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Discover the incredible potential of everyday items in our countdown of 15 surprising uses. You won't believe the innovative ways to transform simple household products into essential tools for DIY, home repairs, and more. Learn why these items are worth keeping and how to utilize their hidden functions to elevate your skills. Ready to enhance your life with practical insights?
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FunTranscript
00:00So, consider this. People started making ridge patterns on coins in past centuries to fight counterfeiters.
00:07In the old days, cheaters cut off the smooth edges of coins and used that metal to mint new money.
00:13But with ridges, it became impossible to hide the cutting.
00:17These small cylinders on the charging cables are called chokes or ferrite cores.
00:22They're magnetic iron oxide that helps to prevent electromagnetic interference.
00:27In simple words, they protect your device from faults.
00:31We all know about these little pockets on jeans where people used to keep their pocket watches.
00:36But what about these small metal buttons? They help hold the fabric together.
00:41Weavers put the buttons where the jeans can tear during moving and straining.
00:45These small holes on some backpacks were designed to tie extra gear to them.
00:50So, you can pass ropes through them and tie sneakers if you don't want to keep them inside your backpack
00:55or in your hands.
00:57This tiny dot next to the camera on your iPhone is a microphone.
01:02It helps to get good quality of sound while taking a video.
01:06The Spotlight feature on your Mac can be used not only for a quick search of files and apps.
01:12It also works as a calculator.
01:14Just type in a mathematical problem you need to solve.
01:17Spotlight also uses internal dictionary data.
01:21Enter any word in the search bar and you can get information about it.
01:25You've just bought a new bottle of oil.
01:27You're taking off the lid and looking at this little cork that you can tear off by pulling the loop.
01:33Take this thing out, but don't throw it in the trash.
01:36Put it back in an upside-down position to control the pour's flow by pressing your finger against it.
01:43Tiny ridges on the F and J keys on the keyboard help your fingers navigate during touch typing.
01:50When your index fingers are on these ridges, you know exactly where other letters are.
01:55The brushes on the sides of the escalators are not for polishing your shoes, but for your safety.
02:01These nylon bristles prevent your laces and clothes from getting inside the escalator's gears.
02:07No, that wouldn't be good.
02:09Most door handles are made of brass.
02:12This type of metal is good for fighting microbes.
02:15Bacteria can't multiply that much on such surfaces.
02:19These public toilet's cubicles don't look private for a reason.
02:23Huge gaps at the bottom were created to make you want to get out of there as soon as possible.
02:28Thanks to this design, there are almost no cubes.
02:32You can use a plastic lid from soda cups as a coaster.
02:35It has the perfect shape to hold your drink and keep a table surface from getting wet.
02:41Don't turn the lid upside down.
02:43Just put it on the table the same way it was on the cup.
02:46If you're stuck in a car during an accident and can't open the doors,
02:50you can use bars from the detachable headrest to break the window and get out.
02:56Remember those small plastic discs under the bottle lids?
02:59This little thing helps preserve vacuum inside bottles, keeping soda in a fizzy state.
03:06You've probably watched food heating in a microwave at least once in your life.
03:10Exciting, I know!
03:12But why do the developers make the doors so dark?
03:15This black film is necessary to block electromagnetic fields.
03:19Tiny dots on padlocks next to the keyhole are designed to dry out the moisture if water gets inside the
03:26lock.
03:27Also, if the lock gets jammed or starts to rust, you can pour oil into it through this hole to
03:33fix the problem.
03:35A golf ball is covered with tiny craters for good aerodynamics.
03:39They're called dimples, and this design helps the ball fly further and more evenly.
03:45Some mugs have a little groove at the outside of the bottom.
03:49It helps water flow out and prevents it from accumulating when the cup is in the dishwasher.
03:55Sunglasses were first used not to protect your eyes from the sun.
03:59They used such glasses during Arctic expeditions.
04:02A huge amount of snow can blind you just like a bright flash.
04:06To save their eyes, they came up with these unique glasses.
04:10You can use any t-shirt not only for dressing, but also as a protective layer for your luggage.
04:16Just put your clothes on your suitcase as a cover, and don't waste time plastic wrapping it.
04:22A button on the back of the shirt collar is there to keep your tie under the collar.
04:26Yes, people don't use it as intended because all ties are thinner now.
04:31But this button is still there as a decorative function.
04:35And here's the initial purpose of a tie.
04:37They created it in the 17th century Europe that tightened the collar.
04:42This way, people protected their necks from a strong wind.
04:45Then, they got used to this part of the outfit and made it a must-have accessory for royal gatherings.
04:52Soft pom-poms on hats were first invented several centuries ago.
04:57Sailors use them to avoid hitting their heads against low ship ceilings and ledges.
05:01They make most clothes hangers from cedar wood, since it contains many natural oils repelling moths that love to eat
05:09your clothes.
05:11A light bulb is spherical because such a shape allows the light to distribute evenly.
05:16Also, such light bulbs are cheaper and easier to produce.
05:20Ever found these pieces of fabric and new clothes?
05:23They're not just patches, but also testing subjects to use before washing.
05:28You can put this piece in the washing machine and see what happens to it.
05:32If everything is fine, then you can safely put your clothes in.
05:36Your ceiling fan has two modes of work, winter and summer.
05:41You need to find the switch on it.
05:43Push it up to activate the winter mode and down for the summer one.
05:47In summer mode, the fan pushes the air down.
05:50It pulls the air up in winter.
05:53Most people have this ground plunger in the bathroom.
05:57In movies, they use those to eliminate a blockage in the toilet.
06:01In fact, the plunger is to get rid of a blockage in the sink.
06:04For the toilet, you need another special device.
06:08The extra space under your oven is not for keeping pans and pots.
06:13You can put some dishes there.
06:15The heat of the stove will keep your meals warm.
06:17It's useful if you're waiting for friends late for dinner.
06:22You're taking a pack of popcorn out of a microwave after heating.
06:26See the little hole at the top of the popcorn bag?
06:29You can use it to get rid of small unpopped grains.
06:32Shake the pack over the plate, and all the grains will fall out through the hole.
06:38Almost all people use a travel pillow incorrectly.
06:41Usually, they put two ends forward and lay their heads back.
06:45Try to turn the pillow on the other side.
06:48The arc should be under your chin, and the two ends should be directed back.
06:52Lay your head forward, and your neck will feel way more comfortable in this position.
06:57And you'll get a good nap.
06:59They create magnets in a horseshoe shape to increase their magnetic power.
07:04The blue part indicates the south pole, the red part, the north one.
07:09The two poles work simultaneously and increase the attraction.
07:13Thanks to the perfect aviation design, most planes can fly a long distance even without an engine.
07:20In 1268, Roger Bacon made the first written mention on using telescope lenses for optical purposes.
07:28Magnifying lenses inserted in frames were popular for reading, both in Europe and China at this time.
07:34So it's still a question if the West took it from the East or vice versa.
07:39If you find yourself in the middle of the sea without food, sorry, you can try fishing.
07:46You can use anything for bait.
07:47Your phone, watch, keys, and you can use laces as a fishing line.
07:52Tie the bait and throw it into the water.
07:54And good luck catching the fish that swallowed your phone.
07:58It's going to be a whopper.
08:00You can turn over the tab on a lid of soda cans and use it to hold a cocktail straw
08:05in place.
08:06The blue half of the eraser wasn't originally created to delete the ink.
08:11Initially, the blue part erased inscriptions and drawings on thick paper.
08:15The red part couldn't do it without leaving streets, but the blue one handled this task perfectly.
08:22Most of us tear sticking notes off incorrectly.
08:25Try not to do it from below, but from the side along the licking log.
08:30The paper will stick to the wall for longer this way.
08:34Ever wondered what these two holes in the lollipop stick are for?
08:37All the time, you say?
08:39Well, when they put the bar in hot syrup, the liquid flows inside.
08:44It creates a solid attachment for the plastic.
08:48And so it goes.
08:52You know, there are all sorts of amazing things you can do with products already lying around the house that
08:59were meant for other things.
09:01We'll explore some of those, plus everyday items that have other purposes you may not be aware of.
09:08I'm also in a silly mood, so hey, let's have some fun!
09:12Many pairs of kitchen scissors today have a serrated opening where the handles and blades meet.
09:18You can use this as an herb stripper to de-stem difficult herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives.
09:25Saves you a lot of time trying to pick the leaves off by hand.
09:29And if you're short of a vase, you could present roses to your significant other this way.
09:34Just be careful when you're pointing the sharp end.
09:38The metal tab on soda cans can be flipped around.
09:41You can slip a straw in place, so you don't have to hold it up to your mouth.
09:45This stay-on tab replaced the pull ring tab created in the early 60s.
09:50You remember those, don't you?
09:52Those could be quite sharp and easily discarded, where they could be a menace for others.
09:58Now, you can pop your straw straight into one.
10:01Also means you can produce some bubbles and make a mess.
10:06Sometimes, when you purchase an article of clothing, you receive a plastic baggie with an extra button and a swash
10:12of fabric.
10:13While the fabric is clearly used to patch holes, it can also be used to test the effects of various
10:19cleaners on certain surfaces.
10:21It's handy, too, to test wash cycles before using them to wash the whole garment.
10:27And if you want to clean your nose with it, that suggestion never came from me.
10:32You can use a screwdriver for leverage if you're having trouble lifting or moving something.
10:38Some also have a hexagonal-shaped handle that fits inside a wrench or spanner.
10:43You can use it to improve torque and, again, for leverage.
10:47A little easier on your hands.
10:49Some of us aren't that strong.
10:51Or maybe that's just me.
10:53Rubber bands are great for many things.
10:56But if you have a bottle that's hard to open, you can wrap the band around it for a better
11:01grip.
11:03Escalators have those fluffy black brushes for a similar reason that some have yellow lines on their steps.
11:09To try and deter people from getting too close to dangerous places.
11:14People don't always take notice.
11:15And sometimes, clothing can drape close to a point where the step meets the edge or skirt.
11:21The brush is a little barrier to help prevent this from happening.
11:25They can also catch bits of fluff and prevent other small things from falling down into the gaps.
11:32Your average pair of jeans has several features that are both functional and somewhat sentimental.
11:38The meadow rivets around the pockets help secure the stress points.
11:42This ensures they last a bit longer than average, though not all jeans have them.
11:48Many still have a tiny pocket, directly above the main pocket.
11:53This was originally meant to hold a pocket watch.
11:56Even though pocket watches are mostly a thing of the past,
11:59many people still use this space to store coins, rings, or even a portable USB.
12:06Now, this may seem a little obvious.
12:08But if you've ever wondered what all the notches are in a car tire, it's for traction on the road.
12:15However, there are also a good indicator if your tire is getting too worn down.
12:20If those notches aren't so deep anymore and are almost flush with the road, it's time to replace them.
12:27If you don't, the next time you try to stop suddenly at a stop sign,
12:31you might be surprised to find your car has turned into a giant roller skate.
12:37Those takeaway containers, most associated with Chinese restaurants,
12:41are designed to not only carry your food home, but to store them in the fridge.
12:46They double as a plate, as you can eat straight out of them and don't have to worry about dirty
12:52dishes.
12:52Yay!
12:53They were actually patented way back in 1894 to transport freshly shucked oysters and were known as oyster pails.
13:02They were later adapted to use as leak-proof containers for food.
13:07While you're sitting on an airplane and looking out the window,
13:11you may have noticed those little holes, or in some instances, a small singular opening near the bottom.
13:17This is called a breather hole, and no, it's not for you.
13:21It's designed to equalize the difference in air pressure which builds up between the pressurized cabin
13:26and the atmosphere outside, especially during high altitudes.
13:31It also releases moisture from between the panes to avoid frost from forming on the windows
13:37and obstructing that all-important view.
13:40Sorry, but it looks like you won't be drawing a smiley face on it anytime soon.
13:45This was first introduced way back in 1956 by a company in Japan.
13:50Pretty cool, huh?
13:51They got their inspiration from snap-off rows on chocolate bars.
13:56Just don't get the two mixed up.
13:58One doesn't taste good.
14:01When it comes to measuring tape, almost every reel has an empty slot in the metallic end.
14:06This is called a nail grab, so you can attach it to a nail or screw.
14:12A handy trick to do measurements without requiring someone else to hold it in place.
14:17Ooh, very nifty.
14:20Bobby pins have grooves on one side to hold your hair in place better.
14:24Crazy notion, huh?
14:26The straight side goes face up, while the grooves go down against your head.
14:31They're called bobby pins because of the bobbed hairstyle, which was popular in the 1920s,
14:37though the pins were invented in the 19th century.
14:40The look is gone, but the pins remain.
14:43Please take them out before you wash your hair, as they don't look great stuck to your fingers.
14:49If you've been in a car or a bus and noticed the textured black dots baked into the black edges,
14:56you've probably worked out that it's not there for its pretty looks.
14:59It's called frit, a ceramic paint.
15:02Its main purpose is to protect the window from ultraviolet rays.
15:06It also creates a rough surface for the adhesive to cling to.
15:11Now, if you see a pink lump of adhesive in the corner, please do not touch it.
15:17It's actually someone's old bubble gum.
15:20If you take a look at the bottom of the lock, chances are you'll see one or two little holes.
15:26This is to let water out from the inside that may have been trapped due to rain.
15:30This mini-draining capability prevents the inner working from rusting over or freezing in place if the weather is very
15:38cold.
15:39If, in another situation, the lock becomes stuck, you can ease an oil-based product inside to lubricate the lock
15:47and get it working again.
15:50If you've lost the key and want to ease your frustrations, you can yell into the holes.
15:56It won't do anything to unlock it, but it may help you feel a little better.
16:01Some dress shirts have a fabric loop on the back.
16:04You guessed it, it's used for hanging the shirt up.
16:07The loops were reportedly first used in the navy, as it was easy to simply hang them on the wall.
16:14During the 1960s in colleges, the fashion of the day was to wear the shirt buttoned all the way to
16:20the top, which made them difficult to hang.
16:23So designers began putting the loop on the back.
16:26If the student removed the loop, it signified that they were going steady in a relationship.
16:32Unless your friend ripped one off for a prank, now everyone's asking whom you're with.
16:38There's a little more to this story, but we haven't got time to hang around.
16:42And yes, that's a bad pun.
16:45On purpose.
16:46It's what I do.
16:48Ever wondered why coins have those little ridges along the edge?
16:52It's a leftover from earlier times when they were worth more.
16:56Counterfeiters could easily file the edges off to sell as gold or silver coins to make some profit.
17:03The ridges were created so it was much easier to tell which of the coins had been altered.
17:08It's not needed today, but the coins still have that altered style.
17:12If you ever get really bored, you could try counting how many ridges there are.
17:18Actually, that is a very boring idea.
17:20Forget that and watch another Bright Side video instead.
17:26It's your birthday party!
17:28You made a wish and blew out the candles.
17:31It's time to cut this delicious round cake.
17:34Your guests can't wait to taste it.
17:36Wait a minute.
17:37Are you sure you actually know how to cut it?
17:41Normally, people prefer making V-shaped slices by default.
17:45Although this method is very popular, it's far from perfect.
17:49Some guests won't get enough frosting, while others will get too much.
17:53And besides, cakes are pretty fragile, so crumbs can fall all over the place.
17:59This alternative method went viral because of its incredible practicality.
18:04All you need to do is press a large cutting board against the cake very gently.
18:09Then slice the cake across horizontally and move the long piece onto the cutting board.
18:15Now, you can cut one big slice into several smaller slices for the guests.
18:20This will give them a chance to order exactly as much or as little dessert as they really want.
18:26Wait, who wants just a little dessert?
18:29You will also prevent the leftover cake from drying out too soon.
18:33And if someone asks for more, just keep repeating the cutting board trick as many times as you need to.
18:40If the number of guests at your party doesn't match the small size of your cake, there's an easy tip
18:46to make sure everyone's served.
18:47Cut the cake into small cubes, put them into paper baking cups, and pierce the slices with a toothpick to
18:54make sure the layers don't fall apart.
18:56You can serve this cake canapé on a tray.
19:00When you don't have a knife at hand to cut a cake, dental floss will help you out.
19:05If you manage to do the work gently, the floss will glide through your cake with ease and keep the
19:11icing decoration in perfect order.
19:13This method is also very handy when you want to cut pie or cake layers horizontally.
19:19Of course, it's better to use dental floss with a neutral flavor if you don't want to feel the minty
19:25frost in your dessert.
19:27You're hanging some pictures or framed diplomas on a wall – I have several – but they refuse to hang
19:33straight.
19:33If you're using a wire and only one nail, it's very likely that the picture will get crooked.
19:39So, the better solution is to use two nails.
19:42They will help the artwork stay there straight.
19:45Also, make sure that the wire is only as long as it needs to be.
19:49Otherwise, the excess slack will make the pictures stagger on the wall.
19:53And finally, you can use these small, clear sticky tabs.
19:57Stick them on the bottom corner of either side of your framed pictures and prevent them from slipping.
20:04Now, even the highest-quality markers stop working sooner or later.
20:08But that's not a reason to say goodbye to them.
20:11Glue the markers around the outer edge of a regular flower pot.
20:15Then spray this construction with gold paint.
20:18You'll get a glamorous vase that will spice up your interior.
20:21To complete this project, you can use not only a pot, but any other cylindrical vase or tin cans that
20:29match the size of your markers.
20:32Have you ever spilled your hot drink down on your clothes as you were walking from the cafeteria to your
20:37desk?
20:38Probably yes.
20:39Most people wrap their hands around the mug or use a handle.
20:43But none of these methods is perfect because they leave room for burns.
20:47Recent studies have revealed the best way to hold a coffee mug to prevent any spillage.
20:52And I bet you don't use it on a daily basis.
20:55Put your hands in a claw-like shape and grip your mug from above with your fingers.
21:01This will protect you from burning your palm and keeping your outfit tidy.
21:05And besides, it looks kind of elegant.
21:09Now, in case you didn't know, there are little tabs on the sides of your foil container.
21:14You're supposed to push those in.
21:16Now, when you pull the foil out, it's going to glide effortlessly.
21:20And the foil tube will be fixed in the container.
21:24Shoe stores usually sell their items with small plastic hangers.
21:28Don't rush to throw away this accessory.
21:31It's not so worthless.
21:32If your shoes ever get wet, you can use it to hang them on a radiator, so they dry quickly
21:38and evenly.
21:40This trick is especially handy when you get your feet wet on the way to work.
21:45If you like to wash and dry your shoes in a washing machine to keep them fresh and tidy,
21:50you know that it can get really noisy.
21:53To avoid the sound of rocks rolling around the drum,
21:56put your shoes and your laces inside a mesh laundry bag.
22:00If you don't have a laundry bag, try using an empty pillowcase.
22:04You can also put a large old towel in the washing machine together with your shoes.
22:09It'll rub against the shoes and provide additional cleaning.
22:13Just make sure you don't wipe your face with this towel afterward.
22:17Glass cleaning spray is a great emergency tool to restore your patent leather shoes.
22:23Just spray it on your shoes and wipe them using a soft dry cloth.
22:27Voila! Shining bright like a diamond.
22:31Got some creases on your shoes? No panic.
22:34Stuff your shoes tightly with some fabric to bring them back to their original shape.
22:39Then put a damp towel over the crease.
22:42Gently steam the crease with an iron.
22:44It'll get softer or disappear completely.
22:48Here's a genius tip for storing and serving fresh herbs.
22:52Cut and mix different herbs, then put them in a plastic bottle.
22:56Screw the cap and keep it in your fridge.
23:00Now, you don't have to chop your herbs every time you're cooking something.
23:03You can also make an exclusive salad dressing.
23:06Just add some oil, spices, and sauce into this bottle and shake it to mix all the ingredients.
23:14When you're reheating your food in a microwave, some part of the meal gets too hot while the rest of
23:19it stays frosty.
23:21So, in case you've been looking for different tips to deal with this issue, here's the classic one.
23:26Put your food on a plate and make a hole in the center so that your meal is donut-shaped.
23:32This way, the microwave will heat it more evenly.
23:35But don't put the dish in the center of the turntable.
23:38To heat it evenly, it's best to keep it on the outer edge.
23:42If you need to heat up two meals at the same time, put a clean upside-down cup inside the
23:48microwave.
23:49Then put your second plate on top of that cup.
23:52There you go!
23:53It's easy and time-saving.
23:56You can squeeze lemon juice out using ordinary kitchen tongs.
24:00Cut the lemon in half and put one half into the tongs.
24:04Now press them under a bowl to collect the juice.
24:08Add some water, sugar, and ice, and enjoy your lemonade!
24:13You're cooking popcorn in a microwave and can't wait to start watching the new episode of your favorite show.
24:19After one or two minutes of microwaving, little hard kernels still stay on the bottom of the popcorn bag.
24:25People tend to grab them by mistake.
24:27Biting these little betrayers can be fatal for your teeth.
24:31But luckily, there's a little slit in the bottom of the bag.
24:35Here's what you're supposed to do.
24:37When your popcorn is ready, don't rush to open the bag.
24:40Turn the bag upside down and shake it vigorously under a bowl.
24:44All the unpopped kernels will come out.
24:47Now you can enjoy your snack safely.
24:52If you have accidentally burnt the food on your stove and want to avoid dealing with fire detectors, here's a
24:58simple trick.
24:59One of the best ways to remove smoke quickly is to use a half-wet towel.
25:04Hold on to the dry side of the towel and keep flinging it around over your head.
25:08The damp part of the towel will absorb the solid particles in the smoke very quickly.
25:14And there's no need to use a knife to peel kiwi.
25:18Just cut off the top and the bottom of the kiwi.
25:20Then gently insert a tablespoon inside of the kiwi and twist it to separate the skin from the fruit.
25:28Wow!
25:28Your kiwi is now peeled!
25:30However, some people prefer eating kiwi with skin.
25:34It's perfectly edible and provides lots of fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
25:39So, if you don't mind this fluffy texture, go ahead.
25:43But don't forget to wash it first.
25:46The cylinder on the end of a cable is sitting there, useless as it might seem.
25:51In fact, this is a ferrite bead that assists with many electrical wires to reduce electromagnetic interference.
26:00Electrical wires act like unintentional antennas, broadcasting the EMI.
26:07There's a reason why the spinning wheel inside the microwave is circular.
26:11A circular object will evenly distribute the heat as opposed to a rectangular and square one.
26:17When you place containers of these shapes inside, the energy is focused on the corners, rather than spread evenly like
26:25in a round container.
26:27The temperature gauge on a toaster is commonly used to determine how crisp you like your toast.
26:33But the other, more specific use for the gauge was for the different types of bread.
26:38White and sweet types of bread heat up much faster as opposed to heavier brown and rye ones.
26:44The older bread is, the more time it will need in a toaster to ensure the golden brown results you're
26:51looking for.
26:53Most ovens give you the option of leaving the door ajar when broiling a dish inside.
26:59You probably think the goal here is to help cool down the oven after use.
27:03In reality, its purpose is to focus on cooking the top of the dish and to ensure a crusty layer.
27:11Controlling the buildup of heat and steam by releasing it through the slightly ajar door gives you the desired result
27:18without cooking the entire dish to a crispy end.
27:22You probably have noticed that your dishwasher has specific areas for different types of cutleries and dishware.
27:29But all the dishware pieces should be facing towards the center and not all in one direction.
27:35What types of foods were on the plates will also determine where they should be located in the racks.
27:41As the middle of the machine gets the strongest spray, carb-based stains from tomatoes and potatoes should be placed
27:48there.
27:49The detergent is more focused on the outside during the clean, creating a waterfall-like cleanse.
27:56That's why protein-based stains, like from eggs for example, should be stacked there.
28:03Ceiling fans push cool air down on a hot day, circulating the room.
28:08But they can serve you during the winter just as effectively if you flick that switch on the side or
28:13use the pulley.
28:15So if you want to save some money on heating and try to quickly warm up your room on a
28:19cold day,
28:20turn the fan on.
28:21It will push the air up and spread the warm air around, more effectively warming the room up.
28:28Do you still use sticky notes instead of those fancy new apps on all possible gadgets?
28:33Welcome to the club.
28:39If you've had this issue, it's because you've peeled them from the bottom upwards.
28:44Doing it this way causes the curling.
28:46Peeling them from the side will ensure they remain flat, ready to remind you of your daily tasks.
28:53Did you know that can openers weren't invented until 50 years after preservation cans had been readily available?
29:00So how would it be possible to open a can?
29:03There are a couple of alternative methods just in case you've misplaced your trusty opener.
29:08All you need is a metal spoon.
29:11Set the can down on the counter.
29:13Hold on to it firmly and grasp the head of the spoon tightly.
29:17Apply pressure and vigorously rub the edge of the can's top over a small area.
29:23It takes time, but as you continuously rub, a small indentation soon opens a hole.
29:29Once the hole is wide enough for the spoon's tip, pry the lid upwards and keep going along the edges,
29:34until you can finally access the hard-earned meal within.
29:39Most toilets rely on water pressure and gravity to function, so a power outage will not affect them.
29:45But if yours does need electricity to function, you must be worried about using it when the power is out.
29:52The good news is, the power is only used to fill the toilet and not to flush it.
29:57As the flushing mechanism will still work, open the toilet tank and pour in a couple of gallons,
30:02and you're free to flush away whatever you need to.
30:06Blockages in shower drains occur over a long period of time.
30:10It's inevitable.
30:11We lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, and many of them will endeavor to reside within our shower drains.
30:18Hair only forms the foundations of the blockage, and this attracts the build-up of various other things.
30:24A great life hack is to use your vacuum cleaner and put the nozzle in the hole once removing the
30:29plug.
30:30Apply a wet cloth around the nozzle, ensuring air cannot escape.
30:34The vacuum will suck up the blockages a lot easier.
30:38This will help avoid any extra costs from plumbers.
30:44To make your candles last longer, trim their wicks multiple times and keep them as far away from water and
30:51moist as possible.
30:52It will guarantee that your candle's wax stays firm and steady, and continues to burn slower for a longer period
30:59of time.
31:01The empty space between the panes of the oven door is there for a reason.
31:06You can stick a brush in there to clean the oven door glass.
31:09It's easy to access this space through the bottom of the door, open the lower shelf, then push the brush
31:15through the hole.
31:17While you're parking in a garage, you might find it difficult to determine how close to it you need to
31:22be.
31:23Not all cars have sensors, ensuring you keep the right distance before the bumper makes an indentation on the wall.
31:30Applying a rope with a tennis ball from the ceiling at the right distance will help you learn the best
31:35distance to park from the wall.
31:38We've all been told to loosen a lock with WD-40 or lubricant.
31:42Yes, we all know we should have these around the house.
31:45But in case you don't, a great alternative is drawing with a gray lead pencil along the edges of the
31:51key and then putting it into the lock.
31:54Continue doing this until the keyhole has been adequately lubricated and the key functions smoothly.
32:01Pliers are prone to damage when you use them to adjust faucets and shower heads and are also difficult to
32:07grip.
32:08Take a couple of pieces from the end of an old garden hose and attach them to the jaws of
32:13the pliers.
32:14You'll find a huge improvement with grip and will avoid wear and tear.
32:19You can find a good use for discarded rubber for different things around the house.
32:24When fed up with tightening or loosening with a screwdriver, try using a simple rubber band.
32:30Place part of it into the screw grip and the screwdriver will have far greater traction.
32:37Moving cement blocks isn't safe for your lower back.
32:40Even with a wheelbarrow, it can be a risky process to place the cement onto the ground without causing damage.
32:47Three simple cylinder pipes can make a world of difference, regardless of the size of the block.
32:51Try lifting the edge onto the first pipe with a pry bar, then pushing and maneuvering as you gradually direct
32:59the three pipes towards the desired location.
33:02Just make sure you're not doing this on a slope.
33:06That first strike on a nail can be a great success or will result in a throbbing thumb.
33:12A bobby pin is perfectly shaped to hold a nail in place, allowing for your hand to be clear out
33:18of harm's way and for you to strike the nail without fear.
33:22Use a crayon instead of a pen or pencil while working with a wet saw to ensure the markings are
33:29not removed.
33:30They will also be easier to see under the murky water.
33:35Checking the drains on the roof and determining when they need to be cleaned can take a lot of time.
33:41Using duct tape, attach a mirror on the end of a long broom and review whether the drains need to
33:47be cleaned.
33:48To further assist with your balance as you check on the gutters, attach a pair of old trainers to the
33:54end of the ladder.
33:55The spread of the shoe and its grip will ensure a further level of safety.
34:01Liquid caulk normally comes in huge tubes, so you can never use it all at once.
34:05The hardened tips of liquid caulk create blockages.
34:09Grab a used cork and drill through it to make a perfect lid, concealing the liquid caulk.
34:15Now it's ready to be used again with no blockages.
34:19Okay, I know it's kind of cold to the touch, especially on a freezing winter's day.
34:24But did you know that brass doorknobs actually serve a purpose apart from looking classy and shiny?
34:28Since it's a copper alloy, brass has antimicrobial properties.
34:32That means it can help get rid of harmful germs and bacteria, sometimes in up to two hours.
34:38In high-traffic areas, that's all the more useful.
34:41But since brass is much costlier than other metals like nickel and steel, you barely see these types of doorknobs
34:47anymore nowadays.
34:49Speaking of lovely multi-purpose items, most screwdrivers have a tiny little secret of their own.
34:54They can sometimes be slid through a wrench so that they can be used to create more torque when twisting.
34:59Not to mention the uses when it comes to bolts in hard-to-reach places.
35:04There's a reason why buttons on women's shirts are for the left-handed, and it has nothing to do with
35:09fashion.
35:10This practice dates back to the times when chambermaids were helping ladies dress themselves,
35:15and it was easier for them to perform their job with this orientation.
35:19Having the buttons placed as such indicated a sign of wealth,
35:23so it's easy to imagine why the practice carried on, even though most people dress themselves nowadays.
35:29Next time you receive a package in your mail, take a look at your box cutter.
35:34If it features some diagonal lines on the blade, you're in for a little design perk.
35:38Turns out that these are blades that snap off.
35:42Continuously cutting cardboard can dull the sharp edge of the blade.
35:45To help prevent the need to buy a brand new box cutter,
35:48the top segment along the next line can be broken off to reach a new sharp edge.
35:52To do this, check out the small hole at the base of the tool, sometimes called the blade snapper.
35:58The people that first came up with this brilliant invention were engineers,
36:02inspired by the way chocolate bars are segmented.
36:05Hold on a minute, don't throw away the cardboard package just yet.
36:09Most likely, you'll have some silica gel packets somewhere at the bottom of the box.
36:13Since this gel is basically a drawing tool, it gathers up the moisture out of its environment,
36:18so you can store these packets for further occasions.
36:21Whether you'll need to dry out your phone or some other electrical object,
36:24you can place them in a container next to the silica gel to reduce the damage.
36:29You don't have to be a mechanic to know when a standard car tire needs replacing,
36:33since they come equipped with a neat indicator.
36:36Take a closer look, and you'll see that treads within the tire are a bunch of rubber notches.
36:41When the treads are evened out with the perpendicular bars,
36:45it's a sign you need to book an appointment with your local car service.
36:49Since most likely the tires have lost most of their traction and may not be safe for driving any longer.
36:55The upper corners of a car windshield feature textured black dots melted into the glass edges.
37:00This neat add-on isn't there for design purposes.
37:03It's called frit glazing, which means that a special type of ceramic paint is added to the window for protecting
37:11its sealant from UV rays.
37:13It also conceals and creates a coarser surface for the adhesive used to set the window in place.
37:20Whenever you're up for a drive, check out if there's a small tab under your car's rear-view mirror.
37:26Bet you didn't know it's there to help switch the mirror from daytime to nighttime views.
37:32It uses a prismatic glass technology to blur the reflection and reduce the glare of headlights behind you in traffic.
37:40People came up with these manually tilted mirrors in the 1930s, but they became standard somewhere in the 1970s.
37:47While you're in the car, check out the headrests, as you most likely don't know that they carry a little
37:52disguised purpose.
37:54Of course, they're adjustable to accommodate passengers of any height so that they get the proper support for their heads
37:59and necks.
38:00The hidden feature is that they are detachable and come with two very solid metal bars.
38:06Should you ever find yourself stuck in a car and need to make a fast getaway?
38:11These bars come in handy to crack out the car windows.
38:14So you're out for a drive and you're suddenly out of gas.
38:18What I'm about to describe sounds more like a meme than an actual situation bound to happen.
38:22But what if you're in such a hurry that you accidentally drive off with the gas nozzle still in the
38:28tank?
38:29Well, the nozzles have been designed to prevent any hazards from happening, rest assured.
38:34They feature a breakaway device that will allow the hose to separate when taken out with enough force.
38:40Initially designed in the early 20th century to be worn exclusively by basketball players, sneakers soon became one of those
38:47fashion fundamentals, similar to jeans and leather jackets.
38:51If you take a closer look at them, you'll see they have two extra holes on the side, similar to
38:56the shoelace holes.
38:57They're manufactured as such not only to provide extra ventilation, but to allow people to get extra creative with their
39:03laces when wearing the shoes.
39:05Admit it, you've always thought that chopsticks are merged at the end for the sole purpose of keeping them together
39:11until you're ready to dig into your meal.
39:13That may or may not be the whole truth.
39:16Under a more detailed inspection, the wooden tools feature a square-shaped end.
39:21Chopsticks manufactured like this date back to an old Japanese traditional design, which can help with breaking the ends easily.
39:28The separated end can then be used as a resting block for the chopsticks to keep it more sanitized in
39:34hopes it can be used again, since they won't be touching the table or any other surface.
39:39Women's bikes have a special design, which, surprisingly, has a historical and fashionable purpose.
39:46The lower frame is for the most part meant to make up for the generally shorter height of ladies, compared
39:51to that of the average gentleman.
39:52While that is the case for handlebars and saddles, the overall frame is lower for an additional purpose.
39:59Way back when women wore long skirts and dresses all day, every day they needed to make sure their outfits
40:05wouldn't get caught in the frame.
40:07That's how we came up with a lower-framed bicycle, perfectly made for women and their needs at the time.
40:13The fact that toothpastes are multi-colored is not just a nice perk to make dental hygiene more fun.
40:20There's a secret meaning related to each of the colors, which dates back to the 1970s.
40:25In those days, people grew more and more interested in their oral health care, and as such, they were looking
40:32for products which could do more than merely clean their teeth.
40:35One company was the pioneer in that regard, adding mouthwash to its toothpaste, meaning the blue strip.
40:41They later added on the red strip, meant to feature ingredients which helped with gum care.
40:47Speaking of toothpaste, check the cap next time you open a new tube.
40:51You may be in for a little surprise.
40:53There's a pointed cone shape inside the cap, so you can puncture the seal of the toothpaste without cutting yourself
40:59or ruining your manicure.
41:01Not to mention, it's more hygienic since you won't be able to transfer germs or other bacteria into the product
41:07itself.
41:08On the subject of bathroom countertop items, toothbrushes come with a neat add-on hidden in the bristle patterns.
41:15Apart from making the toothbrush look cooler, they also do come with a practical purpose.
41:20Most toothbrushes come with a pattern of blue bristles intertwined with white ones.
41:25The blue dye is meant to fade out, signaling the time when you need to replace your toothbrush.
41:31Dentists say that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, but it does serve as a great reminder
41:37in case you forget.
41:38Still love playing with Lego?
41:40Don't judge.
41:41Hey, it's a great hobby for all ages.
41:43Notice there's a hole on top of the Lego heads?
41:46Behold, you're looking at a safety feature that the people at Lego designed to prevent choking hazards.
41:52The most dangerous issue should a person swallow any of these pieces is the blocking of the airways.
41:58Designing a hole inside the Lego head helps the air to flow freely through the piece until it can be
42:04removed safely.
42:06We're now used to all sorts of modern light bulbs, some tubular, some shaped like diamonds, and some even twisted
42:12all together.
42:14Historically, light bulbs were round and the initial shape served a purpose in itself.
42:19It was mainly connected to the fact that glass bulbs were hand-blown, which gave them the round shape to
42:24begin with.
42:25The hidden practical reason was that the light bulb filament needed to be at the same distance from every surface
42:31of the glass sphere.
42:32The easiest way to achieve this was to make the glass in the shape of a globe.
42:39You're thirsty, so you crack open a soda can and take a few big gulps.
42:44Next thing you know, you're out of commission.
42:46Turns out, that can was contaminated with something nasty, like rat urine, and you had no clue.
42:54Just goes to show, you never know what might be lurking in that seemingly innocent drink.
43:00During transportation, storage, or handling, cans can pick up germs, bacteria, and dirt.
43:06When you drink straight from the can, those germs can easily enter your body.
43:11Cans are often stored in warehouses and rarely get a good cleaning before they reach you.
43:16Warehouse conditions can be pretty gross.
43:19Think rats running over them and less than ideal hygiene.
43:24To stay safe, it's a good idea to clean cans before drinking from them.
43:28Experts suggest giving them a quick wash with soap and water to avoid contamination.
43:33Studies have shown that unwashed bottles can be full of bacteria, so this step is really important.
43:40Now, quick question.
43:42Who's taken out more people?
43:44Sharks or vending machines?
43:47Surprisingly, vending machines have a darker history.
43:50Let's dive in.
43:51But first, let's define what counts as a vending machine casualty.
43:55We'll rule out things like expired snacks or electric shocks.
43:59Those aren't the machine's fault.
44:02What we do count are incidents where someone was severely harmed or, what's worse, passed away from rocking or tilting
44:08the machine.
44:10For sharks, any fatal encounter counts.
44:14In a 1995 report, there were two severe incidents that ended up in demise and one serious injury linked to
44:22vending machines.
44:24Since 1978, there have been at least 37 such incidents and 113 injuries, which gives us about two fatalities per
44:33year.
44:34Compare that to one shark-related incident in 2021.
44:38However, this data is quite old.
44:40Since 2008, there haven't been any reported vending machine incidents.
44:45Why the drop?
44:46It could be due to warning signs and credit card readers reducing the need to shake machines.
44:52But remember, your risk varies based on where you live and your habits.
44:57In the end, the vending machine versus shark comparison isn't quite accurate anymore.
45:03Today, you're more likely to have a serious encounter with a shark than a vending machine.
45:07But the point remains.
45:09Sharks aren't the bloodthirsty hunters they're made out to be.
45:13So, someone pointed out your visible nose hairs and now you're looking for ways to deal with them.
45:18You might think plucking is the way to go, but hold up, it's not as safe as you think.
45:23Here are three solid reasons to avoid plucking your nose hair.
45:28Your nose is full of delicate nerves, follicles, and plenty of bacteria.
45:34Plucking nose hair can damage the sensitive skin inside your nostrils, letting germs in and causing issues like infections and
45:40inflammation.
45:42Also, just like with waxing, plucking nose hair can result in ingrown hairs.
45:47As the hair grows back, it might curl into the follicle, causing bumps, discomfort, and inflammation.
45:54This can lead to folliculitis, which shows up as small, pus-filled red bumps and can be itchy or painful.
46:01In severe cases, plucking nose hairs can cause nasal farunculosis, a deep follicle infection with swelling and discomfort.
46:09This infection can spread to blood vessels near the brain, potentially leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis,
46:16a condition where blood clots form behind the eye sockets.
46:19If not treated, this condition can be life-threatening and may cause permanent brain damage.
46:25To avoid these problems, go for trimming your nose hair instead.
46:29Trimming doesn't make your hair grow back thicker or faster,
46:32and it helps maintain the right amount of nose hair to keep out pathogens.
46:38Contact lenses are meant to help you see, but they can make you turn completely blind.
46:44One big no-no is wearing your contacts in the shower.
46:48It's bad for both your lenses and your eye health.
46:51Showering with contacts is like swimming or sleeping with them in.
46:54It's a common mistake.
46:56Water and contacts just don't mix.
46:59You need to keep your lenses clean to avoid any issues.
47:03If water gets behind your lens, germs or chemicals like chlorine can get in there and cause trouble.
47:09At best, you might end up with sore or itchy eyes.
47:12Worse, you could get conjunctivitis from a bacterial infection.
47:16In rare, serious cases, you might even face infections, which can sometimes lead to blindness.
47:23Most people wear contacts in the shower accidentally rather than doing it on purpose.
47:28If this happens, close your eyes right away and carefully step out of the shower to remove your lenses.
47:33If your eyes feel sore or look red afterward, contact your optometrist, ASAP.
47:40Always use the cleaning solution your optometrist recommends to sterilize your lenses before putting them back in.
47:46But really, it's best to take out your contacts before showering or bathing.
47:51If there's one piece of home decor you should keep a close eye on, it's snow globes.
47:56They might seem harmless, but a family in East Hampton, Massachusetts would beg to differ.
48:01In a crazy turn of events, a snow globe sparked a fire in their apartment while no one was home.
48:08Luckily, quick-thinking neighbors and a swift response from the fire department kept the blaze from spreading through the entire
48:14complex.
48:15It was a normal Thursday morning when, around 11.30 a.m., neighbors heard smoke alarms blaring in the apartment
48:22and dialed 911.
48:24Firefighters arrived to find the place locked, so they had to force their way in.
48:29Inside, they found a small fire on the coffee table and a room filled with smoke.
48:34There, they also saw the culprit.
48:36It was a snow globe.
48:37It was sitting just right on the coffee table, and the sunlight hit it at the perfect angle, magnifying onto
48:44some cardboard and styrofoam and setting them on fire.
48:47While it's not calming, fires started by magnified sunlight do happen.
48:52Many firefighters have seen blazes ignited by mirrors and magnifying glasses.
48:57So, keep those snow globes out of direct sunlight.
49:01Better safe than sorry.
49:05All right, let's talk about fatal fruit.
49:08No, I'm not going to bore you with another lame list of the most poisonous fruits out there.
49:13Instead, I'm going to tell you about something heavenly tasty that can make you teleport to the heavens in a
49:19matter of seconds.
49:21Meet the coconut.
49:22This seemingly innocent fruit has a dark side.
49:26Coconuts are responsible for around 150 fatalities each year.
49:31These bad boys have a whole page dedicated to the fatal incidents they've caused.
49:36A full-size coconut weighs about 3 pounds 3 ounces.
49:40And if you know a thing or two about physics, you'll understand that gravity makes them even more dangerous when
49:46they fall from trees.
49:47But it's not just falling coconuts you need to worry about.
49:51Consuming large amounts of coconut water can lead to sudden cardiac arrest due to hyperkalemia, thanks to its high potassium
49:59levels.
49:59And while rare, there have been cases of anaphylaxis in people with coconut allergies.
50:05While the most common way coconuts cause harm is by falling and hitting someone, there have been some unusual incidents
50:12too.
50:13In December 1923, a man in Newcastle, Pennsylvania passed away while trying to crack open a coconut with the butt
50:20end of a loaded revolver.
50:22It went off, and he was shot in the abdomen.
50:25You know those handy selfie sticks that help you nail the perfect shot?
50:29Turns out, they can be way more dangerous than you'd expect.
50:33These little gadgets have led to a surprising amount of injuries and even some fatalities.
50:38People have accidentally knocked themselves or others out, taken a tumble off cliffs, and even been hit by cars while
50:46trying to get that insta-worthy pic.
50:49Some popular landmarks have even banned selfie sticks altogether.
50:53For instance, the oceanfront in Mumbai has said no to selfie sticks.
50:58India, by the way, leads the world in selfie-related deaths.
51:01Nearly 40% of the 49 globally recorded fatalities over the past three years happened there.
51:08If you still think selfie accidents aren't a big deal, consider this.
51:12From 2008 to mid-2021, a staggering 379 people lost their lives while trying to get that perfect shot.
51:21So yeah, it's definitely something to take seriously.
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