to the job. Over time, towels lose their ability to hold water and dry as needed thanks to daily use and the biggest culprit—laundry detergent. Why Laun ...more
In this how to video, you will learn how to make a rain gauge. First, you will need a 2 liter bottle to collect the rain. You will also need scissors, a ruler, and a permanent marker. First, take the bottle cap off of the soda bottle. Next, cut the top of the bottle off. Now, ...more
In this tutorial, learn how to wash your fruit and vegetables with a DIY mixture you can make in your kitchen. Wash your fruit and vegetables with this environmentally friendly and economical mixture. You Will Need: • Fruits and vegetables • 1 c. distilled white vinegar • 1 t ...more
Nothing ruins a romantic fresh air picnic like the buzzing of angry yellow jackets—especially since, unlike the useful honey bee, they can use their stingers over and over again... Learn how to deal with bees without getting stung. This instructional video from Howcast offers ...more
If you want to start the party out right, you have to impress the crowd with your awesome bartending skills. While lighting cocktails on fire is a nice way to warm up the crowd, it's been done by thousands of bartenders across the globe. Plus, if you're not careful, you could ...more
Bees are the key to pollination and healthy vegetation, and wasps may help by assisting in pest control, but despite their benefits in the world, they're still a real pain in the ass if they're in your face. This would probably warrant an expression stronger than "pain in the ...more
How many of us actually drink enough water? It's one of the easiest ways to improve your health, but most people don't get nearly as much as they should. We've grown so accustomed to soda, coffee, and sugary juices that water just seems bland by comparison. That's why drinks l ...more
When we tell folks how often we use apple cider vinegar, they are baffled and bewildered. "I've had a bottle sitting in my pantry for 10 years," is the response we encounter most. And "I never use it!" Some have never even used apple cider vinegar at all in their lifetime, bel ...more
I own two aprons—a cute one for company, and another for the hard-core cooking duties, like cutting up chicken and making stock. The sad truth is that I almost never remember to wear either of them. So, much of my clothing ends up spattered with grease, liquid, and bits of fru ...more
Just because a problem is small or superficial doesn't mean it can't annoy the living crap out of you. Others may think you're overreacting, or even have the audacity to roll their eyes, but you're in your own personal hell. First-world problems, white whines—call it whatever ...more
After a few years, your cinnamon, paprika, and saffron begin to lose their vibrant hues, and the aromas that once filled your kitchen are barely distinguishable when you open their jars. These are telltale signs that your spices need to be replaced sooner rather than later. D ...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
Unless you're a high-schooler building a nuclear fusion reactor, the hardest part of a science investigatory project often is coming up with a good idea. You want it to be cool yet feasible, novel but still useful. That's why Ai-ni Bautista's science project on making liquid ...more
Whites are the hardest color to keep looking bright and new after just a few months' time. Your sweat and oils quickly become stains, and colors from other clothes will eventually bleed into the fabric, discoloring your bright whites into something merely whitish. But before y ...more
Maybe you've had a long day... or maybe you just want to treat yo' self. So you head to your local watering hole for some tasty, tasty liquor. Your current fave on the cocktail list is a drink of something strong with bitters; you don't know what bitters are, but damn if that ...more