Thanks to our first list, we’ve seen how discovering these secret hacks opens up a whole other world. Keep reading to learn about even more uses for everyday products.
The Frame of a Grocery Cart
The grocery cart shouldn't have any mysteries behind it. It's simply there to help you move your grocery from the shelf to the cashier and carry your toddler at the same time.
The hooks that surround the frame are there to make this journey even better. Next time you're in the grocery store, hang bags with all soft items like bread and eggs on the loops around the frame. They will now stay in their original state!
The Ultimate Use of Dryer Sheets
If you are a world traveler, you are probably familiar with the smell and feel of unaired clothes. When traveling, dirty clothes are placed (as there is no other option) together with the clean ones.
Things can get a bit stuffy in there. Place a dryer sheet with the dirty clothes, and this will keep the smell pleasant until you reach a washing machine. By the way, these sheets do wonders in drawers and closets.
Double-Sided Cotton Pad
Why do some cotton pads have 2 different designs on each side? Sit back and listen to this. The side with the designed part, which tends to be rougher, is used when removing nail polish or applying facial toner.
The smoother side is for removing eye and face makeup. Why didn't they tell us this before?
A Boot With a Loop
Most boots today have a loop at the back that has turned into a recognizing symbol of the brand and a fashion symbol.
The main purpose of the loop is to help you put them on. To help you slip your heal comfortably into the boot. The second and less common reason is that the boots can be hung using the loops to dry easily.
Rubber Strips On The Hanger
Although the clothes hanger may seem like a simple design, a lot of thought was put into it. Starting with the wood, the metal hook, to the rubber strips on each side.
It's because of these strips that your clothes stay in place and don't fall off, waiting to be picked and placed back.
Yogurt Containers
Are you a lover of yogurts with fruit and toppings? How do you eat yours? Do you dip the fruit in the yogurt, or do you dip the yogurt in the fruit? Either way, you are doing it wrong.
The yogurt pot container is designed so that it can be folded, and the fruit or topping is easily poured into the yogurt. No need to do so much thinking next time you have yogurt.
Mugs Bottoms
The grooves on the bottom of cups and mugs are there for a reason ( have you ever wondered why all cup designers add these grooves)?
Basically, they are there to allow a better flow of water when washed in a dishwasher and allow the cool air to flow through, which prevents them from cracking when hot drinks are served. Our question is, how were the cups designed before the dishwasher was invented?
Escalator Brushes
The brushes on the sides of the escalators are not there to polish your shoes. They are not there to clean the sides of the escalator either. They are there for pure safety reasons.
Having these brushes on the escalators prevents people from placing their belongings on the sides and avoiding dangerous incidents of coats and bags getting caught between them.
Small Holes in Chocolate Boxes
There is nothing more luxurious than vegging out on a couch with a box of chocolate. Luxurious chocolate. The last thing we want to do while on cloud seven is to struggle with removing the chocolates from the box.
This is why the manufacture came up with this. Push the hole, and the chocolate will jump out with no hassle—one of the world's smallest and greatest inventions.
Baby Onesies
All parents know that if there is one thing frustrating in bringing up a baby, it's clothing. Baby clothes manufacturers took everything into account and came up with this to make life easier.
The flaps on the baby's onesies are intended to make it easier to take it off the legs and not the head. Using the flaps you can take the onesie off the baby's shoulders first. Very useful if you have a messy one.
Bubble Baths
Nothing beats a warm bubble bath on a cold winter's day. From a relaxing bath for yourself to a fascinating adventure for the kids. Did you know that the bubbles have another purpose besides giving your bathwater a good smell and nourishing properties?
The layer of bubbles prevents the warmth of the water from escaping, so the bath's water remains hotter for longer (only valid with modern acrylic baths).
Doughnut Hole
Doughnuts today can be found in various shapes and forms, with outrageous toppings and fillings. This is one of the favorite doughy pastries in the world.
If it weren't for the bakers of the 19th century, we would still be eating pastries with unbaked centers. Creating the hole in the middle of the pies and pastries, assured the center is evenly baked.
Stickers on Fruit
When we see stickers on fruit, we only pay attention to the country of origin. It's always good to know where your food comes from. Now, have another look at the label. The digits on it stand for something as well. The numbers refer to the growing method of the fruit.
Four digits starting with the number four will indicate that pesticides have been sprayed on the fruit, five digits starting with the number nine will indicate organic growth, and so on. we guess you are on your way to the fridge to check which numbers appear there.
Stripes on Headphone Jacks
The stripes on the headphones have one of the most important roles in the world. Without them, you would think you are deaf in one ear. The stripes hold wires which direct the sounds to each headphone.
Without them, your favorite music would be heard only through one phone. Never neglect the stripes!
Sunglasses
We all know why sunglasses were invented, and during the summer hot days, most people will have a pair on. But did you ever wonder what lies behind this invention, that is not the sun?
Apparently, snow is more blinding than the sun, so people living in the Arctic came up with these sunglasses to protect their eyes from the dazzling snow.
Spike on Caps
When you open a new tube of anything, there is a protective foil seal. Instead of fighting your way with peeling it off, use one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century—the little spike.
Simply turn the cap over, insert the spike into the foil, and "voila," no hassle with peeling things off anymore.
The Other Side of the Ice Tray
The ice trays are used mainly for ice. No surprise here; however, we tend to believe that they have another native purpose. We believe that it is called an ice tray only by accident and that it originally was named the infused butter tray.
Melt the butter, infuse with your favorite herbs and pour into the tray. Freeze and use whenever you desire—homemade infused butter. You won't get any fresher than this.
P Is For Pringles
This is not really something the product's manufacture gave us, but more of a user upgrade. Pringles are the king of potatoes chips. They are the best of them all, but what happens when your hand just won't fit in the tube?
Simply place a piece of rolled paper into the tube, and there you go—a homemade paper slide for those stubborn pringles at the bottom of the tube.
Keyboard Arrangement
Originally, the letters on the first-ever typewriter were positioned in alphabetical order. The typists at the time became so good and so fast that the typewriters were worn out too fast.
The manufactures had to think of a way to slow down the typists. They rearranged the letters randomly, and they have remained this way ever since. What would happen if the order of the letters would change again today?
Doorknobs
Most doorknobs are made from brass. On vintage and old-fashioned doors, they can look great, but when you have an IKEA modern design, the brass characteristics just don't seem to blend in.
Before you go and change the brass knob you have, remember this: brass destroys bacteria. So basically, these knobs are germ-free. If you have a household full of kids, brass is for you.
Tab on the Rearview Mirror
We always thought that the tab on the rearview mirror is used to make eye contact with the three Ninjas in the car's back seat. It seems that when you tell a child off when looking straight into his eyes, it has a better effect (or not). The tab on the rearview mirror was designed for something completely different.
It's a safety thing. Drivers can use the tab to push the mirror up or down in order to protect themselves from being blinded by the glare of the cars behind them. This tiny adjustment can save lives.
Legs on an Apple Power Cable
Apple has thought about everything, even giving your power cable legs. At first, we were worried the cable might try to run away, but then we realized why legs were put there in the first place.
The cable can be wrapped around those little plastic flaps, keeping them secured and safe. They are not getting away this time.
The Divets in a Golf Ball
How far would a golf ball go if it didn't have the dimples all over it? We will probably never know.
The ridges on the ball allow it to fly further and faster, making our golf club hits stretch out for miles.
Colored Ice Cream Scoopers
Ice creams come in a variety of shades, colors, and flavors. The scooping spoons that we use to scoop out the ice cream balls come in different colors, but why?
Each color (apparently) represents a different size of the scoop. So next time you go to the ice cream parlor, ask for blue vanilla, green chocolate, and a red strawberry.
Toothpaste Squares
Go figure out manufactory plants. They have wired ways for indicating wired things no one cares about.
The small squares at the bottom of every tube, well, that's an indication as well. It is there simply to demonstrate if the package can be cut or folded. Who cares?
Loop on the Back of Your Shirt
Just like many small items on our clothes, the small loop on the back of your shirt or dress always raised an eyebrow.
If your clothes are hung in the closet from this loop, they won't crease! Next time you go out shopping, make sure whatever you buy has a loop on its back.
Diamond or Square Patch
Many brands have taken advantage of the diamond or square-shaped patch on the front of a backpack and placed their logo on it. Did you ever ask yourself why they all place in on the same place in almost the same shape?
This diamond or square patch is called a lash tab and it's used for pulling cords through the holes. This way, you can carry extra gear when you go out camping or traveling.
The Oven's Mysterious Knob
We have all come across uncooked dishes and overbaked cakes even though we are sure we set the oven to the right temperature for the right time. You might not be familiar with this fact, but the oven's temperature has to be altered now and then.
When removing the temperature knob, you can manually reset the temperature, assuring that it will come out just perfect next time you put something in the oven.
Black Grating on Microwave Window
Who thought that tinting the microwave door will give it a more prestigious look? Well, no one, as the darker shade on the door is there to prevent the microwaves from escaping.
It might make it difficult to see what's actually cooking, but without this black grating, the food won't cook at all.
The Bulky Flaps on Top of Juice Boxes
A bag packaging design can destroy the product's success on the market, especially when we talk about products designed for children. In this case, the flaps on both sides of a juice box have been properly designed.
As every child grows and matures at its own pace, the flaps are there to help those little hands grasp onto the box as tight and as stable as possible. This way, the frustration levels are reduced, especially for the parent (who ends up cleaning up the mess).
The Shape of a Toblerone
The unique shape of the Toblerone chocolate is there to remind us of the beautiful Swiss Alps, coated in fluffy layers of snow, waiting for our arrival next winter. Well, not exactly. Europeans being Europeans, their triangles have more to them than skiing resorts.
The Toblerone is not meant to be indulged all at once ( like other chocolates), and the unique shape is there to assure you break off the exactly recommended serving. Whoever heard of a recommended serving for chocolate?
The Number in the Corner
Many conspiracies arose about the numbers printed on the corner of Heinz Sachets. Some said that the number refers to the order in which the dressings have to be used (everyone knows that Ketchup comes before Mayo), and some believed that it refers to the date it was produced.
The second reasoning is not far off but not quite precise. The number in the corner of the Heinz sachets is the number of the assembly line it was produced on. It will be easy to trace down the machine number if there is a quality issue with one of the sachets.
The Plastic Liner in a Soda Bottle Cap
What can be worse than a flat soda? Opening a bottle of a cold fizzy beverage is something we do almost daily, but experiencing the opening of a flat one is something that we quickly want to forget.
The plastic liner inserted into each fizzy beverage cap ensures that unpleasant moments don't happen again. It traps carbon dioxide because, without it, the gas would be free to evaporate. It's one of those small things in life that make a big difference.
The Second Hole on a Gas Can
Ever wonder what the purpose of the smaller hole in the gas can is? Sit still as we are about to reveal this unknown wonder.
When pouring gas into a lawnmower, the gas tends to "glub," resulting in gas spilled all over, turning everything that comes its way flammable. If the smaller cap is removed, it will prevent this from happening.
The Jerrycan Triple Handle
For us mature readers, the Jerrycan was part of our youth scene. Everyone had one, especially if you were campers or travelers. A lot of thought was put into the design of this gasoline carrier, mostly for transportation matters.
The three-part handle is intended to level out the liquid and ensure even distribution when carried. So, when you are alone, use the middle part, and when you carry it with a friend, each one uses the handles on either side.
The Square Hole in the McFlurry Spoon
Thumbs up to the big M. Not only have they managed to reduce the mess and save on the cleaning up, but they have also given us another everyday product (some people do eat hamburgers every day) with a surprising use.
The squared hole in the top of the McFlurry spoon is not a simple designer's thing. It's actually there as a mixing tool used for stirring the ice cream with the topping. The bar of the mixing machine is slipped into the spoons hole and stirs the ice cream like a drill and screw: less mess, less cleanup.
The Wavy Side of a Pin
Amazingly, the majority of people that use bobby pins use them the wrong way. If so many people misuse something, then maybe something is wrong with the design? On second thought, if these pins have been around for over 100 years in the same style, there's probably something right about them.
Do you know the wavy side? Does this side usually show when you wear it? Then you're doing it wrong. The wavy part is there to grasp the bulk of hair and help it stay in place. In other words — keep the waves down.
Two-Toned Erasers
Believe it or not, there is a reason for the darker shade on the eraser, and no, it's not for erasing different ink marks (as we used to think).
Apparently, the white part of the eraser is used for erasing marks off regular pieces of paper, and the darker (or different colored) shade is for erasing pencil and other marking from more sensitive papers. Who knew?
The Lines on a Solo Cup
The solo cups came to life in the 1970s, being the first disposal cups to be used. Solo seemed to be a great name for something that was intended to be used only once. Have a look at this interesting detail on the cup that most users haven't noticed.
The lined decorations of the cup are there to measure up the liquid. The bottom line, for example, is a recommended serving for any type of liqueur, the middle for wine, and so on. So when you're at your next party and wine is served in solo cups, make sure no one tries to rip you off.
Rubber Bumps in Your Tire Tread
Changing the car's tires in time is a life-saving thing. Driving with worn-out tires on a wet road, for example, can make you lose control over the car and be in a very unpleasant situation.
The small rubber bumps on the tires indicate exactly when it is their time to be changed. If they are worn out, it is time.
Silica Gel
Every item bought these days has one of these hiding somewhere. Did you ever ask yourself how do tiny bags full of silica gel beads manage to observe so much moisture and keep our things fresh and dry?
These magical silica beads can observe up to 50% of moisture, so next time it gets too humid and too sticky, use a silica gel pack and let it do its wonders.
Detachable Headrests
We all know that everyone can adjust the headrest to their own height. But did you know what lies behind the two metal bars that are left sticking out of the seat? Survival everyone, survival.
If you are accidentally caught inside a car with no way out, remember this. Detach the headset and use the metal bars to smash one of the windows. Apparently, there are things that can be found in your car's headrest you never knew of.
Necks on Beer and Soda Bottles
Having a beer with some friends on a hot summer afternoon is a real uplifter. But having a warm beer can be a real downer. The designers behind the beer bottles thought of that as well.
Instead of adding a "how to use" label on the bottle's label ( which would look a bit weird), the designers simply extended the bootle's neck, encouraging drinkers to hold the bottle at the neck. This way, the beer wouldn't warm up by the body's heat. Now, how cool is that?
The Half-Belted Coat
When concerning clothes, most details are, in fact, fashion statements, but the small belt attached to the back of many coats and jackets has an amazing story behind it.
This was originally designed for military men who needed a blanket to keep them warm. The coat played a part of a blanket as well, and when they didn't need the extra fabric to cover up with, it was held with the short belt at the back of the coat.
Fabric Squares and Clothes
Clothing designers and customer experience specialists think of all the small details in life. From giving a spare button, in case one is lost and designing small pockets for small items. They thought of it all. But what is the purpose of that extra piece of fabric?
If you are like us, you probably thought it was for covering up a small hole or taking it shopping so that you have the exact shade of color when you look for a matching item. Ladies and gentlemen, the extra pieces of fabric are for testing their resistance and durability with washing powders and cleaning products. Gobsmacked.
Blue Toothbrush Bristles
You might think the bristles on toothbrushes come in bright colors in order to be more appealing and fun for kids. However, these colors actually serve an essential purpose for users that few people know about. Over time, a toothbrush’s colored bristles will fade in brightness, indicating that it’s time to swap it out for a new one.
Most manual toothbrushes come equipped with this feature, and electric toothbrushes are just starting to catch up. Referred to as toothbrush indicators, they work by embedding a non-toxic dye into the outer layers of the bristles. This allows them to stand out by making them a different color from the rest. Often, blue dye is used, so be sure to take a look at your toothbrush and see if it’s time to swap it out!
Toothpick Grooves
The next time you go out for Chinese or Japanese food, grab a few of their toothpicks. If they have well-defined grooves, then they’re likely a specially designed toothpick that allows people to use them in public without disregarding proper dining etiquette.
After you’re done digging chicken bits out of your teeth, simply snap off the top of the toothpick. The grooves are weakened, making this task rather easy, leaving you with a perfectly sized stand for your toothpick. It allows restaurant-goers to put their toothpick down without it touching the table after their plates have been cleared.
Women’s Shirt Buttons
Ever notice that women’s shirt buttons are often on the left even though most people are right-handed? More than a minor inconvenience, the reason for this dates back to the olden days, when buttons meant you belonged to high society. Apparently, buttons were a big deal back in the day.
If you were wealthy enough to own clothing with buttons, then you were likely not dressing yourself each morning. The buttons on women’s garments were placed on the left as this made it easier for chambermaids to dress them. Even though times have changed, this dated design has not.
Wooden Coat Hangers
Wooden coat hangers have a reputation for being fancier than plastic and wire alternatives, but there’s a reason they come with a larger price tag. Often made of cedar, wooden hangers actually serve a unique purpose that makes them well worth the extra cash.
Not only does cedar produce a scent that few can say they don’t love, but it also keeps away any bugs or moths that might chew at your clothes. They’re also far more durable than other options, making them ideal for storing heavy winter coats during the warmer months. Yes, you might spend more money on these hangers upfront, but they’re ultimately saving you cash in the long run by helping to preserve your wardrobe.
Indentation In Wine Bottles
Wine aficionados are certainly familiar with the indentation found on the bottom of wine bottles. Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, it doesn’t actually indicate whether a bottle of wine is superior, as many have been led to believe. The indentation, called the punt, dates back to when bottles were being handblown.
Glassblowers would push in the base of the bottle to stop a nub from forming that would prevent the bottle from standing upwards. Today, some brands continue the tradition by including a punt, even though it doesn’t serve a purpose. On the contrary, carbonated drinks like champagne require a punt, as it evenly distributes the pressure from the carbon dioxide.
Holes In Airplane Windows
If you’ve never noticed the tiny hole at the bottom of airplane windows, you certainly will from now on. The pin-sized opening is barely visible, but it serves several significant purposes. A minor perk of the small hole is that it prevents the window from fogging up. It allows you to get those magical views as you’re landing and taking off without having to wipe it down first.
The most important purpose the hole serves is allowing airflow into the plane. This prevents air pressure from building up to dangerous levels that are capable of cracking or shattering the window. It’s a small feature, but it’s ultimately ensuring passengers don’t get sucked out of the plane and dropped from the sky.
Vehicle Headrests
Vehicle headrests are first and foremost designed for our comfort. They are adjustable to support people of most heights, but not everyone knows they also offer a built-in safety feature. In the unlikely event that you become trapped in your car and can’t get the windows to open, the headrest can be pulled out of the seat entirely.
It’s held in by two sturdy, metal prongs that come to a dull point. For this reason, they can be used to quickly break a car’s windows, allowing you to escape safely. This is one not-so-small fact that more people should be made aware of!
Notebook Margins
Remember back in grade school when using paper with properly sized margins was a huge deal? Well, as it turns out, margins weren’t created to give students extra room for their notes. The reason they were first used is actually quite disturbing. Back during a time when rats were a common guest in most homes, they would often snack on pieces of paper.
The margins were put in place to keep all written content away from the edges of the paper, safeguarding it from any rats with the munchies. Additionally, it would help to ensure any wear and tear that naturally occurs over time to the paper edges wouldn’t damage what was written down. Basically, whatever they were writing back when margins were created must have been incredibly important.
Child-Proof Medicine Bottles
Child-proof medicine bottles are a pain to open at any age. If you don’t have small children around, it makes these finicky lids even more frustrating to deal with. What most people don’t know is that you don’t have to!
Many prescription pill bottles with child-proof lids are threaded on both sides making them reversible. While one of these sides is designed to lock into place, the other is able to secure the bottle without enabling this safety feature, allowing you to open it like any ordinary container. Who knew?
Shopping Carts
The minds behind the shopping carts we use in grocery stores today don’t get enough credit for their creation. More than just a place for our milk while we wander around the frozen foods aisle, shopping carts also offer a safe place for more delicate items. The intricate loops, which can be found on either side of the cart or in front, are designed to hold lighter grocery bags.
While plastic bags may be on their way out, the concept still works with reusable tote bags. As you are bagging your items at the checkout counter, place anything you don’t want to be squished in a separate bag. Think cartons of eggs and loaves of bread. These bags can be hung on the loops so that they rest on the outside of the cart, ensuring they make it to your car safely. Getting them home safely, however, is entirely up to you.
Ridges On Coins
Have you ever noticed that the sides of some coins have ridges while others are smooth? Specifically, quarters and dimes are made with textured sides. This design method began back in the day when coins held a true value. For example, a silver dollar was molded from one ounce of silver.
People began to take advantage of this by shaving off the edges of their money and eventually collecting enough silver or gold to melt into a new, full coin. They also spent the shaved coins at the intended value, even though they weren’t worth the full amount anymore. To discourage people from doing this, coins started to be molded with small ridges on the side. This made it easy to tell if it had been shaven.
Box Cutters
We all have a box cutter laying around the house somewhere. Few people know, however, that this handy tool doesn’t need to be replaced each time the blade becomes too dull. In fact, each box cutter comes with about a dozen fresh blades, ready to use at a moment’s notice. Knowing how to access them, however, isn’t exactly common knowledge.
Ever wonder what the notches along a box cutter’s blade are for? These notches are actually perforated lines that allow you to break the top blade off when it becomes too dull to use. After you snap it off along the line, you’ll have a fresh blade at your disposal. Unless you use your box cutter regularly or tend to lose things, you’ll likely never need to replace it!
Chupa Chups Lollipops
Remember Chupa Chups? The Spanish candy company created over 100 lollipop flavors, including unique options like Strawberries & Cream, Peach Yogurt, Choco-Vanilla, and Strawberry Yogurt. A small hole in the lollipop stick led many kids to believe that once they were finished with the candy, the plastic stick could be used as a whistle. However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
The hole was actually intended to ensure the candy was secure by having it solidify inside and outside of the hollow stick. It’s also designed to ensure someone choking on the stick can still get air into their lungs through the hole. Not exactly a whistle, but certainly not useless!
Hats With Pom-Poms
The furry pom-poms on top of some winter hats may be a fashion staple these days, but it has been used for very different reasons in the past. One of the first records of pom-poms being used was during the Viking era and is thought to have been attached to the top of hats to hide poor stitching.
They were later used by sailors as an extra layer of protection when waters got rough. It also helped them to gauge the height of cabin ceilings when working below deck. Pom-poms entered the fashion world during the Great Depression, as it was an inexpensive way to add embellishments to clothes. They grew in popularity during the ‘60s and have stayed in style ever since.
Pasta Spoons
Ever notice the large hole in most pasta spoons? While it’s great for draining the pasta, that’s not actually its intended purpose. The hole is a measuring tool and fits roughly one serving (two ounces) of spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. Some pasta spoons even have multiple holes that can be used to measure out different portions.
The pasta spoon is easy to use. Simply slide some dry pasta into the hole until no more can fit, and repeat based on how many people you’re cooking for. It’s the tool you never knew you needed!
Ketchup Cups
It turns out we’ve all been using ketchup cups all wrong. These paper condiment holders are found at practically every fast food restaurant in the world, yet someone failed to get the word out on how to use them. The cups are designed to unravel, significantly widening the opening so even the biggest nugget can fit inside.
Expanding the cups creates a saucer-like container that also allows you to fit more of your favorite dipping sauce inside. No more running out of honey mustard after downing just a handful of fries or having to juggle a dozen paper cups filled to the brim. Now, if only we could get them to stop being so stingy with the dipping sauces they’re willing to give us for to-go orders!
Bumps On Keyboards
On average, people will spend roughly 11 hours a day in front of a screen. While most of that time is spent on cellphones, there’s a good chance that you’re spending a decent portion of your day in front of a computer as well. During this time, you may have noticed the small bumps on both the “f” and “j” keys. If you have no idea what purpose they serve, you’re not alone!
Most people have no idea that the bumps on these keys are there to help you position your hands when typing. If you use the two-finger typing technique, then these bumps are basically useless to you. However, those who are properly trained to use a keyboard know that the “f” and “j” keys are located in the “home row.” The bumps allow you to navigate the keyboard with ease. You can find the home row with your pointer fingers, and ultimately put your hands in the optimal typing position.
Hole on Elevator Doors
Ever notice the tiny hole on elevator doors? While it looks like a peephole that you’d find on most front doors, it actually serves an entirely different purpose. It’s actually a keyhole that can only be opened by those in possession of a special kind of key. This includes elevator technicians, inspectors, and emergency response teams.
The key is able to open the doors, even if the actual elevator is sitting on another floor. This comes in handy when repairs need to be made or when people get stuck inside. For safety reasons, it’s often illegal for unauthorized individuals to own this kind of key.
Tiny Jean Pockets
There is little that can be squeezed into those unusually tiny pockets that can be found on every pair of jeans. Aside from some Chapstick and maybe a few neatly folded twenties, the space is practically useless. It wasn’t always useless though. Back in the 1800s, pocket watches were all the rage. They would usually be kept in a man’s waistcoat pocket and attached to a button by a small chain. This design, however, wasn’t practical for the blue-collar workers of the nineteenth century.
Originally called waist overalls, Levis started producing their jeans with this tiny pocket, creating the perfect spot for the working man to put their pocket watch. Not only were jeans more practical than a waistcoat, but they offered more protection for the watch. While it was first called a watch pocket, it has had several names over the decades, including the frontier pocket, coin pocket, match pocket, and ticket pocket.
The Compass App
Each iPhone update brings with it new secret ways to use it, play with it, enjoy it and ultimately get your mobile phone to be as useful as it possibly can be. We must admit, some of these are absolutely genius and rule out the need for pretty much anything else in our lives, short of food and clothing. However, one of the best-kept secrets of the iPhone actually came with the original.
Have you ever used the compass app on your iPhone? We may not need a compass very often but if you tap into the app and swipe to the left, you'll be surprised to find that your iPhone comes with a built-in level.
Can Openers
Can openers are good for… well, opening cans. But that's not their only purpose. Throughout the years, hardware companies have been trying to create an ideal solution for opening that ridiculously stubborn plastic packaging that comes with chargers and other toys. You know, the one that even your toughest pair of scissors can't cut through?
Well, there have been a few attempts with different tools that were made specifically to open that thick plastic packaging, but you may like to know that the solution was sitting right there in your kitchen drawer the entire time. That's right, you can use your can opener to open the edges of the plastic package and you'll have that brand new electronic or toy in your hand in no time!
Copper Rivets on Jeans Pockets
Jeans don't usually strike people as difficult to figure out; their function is quite simple. While the zipper part is quite simple, no one really knows what those small copper button-things at the edge of your pockets are for. However, we don't seem to give it any extra thought and simply dismiss the matter, considering them to be a part of the jeans' design.
Actually, these small buttons provide the pockets with extra strength to prevent the fabric from tearing apart when it's stretched.
Applesauce and Yogurt
Have you ever packed yourself a cup of applesauce or yogurt to take along as a snack and forgot to bring along a spoon? Many grocery stores will be kind enough to give you a disposable spoon if you check out with just one yogurt, but you're not always around a convenience store. So, what can you do?
The lids on applesauce and yogurts were actually designed to be transformed into a disposable spoon if need be. Next time you're debating what brand of yogurt or applesauce to bring with you from home, always choose the kind with a foil wrapper instead of paper. The foil is bendy and can be molded into an eating utensil – just like in the picture above.
Juice Boxes
Juice boxes are kind of like miniature milk cartons. If you don't open them correctly they may end up spilling all over everything. Let us start out by saying: you don’t need scissors to open a juice box. It would ruin the whole point of having a juice box, which is having a fun and easy beverage on the go. All you have to do is unpack your little straw carefully so that it doesn't bend and break, and put the pointy end through the designated hole at the top of the box.
However, sometimes even if you do this right, the box may spill anyway because of the pressure from inside. To avoid this, just lift the sides and squeeze in to give the juice a larger area to spread out on before inserting the straw.
Instant Oatmeal Packages
There are so many things that we didn't know about Instant oatmeal. One of the coolest things about instant oatmeal, when packaged in those individual packets, is that the packets are actually made out of a plastic-lined material so that you can reuse them to measure out the water you need to add.
Sadly, most of the fruit advertised isn’t real, or it may just be a different fruit in disguise. For instance, the strawberries and peaches in Quaker brand packets are actually just flavored dehydrated apples.
Facebook
Since 2.3 billion people use Facebook on a daily basis, you'd think the database couldn't possibly store so much information. You'd be wrong. Every group you join and every "like" you click, lets Facebook know a little more about you.
While we can't possibly know everything that goes on behind the scenes, we can check out all the information they have on each of us. Just enter your account settings, then click on the “ads” tab on the side and you’ll see “your information” and “your categories” tabs. Here you'll find everything Facebook knows about you, from your political standing to your favorite bands.
Car Keys
Most new cars these days come with a self-start feature, which lets you start your car before you are even inside. There is no argument that this is a great feature, nevertheless, most remotes will still come with a spare key to your car, hidden inside them.
The extra key will let you start the car in case the remote's battery dies out or there is an electronic malfunction. You will be thanking the makers on that one morning when you're running late to your meetings and the car won't start.
iPhone Hole
If you're one of the 85.8 million iPhone users in the U.S., then you may or may not have noticed the tiny hole situated between your phone's camera and its flashlight. Actually, this hole is there in order to record your voice as accurately as possible.
It’s actually a tiny microphone. If you thought you were talking into the microphone when you press your mouth to the bottom of your phone, well, you'd be right. iPhone users are actually recorded from both ends of the phone to make the transmitted sound just that much better. But that still doesn't make up for making us buy new chargers for each model!
Soda Cans
Have you ever wondered why the little tab on top of your soda can, the one you use to pull and press to open the can, has a little hole in it? Well, once you open the can and the tab is on the opposite side of the opening, twist it around so that the small hole is directly over the open drink slot, and you'll see that the hole is just big enough for a straw to fit through.
If you’ve ever tried to put a straw in a fizzy drink, you'd know how tough it is since they tend to just pop right out, but the little hole in your can top tab will hold the straw in place. It may not be as exciting as the invention of the light bulb, but it certainly beats risking a cut on your top lip by drinking right out of the can.
Tic Tac Lids
Have you ever seen those indented Tic-Tac-shaped molds on the inside of your Tic-Tac box cover? You probably thought it was to help keep the box-sealed airtight and keep the Tic-Tacs fresh and crisp. As it turns out, this indent has a different purpose.
Apparently, it’s supposed to be used as a Tic-Tac dispenser, but seriously, who actually opens their box of Tic-Tacs to have just one single Tic Tac?
Flashlights
Every household has a flashlight, or at least it should. Megalite, one of the more popular flashlight brands, comes with a super handy, super-secret replacement lightbulb that not many people know about. If you unscrew the end of the flashlight like you normally would, in order to replace old batteries, you will find an extra compartment that pops out.
Inside the compartment, you will find an extra lightbulb for your Megalite. Just unscrew the bottom, pop open the little plastic case containing the secret light bulb and voila! Your flashlight just increased its life expectancy by at least another 40 years!
Staplers
Did you know that staplers have a double function? If you haven't noticed, on the same end with which you do your stapling, there is also an anvil. This is to help you pull the staples out. But very few people can honestly say that they know the trick behind "outwards" stapling.
By flipping it around, in the opposite direction, the staple’s prongs will turn outwards instead of inwards towards each other – the way a stapler works.
Elevators
Did you ever wonder why elevators ding so much? If you are in an elevator, you don't need a ding to remind you that the doors are opening, you can probably figure that out on your own. But not everyone can. As it turns out, elevators are one of the many and growing number of things in our life that have been modified and specifically suited to adhere to the needs of the visually impaired and other handicaps.
The dings in an elevator on each floor are actually to let everyone know the direction in which the elevator is going. One ding means the elevator is going up, and two dings mean that it is on its way down. Pretty clever, right?
YouTube
Unfortunately, there are no innovative and new ways to be using YouTube. But this tip will certainly make your YouTube surfing much simpler. While there are millions of keyboard shortcuts that differ between Mac and Windows, and even between YouTube, Facebook and others, there are three that seem to be fairly universal. If you're in the middle of a YouTube clip, and you think you missed something, pressing the "J" key will rewind your video by 10 seconds.
Conversely, if you'd like to fast forward, pressing the "L" key will fast forward your video by 10 seconds, and pressing the "K" will pause and play. It may seem unimportant to some people, but boy can it get frustrating trying to rewind by dragging your mouse and ending up having to watch the whole thing from the beginning.
Colorful Bread Tags
Everyone is familiar with the little bag seals that come with the bread from the grocery store. At first, you may not pay any attention to the color of these bag clasps, but you really should. The colors of the tags are not random. They are actually there to let you know exactly how old the bread is.
In fact, it actually says the days of the week on each colored tag in order to indicate the day that this specific bread was made and delivered to your store. What's more, the colors are usually already organized in alphabetical order to help you find the freshest bag.
Dental Floss
If you've ever tried using dental floss (which you should as it helps get rid of up to 90% of the plaque that you miss from regular brushing!), then you know that it is not the most comfortable thing to hold in your hands. Half the time it feels like you have to sacrifice your pointer fingers for the sake of your teeth and pray that the blood comes back to them after you unwrap the dental floss from them.
One way to avoid this problem is to grab on to both ends of the string and tie them together to create a sort of dental floss circle. The resulting flossing loop would be much simpler to use and wouldn’t hurt your fingers as much. Just make sure to leave much more length to the original string than you would normally because you still want to be able to hold it up to your teeth.
Ovens
The era of social media is finally making its way to the mom community, and these expert bakers are more than excited to share their knowledge. So, you know that drawer under your built-in oven? The one we all keep our pots and pans in? As it turns out, that drawer was never meant to be the home of our cooking utensils.
It was actually created for the main purpose of serving as a food-warming compartment. After your food is done cooking, the best place to store it up until mealtime is in that lower drawer, as it contains some of the leftover heat from the oven above. It also makes it easy to completely take apart your oven for the daunting task of cleaning.
Wine Bottle Openers
Every single family seems to have one of these corkscrews at home. While we know that the spiral part goes into the wine bottle cork, and the bent metal gives us the leverage needed in order to pull it out, no one really knows what the tiny knife on the side is for. Well, the corkscrew knife is actually meant for cutting off the seal from the bottle top so that no wine touches the wrapper.
It's no wonder that very few people know this since it's not as if we are taught proper wine opening techniques at our college parties. Truth be told, most bartenders don’t even know how to use a wine bottle opener properly, so don't feel too bad.
Measuring Tapes
We all know that the end of a measuring tape has a little metal piece that helps the measuring tape latch on to something, leaving one hand to hold the tape itself, and one free to mark and write down measurements. But have you ever noticed that the end of the little metal clip is serrated? Well, apparently, this piece has multiple uses besides the one listed above (and none of them include getting your fingertip cut when you accidentally let go of the tape too fast).
The clip is serrated at its edge so that you can scratch in a reference mark, in case you happen to forget to bring a writing pad with you. Additionally, the metal clip also has a tiny hole at its end to help you set a nail in without hammering your thumb instead.
Newspapers
Here's a fun fact: did you know that newspapers are made of a combined mixture of wood pulp and other recycled materials? That is why they tend to be far richer in fibers than any other type of paper. As we learned from bananas, spinach, and other high-fiber foods, fiber helps keep your body clean. In the same way, having newspapers around your house can actually keep your air cleaner and eliminate any bad odors wafting around.
This makes them an ideal substitute for your monthly magazines or even as an alternative to your regular placemats. Next time someone says print media is dead, make sure to hit them with this little piece of information. Try laying a few newspapers by your shoes or in your gym bag and notice what a difference it makes.
Marshmallows
You may think that the best way to soothe a sore throat is a nice warm cup of tea. However, between adding the honey and slicing the lemon, it may be easier to curl up with a steaming hot cup of cocoa with those teeny-tiny marshmallows you love so much. It may even be more beneficial for you.
While many people assume it is the hot liquid that best soothes a sore throat, science is in our favor this time and tells us that the gelatin present in marshmallows has actually been proven to help coat and soothe a dry and scratchy throat.
Plastic Lids
Did you know that the plastic lid that comes with your takeaway cup o' joe (or any hot drink, for that matter) has a built-in little button that the barista can press down so that you know which of your coffees is decaf and which one is extra hot? Of course, you did. But did you know that if you flip over that same plastic lid, its bottom has three little ridges along the inside which, when necessary, allow the cup to sit perfectly on them and function the exact same way as a coaster?
Now you know that next time someone yells at you for not using a coaster, you will be prepared.
Tiny Hole at the Bottom of a Lock
Have you ever noticed a tiny hole above the keyhole of your lock? If like us, you may have thought that it served as a safety precaution that allows a locksmith to open the lock in case the key got lost or broken, then like us, you'd be wrong. After all, it doesn't really make much sense to have a lock that someone else can open that easily. Anyway, the real reason behind the tiny hole at bottom of the lock is that it allows a passage for accumulated rainwater.
If the lock had no draining mechanism, then it might freeze, and as we all know, when water freezes, it expands, thus causing damage to the lock and deeming it unusable.
Perforation on Your Aluminum Wrap Box
If you also used to open the aluminum foil box from the outside, grab a piece and watch helplessly as the entire roll rolls onto the floor and unravels like a sad, less than majestic, aluminum carpet, then this one will be your lifesaver. Did you know there were arrows at the sides of your aluminum foil box?
They're there to indicate that you must push your finger down on them, and by doing so, the outer piece of the box clutches onto the inside of the foil roll and prevents it from slipping out of the box. They function as end locks, keeping the aluminum roll locked in tight.
That Baby Strawberry
If you’ve ever picked up a needle and thread, then you've undoubtedly seen that tiny, strawberry baby pincushion that hangs from its larger, strawberry momma pincushion. But here's something you probably didn't know: strawberries were not always the tasty fruit and fresh desert component that we now know them as.
In ancient times, strawberries we even used to treat depression. The shape of the pincushion dates back from an era when strawberries were used for polishing metals, as they can also get rid of rust and polish everyday objects. Today, it is merely there as an emergency tool for holding your needles.
Self-Check Outs
We all thought that self-checkouts would make our lives a little easier. However, what we didn't take into account is that by eliminating the human aspect of checking out, the self-checkout counters would become extremely picky and very particular about how they would like things to be done. While they are incredibly handy, they can get quite annoying at times.
Yes, we know we’re putting our items in the bagging area, there is nowhere else to put them! What you probably didn't know is that most self-checkout stalls come with the possibility of turning off that annoying mumble. Forever. Just search for the mute button the next time you're at your local grocery store.
Gasoline
This one is a little weird. While gasoline is a known substance used primarily for powering cars, it can do much more than that.
Besides that, gasoline can also unstick duct tape, and in some countries, like Germany and Sweden, it is even used for medicinal purposes. As duct tape was created for use by the USA army, it only makes sense that it would require a poisonous toxin, such as gasoline, to strip the tape’s adhesive. However, we wouldn't try this at home, for obvious reasons.
Hole in a Pen’s Cap
If you've ever bought writing utensils in bulk, particularly the standard blue-capped pens there are in every office, then you may have noticed this next one. Usually, these pens have a hole in the lid.
The story behind pen caps is kind of like the sign in the zoo "don't feed the animals". If you fed them well, it probably wouldn't be an issue, but someone must have thrown in a lollypop at some point and ended up choking some poor animal. Similarly, the tips of pen lids didn't always have holes in them, but once nearly 100 people died from choking on their pen top, the air hole was put in as a safety measure.
Heinz Ketchup Bottle
For some unknown reason, many of us seem to think that banging on inanimate objects gets them to work faster. While it may work with an old TV set, the same cannot be said for a bottle of Heinz Ketchup. Next time you sit down with your burger and fries and decide to add some flavor, don’t tap the bottom of the Ketchup bottle and expect it to come out faster.
Instead, tap the middle area where the bottle's number '57' is located and see how much quicker it comes out. That being said, if speed is your main concern, as far as Ketchup bottles go, just place the bottle upside down in your fridge and it will always come pouring out the top.
Fuel Mark
When you buy a new car you usually feel a little out of your comfort zone before you get to know all the features of the new automobile. One way to get to know our car is by taking a walk around it and locating the placement of the gas tank. As it turns out, we don't really have to do that, in fact, there is no reason to get out of the car at all in order to check where your gas tank is.
Next time you're in your car, take another look at the gas meter inside your dashboard, beside the gasometer that tells you how much fuel you have left, the little gas symbol also has a tiny arrow next to it pointing either right or left. The direction of the arrow will let you know which side of the car your gas tank is on in relation to the driver's seat.
Sneaker Holes
If you own a pair of Converse All-Star shoes, then you may already know this one. However, if you don’t, first of all, go ahead and run out to get yourself some because they are seriously awesome. Secondly, All-Star's design actually mimics a technique that all basketball players' shoes in the NBA already have.
You know those two extra holes on each side of your basketball shoes? Whether they are All-Stars, Nike, or Adidas, those holes are not just there to suit the design of the shoe. Their actual purpose is to make sure the shoes get enough air passages in order to conduct better ventilation.
Hole in the Handle
This one is for the home chefs among us. You might have observed a hole at the end of your pots and pans, which is why many of us decide to call a carpenter to install a rustic pot and pan holder on our wall to hang our cooking tools from. Plus, it creates a homey cooking environment and saves shelf space.
While this is a wonderful idea and we fully recommend it, that is not what the small holes were actually made for. In reality, the holes at the end of your pots and pans were placed there strategically in order to provide a holder for your spatula or mixing spoon. It sure beats placing a dirty spoon on the counter and making a mess.
Colored Toothpaste
While most of us end up buying the classic three-stripe kind of toothpaste, we aren’t actually aware of the benefits and purpose behind each color. For some reason, the toothpaste companies don't bother explaining it to us either, but the truth is, each color in your toothpaste tube has different ingredients that do different things.
For example, the white paste contains substances that remove plaque and as a result, whiten your teeth. The red stripe usually contains vital elements for proper gum care, and the blue paste holds the antimicrobial and breath-freshening components.
Voicemails
So many hilarious sitcom moments have been built on the notion that once you record a voicemail, there is no going back. Of course, you can always record another, slightly less awkward voicemail in attempts to explain the first, but truthfully, that has never come across as "smooth" and usually ends up making the problem worse.
We can't help but wonder, how many scenes would have been ruined, and how many relationships could have been salvaged had they only known this small detail: in most phones across the globe, pressing the star (*) button, will let you re-record your voice message! There are no more excuses for a horrible voice message.
Takeout Containers
Some take-out containers are much more user-friendly than others. In fact, lousy take-out options make all the difference when you're facing a take-out night (you know, those nights when you get home so exhausted that you know you will be ordering in). Well, while they have been serving us chopsticks for centuries, Chinese restaurant take-out containers are far more practical than we have been giving them credit for.
Next time you order in your favorite fried rice dish, instead of dirtying an extra plate, try this out: once you eat the first few bites, and the rest gets a little difficult to get at, simply unfold all sides of your take-out container and watch how it easily unfolds, creating a flat plate for you to eat off of. Pretty crafty!
Coffee Bags
If you're a coffee addict, like us, you may be under the impression that those little holes in packaged ground coffee bags are for people like us who appreciate a good strong whiff of that coffee aroma before we make the decision to purchase the bag (along with 10 others). However, in truth, the hole is there in order to prevent the bag from exploding. Fun fact, when coffee is roasted it tends to let off carbon dioxide.
Once packaged, the carbon dioxide can cause the bag to inflate and explode. Nevertheless, oxygen can cause coffee to turn stale. That's why some clever genius had to come up with the idea of a tiny hole that will let the CO2 out but won’t let oxygen in. Thanks to whomever it was, now we can all smell our favorite blends at the store.