- 3 hours ago
Discover the surprising treasure hiding in your everyday items! Many people overlook the hidden parts of old appliances and electronics that can be worth a fortune. From precious metals like gold and platinum to valuable car components, your discarded items may hold secrets to unexpected wealth. This deep dive into urban mining reveals how common trash is becoming a goldmine in 2026. Transform your perspective on what you consider junk and uncover the hidden value around you!
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00:05Hey there, car owners. Gee, do I have an important message for you?
00:08You see, our cars are like our trusty sidekicks, always by our side, even in the most public places.
00:14But sometimes we come back to find unexpected surprises waiting for us.
00:18Try to imagine yourself strolling up to your four-wheeled companion, and there it is.
00:22A flyer, taunting you from under the wiper.
00:25Or, heaven forbid, a parking ticket just begging for your attention on the windshield.
00:30We've all been there, right?
00:31Well, hold on to your steering wheels because authorities have a brand new tip for you.
00:36And it's a real gem.
00:37If you see something on your car that doesn't belong, don't remove it with your bare hand.
00:43Intrigued?
00:44You see, police forces have been keeping a watchful eye on all things car-related.
00:49And they're not just about catching speedsters and enforcing traffic rules.
00:52They've got our backs when it comes to unveiling the latest tricks of the trade.
00:56Take Arlington, Virginia, for example.
00:58The authorities there recently noticed a spike in driver's side airbag thefts.
01:03To combat this madness, the police advised folks to park in well-lit areas,
01:07lock their vehicles, stash away their valuables,
01:09and why not throw in a steering wheel locking device for good measure?
01:13Some car thieves have also discovered a new superpower using their smartphone cameras to peek into your car.
01:19It's like they have x-ray vision or something.
01:22These sneaky people can bypass the privacy tint in your car windows and get a clear view of your treasures.
01:27All without even taking a photo.
01:30Smartphones these days, huh?
01:32In response, authorities launched a stow it, don't show it campaign,
01:36reminding everyone to remove their valuables from sight or, at the very least, stash them away.
01:43But wait, there's more.
01:45Officers want us to be extra cautious about a new threat lurking around our vehicles.
01:49You know how it goes.
01:51Leaves, litter, and leaflets often find their way onto our beloved cars.
01:54Usually, we'd think nothing of it and simply give our vehicles a quick clean before zooming off.
01:59However, you should think twice before reaching out with your bare hands.
02:03Even if it's just to grab a seemingly innocent piece of trash.
02:07Why all the fuss, you might wonder?
02:09Well, let's take a peek at an incident that unfolded in Houston, Texas.
02:13Picture this.
02:14One woman, fresh from celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant,
02:18heads back to her car only to find a napkin sticking out of her car door handle.
02:24Now, at first, she didn't think much of it and casually removed the napkin.
02:28Thinking it's just some random trash.
02:31But as it turns out, things then took a crazy turn.
02:34Not long after handling that suspiciously placed napkin, she started feeling some tingling in her fingertips.
02:39And before she knew it, her whole arm joins the tingle party, leaving her feeling a bit numb.
02:44She got all lightheaded and even struggled to breathe.
02:47Being a responsible person, her husband dialed up 911 in a jiffy.
02:51Off she went to the hospital, racing against time to figure out what in the world caused this bizarre health
02:57rollercoaster.
02:58After a seemingly eternal six and a half hours, the doctors finally diagnosed her with acute poisoning from an unknown
03:04substance.
03:05They couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of the substance because the woman only had a tiny amount in her system.
03:11But even that tiny amount was enough to make her feel like she just hopped on the wildest ride at
03:15the amusement park.
03:17Just imagine if she had wrapped that napkin around her entire hand.
03:20Yikes!
03:21One of her doctors suggested that this whole napkin incident might have been an attempted kidnapping targeting her car.
03:27Wait.
03:28What?
03:28A kidnapping involving a napkin and a car door?
03:31It's like a bad script for a low-budget comedy film.
03:34But here's where things get really intriguing.
03:37The local police department, in their noble quest to solve this mystery, revealed that they didn't receive any reports of
03:43similar incidents involving car doors and napkins.
03:45I guess that prankster genius didn't strike again.
03:48Or at least not yet.
03:50However, they do confirm that the woman's experience and symptoms align with other cases of poisoning.
03:56Of course, there are many other strategies to help keep both you and your car safe.
04:00Like when it comes to parking, it's all about that prime spot.
04:05Thankfully, specialists have some tips that will make your parking game strong and keep those pesky thieves at bay.
04:11First things first, if you're lucky enough to have a garage, park your precious vehicle in there at all times.
04:18But if you're out and about, it's advised that you find a well-lit and open area to park.
04:23You want your ride to be in the spotlight, not hiding in the shadows where mischief could be lurking.
04:28Now, here's a nifty little nugget of advice straight from the mouth of an ex-burglar.
04:33This guy knows the tricks of the trade.
04:36When you park, turn those wheels into the curb.
04:39I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it's worth it.
04:42By doing this, you're making life harder for those pesky intruders.
04:46They'll have to do some fancy maneuvering just to get away, and ain't nobody got time for that.
04:50And hey, here's an extra bonus tip for you.
04:53Try to find a car park that has reached the park mark standard.
04:56These parking locations have passed a police risk assessment, so you know they're legit.
05:00With these simple tips, you'll be parking like a pro in no time.
05:05These days, there's still a sneaky way thieves can get their hands on your ride, and it involves your beloved
05:09key.
05:10So, let's play it safe, shall we?
05:13First things first, keep those keys hidden away.
05:15When you're home, make sure they're out of sight and far from prying eyes.
05:19You wouldn't want any thieves playing fishing games with sticks and hooks through your letterbox snatching your keys.
05:25Now let's talk about keyless entry.
05:27You know, those fancy cars that unlock themselves with a wave of the key nearby?
05:31Well, if you have to push a button on your key to open your car, you don't have a keyless
05:36entry.
05:37No worries though, we'll cover that too.
05:40Picture this.
05:41You're going about your day, minding your own business,
05:43when suddenly a crafty thief comes along with a little device.
05:47This sneaky gadget tricks your car into thinking your key is right there, unlocking it faster than you can imagine.
05:53They can even start the engine and drive off into the sunset with your beloved vehicle.
05:57Believe it or not, these pesky thieves only need to be a few meters away from your car key to
06:02capture its signal.
06:04That means they can work their magic even if your key is chilling inside your home, safe and sound.
06:09Fear not, because there are a few tips to keep your keyless entry car as secure as a fortress.
06:14When you're at home, keep that precious key and its spare, far, far away from your vehicle.
06:20Maybe put them in a screened pouch or a fancy schmancy Faraday bag to block any signals from escaping.
06:26Think of it as giving your key a cozy little invisible shield to protect it from those sneaky signal-sniffing
06:31thieves.
06:33Here's another pro tip. If you ever decide to adopt a second-hand car into your loving car family, give
06:39those keys a little makeover.
06:41Reprogramming them will ensure that any old signals or sneaky surprises from the previous owner are wiped clean.
06:47To make sure your car is always safe, we also need to cover this not-so-fun subject, illegal tow
06:53trucks.
06:54Those sneaky thieves think they can snatch your precious wheels right off the street.
06:58Here are some tips on how to stay one step ahead of these parking lot pirates.
07:02First things first, keep an eye out for any tow-away crew that seems a bit fishy.
07:07You know, the ones who aren't sporting any fancy logos on their truck or who forgot to put on their
07:12snazzy uniforms.
07:13If something feels off, don't hesitate to report them pronto.
07:17Now, I know what you're thinking, but what if I'm wrong and it turns out to be a false alarm?
07:22We all should be about good faith, and nobody should blame you for a moment if it turns out to
07:26be a false alarm.
07:28Better safe than sorry, right?
07:41Trains used to make people mad.
07:44During the Victorian era, there was this rumor that the swaying motion of train carriages made passengers, especially men, go
07:51a bit crazy, leading to some strange and dangerous behavior.
07:55The so-called railway madness was supposedly triggered by the noise of the train.
08:01To make things worse, carriages were locked for privacy reasons back then, so people found themselves stuck in tiny spaces
08:08with lunatics who could snap at any moment.
08:13If you see someone putting ketchup on some car, it doesn't mean you're witnessing them preparing a prank.
08:20It means they're just taking care of their car.
08:23Yup, it goes great with hamburgers and hot dogs, but it goes even better with cars, since it has ingredients
08:31that are good at removing rust.
08:33Rust occurs when the metal gets exposed to moisture, oxygen, and heat, and due to weather conditions, it's hard to
08:41avoid it.
08:41When you leave rust for a longer time and don't deal with it, it will continue to degrade the metal.
08:49So, you need to get rid of it before your car becomes physically useless.
08:54That's when ketchup comes in.
08:57Its key ingredient is tomatoes, and they have many nutrients similar to those you can find in oranges and some
09:04other citrus fruits.
09:06For instance, citric acid can help you remove rust from metal surfaces, since it eats through rust.
09:12We're not talking about the cars only.
09:15You can use it on metallic kitchenwares, furniture parts, jewelry, and rust spots on generally any metallic item.
09:24You can combine it with washing soda.
09:26It's not quite effective against rust, but when you combine it with ketchup, it'll do the work.
09:32Mix these two and apply them to the rusted area.
09:36Leave it like that for about half an hour, and wash it with a wet cloth or sponge.
09:43You can combine ketchup with salt instead, or just apply a lot of it on the rusty area, without using
09:50any additional ingredients.
09:53Ketchup removes tarnish from brass copper, too.
09:56Put it on brass hardware on doors and cabinets, or some accessories such as bowls and candlesticks for 10 minutes
10:04to make it all shine.
10:06And also, you don't put it on meat just because of taste.
10:10Ketchup breaks down its fibers, which means it makes it more tender.
10:15Locking handles as we know them were only invented relatively recently, in 1878.
10:21Before that, people had to get pretty inventive to secure their homes.
10:24Most folks used a latch string.
10:27They'd make a small hole in the door, thread a leather thong or string through it, and then loop it
10:32around a wooden bar.
10:33Even after doorknobs were invented, only the wealthy could afford a proper lock and key.
10:40Vacuum cleaners had a rough start, too.
10:42The first one was invented in 1901, but it was so huge that it wouldn't fit inside houses.
10:48Instead, vacuuming was offered as a mobile service.
10:51The machines were parked outside, and long hoses were fed through the windows.
10:56And to get to the client's house, these large cleaning machines were actually pulled by horses.
11:02Back in the day, animals even used to pull strollers.
11:06Yep, with kids inside.
11:08The stroller was first developed in 1733 for the daughters and sons of a British nobleman, who might have been
11:15a bit too lazy to walk with them every day.
11:18So, the first model was basically a shell-shaped basket on wheels that could be pulled by a goat or
11:24a small pony.
11:24This small chariot was cute, but probably not the safest way to get around.
11:31Refrigerators also used to be a bit scary.
11:34From the late 1800s until 1929, they used toxic gases like ammonia, methyl chloride, and sulfur dioxide to cool things
11:43down.
11:43People were so concerned about gas leaks that they began leaving their refrigerators in the backyard instead of keeping them
11:50in the kitchen.
11:50This danger even inspired Albert Einstein to create a new model.
11:55In 1926, Einstein and his former student Leo Selard invented a refrigerator with no moving parts, using safer, environmentally friendly
12:04gases to reduce the risk of toxic leaks.
12:07But it had one problem.
12:09Einstein's refrigerator was less efficient than existing appliances, so it wasn't commercially appealing.
12:16If you ever find yourself casually wandering in the forests of Estonia, don't freak out if you see some giant
12:23megaphones.
12:24These wooden, acoustic giants were set three hours away from the country's capital by interior architecture students.
12:31That's way cooler than the hamster roller coaster I once built for a science fair, I have to admit.
12:37More than half of Estonia is covered by woods, and they're pretty proud of this natural wealth.
12:42So it's not the first art project of this kind, and there was a winding, elevated pathway and a faceted
12:49woodland cabin.
12:50The idea of the megaphones is to crank up the natural sounds of a forest and also to serve as
12:57a rest spot for hikers.
12:59These wooden beauties are large enough to host several people.
13:03And hey, if you walk this far into the woodland, you'll be thankful for this.
13:08The students were given a task to invent some concepts of a forest library.
13:13They built the megaphones off-site and brought them to their permanent spots.
13:17They're set in such a way that sounds from three directions meet in the center and create a cool, natural
13:24surround sound effect.
13:26Thankfully, kitchen supplies, including our beloved grills, have come a long way.
13:31Back in the 1950s, a metalworker named George Steven had a brilliant idea while trying to create the perfect steak.
13:38Frustrated with flare-ups and uneven cooking, he decided to cut an old ocean buoy in half.
13:44This allowed him to control the airflow better.
13:47And that's how the Weber Kettle Grill was born, changing backyard barbecues forever.
13:52Have you ever used a public bathroom in the summer in your shorts and sandals and got splashed?
13:59It happens to the best of us, so no worries.
14:01If only there was some solution to this problem.
14:04Perhaps a urinal with a small hole so no liquid goes where it shouldn't.
14:09Looks pretty yucky and painful to me.
14:12An assistant professor at the University of Waterloo, Zhao Penn and his colleagues came up with a way better solution
14:19for this sensitive issue.
14:22Their designs were inspired by physics and dogs.
14:25When a stream of liquid moves on a solid surface at a shallow angle, the splash is reduced.
14:31And the smaller the angle, the fewer splashes you'll see.
14:34You can even minimize them to a zero.
14:37And when dogs do their business, they lift their hind legs and do it on the vertical surface of a
14:42tree or a wall.
14:44I don't know if they actually care about it, but this does reduce the splash.
14:48Good job, Pluto.
14:50Talking about that.
14:51Here's a fun challenge for your next family gathering.
14:53Ask everyone to fold a piece of paper in half, then in half again, and keep going for a total
14:59of seven folds.
15:00Spoiler alert.
15:01They probably won't succeed.
15:03That's because each fold makes the paper thicker and thicker.
15:07In fact, if you had a huge sheet of paper and folded it in half 50 times, it would end
15:13up being about 62 million miles thick, which is about two thirds of the way from Earth to the sun.
15:19So, yeah, it's impossible.
15:21The current record is held by a high school student named Brittany Gallivan, who managed to fold a single piece
15:27of paper in half 12 times.
15:29And it was a tissue paper.
15:32The USB symbol, looking like a trident, has always sparked multiple speculations about its origin.
15:39One popular idea is that it represents Neptune's trident and symbolizes power and adaptability.
15:45But there's also a little bit less exciting theory.
15:49A man who claimed to have designed the symbol in the 1980s stated that it was supposed to represent connectivity.
15:55The large circle symbolizes a computer, while the attached shapes, the circle, the triangle, and square, stand for different outputs.
16:04Look closely at a tram's overhead lines, and you'll see that its contact wires zigzag back and forth instead of
16:11going in a straight line.
16:12That's because all trams have pantographs attached to their roofs.
16:17The upper part of the pantograph is gradually worn down by the overhead wire and eventually needs to be replaced.
16:24To wear it down evenly, the wire is not installed strictly along the tram's path, but in zigzag patterns.
16:32As the tram moves, the pantograph slides along the wire, and it wears down evenly.
16:38Those cone-shaped water cooler cups?
16:41Their shape is intentionally designed to prevent users from setting the cups down.
16:46This allows employees to minimize the risk of spilling water on their desks around various electronic devices.
16:53Plus, less material is used to produce cone-shaped cups, which makes the process less wasteful and more cost-effective.
17:00It also kind of supports sustainability by encouraging people to drink their water quickly and dispose of their cups immediately
17:06after.
17:07You're probably wearing a YKK product right now.
17:11I mean, go check the zipper on your jeans.
17:13Yep, that's it!
17:14YKK stands for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha,
17:18a Japanese company that makes roughly half of all the zippers in the world, producing over 7 billion zippers each
17:26year.
17:27Originally called hookless fasteners, they became known as zippers after a pair of rubber boots that could be fastened with
17:34a single zip became popular in 1923.
17:37The name stuck because of the high-pitched zip sound they make when used.
17:42Despite a popular myth, household batteries don't actually contain liquid.
17:47And if you accidentally cut them open, no toxic liquid will spill.
17:51Most of them are dry cell batteries which are made of electrochemical cells.
17:55Those convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
17:59Larger batteries often house numerous small cells within them, too.
18:03Even Tesla vehicle batteries consist of multiple small cells.
18:07When combined, they easily provide the necessary voltage.
18:11Did you know that nail polish used to be a status symbol?
18:15In ancient Egypt, queens like Nefertiti and Cleopatra were famous for their red nails,
18:21while lower-ranking citizens were only allowed to wear pale shades.
18:27You'll probably agree that there's no better snack than a pack of chips.
18:31Some are flat, others have ridges.
18:33Is it just aesthetics?
18:35Not really.
18:36The main purpose of those lines on some kinds of chips is to help with the distribution of spices and
18:41seasonings.
18:42In other words, all those substances that make your chips taste like cheese are mostly stored inside the lines.
18:49Plus, the lines make chips crunchier.
18:52This item here was also popular in ancient Egypt.
18:56What looks like a weird bench was actually a weird type of pillow.
19:00Back then, headrests were made from materials like wood, ceramic, and stone.
19:06Unlike our comfy pillows today, those ancient ones were used to protect people's hairstyles.
19:11That way, their hairdos stayed neat, even though they had a very uncomfortable night.
19:16If you've left a pot on the stove and your food burned, once again, take ketchup.
19:22Its acids will ease all the scrubbing and help you with grease.
19:27Just leave it over the night and you'll be able to wash the pot more easily.
19:32Or, keep those small packages of ketchup we all end up having from fast food orders in the freezer.
19:38The ketchup won't be as hard as an ice cube as it freezes.
19:42So, it will be good for soothing insect bites or similar things.
19:46For eight centuries, forks were considered cursed and nearly forbidden in the West.
19:51The first models were used by the elite in the Middle East and the Byzantine Empire.
19:56And they made their way to the West in 1004, thanks to a noblewoman named Maria Aguirre Polina.
20:03People were pretty shocked by it, to say the least.
20:05So, when she passed away just two years later, everyone blamed the fork, thinking it was some kind of divine
20:12punishment.
20:13By the way, its name comes from the Latin word forca, which means pitchfork.
20:18Next on our list is Nike's iconic moonshoe, but I'm talking about the unique pattern of its sole.
20:25Back in the 1970s, Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman was making waffles for breakfast with his wife when he had
20:32a sudden idea.
20:33To pour a plastic material called polyurethane into the waffle iron.
20:38The machine was ruined, of course, but I guess it was worth it since that's how the first Nike waffle
20:43trainer was born.
20:44I mean, its soul.
20:46That clear fluid in gel pens is called the ink follower or stopper fluid.
20:51The gel in such pens contains pigment particles dissolved in a polymer solution.
20:56The main task of the stopper fluid is to be a barrier to prevent the gel from evaporating or leaking
21:01out.
21:03Without this transparent fluid, your gel pen wouldn't function.
21:07The fluid always stays in one position and doesn't get dissolved with the gel.
21:12Neither does it move backwards or flow out of the pen.
21:16Let's move on to another favorite snack, popcorn.
21:19These days, cinema and popcorn go hand in hand, but it wasn't always this way.
21:24In the 1920s and 1930s, movie theater owners were hesitant to allow snacks in their theaters.
21:30They were worried about the mess and the crunching noises interfering with movies.
21:34Plus, popcorn used to cost only 5 to 10 cents, so they didn't see any financial benefit.
21:40But savvy street vendors saw a big chance.
21:43So, they got their own popcorn machines and started selling them outside theaters.
21:48That's why popcorn probably became the original clandestine movie snack.
21:52And theater staff would even have to check if people were hiding bags of it in their coats.
21:59Have you ever helped your friends move into a new apartment in a building without an elevator?
22:05Then you're gonna love this one.
22:07Houses in Amsterdam have hooks on top.
22:09This is a medieval invention for pulling stuff up the houses.
22:13The simple tech consisting of a wheel and a rope still functions now, centuries later.
22:18Why not just use the stairs?
22:20Well, if you get inside one of those narrow Amsterdam buildings,
22:24you'll see there's hardly enough room to comfortably ascend,
22:28and you can forget about even trying to pull a table on top.
22:32Back in the medieval ages, pretty much like now,
22:35only rich people could afford housing around the canals in the best parts of the city.
22:40Those people were mostly traders, and used the canals for their business.
22:45They stored goods in the same houses they lived in,
22:47and with regular floods, they had to find a way to keep the goods dry.
22:52And that's why they needed to invent something to lift furniture,
22:56goods, boxes, instruments, and food on the upper floors,
23:01and pull it in through fully open wide windows.
23:04The lifting tech is one of the reasons the houses in Amsterdam are leaning forward.
23:09This position helped keep both the lifted stuff and the walls and windows safe during transportation.
23:16They didn't have to touch each other.
23:18The gables also assisted in the process and had to be made firm to withstand all the heavy weight.
23:25And in case you're wondering what gables are,
23:28they're sections of wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof, typical for Amsterdam.
23:34Sticking with old-school fun, it's time to talk about cards.
23:38So, have you ever wondered how many times you need to riffle a deck to shuffle it completely?
23:43The answer is seven times, according to math.
23:47Even cooler, if you shuffle a deck right,
23:49you're probably creating a unique order that's never existed before and never will again.
23:55And if you have a deck at hand, check out the Four Kings.
23:58You'll notice that the King of Hearts is the only one without a mustache.
24:03He's not special or anything.
24:04I mean, he also used to have a mustache, but it was lost in the reproduction of the original design.
24:10Your home has more regular things that can do magic tricks.
24:13Like, if you have a house or a big terrace and want to make a nice flower wall,
24:18try old mattress springs.
24:21Just hang them on the wall and let your imagination run wild with flowers.
24:26An old flower sifter can still come in handy.
24:30For example, as a planter.
24:32Even if you don't have one, you might find it at a garage sale or a thrift store.
24:37Wallpaper is making its big comeback when it comes to home design.
24:42Maybe you can try something different and use some old books with torn pages.
24:46You just need to learn the basics of hanging wallpaper.
24:50And voila! You get a new cool place for your old books.
24:55There's a solution for the remains of an old book.
24:58Don't worry. You can have blocks where you'll keep your kitchen knives.
25:02It's pretty original, don't you think?
25:05Solitaire was probably everyone's go-to game to pass the time back in the 1990s.
25:10But its original purpose was far from it.
25:13When developers created this game, their idea was to teach people how to use a computer without them even realizing
25:20it.
25:21For example, dragging and dropping cards into one place helped people learn how to move files into folders.
25:27The same goes for Minesweeper, which was designed to help people get used to using a mouse and clicking.
25:35Cleaning blinds can be frustrating, but the next time you do it, try doing it with a sock over your
25:41hand.
25:42Hands are kind of perfectly shaped for getting all those nooks and crannies on the blinds.
25:47And the sock will do the rest.
25:51Here's something you wouldn't expect.
25:53Ice cubes can help you remove gum from carpet, clothing, and hair.
25:58Just put your clothes in the sink and add ice cubes.
26:02Leave it like that for a while.
26:04Ice will freeze the gum, so you can chip it away more easily.
26:08If the gum got stuck on the carpet, leave ice cubes right in the critical spot and remove the gum
26:14with a butter knife.
26:16It's a little bit harder to remove it from hair though, but still possible.
26:20Just wrap the ice and parts of your hair with the gum in a washcloth until the gum gets frozen.
26:26When you get there, you should be able to break apart the gum and free your hair using your fingers.
26:34Or, next time you have to deal with a splinter, just take one ice cube to numb that area before
26:40you even start doing anything.
26:42You might have noticed that movie theater seats are almost always red.
26:47This choice isn't random. It has strategic importance, which is rooted in visual science.
26:52The thing is, red light has a longer wavelength.
26:55It means that it's the first color to disappear in low light.
26:59It allows the audience to concentrate better on the screen once the movie begins.
27:03Such a design choice enhances the viewing experience by minimizing distractions.
27:09Speed bumps are crucial for pedestrian safety.
27:12But at the same time, they can seriously increase car emissions due to the non-stop acceleration and deceleration they
27:19cause.
27:21To address this issue, some cities, like London, are testing fake speed bumps.
27:25Those are optical illusions painted on the road.
27:28They look raised from a driver's perspective, but in reality, they're flat.
27:33Authorities hope that this approach will slow down drivers without having a negative impact on the environment.
27:41Soda bottles are always filled in such a way that there's some space between the liquid and the cab.
27:46That's because soda contains carbon dioxide.
27:49It's a gas that can expand once the bottle's heated.
27:52If there's no gap in the bottle, it can break because of the pressure building inside.
27:58Also, when you open your drink, the gases go out in the form of bubbles, making the drink overflow.
28:03The gap helps with this problem, too.
28:06If you're more into Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and other mobile games, that's totally normal.
28:11After all, more people have access to cell phones than to toilets these days.
28:16But not many of us stop to think about how disgusting our phones can be.
28:20The natural bacteria from our skin and the oils from our hands get transferred to our phones with every touch,
28:27swipe, and tap.
28:28This makes phones about 10 times dirtier than toilet seats.
28:32Yikes!
28:33Now doctors recommend risking your life at least twice a day.
28:37I mean brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
28:40But you see, the seemingly harmless toothpaste that peacefully chills on every American counter poses a life-threatening danger because
28:49of one not-so-harmless ingredient, sodium fluoride.
28:53Now, don't get me wrong, not every toothpaste out there contains it, but most of them still do.
28:58But don't rush to the bathroom to trash your tube.
29:01If you swallow a tiny pea-sized glob, it isn't fatal.
29:05I'm talking about larger quantities.
29:07A toothpaste tube has only 0.15% fluoride.
29:11To send you running to the hills, you must consume around 8 tubes one by one.
29:16So, technically, toothpaste is totally safe.
29:20Let's go and look for more dangers at your place, shall we?
29:23Personally, I don't have this one, but if you happen to have a CFL light bulb, you gotta be extremely
29:29cautious with it.
29:30The thing is, many of those bulbs are made with mercury.
29:33If such a bulb breaks, you gotta start by turning off your ventilation system.
29:38Otherwise, the contamination will only get worse.
29:40Make sure everyone has left the room, then open a window to allow for fresh air circulation.
29:46Finally, clean the area where the bulb shattered.
29:49Be careful to address both wet and dry surfaces and contact specialists.
29:54Mercury vapors are definitely the biggest concern when it comes to this element.
29:58Take, for instance, a case of 2008, where a 55-year-old guy in Oklahoma tried to extract gold from
30:05old electronics using liquid mercury.
30:07Unfortunately, he inhaled too much vapor and sadly passed away just 10 days later.
30:12The contamination was so severe that they had to completely gut his house.
30:19Now, you definitely don't want your favorite clothes to get ruined by moths, so you might grab some mothballs to
30:25exterminate them.
30:26But watch out! Those mothballs can exterminate you, too.
30:30They usually contain chemicals like naphthalene or a paradichlorobenzene.
30:35When these get into the air, they turn into gas.
30:38That strong smell you associate with mothballs kicks in.
30:42Those fumes can actually irritate your eyes and lungs and may even cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
30:48Plus, there are concerns about these chemicals being the cause of major conditions that even modern medicine can cure.
30:55Naphthalene is especially risky because it can break down your red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia.
31:02So, try to swap those balls for good old lavender. Moths aren't big fans of it.
31:09Now, it's super important to keep an eye on the plants you bring into your home, because some can be
31:13surprisingly harmful.
31:15Take Diefenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane, for example.
31:19Rumor has it that its sap can cause your tongue to swell up so much that it can block your
31:24airway.
31:25But can it really? Yes and no.
31:28It's true that this plant contains poisonous, tiny needle-like crystals called rapides.
31:33But they require someone to actually chew on a leaf first before any fuss happens.
31:38Otherwise, you might just feel a brief burning sensation or observe some skin redness.
31:44In rare cases, you might see some swelling in the area that touched the plant.
31:48Generally, just a little nibble leads to mild discomfort.
31:51So, please, don't snack on your potted plants.
31:54This warning is more for the safety of your pets, especially cats.
31:59Now, if Diefenbachia stays in contact with the mouth for too long,
32:02it can cause some serious pain that might linger for days or even weeks.
32:07In those cases, a trip to the hospital might be necessary, especially if the throat gets affected, as that could
32:13impact breathing.
32:14But don't believe the hype that Diefenbachia is a lethal poison that's just an urban legend.
32:19The bottom line? One must be really dumb to get poisoned by a dumb cane.
32:26Now, using a power washer can be more dangerous than you might think.
32:30The intense pressure can lead to serious injuries, and the high-speed spray can kick up debris that might cause
32:36even more harm.
32:37If you do get injured, infections can set in quickly.
32:40And without timely medical care, things can get really serious.
32:44Think severe complications, potential limb loss, or even worse.
32:48But honestly, it's not that scary.
32:51Just don't overdo it with pressure.
32:54Here's a friendly tip.
32:56Don't skip out on your weekly house cleaning, especially when it comes to the bathroom.
33:00The longer you put off cleaning it, the more risky it becomes.
33:04Bathrooms are notorious hotspots for bacteria, which makes regular cleaning essential.
33:09You definitely don't want those unwelcome guests like norovirus, E. coli, salmonella, or even Staphylococcus aureus hanging around, along with
33:19those molds and mildews.
33:21Just put things into perspective.
33:23An average toilet seat can host over 200,000 colony-forming bacteria.
33:28And here's another thing to keep in mind.
33:30If you're not careful while cleaning, you can accidentally create a dangerous situation.
33:35Mixing bleach and ammonia can release a toxic gas called chloramine.
33:40Those fumes can lead to some pretty nasty symptoms, from shortness of breath to fluid in your lungs.
33:46Guess what?
33:47If it happens, you will probably kick the bucket.
33:49And I'm not talking about the one you use for cleaning the floors in the bathroom.
33:56On a sweltering summer day, having air conditioning is definitely a blessing.
34:00But don't let that trick you into thinking there aren't risks involved.
34:04If your AC is on the older side, it can lead to various issues.
34:08For example, the ductwork and filters can trap harmful mold, bacteria, and allergens.
34:14If those aren't addressed, folks in your home might end up dealing with coughing, wheezing, or a stuffy nose.
34:20Plus, an aging AC unit can pose a fire risk.
34:24Older components tend to generate more heat as they try to keep up.
34:28And if they're not replaced, you could end up with a potential fire hazard.
34:32Faulty wiring is another concern, as many wires are tucked away in hard-to-reach spots, making them tough to
34:38inspect.
34:39So, if you have an older AC, it's a smart move to have it cleaned properly
34:44and ensure that its parts and wiring are up-to-date to avoid any fire risks.
34:51Snuggling under a cozy electric blanket when the weather turns chilly sounds like a dream.
34:56But if electric blankets get too hot, they might lead to burns.
35:00This risk is particularly significant with older models that don't have an automatic shutoff feature.
35:06So the best way to use such a blanket is to warm up your bed and then turn it off
35:11before you crawl in.
35:12There's also the concern of heat stroke linked to the use of an electric blanket.
35:16Once, two people were discovered unresponsive in their beds beneath electric blankets.
35:21The first person's body temperature reached an alarming 106.2 degrees Fahrenheit,
35:27while the second person's temperature was 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
35:32So, while these blankets offer comfort, it's crucial to use them wisely.
35:37Just a quick heads-up about windshield washer fluid.
35:41It contains methanol, which can really pack a punch.
35:44If ingested, it can cause everything from dizziness and headaches to severe poisoning.
35:49Make sure to store it safely and keep it in the original container.
35:53Never transfer it to unmarked bottles.
35:55It can easily be confused with water and other harmless liquids, and that's a big no-no.
36:01Methanol is super toxic.
36:03For a grown-up, two to eight ounces can do the trick.
36:06You know what I mean.
36:07The windshield washer fluid you dump into your car usually has about 30 to 50% methanol in it.
36:13But the concentrated versions?
36:15They can pack a serious punch with 90 to 100% methanol.
36:20Just remember, these products need to be diluted with water before you use them.
36:25The last everyday thing on our list does seem to be a great buddy of ours,
36:29especially if located in the bathroom.
36:31But although air fresheners can give your home a pleasant scent,
36:35many of them release volatile organic compounds that can build up over time
36:40and may pose serious health risks, including neurological issues and incurable conditions.
36:45I suggest, if you were to ask me, you play it safe
36:49and think about opting for natural alternatives or enhancing your home's ventilation instead.
36:54Got that? Good.
36:58A label on your panties digging into your most sensitive spots is definitely not the best feeling.
37:04Sure, you can cut it off, but often that just leaves even sharper corners that can be more annoying.
37:10But what if you've been cutting those labels wrong this whole time?
37:13Check it out.
37:14On the left, the label is sewn into the seam.
37:17While on the right, it's just hanging on by a couple of threads.
37:21Just snip those threads, and voila!
37:24It's like the label was never even there.
37:26Plus, with this little hack, you can always pick panties in the store that are guaranteed to be comfy.
37:32If you've traveled to Europe recently, you may have noticed how nasty the bottle caps have become.
37:38Yeah, according to the law, they now have to scratch your nose.
37:42Oops, sorry, they have to be attached right to the bottle.
37:45If these bottles annoy you too, try this.
37:48Once you open the bottle, rotate the cap 90 degrees, and pull until one of the plastic connections breaks.
37:55And finally, turn the bottle until the cap touches your chin, not your nose, and drink.
38:01You've been using the colander in the wrong way all this time.
38:04This smart kitchen device has a hidden function.
38:07The traditional way of draining noodles involves dumping boiled noodles into a colander, right?
38:13But if your colander is about the same size as your pot, try this instead.
38:18Place the colander on top of the pot with the noodles, like a lid, and drain the water out.
38:24This method is faster and less messy, and it keeps your noodles in the pot where they belong.
38:31Toilet plungers and sink plungers are quite different, and the toilet version has a handy rubber flap called a flange
38:38that pops out from the cup.
38:40This flange fits snugly over toilet drains, giving you strong suction to tackle stubborn clogs.
38:47While a sink plunger won't help with toilet troubles, the toilet plunger can work on your sink or tub.
38:53Just make sure to keep that flap tucked inside the cup.
38:57And don't forget to give it a thorough clean with bleach before switching from toilet to sink use.
39:02You definitely don't want to mix things up.
39:05If you still work in an office, next time you print out something, make sure to check out this stapler
39:11built right into the printer.
39:13It can staple all the documents that fit in the slot at the same time.
39:17By the way, it's not something new.
39:19Such printers have been around since the 90s.
39:23Why buy a ruler and spend your hard-earned dollars if you can simply use a dollar bill to measure
39:29whatever you want?
39:31Only as long as this whatever is somewhere around 6 inches.
39:35A dollar bill is just about this size.
39:39Even though many people are sure that those tiny holes on the bottom left side of your iPhone are the
39:45speaker, they're actually a microphone.
39:47And speaking of iPhones, if you've got one of the latest models and your phone is out of juice but
39:52there's no socket to be found nearby, here's a nifty trick.
39:56Grab a double-ended charger cord and connect it to another iPhone 15.
40:02Boom! Your phone gets a little power boost.
40:05I bet you've noticed that the hook on a tape measure is a little loose.
40:09Well, that's intentional.
40:11The hook moves just enough to account for its own thickness, ensuring both inside and outside measurements are accurate.
40:18So, if you ever thought it was broken, nope, it's just doing its job.
40:22As for the hole at the end, it's replacing the tape on the edge of a nail to get measurements
40:27from odd spots.
40:29The pockets on new suits are sewn shut to keep the jacket's shape during transportation and display.
40:36Of course, you can unpick them to use the pockets, but you need to be careful with what you put
40:41there.
40:41Anything heavy can easily distort the suit's shape.
40:45The important thing, though, is to remember to cut the threads holding the back vents together for better movement and
40:51comfort.
40:51Oh, and remember to cut those tacky stitches that fasten your new coat's vent, that flap on the back.
40:59Now, that sink squeegee thing actually hides a big secret.
41:03It can store water.
41:05Many sink squeegees have tiny holes that allow water to stay inside.
41:10But why would we need that water?
41:12Oh, you can release it as you squeegee, which will help you rinse the sink as you clean it.
41:19Here's a travel tip that will help you understand U.S. highways.
41:23In the U.S., highways with even numbers run east-west, and those with odd numbers run north-south.
41:29If a highway number starts with an odd digit, it's a spur, which means it doesn't reconnect to the main
41:36highway.
41:37If it starts with an even digit, it's a loop around or through a city that eventually reconnects with the
41:43main highway.
41:43And finally, numbers divisible by five are major highways meant for cross-country travel.
41:51Your iPhone camera can also translate laundry symbols, identify plants, and even recognize some bird species.
42:00It's like having a mini encyclopedia in your pocket.
42:03Another trick.
42:04When using the markup feature while editing your photos, you might want to highlight a part of a picture.
42:10Put a circle around the needed area and keep your finger pressed down at the end of the stroke.
42:16Voila!
42:17Instead of a misshapen circle, you get a perfect one.
42:20It also works for squares, triangles, and stars.
42:24Barilla, probably the most famous pasta in the world, has teamed up with Spotify to create playlists that match the
42:31cooking time for different pasta shapes.
42:34Just start the playlist when you drop the pasta into boiling water.
42:37And when the music stops, your pasta is ready.
42:42Toasters have crumb trays at the bottom that you can and should clean regularly.
42:47Just slide it out and dump the crumbs.
42:50It's an easy way to keep your toaster clean and working well.
42:54You can use Google Maps to share your location in real time.
42:58Just tap your account icon, select location sharing, and choose how long to share.
43:03Your friends can track your progress and be ready when you arrive.
43:07You can also save your parking location by clicking the blue dot.
43:12Do you know that the knobs on some ovens have calibration screws on the back?
43:17You can adjust them to get more accurate temperature control.
43:20It'll definitely help you avoid overcooking or undercooking your meals.
43:25In non-prepaid gas stations in the US, try pressing Enter before swiping your debit or credit card.
43:32It'll take you to the prepaid screen, and you can enter the amount you need manually.
43:38If you're drinking outside on a windy day, place some coins in an empty cup,
43:43and then put the cup you're drinking from inside the first one.
43:46The weight of the coins will help you keep your drink from getting blown over.
43:51Simple, but effective.
43:54Once you've peeled your potato, you might spot some tiny divots known as eyes that still have some skin on
44:01them.
44:01Many peelers come with a handy scoop designed to tackle these little guys.
44:05Just take the scoop, dig in, and pop them out. Easy peasy.
44:10Your favorite potato recipe will be totally eye-free in no time.
44:16A cell phone's camera can help you to figure out whether your remote is working.
44:20The camera is sensitive to infrared, so you just need to turn it on and point the remote at the
44:25camera while pressing the remote's buttons.
44:28You'll see the LED flashing in response.
44:31If you spot nothing, something is definitely wrong with the remote.
44:36Bonus fact here!
44:37White vinegar isn't just for cooking. It's also the real laundry hero.
44:42If you add it to your laundry, it'll take out all the bad smells from your clothes.
44:47The amount to add can be anywhere from a splash to a cup during the wash.
44:52And don't worry about the vinegar smell. It washes away completely, leaving your clothes fresh.
44:57It's also great for removing hard water buildup.
45:03Now, can you honestly tell me you have never used your phone while driving?
45:08I know, me too. But we both know that it can be dangerous.
45:13To help with this, some newer cars have a special feature called a heads-up display.
45:18This option shows important driving information in front of you, like speed and directions, so you don't have to look
45:25away from the road.
45:26It's like a floating screen on the road in front of you.
45:30This can help you drive safer and avoid getting a ticket for going too fast.
45:34Not all cars are so modern, so to drive safely, you need to put your phone away.
45:41Thankfully, some cars have special places for your phone while you're focused on the road.
45:45One specific 2021 model, Chrysler Pacifica, has a feature where the second row of seats can be folded down into
45:53the floor.
45:54It's good for carrying big items. But when the seats are up, these areas are good for storing things out
46:00of sight.
46:01Just remember to check and clean them out every once in a while, because they can become magnets for all
46:07sorts of knick-knacks,
46:08like french fries or wet swimsuits that will surely start to smell at one point.
46:14Keep some cleaning supplies in your car, just in case.
46:18Are you a science fiction fan? I have some good news for you then.
46:23Turns out that flying cars may be closer to us than we think.
46:27And it's not just because they look cool.
46:30Manufacturers are looking into developing such vehicles for practical reasons, too.
46:34For starters, our standard rows are getting pretty congested as time goes by.
46:39We'll need some other means of transportation in the future to be able to cope with a large number of
46:45vehicles.
46:46You can find loads of flying car concepts online, for all preferences.
46:51There's one that looks like a giant drone, and another one like a mini airplane.
46:55The simplest designs just took a car and put wings on it.
47:00Some cars will light up a snowflake on the dashboard every now and then.
47:04In case you're wondering, it's a sensor, and a pretty important one, too.
47:09It shows the exterior ambient temperature.
47:12It gets activated when there's a road warning due to a sharp drop in temperature.
47:17It may sometimes even come with an audio warning or a message on your dashboard to inform you that the
47:23roads may be getting icy,
47:25so you can either adapt the speed or change to the appropriate tires if necessary.
47:32Cars these days aren't just adapted for the cold season.
47:36They come with cool features to help out during the summer months, too.
47:40I'm talking about those neat sun visors.
47:43Check your car to see if it has this added bonus feature.
47:46We know they twist to help the driver out, even when they're not driving directly toward sunlight.
47:52Some visors can also extend, so they can provide shade to a larger area.
47:57If yours can't extend, there's a simple solution.
48:01Buy a sun visor extender.
48:03You can even find them online.
48:05They work by being attached to your existing sun visors or the windows for better shade coverage and visibility.
48:12Now, your car might have another hidden feature.
48:15Well, it's technically not in the car, but in its tires.
48:19These days, some cars come equipped with foam-filled tires.
48:24They were created to fix the problem of air-filled ones that often went flat.
48:28Why?
48:29Well, because foam-filled tires have many of the same benefits as air-filled tires without the danger of leaks.
48:36Regular air-filled tires can sometimes lose air over time, even if there hasn't been any damage.
48:43In most cars with this feature, the tires are not completely filled with either foam or air.
48:48They have a mix of both.
48:55A bonus of these modern tires is that they make the cars quieter.
48:59Generally, electric cars make less noise, but because of that foam, they end up being as quiet as a cat.
49:06Some people like the fact that they're quiet, while others prefer that classic screeching or rumbling that vehicles make.
49:13But even people who like the sound of regular engines might like the quietness of these new models, because they
49:20are still very fast.
49:22Hey, I drive one, and it's fun!
49:26You might have stumbled upon a button called AEB.
49:29It stands for automatic emergency braking, and it's a feature that uses sensors to detect if a collision is going
49:36to happen really soon.
49:37When activated, it will automatically apply the brakes to try and prevent something bad from happening, or make it less
49:45severe.
49:46There are two types of AEB.
49:48One that only works at slow speeds, and one that works at all speeds.
49:52If the car can't be stopped completely, the AEB system will try to slow it down as much as possible
49:59to reduce the impact.
50:02Many cars now have systems that can warn you if someone is walking in front of you and can even
50:08automatically stop the vehicle to prevent an accident.
50:11These systems use special sensors that can also detect bicycles and animals.
50:17However, a study found that these systems don't always work well, especially at night.
50:22Even if your car comes equipped with this added feature, it's crucial to always pay attention while driving and not
50:29rely solely on these systems.
50:32A little thing called lane centering assist helps you stay in the middle of your lane when you're driving on
50:38the highway.
50:39It's not a replacement for paying attention to the road either, but it can help guide you through gentle curves.
50:46You'll still be in control of the car and can turn the wheel if you want to go in a
50:50different direction.
50:52Some systems give you a lot of feedback, while others are more subtle.
50:56Lane centering assist can't handle sharp turns, and in most cars doesn't work if you don't have the cruise control
51:03on.
51:04What's also cool about this feature is that if it senses you've removed your hands from the wheel, it'll give
51:10you the warning to return to the correct driving position.
51:15A lot of accidents can happen when you're reversing your car, like out of the supermarket parking lot.
51:21Parking sensors can help prevent these things from happening by using radar or sound to detect things that the driver
51:29might not see from his position.
51:31These sensors will make a noise or show a warning on the car screen to let the driver know something
51:37is there, like another car or a person passing by.
51:42If you're planning to have a road trip, you know how hard it is to adapt to various speed limits
51:47throughout the country.
51:48Traffic sign recognition is a technology that can help with that.
51:52It allows you to know what the speed limit is on the road you're driving on.
51:57It uses a camera to take pictures of traffic signs and display them on a screen in your car.
52:02This can be helpful if the signs are hard to see or if you miss them while driving.
52:07Some cars with this technology can even change their speed automatically based on the signs they see.
52:14This technology is mostly found in luxury cars, but it is becoming more common in other types of cars too.
52:22The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has made studies that show up to 6,000 drivers per year have bad
52:30accidents simply because they were too tired.
52:33Sure, I would like my car to come with built-in coffee makers or showers to keep me awake on
52:39those long days driving,
52:40but some do have systems that can tell when a driver is getting kind of snoozy.
52:46These systems monitor the movements you make while in the driver's seat.
52:49It looks at things like how you turn the steering wheel around and move the car.
52:54If it senses you're a bit too tired to move on, it'll make a noise and show a message on
52:59the dashboard urging you to take a break.
53:02Some of these systems even show a picture of a coffee cup to remind you to stop at the next
53:07gas station for a refreshing beverage.
53:10Might save your life too!
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