Do you know what Solo cups, coat hangers, TV antennas, and coin ridges have in common? Even though they might seem like common household items, they actually hide tricks and secrets you did not know before. By learning these things, you will be able to solve a number of annoying issues in your home! Save yourself a trip to the supermarket or grocery store by keeping these things in mind.
Your Life Will Change When You Realize You Can Use These Common Things This Way
Wine Bottle Dip
Many people like to drink wine to unwind. If you belong to this group, you probably know about the dip at the end of the bottle. Why did they design it this way? Known as the punt or kick-up, it gives the bottle the stability it needs to prevent falling down after a gust of wind passes by. It also lends it the strength to hold sparkling wine. Lastly, it distributes steam during cleaning, right before the wine is poured in.
Wine Bottle Dip
Shirt Loops
We are sure that you have noticed this on your nice collared shirts! This is a practice that started in the Navy. When you are on a boat, closet space is very limited. In the past, sailors like to hang up their shirts through this. In the ‘60s, college kids did the same thing at the gym. It is now a sign of class and quality.
Shirt Loops
Colored Toothpaste Squares
Have you ever noticed that blue, red, black, or green square at the end of the toothpaste tube? We bet you have no idea what they are for. Called eye marks, they are important for the assembly line machines. These marks indicate where the packaging should be cut and folded! How cool is this little fun fact?
Colored Toothpaste Squares
Gas Gauge Arrow
This is going to be helpful if you drive. There is an arrow point right or left just beside the gas gauge of nearly every car made from 2010 onwards. It shows you where the gas cap is. While you might already know where yours is, this is very handy when you are using a rental or a new car.
Gas Gauge Arrow
Charcoal Purifies Air And Removes Odors
Did you know that you do not have to spend on expensive air purifiers? All you need is some activated bamboo charcoal. It is good for removing allergens and bacteria. Simply place them in mesh bags and put them in the area you want. Say goodbye to foul odors!
Charcoal Purifies Air And Removes Odors
Random Jean Buttons
We all wear jeans, so you must have noticed the extra buttons added to the seams of the pants. Did you know what they are for? Called rivets, they are added to stop the seams from wearing out and popping open. Levi Strauss is the person who patented the invention. In 1829, he came up with it after hearing of miners complaining about wearing out their jeans.
Random Jean Buttons
Extra Fabric With New Clothes
After buying new clothes, you will notice that it comes with a small bag of the fabric. This is not actually meant for patching up tears and rips. You are supposed to use them in the washer as a trial run. It lets you figure out the best settings to use before you put the piece of clothing in the washing machine!
Extra Fabric With New Clothes
Pot Handle Holes
Unless you are a cook by profession, we bet you did not know what the holes in the handles of your pans and pots are for. You can actually use them to hang up the utensils when you are not using them. Aside from that, you can also use the hole to hold the stirring spoon or ladle while you cook!
Pot Handle Holes
Extra Sneaker Holes
What is up with the extra holes on your sneakers? They are not design errors, mind you. If the shoes are a little too big, blisters are inevitable. You can make it more comfortable by sliding your laces through the opposite extra hole at the top! Known as the heel lock, it lets you make a loop for a tighter lock.
Extra Sneaker Holes
Winter Hat Pom-Poms
During winter, it is important to keep your head safe from the cold! But why are there pom-poms on winter hats? This feature originated in Scandinavia. They were added there so that the knitter can gather the seams at the end of the process. While no longer necessary, it has lived on. It’s cute, isn’t it?
Winter Hat Pom-Poms
Airplane Window Holes
There is no need to freak out about the holes in the airplane windows. Called the breather hole, it was added to adjust to the pressure difference the higher the airplane rises. It lets the cabin stay at a safe and comfortable level. If the outer pane is ever compromised, you will notice air leaking through it.
Airplane Window Holes
Black Grating In The Microwave
Microwave doors come with a black grating known as the Faraday shield. This is important if you want to cook your food properly. On top of that, it keeps you safe from the electromagnetic fields. You do not want to get a dose head-on, trust us. This will prevent anything dangerous from happening.
Black Grating In The Microwave
Dimples On Golf Balls
The truth is that golf balls are not really round. Take a good look at them and you will see the dimples on the surface. In reality, golfers noticed that the balls with bumps and nicks often traveled longer distances than new ones. These imperfections make turbulence and reduce drag. Now you know!
Dimples On Golf Balls
Long Bottle Necks
Adult beverages are often placed in long neck bottles. Its shape lets you hold bottles more comfortably! Not only that, it is easier to pour the drink into a glass or mug. This way, heat is also distributed better. Unfiltered beers often have a more bulbous neck, which is useful when it comes to sediments.
Long Bottle Necks
Can Tabs
What are the tabs on cans for anyway? Apparently, they are supposed to be used as straw holders. However, this is simply a remnant of the past now. After all, not many people use straws when drinking from a can. In fact, the mouth was even widened to ensure it is easier to do this.
Can Tabs
Takeout Boxes
Chinese takeout is the best when you are busy. There is a good chance that you also eat it from the carton! This is actually the intention of the designers. You can actually create a plate this way by pulling aside the sides and laying it flat on your table. Voila! You now have a usable plate.
Takeout Boxes
Double Keyboard Bumps
Have you ever noticed those bumps on the F and J keys on your keyboard? These were added because they let you have an idea of the key’s location even if you do not tear your eyes away from the screen. Your right pointer finger should be on J, while your left pointer finger should be on F.
Double Keyboard Bumps
Measuring Tape Metal
There is a tiny metallic piece on the end of the measuring tape. It has been added there for a number of reasons. If you are working by yourself, you can wrap this bit to a nail to hold it in place. Aside from that, the edge is serrated. This is useful if you have to mark the surface.
Measuring Tape Metal
Pen Cap Holes
Pen caps are often designed with a hole on the top. Why did they do this? Apparently, it was meant to allow air to flow. In case you swallow it, you should be able to breathe just fine. Considering how many people chew on their pen caps, this is probably for the best.
Pen Cap Holes
iPhone Camera Hole
iPhone users have probably noticed an extra hole right beside the camera lens. It is actually a mic! Ever since the release of the iPhone 5, every smartphone from the company has three mics: one below the speaker grill, one on the bottom edge, and one by the camera lens. This lets you record sounds easily.
iPhone Camera Hole
Zigzag Side On Bobby Pins
Bobby pins have a wavy side and a straight side. The zigzag pattern should always face the scalp. It does not just make your hair look cooler, but it also secures the pin tightly. Make sure you use it this way!
Zigzag Side On Bobby Pins
Cable Cord Cylinders
Called a ferrite core, the cylindrical lump at the end of your cord come with magnetic iron oxide. It is useful because it prevents high-frequency electromagnetic interference. If you happen to be close to a speaker, your call will be interrupted by weird noises. The core prevents these interruptions.
Cable Cord Cylinders
Apple Power Cord Wings
If you own a MacBook, you will see wings on the cord. If you pull them up, you can simply wrap the cord around this feature. This is great if you want to avoid making messes with the cords. Voila!
Apple Power Cord Wings
Blue Part On The Eraser
We bet you used these erasers when you were a child! Why did they split them into two colors anyway? Rumors say that the blue bit erases pen ink, but this is not true. It actually helps artists when they use special paper. This works really well when you write on paper thicker and stronger than loose-leaf!
Blue Part On The Eraser
Square Patches On Backpacks
It is common to see those square backpack patches, but what are they for? Get ready because this tip might change your life! Called the lashing square or pig snout, it is helpful if you need to carry more gear with you. You can loop cords and strings there to hang things if you cannot fit them in the bag anymore.
Square Patches On Backpacks
Colorful Ice Cream Scoops
Ice cream scoops are available in a number of colors, but you should know that this is not only for show. The colors mean different scoop sizes. There are over a dozen sizes, and they depend on the number of scoops per cup.
Colorful Ice Cream Scoops
Brass Material For Door Knobs
Doorknobs are generally made with brass. Why? Well, this material is often more bacteria-resistant. This is very important because different people touch this object multiple times in a day! It is disgusting to imagine if they used anything less than this.
Brass Material For Door Knobs
Bottle Cap Discs
Have you ever checked under the soda bottle cap? There is normally a plastic disc there. It might not seem necessary for you, but it helps with carbonation. We are not sure about the way it works, but the disc traps carbon dioxide and helps keep the fizz in.
Bottle Cap Discs
Rearview Mirror Tab
When you drive, you should be looking in the rearview mirror often. Did you know what the tab at the bottom is for? It helps you change the position of the mirror to prevent getting blinded by the headlights of the car behind you. It deflects light and allows you to see what is going on behind you.
Rearview Mirror Tab
Coin Ridges
Have you ever noticed the rough edges in dimes and quarters? This feature comes from the time when coins had different weights to reflect their value. People used to shave the edges of the coin to make counterfeits, so they added this feature as a security measure.
Coin Ridges
Grocery Cart Loops
If you were had to buy a lot of stuff at the supermarket, you should know that you can use the loops that frame the fold-out portion of the cart! You can hang the more vulnerable items there to avoid crushing them.
Grocery Cart Loops
Lined Paper Margins
Do you have any idea why your notebook paper has those margins? Apparently, they came into fashion during the time of rat infestations. In the past, the rodents chewed on the pieces of paper they got their hands on. By adding the margins, there was a good chance they would not get to the important portion.
Lined Paper Margins
Paper Condiment Bowls
Fries are not the same if you did not eat them with ketchup. However, not a single person likes making several trips to the condiment area. These cups might be small, but you can actually unfold them.
Paper Condiment Bowls
Women’s Underwear Pocket
Why did they add secret pockets in underwear for women? These panty gussets are the extra fabric that they did not want to stitch closed. It is either this or extra seams! We’ll take the secret pockets any day.
Women’s Underwear Pocket
Plastic Cup Lids
Get ready to be blown away. Did you know that the plastic lids that come with disposable cups are meant to work as coasters too? If you want to sit down to enjoy the drink, make sure to use it this way.
Plastic Cup Lids
Holes In Padlocks
There are many reasons to use a padlock, but it is generally added when you want to keep intruders out. However, what are the holes at the bottom for? Apparently, this lets the water escape if it is ever rained on. Aside from that, you can fix jams by pouring oil or WD-40 through that hole.
Holes In Padlocks
Detachable Car Headrests
If you ever went on road trips with your family, we bet you had to sit in the backseat. Out of boredom, you must have started playing with the headrest right in front of you. Did you know that you can actually take out the headrest? This was done so that you can crack the windows with the bars in emergencies!
Detachable Car Headrests
Solo Cup Lines
Oh, boy. These solo cups sure bring back memories. When you were young, you probably never noticed the horizontal lines on them. The ridges actually tell you how much alcohol there is. The first one shows one shot or ounce. The next one shows five ounces or a glass. The last one shows 12 ounces or a bottle!
Solo Cup Lines
Jerry Can Handles
Do you like camping and traveling? If so, you have probably encountered a Jerry can in the past. Are you aware that they can hold five gallons? There are three handles at the top to evenly distribute its contents. You and a pal should use the outer handles to carry it. If you are alone, use the middle one.
Jerry Can Handles
Coat Hangers Made With Wood
We highly recommend using wooden coat hangers over the alternative. Why? They look nice, but the reason is that they keep moths and creepy crawlies away. We do not want them near our clothes. Heavy clothing tends to attract various insects, but the cedar wood wards them off.
Coat Hangers Made With Wood
Juice Box Flaps
The top flaps on juice boxes can be used this way! This is important if you have children. Doing this lets them hold the box much more comfortably. No slipping should happen here if you use it this way!
Juice Box Flaps
Holes In Your Converse
What are those holes on the side of Converse shoes anyway? There are several ways you can use them. First, they allow your feet to breathe. Next, it lets you spice up the shoes by stylishly tying up the laces.
Holes In Your Converse
Screwdrivers, But Also Wrenches
You should slide the end of the wrench over the top of the screwdriver. This is the reason the latter is shaped that way. This is going to be helpful when you need to work on angles difficult to hold onto.
Screwdrivers, But Also Wrenches
Medicine Bottle For Adults
Are you aware that you can de-childproof your medicine bottles? Some bottle caps make life a lot easier. You only need to flip the bottle this way. It’s simple, but make sure that your kid doesn’t see it.
Medicine Bottle For Adults
TicTac Hack
You might be surprised to learn that there is an easy way to get a TicTac out of the box. The cap of the bottle was designed for this very reason. Tip it over and then open it to get a single TicTac!
TicTac Hack
The Hole In Your Spaghetti Spoon
The holes on the spoons are meant to drain the pasta water. However, there is something else they are awesome at. You can use them to measure the spaghetti. You just need to stick them through the holes!
The Hole In Your Spaghetti Spoon
Grooves Between Tire Treads
What are the indents on the tires supposed to do? Aside from leaving cool marks over snow, the lowest parts of the grooves represent the lowest the tire should ever reach. If the tires are smooth, it is time to replace them ASAP.
Grooves Between Tire Treads
Gas Pump Latch
What is the weird latch on the gas pump for? It turns out that you do not have to stand there holding the pump when you refuel the car. The latch lets you lock it in between the grooves!
Gas Pump Latch
Toothpick Holder
Tooth picks actually come with holders built into them. The ridged portion of the toothpick can be broken off and then placed on the table. You can put the tooth pick inside the ridges for convenience and sanitary purposes.
Toothpick Holder
Aluminum Foil Packaging
Have you noticed the tabs on aluminum foil? You can push them in on the sides to lock the roll into the box. This way, it would not move around when you try to rip off a sheet of tin foil.
Aluminum Foil Packaging
Half Belt On Jackets
You commonly see this style on pea and trench coats. Apparently, the oversized jackets also functioned as blankets for military men. The half belt lets them gather it in place when they needed to walk. It is now nothing more than a fashion trend, but it is cool to learn its history.
Half Belt On Jackets
Utility Knife Cap
You might be surprised to hear that the plastic cap at the end of the utility knife has a solid purpose. Pull it out and you will see that it is attached to something else. This is part of the brand-new knife… You only need to break off this plastic edge to sharpen your knife!
Utility Knife Cap
Stapler Plates
Called the anvil, the metal plate on the stapler can be turned upside down to adjust it. You can spin the wheel until it lines up with the square. This setting is called the “temporary staple” and lets you push the arms outward instead of inwards. This is easier to remove than the normal setting.
Stapler Plates
The Hole In Your Lollipop Stick
A lot of people like to use the lollipop stick as a whistle when they are done eating the candy. It was not meant for entertainment! They actually created the hole to make it easier to pour the candy into the mold. Some of the candy seeps into the hole and hardens there to keep it from falling off.
The Hole In Your Lollipop Stick
The Letter Arrangement On Your Keyboard
How come they did not arrange the computer keyboards alphabetically? Apparently, old typewriters were made that way. However, the typists would type so fast that the key arms kept getting stuck! They decided to retain the QWERTY keyboard simply because everyone is already familiar with it.
The Letter Arrangement On Your Keyboard
Ridges In Audio Jack
How come audio jacks have ridges? There is more to them than simply preventing the jack from falling out. The material in the ridges actually lets the wire stay put. On top of that, it dictates which part the music should get channeled into. One bad is for the right headphone, the other for the left.
Ridges In Audio Jack
Silica Gel Packets
What are silica gel packets for? Normally found in shoeboxes and purses, they actually help the item stay clean and fresh until you begin to use them. They come with a “desiccant” that keeps moisture out. They absorb up to 50 percent of the humidity in the environment! Use them for your soaked phone.
Silica Gel Packets
Colorful Toothpaste
Aquafresh toothpaste has blue, white, and red stripes. There is more to the color choice than to show patriotism. Who would have thought that the blue stripes are meant to clean and freshen your breath? On the other hand, the red ones indicate that the paste has plaque control.
Colorful Toothpaste
The Mysterious Square In Your McFlurry Spoon
We doubt that we are the only one who stuck our fingers into the square opening on the McFlurry spoons. These squares actually let the machine blend the topping of choice and ice cream! The bar on the machine slips through it and then stirs it like a drill. This makes the process easier and more fun!
The Mysterious Square In Your McFlurry Spoon
TV Cable Hack
If you want highspeed TV without having to pay outrage fees, you should keep this technology disruptor trick in mind. You can trick devices with the use of an electrical outlet and old-fashioned antennas. The TV antennas will let you stream HD signals from Fox, FX, ABC, NBS, CBS, and more!
TV Cable Hack
Make Threading Needles Easier
The worst thing about sewing something together would be getting the thread into the opening of the needle. Next time you have to do this, you should first dip the thread end into clear nail polish. It will be harder, so you will have an easier time inserting it through the eye.
Make Threading Needles Easier
Olive Oil: Not Just For Italian Food
This is a good hack if you suffer from dry skin. You will be surprised to hear that you can use olive oil on the skin! Use a small amount on your body and face to moisturize. It is cheap, but it works!
Olive Oil: Not Just For Italian Food
Use A Tennis Ball For Parking Accuracy
We bet there was a time when you came too far while parking in the garage. We recommend tying a tennis ball and hanging it from your garage roof with a string. This will let you know if it is time to hit the brakes and park the cars. No more accidents will happen to you when you install such a system!
Use A Tennis Ball For Parking Accuracy
Strain Your Food With Tights
Do you have an old pair of tights you no longer use? If so, you should use it to strain food products. Tights are awesome at this since the holes are small enough to filter through food particles!
Strain Your Food With Tights
Groom Your Eyebrows With A Toothbrush
There are many things you can do with your toothbrush aside from keeping your teeth clean. It is actually useful if you want to groom your brows! Not only is it cheaper than an eyebrow brush, but it also saves you a trip to your drugstore.
Groom Eyebrows With A Toothbrush
Loosen Doors With Petroleum Jelly
Squeaky doors can be so bothersome! However, not everyone has the time to go to the hardware store to get something for it. The good thing is that you only need petroleum jelly to solve this problem. You just need to apply it on the hinges, drawer tracks, and other squeaky areas!
Loosen Doors With Petroleum Jelly