You would never have guessed the common denominator among coin ridges, coat hangers, solo cups, and TV antennas. These everyday household items carry secrets that you never knew about! They can actually help solve pesky house problems by repurposing them. Keep reading to make your life easier!
Did You Know That These Common Household Items Are Meant To Be Used This Way?
Wine Bottle Dip
Have you ever noticed that dip at the end of your wine bottle? Called the punt or kick-up, it is designed to give the bottle stability so that it does not fall over or break after a gust of wind. This also helps keep the bottle strong to keep in sparkling drinks. Lastly, it helps distribute steam when they clean the bottle!
Wine Bottle Dip
Shirt Loops
You will find shirt loops on t-shirts and collared shirts. It all started with the Navy. Without closet space on the boats, sailors used the loops to hang their shirts. In the ‘60s, college students also used it to keep their shirts crisp when they went to the gym. Manufacturers have chosen to leave them until now.
Shirt Loops
Gas Gauge Arrow
If you drive the car made from 2010 to the present, you might have noticed the arrow beside the gas gauge. It is there to remind drivers where their gas cap is! Of course, it would not be all that helpful if you have used your car for some time. However, it comes in handy for rentals or new vehicles.
Gas Gauge Arrow
Charcoal Purifies Air And Removes Odors
You can get activated bamboo charcoal from the home goods store. It is good at removing odors and purifying the air. Apart from that, it can get rid of both bacteria and allergens. Just place them in mesh bags and add it in the spot with bad odors. You can also buy BreathGreen Charcoal Bags for $10 apiece.
Charcoal Purifies Air And Removes Odors
Random Jean Buttons
If you love jeans, you must have noticed the extra buttons all over them. Often found in the pocket area, these rivets are added to prevent the seams from wearing out and ripping open. Levi Strauss of the famous jeans company owns the patent on them. He got the idea after hearing miners complain about how quickly their jeans wore out in 1829.
Random Jean Buttons
Extra Fabric With New Clothes
Your new clothes probably come with small bags with extra fabric. Perhaps you thought they were meant to patch up tears and rips. The truth is that it is considered to be a trial piece that you can use in the wash. This way, you will know if it shrinks or bleeds based on your regular setting. What a good idea!
Extra Fabric With New Clothes
Pot Handle Holes
Why are there holes in the handles of pans and pots? First, they can be used to hang up kitchenware. After you wash them, you can dry them this way. You can also use this hole to keep the stirring spoon and ladle! It is quite convenient, so make sure that you use it to keep your utensils clean.
Pot Handle Holes
Winter Hat Pom-Poms
Why do winter hats come with pom-poms? This is a feature that can be traced to Scandinavia. Knitters added the feature for gathering the seams. We are glad that this tiny detail has stayed on until now!
Winter Hat Pom-Poms
Airplane Window Holes
We do not know if you have noticed it before, but the window seat on the plane has a hole. It is known as the breather hole. It lets the outer panes combat the pressure difference as the plane climbs higher. It helps the cabin remain at a safe level. If the outer pane is compromised, there will be an air leak!
Airplane Window Holes
Black Grating In The Microwave
If you ever took a good, hard look at your microwave, you will see that the door has black grating. Known as the Faraday shield, it stops electromagnetic fields from getting out of the microwave. This helps keep you safe and cooks your food at the same time!
Black Grating In The Microwave
Dimples On Golf Balls
Golf balls are not perfectly round since the surface comes with dimples. It all started when golfers saw that balls with bumps and nicks travel longer distances. Thanks to the imperfections, turbulence reduces drag. After figuring this out, they decided to add dimples to the golf balls to add more lift!
Dimples On Golf Balls
Long Bottle Necks
Adult drinks often come in long neck bottles. The shape lets you hold it for a long period of time without discomfort. They distribute the heat throughout the bottle too. Lastly, it lets you pour the contents into a glass or mug easily. Unfiltered beers often use ones with more bulbous necks to catch the sediments.
Long Bottle Necks
Can Tabs
Tabs are common can features. Maybe you do not like them because they keep falling into your drink. You can actually use them to hold your straw. Even so, not many folks use one when drinking from a can these days. In fact, the can was redesigned with a wider mouth to make it easier to drink from it directly.
Can Tabs
Takeout Boxes
Chinese takeout comes to the rescue when you do not want to cook. Here is a trick that will make your life even easier. The takeout boxes were made flat since they can serve as plates. With the food inside, simply tug at the sides and lay it down on the table. This is much easier and more convenient!
Takeout Boxes
Double Keyboard Bumps
Why are there bumps on ‘J’ and ‘F’ on the keyboard? It turns out that they were added to help you figure out how to type without taking your eyes off the computer screen. If you are typing with proper form, the right index finger should be on ‘J’ and the other on ‘F.’ No need to look if you are doing it right.
Double Keyboard Bumps
Pen Cap Holes
You might assume that there is a problem with the pen cap since it has a hole. It was designed this way so that air can flow in freely if you ever swallow it. Many of us chew on pen caps, so this is a good idea!
Pen Cap Holes
iPhone Camera Hole
Why is there a small hole beside your iPhone camera lens? It is actually a microphone. Ever since the iPhone 5, all Apple phones have three mics. Aside from this one, there is one more below the speaker grill and another at the bottom edge. This is a great way to ensure that you will capture sound!
iPhone Camera Hole
Zigzag Side On Bobby Pins
Bobby pins have two sides: a straight one and a wavy one. The zigzag pattern on the outside might look cool, but the pin will stay on longer if you put it on the inside. It is easier to hold onto your way this way.
Zigzag Side On Bobby Pins
Cable Cord Cylinders
What is the cylindrical thing at the end of your cable cord? Called ferrite choke or core, it has magnetic iron oxide that prevents interference. They prevent weird noses when you play music or make a call.
Cable Cord Cylinders
Apple Power Cord Wings
If you have a MacBook, you will find wings on your power cord. You should pull them up and wrap the cord around these things so that it will be easier to charge. It prevents making a mess out of it as well!
Apple Power Cord Wings
Blue Part On The Eraser
These erasers were common back in elementary school. Many people think that the blue part can erase ink, but it is really meant for thick and strong paper used by artists. At last, you have solved this mystery!
Blue Part On The Eraser
Square Patches On Backpacks
The lashing square or pig snout on backpacks are more than just design quirks. You can use it to carry more stuff with you by stringing cords through them. This is great advice if you like to hike and travel.
Square Patches On Backpacks
Colorful Ice Cream Scoops
There is a reason ice cream scoops are so colorful. Each color represents a particular scoop size. There are a dozen sizes measured by how much scoops are in a cup. They are not only for show, apparently.
Colorful Ice Cream Scoops
Brass Material For Door Knobs
If you have ever taken a close look at doorknobs, you will realize that they are mostly brass. These surfaces can resist bacteria buildup better. This is super important since so many people touch them.
Brass Material For Door Knobs
Bottle Cap Discs
There is a plastic disc beneath the soda bottle cap. It helps all of us see through all the carbonation. It is good at trapping carbon dioxide and preventing the fizz from disappearing. Flat soda sucks, after all.
Bottle Cap Discs
Rearview Mirror Tab
It is important to look in the rearview mirror when you are driving. There is a tab at the bottom of the mirror. You can use it to change the position of the mirror so you do not get blinded by headlights!
Rearview Mirror Tab
Coin Ridges
Quarters and dimes have rough edges not present in pennies and nickels. This is a remnant of the period when coins got stamped in different weights to reflect their values. The feature was added to stop criminals from shaving the edges and melting them in order to create new coins.
Coin Ridges
Grocery Cart Loops
You can fit a lot of stuff in your grocery cart. However, do you know how to use the loops in the fold-out part? You can use it to hang things that you do not want to get squished by the other items in the cart!
Grocery Cart Loops
Lined Paper Margins
We all know that notebooks have margins on them. But why? The truth is fascinating. They came into fashion when rat infestations were common. It was a measure used to prevent them from chewing the important bits.
Lined Paper Margins
Paper Condiment Bowls
Ketchup and fries make up a match made in heaven. However, it is annoying to return and fill up the small paper cups. They might be small, but you can actually unfold them this way to make it easier!
Paper Condiment Bowls
Women’s Underwear Pocket
There are secret pockets in some women’s underwear. Called panty gussets, they are excess fabric sewn in to avoid stitching it close. We always appreciate a great hiding spot and the lack of extra seams.
Women’s Underwear Pocket
Plastic Cup Lids
Are you ready to get blown away? The plastic lids on disposable cups serve as coasters too! It is a great idea to use them when you want to sit down to enjoy your drink. Who would have guessed such a thing?
Plastic Cup Lids
Detachable Car Headrests
We bet you had no idea that you can take out the headrest of the front seats in the car. Why? Well, it was designed this way so that you can break the windows with the metal bars during emergencies.
Detachable Car Headrests
Solo Cup Lines
Red solo cups have horizontal lines to help you measure alcohol. The first one indicates an ounce or a shot. The next one is for five ounces or one glass. Lastly, the final one means 12 ounces or a beer bottle!
Solo Cup Lines
Jerry Can Handles
A Jerry can hold up to five gallons of fuel and comes with three handles. Two people can use the outer handles to evenly distribute the fuel inside. If you are on your own, the middle one is the way to go.
Jerry Can Handles
Coat Hangers Made With Wood
Wood coat hangers are good if you want to repel insects and moths. Heavy clothing tends to attract these creepy crawlies. Cedar wood makes the entire space smell good, which in turn repels the bugs.
Coat Hangers Made With Wood
Juice Box Flaps
Juice boxes have heavy top flaps because you are meant to fold them outward to make the container easy to hold. They were made for little kids, whose tiny hands need all the help they could get!
Juice Box Flaps
Holes In Your Converse
How come Converse sneakers have holes in them? First, they allow your feet to breathe when it is hot outside. Aside from that, they can also be used to add some style by letting you tie the laces creatively.
Holes In Your Converse
Screwdrivers, But Also Wrenches
You should slide the end of a wrench on top of a screwdriver. This is the reason the screwdriver has that shape. It is a handy trick when you are dealing with angles that are difficult to hold onto.
Screwdrivers, But Also Wrenches
Medicine Bottle For Adults
You can actually de-childproof your medicine bottles. There are bottles that you just need to flip upside down to do so. It is so simple! This is a great hack for adults, but make sure your kids don’t hear about it.
Medicine Bottle For Adults
TicTac Hack
Sometimes, you just want a single TicTac. If this is the case, you can actually use the cap of the bottle. Flip it over and open the cap carefully. There is a slot there that is meant to catch one piece of candy.
TicTac Hack
The Hole In Your Spaghetti Spoon
The spaghetti spoon holes can drain pasta water, but you can also use it to measure the amount of spaghetti. You just have to stick the pieces through the hole to get the measurement that you need.
The Hole In Your Spaghetti Spoon
Grooves Between Tire Treads
The indents on the tires show you the lowest point that the tire should ever reach. If the tires are smooth but you do not see the grooves, it is time for you to get them replaced.
Grooves Between Tire Treads
Gas Pump Latch
The gas pump has a weird latch that you can use to hold the gas pump handle. Yes, this means that you do not have to hold the pump the entire time as you fill your car up!
Gas Pump Latch
Toothpick Holder
Toothpicks actually home with built-in holders. There is a ridged part on the stick that you can break off and leave on the table. Just put the toothpick inside the ridge to keep it clean until you use it again.
Toothpick Holder
Aluminum Foil Packaging
Aluminum foil comes with tabs that you can push in. They are useful because doing so will lock the roll inside the box. It would prevent it from moving around so you can rip off a sheet without a problem.
Aluminum Foil Packaging
Half Belt On Jackets
The half belt stay is commonly seen on pea and trench coats. These garments were originally developed for military men who needed them as blankets too. The half belt allowed them to gather the material when they used them as jackets.
Half Belt On Jackets
Utility Knife Cap
Did you know that you can use the plastic cap at the tip of a utility knife to sharpen the knife? Simply break off the edge if you want to get a new and improved knife.
Utility Knife Cap
Stapler Plates
The metal plate on a stapler is called the anvil. Turn the stapler upside down and spin the wheel to adjust it. Called “temporary staple,” this setting will have the arms outside, and thus easier to remove.
Stapler Plates
The Hole In Your Lollipop Stick
We bet you used the lollipop stick as a whistle when you were younger! The hole is there because when the candy seeps into the hole, it allows air to come in and harden the candy so that it does not fall off.
The Hole In Your Lollipop Stick
The Letter Arrangement On Your Keyboard
Why are computer keyboard keys not in alphabetical order? They did this before on the typewriter, but typists typed so fast that the key arms would get stuck. They changed it to prevent this from happening!
The Letter Arrangement On Your Keyboard
Ridges In Audio Jack
The material used in the ridges of your audio jack is used to keep the wires inside. Otherwise, you would have a very annoying time listening to music. They dictate which headphone the music goes into as well.
Ridges In Audio Jack
Silica Gel Packets
Silica gel packets come with a new purse or pair of shoes. Inside, they contain “desiccant” that is good at draining moisture. They absorb as much as half of the humidity. You can also use it for a wet phone!
Silica Gel Packets
Colorful Toothpaste
Aquafresh toothpaste has white, blue, and red stripes. The blue one shows which part freshens and cleans your mouth. On the other hand, the red one is there for plaque control. How awesome is that?
Colorful Toothpaste
The Mysterious Square In Your McFlurry Spoon
Why is there a square hole in the McFlurry spoon? They are used to attach to the blending machine! The bar then slips into it and stirs the topping and ice cream together. You get to use the spoon after this.
The Mysterious Square In Your McFlurry Spoon
TV Cable Hack
We understand if you do not want to pay a lot for highspeed TV. It is a good thing that you can use your old TV antennas and an electrical outlet to stream HD signals from CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, FX, and more.
TV Cable Hack
Make Threading Needles Easier
We think that the worst part of sewing is getting the thread into the opening of the needle. You can make it easier by dipping the end of the thread in clear nail polish. It’ll be hard and easy to slip in.
Make Threading Needles Easier
Olive Oil: Not Just For Italian Food
If you have dry skin, you should know that you can use olive oil to solve your problems. Add a small amount of it to your body and face. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to moisture!
Olive Oil: Not Just For Italian Food
Use A Tennis Ball For Parking Accuracy
If you want to ensure that you can park properly in the garage, tie a tennis ball and hang it from the garage roof. This way, you can figure out when it is time to hit the brake and stop the car.
Use A Tennis Ball For Parking Accuracy
Strain Your Food With Tights
You can actually use your old pairs of tights to strain food in the kitchen. They are amazing at this since they have very small holes that can filter out food particles that normal strainers can’t.
Strain Your Food With Tights
Groom Your Eyebrows With A Toothbrush
Aside from brushing your teeth, you can also use a toothbrush to groom your eyebrows! This is a great alternative to actual eyebrow brushes, which cost a fortune. Just make sure that you use a new one.
Groom Eyebrows With A Toothbrush
Loosen Doors With Petroleum Jelly
Squeaky doors can be truly annoying, but no one wants to go to the hardware store for this, right? Add some petroleum jelly to drawer tracks, door hinges, and other objects that squeak. Problem solved!
Loosen Doors With Petroleum Jelly
Colored Toothpaste Squares
There is a colored block at the bottom of the toothpaste tube. These things are known as “eye marks.” They inform assembly line machines which part to cut and fold when it is time to split them up.
Colored Toothpaste Squares
Extra Sneaker Holes
Some shoes come with extra holes at the top. If your shoes are too big, you can fix the problem by slipping the laces in through them. This way, the fit will be snug and less likely to give you blisters.
Extra Sneaker Holes
Measuring Tape Metal
Why is there a small piece of metal at the end of your measuring tape? When you are working alone, you can just wrap the slot around a nail and keep it in place. The edge is serrated, so you can also use it to mark the surface.
Measuring Tape Metal
Holes In Padlocks
There is a hole at the bottom of most padlocks. They are there so that water can come out if they get in. They are prepared for all kinds of weather conditions! Jams can be fixed by pouring WD-40 as well.
Holes In Padlocks
Mason Jars For Utensils
If you do not use mason jars already, you should since they are so versatile! They are good if you need to store food, eating utensils, office supplies, and more. You can paint on them as well.
Mason Jars For Utensils
Color Code Your Keys
Do you get confused by all the keys in your key ring? You can use a different nail polish to mark each one! This is a good way to remember which key is for which door or lock.
Color Code Your Keys
Tennis Balls Can Protect Your Floors
It can be annoying when you hear a chair slide and scrape against the floor. You can fix this by cutting a slit in a tennis ball big enough to fit the feet of the chairs. It would also keep the floors clean and perfect.
Tennis Balls Can Protect Your Floors
Shine Furniture With Olive Oil
Wooden surfaces often get dusty so you might not remember what they look like before that. You can use olive oil if you want to bring back some shine to your wooden furniture! Just wipe it down with a dry microfiber towel after that.
Shine Furniture With Olive Oil
Dust Your Home With Old Tights
Do not throw your old tights away! You can use them as cleaning materials too. You can put them over some tongs and dust your shades. Aside from that, you can also use it to a pencil to reach tiny corners.
Dust Your Home With Old Tights
DIY Baking Soda Air Freshener
Baking soda is very versatile. Among others, it is good at absorbing bad odors in your house. When you mix it with essential oils, it will act like an air freshener! Just mix them and add a breathable fabric on top. Secure this with a cap or rubber band and leave it in the area that needs some freshening up.
DIY Baking Soda Air Freshener
Use Tea Bags To Deodorize
Did you know that you can use tea bags to de-puff your eye area? You can use them to clean the house. They are good at deodorizing! Take used tea bags and leave them in the fridge to make it smell better.
Use Tea Bags To Deodorize
Clean Your Dog’s Coat With Vinegar
Vinegar might not smell all that nice, but you can use it to clean your pet. Simply add a cup of it with a quart of water. After that, massage this on your dog’s fur to make their coat will be clean and shiny!
Clean Your Dog’s Coat With Vinegar
Depuff Your Eyes With Metal Spoons
No one likes to get up in the morning and see puffy under eyes. You should leave metal spoons in the freezer the night before and simply put them over the eyes with some pressure to fix the problem.
Depuff Your Eyes With Metal Spoons
New Uses For Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are very helpful. Aside from using it on your child, you can also use it to wipe off your dirty computer keyboard or screen. This is a great and safe way to give your electronics some TLC.
New Uses For Baby Wipes
Don’t Throw Out Old Butter Wrappers
When you finish your butter, do not throw away its wrapper. Just save them in a bag and put them in the freezer. Forget about sprays and oils. The residual butter can act as a non-stick layer when you cook!
Don’t Throw Out Old Butter Wrappers
Deter Bugs With Cinnamon
No one likes to find bugs in their home. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get them out. You only have to add ground cinnamon to that area. This is a good way to keep ants and roaches away!
Deter Bugs With Cinnamon
Kool-Aid Powder Can Substitute For Dishwasher Detergent
You can make your own dishwashing soap by combining coarse salt, washing soda, and 4 packets of lemonade Kool-Aid. It only works with this juice flavor thanks to the citric acid that comes with it.
Kool-Aid Powder Can Substitute For Dishwasher Detergent
Soften Your Cuticles With Shampoo
If you want soft and moisturized nails, you should soak them in warm water with some shampoo. Simply soak them in this solution for a couple of minutes before you do the rest of your manicure routine.
Soften Your Cuticles With Shampoo
Reuse Cereal Bags
It is a good idea to reduce single-use plastics. If you have some, it is not the end of the world. Do not toss about cereal bags and simply reuse it for storage. It is good if you bring food to work or school!
Reuse Cereal Bags
Chupa Chups
Chupa Chups has an iconic hole at the end of the lollipop stick. What is it for? Well, it was actually added there to ensure that the lollipop does not fall off once the candy has been poured over the stick.
Chupa Chups
Heinz
During its peak, Heinz boasted of 57 different food varieties. That number has been added to the glass bottle so that consumers will know where to hit to pour ketchup more smoothly. What a great tip!
Heinz
Staple Remover
It is annoying when you use a nail to get between the sides of a keyring. It is tricky to do this, and you might get a chipped or broken nail. Do not risk it and simply use a staple remover instead.
Staple Remover
Clothing Hangers
Clothing hangers are practical at hanging everything in the closet. They are also handy if you want to keep your jewelry neat and tidy. It is great since you can see everything in just one place after that.
Clothing Hanger
Rubberband
Do not waste money paying a professional painter if you can do it yourself! Just make sure you do not use too much paint. You can do this by wrapping a rubber band around the paint can. Simply wipe the brush against this to prevent using more than necessary.
Rubberband
Straws
This is a lifesaver if you wear necklaces or bracelets that would get all tangled up. If you travel and want to bring some jewelry, you can store them in a straw! This is a good way to keep them organized.
Straws
Safety Pins
During the winter, your clothes might seem more static-filled than usual. It is annoying to have to peel your pants off your leg, right? You can put a safety pin in the pant legs’ inner seam to solve the issue!
Safety Pin
Plastic Water Bottle
Do you need to separate the egg white and yolk? If so, you should take a plastic water bottle and then squeeze it. By doing this, you are releasing pressure slowly as the opening hovers above the egg yolk. Thanks to the suction, you can now remove the yolk without a hitch.
Plastic Water Bottle
Button
No one likes to lose their earrings in the cosmetics bag. You can use the holes of a button as an earring holder of sorts. This is a good way to keep earrings together and in one place.
Button
Eyeglass Case
Do you have a glasses case that you do not use? You should reuse it by keeping your car keys, lip balm, spare change, and other small things in there. This is a great way to keep your purse organized.
Eyeglass Case