It’s easy to fall into a routine where we use the items that we own certain ways and for certain things. So, when you find out that the everyday items that you do use can be useful in other ways, it can be mind blowing. After reading this, you’ll learn new ways to use those typical household items.
Patch on a Backpack
That little triangle on the front of your backpack with two slits is there for a reason. When people used alpine bags while climbing up mountains, they would hook their ice picks to it.
Hole in a Lollipop Stick
When you finish a lollipop, you’ve probably noticed the hole in the end of the stick. Well, it’s there for a reason. The hole allows the candy to stay on the stick when it is being manufactured. The melted sugar can adhere to the stick better.
Extension Cords
To keep your extension cords from coming undone, tie them together. This way if someone trips over it or it’s pulled accidentally, it won’t come unplugged.
Peel a Hard-Boiled Egg
Nobody likes struggling to peel a hard-boiled egg in the morning. So, hit the bottom of the egg on your counter and remove the shell from the bottom. Then, blow on the egg from one end and it’ll fall away from the shell instantly.
Make a Spoon from Applesauce Foil
Next time you’re looking for a quick snack on the go pick up an applesauce cup. Don’t throw out the foil top though. You can roll it into a spoon to eat it with.
Handles on a Juice Box
To help your kids from dropping their juice box lift up the sides to create handles for them. This will let them hold the juice box firmly and decrease the likelihood of spilling it.
Floss
There is an easier way to floss! Simply create a loop out of your floss so you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers and cut off circulation.
Keep Your Straw in Place
Keep your straw from floating out of your soda can with the tab. Simply twist the tab around and slide the straw through the hole.
Loop on the Back of Shirts
You probably wondered what that loop on the back of your shirt was for. Well, it’s so you can hang it up to dry without causing any wrinkles.
Right and Wrong Side of Bobby Pins
There is actually a right and wrong way to use a bobby pin. The grooved side should go underneath with the smooth side facing out. This will help them stay in your hair better.
Keep Aluminum Foil Rolls in the Box
It’s frustrating trying to rip a piece of tin foil off when the roll keeps coming out of the box. Next time, push the tabs on the side of the box in so that it catches the end of the roll. This will keep the roll from coming out when you pull.
Takeout Containers as Plates
Nobody likes doing the dishes after eating dinner. So, the next time you order Chinese takeout, just unfold the box and it becomes a plate! All you have to do is throw out everything when you’re finished.
The Drawer Under the Oven isn’t for Storage
Most people keep pans and cookie sheets in that drawer under their oven. However, the real purpose is to keep food warm after it’s finished cooking. It’s great for when you’re having parties!
The Perfect Amount of Chocolate
Simply push down on the top of the triangle on a Toblerone bar to get the perfect piece every time. It’s a great way to share with a friend without being accused of giving them the smaller piece.
Open a Can with a Bottle Opener
Keep your fingernails from breaking while opening a can by using a bottle opener. Just slide it under the tab and pop it open. Your manicure will thank you.
Expand Condiment Cups
Those little cups for ketchup and mustard just never seem to be big enough, especially if you’ve ordered the large fries. Unfold the edges to make the cup bigger so you definitely have enough for your fries
Tic Tac Dispenser
We all know the struggle of trying to get just one Tic Tac out of the container. Did you know that the top comes with a dispenser that will guarantee you will have a single tic tac every time?
Trick to Peeling an Orange
Oranges may be tricky to peel sometimes, but you won’t have a problem with this trick! Simply slice off the top and bottom then make a small cut down the side. The peel will come off easily.
The Right Way to Peel a Banana
Most people peel their bananas from where the stem is. However, this is wrong! Just watch how monkeys open their bananas from the bottom.
Easy Way to Eat a Cupcake
This trick will save you from having frosting all over your face while eating a cupcake. Tear the bottom of the cupcake in half and put the piece on top of the frosting. Now you have a cupcake sandwich!
Keep Peanut Butter Mixed
Natural peanut butter has a tendency to separate when it sits in your pantry for too long. So, to keep the oil from separating, store the jar upside down.
Measure Pasta with a Spoon
When cooking spaghetti for one, it can be hard to measure a single serving. So, next time use the hole in the middle of a pasta spoon! This will always give you the perfect serving size.
Your Pot has a Spoon Holder
That hole at the end of your pot handle is there for a reason. You can place your spoon there so it doesn’t make your counter dirty or get too hot if you lay it over the pot.
The Tab on the Bottom of Your Rearview Mirror
Not only is it annoying to have someone’s headlights shining in your rearview mirror while driving, but it can be dangerous too. Well, if you just flip the tab at the bottom of the mirror, it will reflect the headlights down so they aren’t in your eyes.
Choosing the Right Plunger
Who knew that there is a plunger for a sink and a plunger for a toilet? The plunger that looks like a bowl (on the right) is supposed to be for sinks while the plunger with the smaller opening (on the left) is for toilets.
Soda Cap Keeps in Carbonation
There is nothing worse than flat soda or sparkling water. Thanks to the round plastic lining inside a soda bottle cap, the carbonation doesn’t leak out while it’s sitting on the shelf waiting for you to buy it.
The Third Microphone on iPhones
Did you know that the iPhone has three microphones? The first is at the bottom for when you’re on the phone, the second is near the front camera, and the third is next to the back camera. This microphone helps hone in on whatever you’re taking a video of and cut out the background noise.
Beer Bottle Neck
The design of a beer bottle is actually genius. The slender neck helps to keep your beer from getting warm. Next time you are enjoying a cold brew, hold it by the neck rather than the body.
The Extra Hole on Sneakers
That extra hole at the top of your sneaker is actually there for a reason. You can lace your shoes different ways depending on the shape of your foot and the support you’re looking for.
“Pocket” in Women’s Underwear
That little pocket in women’s underwear is there for hygienic reasons. It’s also there to make the underwear more comfortable and breathable.
Hole at the Top of a Pen Cap
The hole at the top of a pen cap is there to keep air pressure regulated while taking it on and off the pen. It’s also there because many people chew these caps and sometimes accidentally swallow it. So, if this is the case, the hole is there to allow airflow into the lungs if they choke on it.
The 57 on Heinz Ketchup
The raised “57” on the Heinz ketchup bottles is placed in a sweet spot. If you’re having trouble getting ketchup out of the bottle, simply hit the number and it should flow right out.
Pompoms on Hats
The cute little pompoms is a nod back to the French marines hundreds of years ago. They would wear pompoms on their helmets for cushion if they accidentally hit their head on a rocking boat. Now it’s simply a fashion statement.
Crease in Pants
Many years ago when men would travel for business, they would pull out their trousers and find a crease down the front and back of their pants. So, to make it easier for business travelers, designers started adding the crease intentionally.
Loops on Boots
That loop on the ankle of many military-style boots isn’t there just for decoration. When you are caught in the rain or step in a puddle that’s deeper than you though, you can use the loop to hang up your boots and dry them out.
Indentation at Bottom of Wine Bottles
The indentation at the bottom of wine bottles is called a punt. This is placed there because it keeps the bottle stable and balanced. It also helps catch any sediment that may fall to the bottom.
Feet on the Bottom of Keyboards
The two little feet at the back of a keyboard has two uses. The first is to make typing easier on your wrists. The second is to raise the keyboard so that it is easier to see the keys.
Tester Cloth
Have you ever found a small baggy with a button and piece of cloth when buying a piece of clothing? Well, the button is provided in case one of the original buttons falls off. The cloth is provided to test out how your washer and detergent will affect the fabric before putting the actual piece of clothing through the wash.
Hole in Padlocks
That hole next to where you put the key in padlocks is there for a reason. If your padlock gets rusty or stuck, simply drop some oil into the hole to lubricate it.
Tiny Jean Pocket
Hundreds of years ago during the Gold Rush and age of cowboys, jeans were all the rage. During this time, men would carry around pocket watches, which is why there is a small fifth pocket.
Disposable Lid as a Coaster
The lid of a disposable cup isn’t just for keeping your drink safe from spilling. It can also be used as a coaster! Simply place it on the table and put your cup on top of it to keep from moisture creating a ring on the surface.
Gas Pump
We all have those days where our heads are in the clouds. So, that is why gas pumps are made of two pieces. If you forget to take the pump out of your car before driving away, the pump will break in half so gas doesn’t leak everywhere.
Metal Prongs on Headrests
If God forbid you are stuck in your car and can’t open the door, take your headrest off the seat. The metal prongs can be used to break the car window. This could save your life!