Examples of practical everyday knowledge

Everyday practical knowledge can include a range of little tricks and essential skills that help you save time, money, and effort. For example, some life hacks suggest that you can improve your daily routine by using a bit of salt added to your toothpaste to gently remove yellow stains and brighten your smile, as well as by cleverly organizing everyday items (like using newspapers to remove shoe odor or ice cubes in your dryer so your clothes come out wrinkle‐free)^[1].

Other practical ideas come in the form of home improvement hacks. One article describes using a piece of uncooked spaghetti to light deep-burning candles, using lemon juice on highlighter stains in books, or even repurposing a PVC pipe (by drilling holes to create a slow feeder for a pet) to solve everyday challenges around the home^[3].

Beyond these quick fixes, everyday practical knowledge also means mastering basic “adulting” skills. This can include everything from personal grooming, meal planning, and cooking full meals at home to budgeting your money, managing bills, and even knowing how to use common household tools like a hammer or a screwdriver^[5].

Health-wise, practical everyday tips might be as simple as starting the day by drinking a glass of water to help combat morning dehydration, taking short daily breaks from technology, getting a bit of sunlight to boost your mood and vitamin D production, or even incorporating a short stretching routine to relieve tension—all small habits that accumulate to improve overall well-being^[6].

In terms of broader life skills, several sources stress that practical knowledge also means knowing basic procedures such as driving a car, changing a tire, mowing the lawn, or even basic home maintenance like cleaning, organizing, and simple repairs around the house. One resource provides a long list of these skills—from using a phone book and writing in cursive to budgeting, paying bills, and managing household emergencies such as knowing what to do if there’s a fire or a power outage^[10][11].

Altogether, practical everyday knowledge spans both quick, inventive hacks for daily tasks and the essential life skills that help you live independently and safely, from simple cleaning and cooking tips to money management and emergency preparedness.