- 2 months ago
Discover how to turn common household objects into powerful tools with secret secondary features. This efficiency guide reveals over 15 clever tricks that can save time and effort in daily routines. Upgrade your everyday life with these simple, cost-free hacks that make your tasks easier and more efficient.
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00:00Here's how you can protect your bank card from potential fraudsters.
00:04Use a marker and cover the last four digits.
00:06You can also use a sticker that's easy to remove and place it over the security code.
00:12Have you had a houseguest that didn't use a coaster?
00:14Get a hairdryer and hold it a couple of inches away from the stain.
00:18Blow it on medium heat for a couple of minutes to evaporate the watermark.
00:22If a faded ring remains, mix equal amounts of vinegar and olive oil in a bowl.
00:26So, wipe it onto the marked area and rub it in until the stain disappears.
00:30Then wipe it off.
00:32Don't waste time scrubbing the burnt stains off the bottom of a pan.
00:36Instead, fill it with water and add three tablespoons of salt.
00:39Let it sit overnight as the salt dissolves the burnt marks.
00:43And in the morning, pour the water out of the pan.
00:45This way, it will be much easier to scrub all that grease off.
00:49Picture this.
00:50You're on vacation and your shirt has become all crinkled inside the luggage.
00:54You need it tonight, but the hotel doesn't have an iron.
00:57Don't panic.
00:58Hang the shirt up in the bathroom.
01:00And while you relax in a hot shower, the heat and moisture will unwrinkle your shirt.
01:04It won't be perfect, but it will get much better without any effort.
01:08The football is on, and it turns out you've run out of standard batteries.
01:12You can use a smaller battery instead that easily fits inside.
01:16Now take some aluminum foil and crunch it up.
01:19Fit it into the gap on the negative or flat end of the battery.
01:22All done.
01:24You can turn on the TV now.
01:26Once your flip-flops crack and the plug easily slips out of the hole,
01:29it's normally a sign that you need a new pair.
01:32But there's a way to extend their mileage.
01:34Push the plug back through the hole, then take a bread clip and attach it to the end.
01:39The clip will provide enough support for the plug to remain in place.
01:43You've received a package and the receipt is taped on.
01:46You've managed to detach it from the box.
01:48But how to separate the tape without ripping the paper?
01:52Hold both ends of the tape apart, and by pulling it slowly,
01:55the tape stretches and separates itself from the paper without tearing it apart.
02:01Ziploc bags are perfect to keep things dry, but it would be great if they were larger.
02:06Take two and turn one of them inside out.
02:09They can now connect and work as one large bag, big enough to protect a keyboard.
02:14There's no need to carry your keys in your hand when you go for a job.
02:18Instead, put them inside your pocket, take a rubber band, then tie it around the pocket from the inside.
02:24This stops the keys from falling out.
02:27You've broken your key in the door.
02:29It's stuck.
02:30Great!
02:31Arranging for a locksmith could cost up to $100.
02:34But for a cheaper and quicker option, try using a hot glue stick.
02:38Heat the end with a lighter, and once it's warm enough to melt, push the glue into the keyhole.
02:43The melted glue will enter the available space, covering part of the key.
02:48Once it cools, it compresses and gains a strong hold of the key's end.
02:52Now, just pull it out.
02:55If you need to siphon liquid through a hose and want to avoid using your mouth,
02:59put one end in the liquid and hold the other upwards with your thumb closing the top.
03:04Now shake up and down.
03:05This jiggle motion pushes liquid upwards, a little each time.
03:09And once it reaches the top, lower the exit point and let gravity do the rest.
03:14You've left your keys locked inside the car.
03:17It's an older model with a roll-down window.
03:19You could get the coat hanger and begin the long process of finding the lock.
03:23Or use duct tape.
03:25Make about 20 2-foot-long strands.
03:27Stick them onto the window, allowing enough room for the tape to grab onto at the bottom.
03:32Then, with a friend, take the ends of the tape, holding them together, and pull downwards.
03:37The force will allow the window to lower enough that you can unlock the door.
03:42While drilling long screws into hardwood, your old drill might not have enough power,
03:46leaving them only halfway in.
03:49Before the drill gives up, get a block of wax and scrape the edges of the screws with it.
03:53The wax works like a lubricant, melting as it gets warm, and providing easy entry for the screw.
04:00You're out camping, but you didn't bring anything to light the barbecue.
04:04Take a small plastic bag that won't leak, fill it up with water, and close it tight, making a round
04:09bubble.
04:10Hold it over where you want to catch the light from the sun.
04:13The bag of water will work like a magnifying glass, starting up the barbecue, just as long as it's a
04:19sunny day.
04:20Missing a corkscrew or a cork breaking halfway?
04:23By using a stove lighter, heat the top of the bottle.
04:26The heat slightly expands the glass, and this forces the cork out the top.
04:31You've superglued your fingers again.
04:33Take some salt and pour it on top of your stuck fingers.
04:36Put your fingers into the water and slowly rub.
04:39The mixture will dissolve the glue and release you in no time.
04:43While hanging up a painting, it can be impossible to find that stubborn nail.
04:48Place a fork upside down and insert it so the nail is in between the middle fork teeth.
04:53The fork has provided a long arm that's separated from the wall, making it easier to slip the string of
04:59the painting over the nail.
05:00Once it's perfectly balanced, simply remove the fork.
05:06You need to put a cake into a container, but taking it out again later by lifting it up from
05:11the inside might ruin the cake.
05:13Put the lid upside down and place the cake on the lid.
05:16The base of the container is now the lid, making it much easier to access, slice by slice.
05:23Pour out water more efficiently from large jugs and bottles by swirling.
05:28This will make the liquid inside spin, creating a vortex.
05:32The vortex allows for the air to flow back into the bottle as the water pours out, much faster than
05:38the glugging alternative.
05:41There's an easier and less messy way to remove eggshells from a boiled egg.
05:45Once fully boiled, crack the shell on both ends by tapping them.
05:49On one end, pinch off the shell.
05:51Use the opened end to blow with your mouth.
05:53The force of air will push the flesh and expand the eggshell, forcing out the egg undamaged.
06:01When the hinges of your laptop break, repairing them can cost up to $300.
06:06A far cheaper fix is to buy a picture frame and tape it to the back of the screen.
06:12You've dropped a small piece of jewelry on the floor, seemingly impossible to find.
06:17Take a stocking and place it over the end of the vacuum hose.
06:20Give the area a good vacuum and check the end periodically.
06:23You will eventually find it sitting at the end.
06:26You've drilled a hole in the wall, but the drill hole is now too wide.
06:31Remove the screw and find an object that is slightly shorter and thinner.
06:35Pieces of plastic, small wires, paper clips, or even toothpicks are perfect.
06:40Place whichever item you find inside the hole.
06:42It's filled the gap enough so the screw will now re-enter securely.
06:46Taking the trash out can put you in a gross scenario of getting bin juice on you.
06:51A great way to avoid this is by placing old papers at the bottom of the bag.
06:55Now, not only does it absorb all the liquids from the food and other sources,
07:00but also helps prevent bad smells from forming within a bin.
07:04Nobody likes mosquitoes, and pesticides are pricey.
07:08A cheap alternative is to take a plastic bottle and cut the top part off from the bottom of the
07:13funnel.
07:14After removing it, turn it upside down and put it inside the bottle.
07:17Mix two cups of warm water with two tablespoons of sugar.
07:21The mosquitoes will be attracted to the formula inside and become trapped.
07:26Now just sit back and relax without getting bitten.
07:31Did you know that most break-ins take place in the middle of the day?
07:36The FBI says burglaries happen mid-day because people are outside the house.
07:42Don't let your home be an easy mark for theft.
07:45Here are 10 tips to protect your home and some security items you might need along the way.
07:52Number 1 on our list is portable door locks.
07:56They aren't just designed for regular houses.
07:59Let's say you stay in a rented house, where other guests also come and go.
08:05You can carry one of these portable locks with you.
08:09Many rooms have secondary locking mechanisms besides the regular lock,
08:14like security chains attached to the door, but you shouldn't always rely on them.
08:18These mechanisms are only held by screws.
08:22It means they're easy to dislocate.
08:26There are many portable lock models, so what should you look for?
08:30Ease of use is the key for installation and removal in case of emergency.
08:36Most inward swing doors are suitable for these items.
08:40Adalock is a good example.
08:41You can find it on Amazon.
08:43It's fairly inexpensive, has a versatile design,
08:47and most importantly, comes in one piece.
08:50It takes seconds to upgrade your safety.
08:52You insert the claws into the door's strike plate and then close the door.
08:57It'll be held in position with a handle.
08:59There you go.
09:02Burglars don't hang out in your house or bother stealing heavy stuff, like TVs.
09:07They want to get in and out in under 10 minutes.
09:11What you should do is take some precautions to slow them down.
09:15Laminated glass is great for this.
09:18You should consider investing in it.
09:21Normal windows that are made with tempered glass can shatter easily,
09:25but laminated windows are like shields.
09:27They can crack but not break apart.
09:30Instead of making smashing noises and grabbing attention,
09:34the burglar will probably leave.
09:36The structure of laminated glass is different from the regular one.
09:40It holds the piece intact even after a strong impact.
09:44Laminated glass windows are 100 times stiffer and 5 times more durable than standard.
09:51What makes these types of glass so special?
09:55Firstly, it's made with layers.
09:57There are two layers of glass,
09:59and there's a vinyl material in between that helps keep the two layers intact.
10:03As a bonus, laminated ones have a soundproofing feature.
10:08Two birds with one stone.
10:14The interlayer absorbs some of the outside noise.
10:18It's glass after all.
10:20Aren't we going to see the vinyl layer?
10:22That might be the question that popped into your head.
10:25Nope, laminated glass is transparent, just like other types.
10:29Enjoy the crystal clear views while staying safe.
10:32I would say, but unfortunately,
10:35it's expensive to get these specifically manufactured burglar deterring glasses.
10:39You can have professionals install a laminate film onto your standard windows,
10:44or you can even buy security film.
10:47They all work according to the same principle,
10:49but obviously, these alternatives cannot be as strong as the laminated glass itself.
10:56The next few tips come from an ex-burglar.
10:59Michael Fraser.
11:00Now, he's giving bits of advice on how to protect from theft.
11:05His first tip is quite interesting.
11:07Don't put a Beware of the Dog sticker if you have a dog.
11:11If a dog can walk around the house without triggering the alarm,
11:15so can a human.
11:17This is the way burglars think.
11:19Plus, many dogs get friendly in a short time,
11:22unless they're specifically trained to catch strangers.
11:25Otherwise, they can easily be put in a room,
11:28and well, you know the rest.
11:30Bye-bye to precious items.
11:33Advertising your house for sale online is a standard procedure to attract potential buyers,
11:38but also thieves.
11:40With your innocent picks, burglars can have floor plans with virtual tours.
11:45They can easily spot the entry and escape routes.
11:48Sounds like a perfect plan to rob a house.
11:52Number 5 is buying a home security system.
11:56It helps prevent thefts and notifies you if that happens.
12:00According to the data, homes without a security system
12:03are almost three times more vulnerable to break-ins.
12:06There are numerous ones to choose from.
12:09Some are pricey, but luckily, there are affordable options too.
12:13You don't even have to call professionals.
12:15This do-it-yourself security system from Amazon
12:18is an example of a budget-friendly gadget with useful features.
12:22These types of devices are designed to be easy to install.
12:26You'll be guided through an app for the software and for the product itself.
12:31Bonus, you won't have to deal with screws, tools, or drilling.
12:35They have fast emergency dispatch that can notify the authorities if you say so.
12:40Since it's easy to set up, it's perfect for short-term residents too.
12:44Remember I mentioned that if a dog can walk in the house, so can a thief?
12:49Well, technology is not in favor of thieves.
12:52These types of devices can now detect intruders and be friends with your pet.
12:57The sensors can be put in the window, doors, and corners,
13:01but still be adjusted to avoid fake alarms by the pets.
13:06Another device to add a layer of protection to you,
13:09especially in shared residences like dorms, is a doorstop alarm.
13:14These devices are very compact, so you can put them in your luggage and take them on your dream vacation.
13:21You can use it in your daily life.
13:23A doorstop alarm can be used on any door as long as you place it inside.
13:28It works as a door wedge, but it keeps the door closed.
13:31How does it work?
13:33When the alarm is triggered, it will keep the intruder outside the door and activate a noise alarm.
13:38It can wake the owner of the house or neighbors.
13:40This one, again, can be easily found on Amazon.
13:46Ex-Burglar Michael also recommends thinking like a thief.
13:50Ask yourself, how would I get in?
13:52It's a great starting exercise for discovering vulnerable spots.
13:56Walk around your home.
13:58Is there a window that can be easily opened?
14:00Oh wait, is it your laptop on the desk that can be seen from the street?
14:04Speaking of the street, if you buy a new electronic device like a TV or a computer,
14:11don't leave the empty cartons displayed near the trash container.
14:15This looks like an invitation to thieves.
14:18They will know that you have expensive electronics inside the house.
14:22Instead, break down the cardboard boxes and then put them away for recycling.
14:29Unfortunately, first floor windows are entry points in 23% of home break-ins.
14:34To prevent this, you can purchase a wireless alarm kit.
14:38When it comes to the front door, installing a double-key deadbolt can be a solution.
14:44Similarly, motion sensor lighting does the job.
14:48Do you have blind spots around your home?
14:51Upgrade to a security camera with night vision.
14:54If you want to see what's happening inside your house rather than outside,
14:58you can get one of these cool security gadgets.
15:01Orbi Robotic Mobile Sphere is like a ball, but it has a camera inserted in it.
15:06It doesn't have a limited view.
15:08Imagine, you're at the office and want to play with your dog.
15:12Your 4-pod best friend can chase the ball at home while you're away controlling the device.
15:18Ah, okay.
15:18We're here to save your house from burglars, so I'll leave fun pet toys for another video.
15:24Here is a shocking truth about fences.
15:27Most people believe that fences are like guardians protecting their property.
15:31Sorry to break it to you, but even tall and solid ones aren't as secure as you believe.
15:37The number one rule of a thief is not to be caught.
15:40And if they broke into a house with fences at night, they'd be perfectly covered.
15:45Your neighbors can't see who that person is.
15:48You know, unless they have x-ray vision.
15:50The fences should be hard to climb.
15:53One of the points of having a fence is privacy.
15:55But I'm just saying metal, wire, and picket fences are harder for intruders to fly in.
16:01So, we cracked the burglar's code.
16:03Implementing the tips on our list might help you discourage and prevent burglary and keep you safe.
16:08Did you experience such unpleasant incidents?
16:12If so, do you have any other tips for fellow brightsiders to watch out for?
16:18Did you know that every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the United States?
16:24This means that approximately 4,800 burglaries happen every day.
16:29And the police can only solve 13% of all the reported cases.
16:34So yeah, home security is nothing to be joked about.
16:37And so I won't.
16:38But still, don't worry.
16:40It's not like you need to turn your house into a fortress to feel safe.
16:44There are a great number of things you can do to keep the bad people out of your house
16:48and keep your valuables safe without breaking the bank.
16:53First things first.
16:54Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized.
17:01So, you should definitely consider setting up one.
17:04However, there are many different types of security systems out there.
17:08That's why it can get overwhelming to choose the best one for your specific needs, desired level of protection, and
17:14budget.
17:15Yet again, it all comes down to two options.
17:18Professional installations and DIY installations.
17:22Let's go through both of them together.
17:24Professional installed systems require professional monitoring and usually have contracts that are likely long-term.
17:31Professional systems come with fees.
17:34However, companies usually require lower upfront equipment costs since they will spread the cost throughout the course of your contract.
17:42Once you decide on a professional installation, the company will first schedule an appointment with one of their experienced technicians
17:48who can conduct a security assessment and explain all your options to you.
17:53And as long as your contract is valid, you can report any problems you have with the system to them
17:59so they can make sure the equipment works correctly.
18:02All in all, you should pick professionally installed security systems if you want to put up your feet and relax
18:09instead of watching long hours of tutorial videos or reading pages of manuals.
18:14Still, professionally installed security systems may not work for you, especially if you're a renter due to the contract commitment
18:21conditions.
18:22Or maybe you're not a renter, but you simply have budget limitations.
18:26That's where DIY installations come in handy.
18:30The greatest thing about DIY systems is that while the average monitoring price is around $50 per month on professionally
18:38installed systems,
18:39it is around $28 a month on DIY ones.
18:42Plus, there are no installation fees with DIY systems either.
18:46Yet again, you should expect higher upfront equipment costs if you're going to pick this option.
18:51And there's also the fact that DIY home security systems come with the risks of improper equipment placement
18:58and missing security vulnerabilities a pro would catch.
19:02At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to do before choosing a system
19:06is evaluate the needs of your neighborhood as well as your house.
19:12Did you know that 34% of burglars simply use the front door when breaking into a home?
19:18That means if your door is not strong and secure enough, you're basically inviting the burglars in.
19:24So setting up security systems is not enough.
19:27You need to inspect all your exterior doors, too.
19:30Make sure the door frames are strong and the hinges are protected.
19:34You can always use door reinforcement kits to add extra protection.
19:38If your door has a mail slot, don't forget to check if it's possible for someone to reach through it
19:44to unlock the door.
19:45When moving into a house or an apartment that was previously occupied by someone else, change the door locks.
19:52This is the easiest way to ensure that no stranger can just walk into your house using the keys.
19:58One other way to boost security for your door is to use wireless doorbell cameras.
20:04This one from Amazon is extremely user-friendly.
20:07It's 100% wireless.
20:09It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last 1-2 months, so you won't have to charge those
20:14too often.
20:15You can track the battery situation from the phone app.
20:18It also has motion detection technology and super night vision.
20:22And you don't need to worry about the weather conditions because it's also waterproof.
20:27By the way, don't forget about the sliding glass doors.
20:30You can use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep them from being forced open.
20:34Or you can add a door sensor or glass break sensor to get alerted if and when someone is tampering
20:40with them.
20:42We're getting into the very basics of home security now.
20:46The percentage of burglars entering a home through a window is as high as 23%.
20:51The main reason for that is because, most of the time, people forget to lock their windows.
20:57Yet again, burglars can always break the glass.
21:00If you don't want that to happen, you can try reinforcing the glass with window security film,
21:06adding window bars, or installing window sensors.
21:08If none of that is possible, you can also plant prickly bushes under the first floor windows
21:14to discourage burglars from choosing your house to break in.
21:19Now, what's the difference between an actor and a burglar?
21:23Burglars don't like to be in the spotlight.
21:25That's why having outdoor lighting is to your advantage.
21:28Lights should be placed around your front and back yards, along pathways, and near the garage.
21:34To make your outdoor security lights more effective,
21:37you can use motion-activated ones.
21:40Take this one, for example.
21:41It's solar-powered, so it'll help you save energy.
21:44But that doesn't mean you won't have any light once the clouds cover the sky.
21:49It's able to run four to five nights on rainy days.
21:54Also, don't allow the burglars to play hide-and-see.
21:57While trees and shrubs may make your home look more beautiful,
22:01they also provide a convenient hiding spot for burglars.
22:05That's why you should trim down trees and plants,
22:07at least the ones close to your house that could be used for cover.
22:11Choose smaller flowers and bushes instead,
22:13so that burglars don't have a hiding spot to wait for you to leave your home.
22:18The same thing goes for any lock gates, sheds, or other outdoor buildings you have.
22:23Make sure those places are locked.
22:25Burglars can use stools and ladders to climb in from the windows, too.
22:29So, don't tempt them by leaving one outside.
22:33Now, this one goes without saying, but I will anyway.
22:36Lock the garage.
22:38Even if there's no access to your home through there,
22:40it's likely that you still have plenty of valuable stuff stored in there
22:45that burglars might be interested in.
22:47It's also wise to store your garage door opener inside your house
22:51rather than leave it in your car.
22:53This way, you'll be preventing burglars from easily taking it.
22:57If you use a security code to open your garage,
23:00then keep it confidential and avoid entering it in front of other people,
23:04including neighbors.
23:05Some neighbors, well, you just don't know.
23:08Installing a driveway alarm will also help secure the garage.
23:14Now, these days, not just burglars, but porch pirates,
23:17a.k.a. package thieves, are a big problem, too.
23:21Last year, almost one in seven Americans fell victim to them.
23:24This is where security cameras prove to be useful.
23:28First of all, they work as a deterrent.
23:30And secondly, if someone were to really steal your package,
23:33you'd be able to identify them thanks to the security footage.
23:36If you can't spare some money to get a good security camera for the time being,
23:41you can opt for a fake one.
23:43They're a lot cheaper, and they will help make your home look more secure than it actually is.
23:48This one is worth considering if you're searching the market.
23:51It contains a flashing light, which makes it look as realistic as it gets.
23:56Now, last but not least, having a safe wouldn't hurt.
24:00And don't worry, it doesn't have to be one of those uncrackable giant titanium ones in the heist movies,
24:06like Ocean's 23.
24:08Burglars may still be able to break into your house despite all the precautions.
24:13So, you still need to make sure your valuables are protected at all times.
24:17You can hide all things important from your expensive jewelry to your vital documents in there,
24:22just to be extra safe.
24:24If you're going to get yourself one, make sure it is fire-resistant, waterproof,
24:29and heavy enough that a thief can't pick it up and walk away with it.
24:33As they say, better safe than sorry.
24:38You check into your hotel room, connect to Wi-Fi, jump on the bed, and post 15 photos of your
24:44new window view.
24:45When the initial surge of excitement is gone, you notice a suspicious blinking light on your big TV.
24:51Could it be that someone is watching you?
24:54Or have you just seen too many spy movies?
24:57Well, hidden cameras come in all shapes and sizes.
25:01Large ones are easy to spot, but the small ones can be really sneaky and inconspicuous.
25:07They can be hiding behind furniture, in decorations or vents, and anywhere else you'll have trouble noticing.
25:13There are even special cameras that can be hidden in everyday movable objects, like alarm clocks, picture frames, vases, and
25:22lamps.
25:22Check to see if these objects are facing at a strange angle, or if they're positioned to get the best
25:28view of your room or bathroom.
25:31The easiest way to spot a hidden cam is to look for the lens reflection, because all cameras come with
25:38lenses.
25:38Turn off the lights and slowly scan the room with a flashlight, laser pointer, or a special wireless spy cam
25:46detector.
25:46It comes with infrared scanning lights and one illuminating light.
25:51When you find a reflective red spot, you gotta turn on the flashlight to help check if there is a
25:56hidden camera.
25:58Definitely check the vents along with any other holes and gaps in the walls or ceiling.
26:03Some advanced detectors even show you what the camera is seeing, making it way easier to spot and disable.
26:10The detectors only work on cameras that are turned on and working normally, though.
26:17Your mobile phone can also help you find some hidden threats.
26:21Turn on Bluetooth and walk around.
26:23See if any unknown devices pop up on the screen.
26:27Another idea is to install a network scanner app that shows all devices that are connected to the Wi-Fi
26:33network you're using at the hotel.
26:36When it's done scanning, study the list for devices called something like IP camera or cam.
26:44Plus, you can put your phone on selfie mode, turn off the light and close the curtains, and look around
26:50the room slowly while focusing on the screen.
26:52Keep an eye out for purple or white lights on the screen.
26:58You can play detective some more and call your friend or family member and start walking around your room.
27:03Secret cameras should emit a sort of radio frequency.
27:08It will most likely interfere with your phone call signal.
27:12If you start hearing any weird noises while you're on the phone in a certain area of your room, make
27:18sure to inspect it carefully.
27:21Check out the light switches, electrical outlets, lamps, and other objects you normally wouldn't pay attention to.
27:28If they look a bit crooked, have a hole, or seem misplaced, it could be a sign that someone tampered
27:35with them.
27:35Many spy devices need wires and whoever installed them had to hide those wires, often behind the vinyl baseboard.
27:43That's why the place where the floor and the wall meet is another area you should check.
27:49Ridges, bumps, or discoloration could be a sign there's a microphone hiding there.
27:55The same goes for spots on ceilings and walls, even if they're not larger than a coin.
28:01If you do find a hidden camera or something looking suspicious, don't shy away and let the hotel administration or
28:09your booking service know about it.
28:11Don't try to touch or move the device yourself.
28:14If the hotel denies everything, contact local law enforcement.
28:19After you've scanned the room for cameras, check out the mirrors.
28:24Someone could be watching you from the other side.
28:27First, see if the mirror is built into the wall or can be adjusted.
28:32If the mirror is semi-transparent, it will be built into the wall.
28:36You can do a simple test to check the mirror.
28:39Press your fingertip against the glass and push firmly enough to leave a fingerprint as you move your finger away.
28:46Study the fingerprint.
28:48If there's a small gap between the print and the mirror where the glass should be, then it's just a
28:54mirror.
28:54On a semi-transparent mirror, there will be no gap.
28:59Another way to check if your mirror is semi-transparent is simply to tap the glass.
29:05If someone is watching you from the other side, the mirror will make an empty sound.
29:10A double mirror needs a brighter light on the other side than on yours.
29:14Get close to it and cup your hands around your eyes.
29:18Do you see some light behind the mirror?
29:20If so, you might have an unwanted audience.
29:25Before you leave your room or go to bed, make sure every door is securely locked.
29:30By every door, I mean not only the entrance to the room, but also the door leading to the terrace,
29:36if you have one.
29:37You can bring a portable door lock with you for extra security if you're staying in.
29:42You could also start a little DIY project and wrap a belt or a bag strap around the arm that
29:49pushes the door shut.
29:50Buckle it up and wrap it around several times for an extra layer of protection.
29:56Another idea for when you're about to nap or go to sleep is to build a pyramid of stuff by
30:02the door.
30:03Glasses and mugs will do perfectly.
30:06If someone tries to get inside while you're sleeping, there'll be some serious noise.
30:11Intruders prefer to keep it low-key, so they're highly likely to give up on robbing you straight away.
30:18If you travel with some valuables and don't feel comfortable leaving them around the room, you could put them in
30:24the safe inside your room.
30:26But because those safes use passcodes instead of physical locks, someone from the hotel has to know the master code
30:33to unlock it, just in case.
30:35So, you can bring your own safe with you instead.
30:38You can find the ones looking like books on Amazon, for example.
30:41They're made of strong metal and textured paper.
30:45They come with a combination lock and have enough room to fit your passports, cash, and jewelry.
30:52In case you have to leave your laptop in the room and want to make sure no one plugs in
30:56a USB drive to steal your data, here's what you can do.
31:00Leave a bottle of water or some other item next to the USB port.
31:05Measure the distance.
31:06Let's say it's one thumb length away.
31:09For someone to plug in their device in the laptop, they need to move the bottle.
31:14You can take it one step further and drop a pen parallel to the laptop under a certain angle.
31:20You can measure the angle with your smartwatch or phone using the Compass app.
31:25Again, if someone moves it, you'll know.
31:29Even something as simple as a Please Do Not Disturb sign can help you figure out if someone entered your
31:36room while you were away.
31:38Make it look like you left in a rush and the sign accidentally stuck between the door and the door
31:43frame.
31:44If you come back and the sign is hanging freely, then someone must have ignored it and tried to disturb
31:50you.
31:50In that case, you can contact reception and ask to send someone to enter the room with you to keep
31:57you safe.
31:58If you care about the cleanliness of your room as much as you do about your belongings and your personal
32:04safety, this one's for you.
32:07Hotel housekeeping workers normally have up to 20 rooms to take care of on an 8-hour shift.
32:14It means they'll have no more than 30 minutes for your room.
32:18It gives them enough time to make the bed, clean the floors in the room and the bathroom, empty the
32:24trash bins, and dust all surfaces.
32:27But they rarely have the time to take care of smaller objects like light switches, door and drawer handles, and
32:34remotes.
32:35And yes, these are exactly the objects you'll be in contact with the most.
32:39They can actually have more germs than the toilet.
32:42So, if you want to be sure those germs won't land on your hands, bring enough antibacterial wipes to clean
32:50all those things before you touch them.