- 2 days ago
Chores stealing way too much of your time? These 51+ clever hacks are coming to the rescue. 🧹✨
From faster cleaning tricks and smarter organizing ideas to simple shortcuts for annoying everyday tasks, these tips can help turn your daily chore marathon into something much more manageable. 🏠💡
Press play, steal a few clever ideas, and discover how much easier everyday tasks can become with the right little trick.
Less struggling, more relaxing. Which hack are you trying first? 😎🧽
From faster cleaning tricks and smarter organizing ideas to simple shortcuts for annoying everyday tasks, these tips can help turn your daily chore marathon into something much more manageable. 🏠💡
Press play, steal a few clever ideas, and discover how much easier everyday tasks can become with the right little trick.
Less struggling, more relaxing. Which hack are you trying first? 😎🧽
Category
🎈
FunTranscript
00:00Above each car door, you'll usually find a handle.
00:03I call it the Oh No! handle.
00:05It's there to give you something to hold on to when your grandma decides to go full NASCAR.
00:10These handles are actually especially useful, all jokes aside.
00:15Me? Jokes aside?
00:17A lot of people need a little extra help getting in and out of the car.
00:21As for why the driver's door usually doesn't have one, there are a couple of reasons.
00:26For one, the steering wheel can function as a makeshift grab handle.
00:31Drivers might also be inclined to grab the handle while driving.
00:35Not safe.
00:36Modern car keys have a nice trick up their sleeve, if they had sleeves.
00:40They can control your windows.
00:42Try holding the unlock button on your car keys for a few seconds.
00:46There's a chance that after 5 seconds, your car windows will magically open.
00:51If you hold the lock button again, your windows should close.
00:55Only a few special people actually use this cool trick.
00:59Check out your owner's manual.
01:00Your car might be one of the lucky ones.
01:03If your internet goes down and you really need that gaming fix, Google has you covered.
01:09You click on your favorite shortcut and disaster.
01:13The dreaded message appears, unable to connect to the internet.
01:17But wait.
01:18What's that little pixelated dinosaur next to it?
01:21Instead of panicking, press that space bar.
01:24This little game has become a huge hit.
01:26And it's a lot more addictive than it looks.
01:29A dinosaur jumping over a cactus?
01:32Genius.
01:33During the colder months, putting on a beanie can mean the difference between staying home and going outside.
01:40And you can thank French sailors for the pom-pom on top.
01:43This was to stop them from banging their heads on those pesky beams down below.
01:49Ow!
01:49Fast forward a bunch of decades, now everyone's wearing them.
01:54Next time you're on a flight, look above each window.
01:57You'll notice some little triangles sitting there.
02:00They're there to show the flight crew the best spots to view the plane's flaps through the window.
02:04If you're worried about a little air sickness ruining your flight, try to choose a seat that's located between these
02:12triangles.
02:13Sitting between the wings puts you in the direct center of the plane and offers the smoothest possible ride.
02:19Now, sitting at a long traffic light usually makes me hungry, bored, and a little curious.
02:25Have you ever thought about those black dots and that black line all along the edges of your windshield?
02:31It looks cool enough, but come on, it's gotta have a hidden use, right?
02:35Well, the black line is called a frit, and it's there to help your windshield from popping out of the
02:42car.
02:42Pretty important, I'd say.
02:45Microwavable instant rice loves to fall over in the microwave, if you're me, that is.
02:50And like me, you've probably struggled with keeping the package upright.
02:54As it turns out, the flaps that fold out from the bottom create a nice, sturdy base.
03:00Push them out and give it a try.
03:02Hey, why didn't I learn this in school?
03:06Has that half-finished, 2-liter bottle of soda, leftover from pizza night, gone flat?
03:11Rather than pouring it down the drain, add it to your compost heap.
03:16The sugar feeds good microorganisms and increases the acidity of the pile,
03:21helping organic material break down faster.
03:24Any pair of scissors will go blunt sooner or later, but don't let that stop you.
03:29There's a product in your kitchen that can help bring them back to life fast.
03:34Aluminum foil isn't just for leftover lasagna.
03:37Fold a sheet of it into quarters and start cutting.
03:41Cutting through the foil will sharpen those scissors right up, but not if they're too blunt.
03:46Rescue them while there's still time.
03:49Those little escalator brushes aren't there to clean your shoes, even though they can do a rather good job.
03:54These bristles are actually a serious safety feature.
03:58Without them, clothes, shoelaces, and bags can get caught in them when they're too close to the sides.
04:04The little brushes are also there to tickle you, to remind you to look down and take care.
04:10Hey, I always thought it was a bug rubbing up against me.
04:14Half-belts.
04:15Seriously, what's up with those things?
04:17Well, some military jackets used to double as blankets, and the half-belt helped keep the extra material from getting
04:24in the soldier's way.
04:25Nowadays, they're mostly used as a fashion accessory.
04:29Accidentally stapling the wrong pages together is like the worst thing ever!
04:34Well, there are worse things, but it's certainly annoying.
04:37Especially if the staple takes out a huge piece of your document with it when you try to pry it
04:42off.
04:42There's actually a simple way to make sure that the stapler pins are less tight and easier to pull out.
04:49Take a close look at that metal plate at the front of your stapler, known as the anvil.
04:54Turn the stapler upside down and adjust the settings.
04:58You're basically changing the stapler setting to temporary.
05:01No more tears, no more tears.
05:04Mention my name and you'll get a good seat.
05:06Toilet seat covers have been used wrong for way too long.
05:10I see you ripping off that flap that looks like a tongue.
05:14No, you're doing it all wrong.
05:16Instead of tearing it off, let the flap sit in the bowl after you put it down the cover.
05:21When you flush, the suction will pull on the flap and take it away.
05:25Aren't you glad you know that now?
05:27That dark square or rectangle at the end of your toothpaste tube?
05:31What does that mean?
05:32Is it color-coded to show what ingredients are in there?
05:35Or does it show whether the toothpaste is synthetic or natural?
05:39Well, sorry, but the truth isn't that exciting.
05:42The markings are there for the assembly machines.
05:45They help the machines know where to cut and fold each tube.
05:49We've all driven home from the supermarket,
05:52taken a right turn a little too hard, and…
05:54Crash!
05:55Sounds like the groceries volcano just erupted in the trunk.
05:58Look closely in the trunk.
06:00You might see some little hooks in there.
06:02You can hang your bags on them.
06:05Ooh.
06:06Yeah, some cars have them behind the front seats instead.
06:09You can use them to hang clothes or even your take-out bag.
06:13You may have noticed that members of the flight crew
06:16like to touch the overhead compartments while they're walking down the aisle.
06:20They don't have a weird desire to touch everything.
06:23There are actually handles along the edges to give them a better grip while walking.
06:28Go ahead and use them the next time you feel like a mid-air stroll.
06:32It's definitely better than grabbing onto everyone's headrests.
06:36Don't you hate that?
06:37A shiny brass doorknob adds just the right amount of fancy to your front door.
06:42But that's not all it does.
06:44Brass, like anything with copper alloy in it,
06:47has antimicrobial properties that many harmful germs and bacteria just can't stand.
06:52In high-traffic areas, these brass knobs and handles are the perfect way to get rid of those nasty germs
06:59without having to use harsh chemicals all the time.
07:02The only downside is that brass is a lot more expensive than other metals.
07:07That might be why it's hardly used for this anymore.
07:10Does your toothbrush have a pattern of blue bristles weaved in with the white ones?
07:15It makes the toothbrush look a lot more stylish.
07:18But it's not just about looking good.
07:20Those bristles actually have a practical purpose.
07:23The blue dye is designed to wear off
07:26around the same time as when you should replace your toothbrush.
07:29You should be switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months anyway.
07:33But those blue bristles are there to give you a gentle nudge, just in case you forget.
07:39Now, you walk over them every day and never think about it twice.
07:42But is there a reason maintenance hole covers are always round?
07:47In past civilizations, like ancient Rome,
07:50these covers used to be square-shaped slabs of stone.
07:53But all those edges and gaps led to plenty of stubbed toes and accidents for unsuspecting Romans.
08:00A round cover eliminated the problem.
08:02Plus, it meant you could only open it with a specialized tool.
08:06Probably a good idea.
08:08The thermos was invented by a Scottish scientist.
08:11But not for keeping his coffee warm.
08:14He just wanted to keep some chemicals at a stable temperature.
08:17He placed a small bottle inside of a larger one
08:20and then sucked all the air out from between the two bottles.
08:24This same technique is used to make the modern thermos.
08:27You can find a pin cushion in just about every household.
08:30And strangely, it's always in the shape of a tomato.
08:35Ever wondered about that little strawberry dangling from the top?
08:38I'm no biologist, but I'm quite sure that strawberries don't grow on tomatoes.
08:43That little thing's for the needle you're currently using,
08:46so you don't lose it in that big pile you have.
08:50Stick deodorants go to waste when the casing starts rubbing against your skin.
08:54But there's still plenty left in there.
08:56Here's an easy trick to get it out.
08:59Unscrew the bottom and push it up from underneath.
09:02That'll give you a few more days, at least.
09:04Some people still drive off from the gas station with the hose shoved in their gas tank.
09:10Oh boy.
09:10Luckily, gas companies figured out a solution.
09:13If you happen to drive off with the hose still in there,
09:16there's a magnetic connector that disengages when pulled.
09:20That way, you don't take the pump with you.
09:23Now that would be embarrassing.
09:25Opening jars can be tough, even for the strongest person.
09:29I need a pickle, stat.
09:30Ah!
09:31Luckily, there's a solution.
09:33Pop on some rubber gloves.
09:35These gloves aren't simply great for cleaning.
09:37They'll give you the extra grip you need to open even the toughest of containers.
09:42Now, your life is just a little bit better.
09:45You're welcome.
09:48You know, there are all sorts of amazing things you can do with products already lying around the house
09:55that were meant for other things.
09:57We'll explore some of those, plus everyday items that have other purposes you may not be aware of.
10:04I'm also in a silly mood, so hey, let's have some fun.
10:08Many pairs of kitchen scissors today have a serrated opening where the handles and blades meet.
10:14You can use this as an herb stripper to de-stem difficult herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives.
10:21Saves you a lot of time trying to pick the leaves off by hand.
10:24And if you're short of a vase, you could present roses to your significant other this way.
10:30Just be careful when you're pointing the sharp end.
10:34The metal tab on soda cans can be flipped around.
10:37You can slip a straw in place so you don't have to hold it up to your mouth.
10:41This stay-on tab replaced the pull ring tab created in the early 60s.
10:46You remember those, don't you?
10:48Those could be quite sharp and easily discarded where they could be a menace for others.
10:54Now, you can pop your straw straight into one.
10:57Also means you can produce some bubbles and make a mess.
11:01Sometimes, when you purchase an article of clothing, you receive a plastic baggie with an extra button and a swash
11:08of fabric.
11:09While the fabric is clearly used to patch holes, it can also be used to test the effects of various
11:15cleaners on certain surfaces.
11:17It's handy, too, to test wash cycles before using them to wash the whole garment.
11:23And if you want to clean your nose with it, that suggestion never came from me.
11:28You can use a screwdriver for leverage if you're having trouble lifting or moving something.
11:34Some also have a hexagonal-shaped handle that fits inside a wrench or spanner.
11:39You can use it to improve torque and, again, for leverage.
11:43A little easier on your hands.
11:45Some of us aren't that strong.
11:47Or maybe that's just me.
11:49Rubber bands are great for many things.
11:51But if you have a bottle that's hard to open, you can wrap the band around it for a better
11:57grip.
11:59Escalators have those fluffy black brushes for a similar reason that some have yellow lines on their steps.
12:05To try and deter people from getting too close to dangerous places.
12:09People don't always take notice.
12:11And sometimes, clothing can drape close to a point where the step meets the edge or skirt.
12:17The brush is a little barrier to help prevent this from happening.
12:21They can also catch bits of fluff and prevent other small things from falling down into the gaps.
12:28Your average pair of jeans has several features that are both functional and somewhat sentimental.
12:34The meadow rivets around the pockets help secure the stress points.
12:38This ensures they last a bit longer than average, though not all jeans have them.
12:44Many still have a tiny pocket, directly above the main pocket.
12:49This was originally meant to hold a pocket watch.
12:52Even though pocket watches are mostly a thing of the past,
12:55many people still use this space to store coins, rings, or even a portable USB.
13:02Now, this may seem a little obvious.
13:04But if you've ever wondered what all the notches are in a car tire, it's for traction on the road.
13:10However, there are also a good indicator if your tire is getting too worn down.
13:16If those notches aren't so deep anymore and are almost flush with the road, it's time to replace them.
13:23If you don't, the next time you try to stop suddenly at a stop sign,
13:27you might be surprised to find your car has turned into a giant roller skate.
13:33Those takeaway containers, most associated with Chinese restaurants,
13:37are designed to not only carry your food home, but to store them in the fridge.
13:42They double as a plate, as you can eat straight out of them and don't have to worry about dirty
13:48dishes.
13:48Yay!
13:49They were actually patented way back in 1894 to transport freshly shucked oysters and were known as oyster pails.
13:58They were later adapted to use as leak-proof containers for food.
14:03While you're sitting on an airplane and looking out the window, you may have noticed those little holes,
14:09or in some instances, a small singular opening near the bottom.
14:13This is called a breather hole, and no, it's not for you.
14:17It's designed to equalize the difference in air pressure which builds up between the pressurized cabin and the atmosphere outside,
14:24especially during high altitudes.
14:27It also releases moisture from between the panes to avoid frost from forming on the windows and obstructing that all
14:34-important view.
14:36Sorry, but it looks like you won't be drawing a smiley face on it anytime soon.
14:41This was first introduced way back in 1956 by a company in Japan.
14:46Pretty cool, huh?
14:47They got their inspiration from snap-off rows on chocolate bars.
14:52Just don't get the two mixed up.
14:54One doesn't taste good.
14:56When it comes to measuring tape, almost every reel has an empty slot in the metallic end.
15:02This is called a nail grab, so you can attach it to a nail or screw.
15:07A handy trick to do measurements without requiring someone else to hold it in place.
15:13Ooh, very nifty.
15:16Bobby pins have grooves on one side to hold your hair in place better.
15:20Crazy notion, huh?
15:22The straight side goes face up, while the grooves go down against your head.
15:27They're called bobby pins because of the bobbed hairstyle, which was popular in the 1920s,
15:33though the pins were invented in the 19th century.
15:36The look is gone, but the pins remain.
15:39Please take them out before you wash your hair, as they don't look great stuck to your fingers.
15:45If you've been in a car or a bus and noticed the textured black dots baked into the black edges,
15:51you've probably worked out that it's not there for its pretty looks.
15:55It's called frit, a ceramic paint.
15:58Its main purpose is to protect the window from ultraviolet rays.
16:02It also creates a rough surface for the adhesive to cling to.
16:07Now, if you see a pink lump of adhesive in the corner, please do not touch it.
16:12It's actually someone's old bubble gum.
16:16If you take a look at the bottom of the lock, chances are you'll see one or two little holes.
16:22This is to let water out from the inside that may have been trapped due to rain.
16:26This mini-draining capability prevents the inner working from rusting over or freezing in place if the weather's very cold.
16:35If, in another situation, the lock becomes stuck,
16:38you can ease an oil-based product inside to lubricate the lock and get it working again.
16:46If you've lost the key and want to ease your frustrations, you can yell into the holes.
16:52It won't do anything to unlock it, but it may help you feel a little better.
16:57Some dress shirts have a fabric loop on the back.
17:00You guessed it, it's used for hanging the shirt up.
17:03The loops were reportedly first used in the Navy, as it was easy to simply hang them on the wall.
17:10During the 1960s in colleges, the fashion of the day was to wear the shirt buttoned all the way to
17:16the top,
17:17which made them difficult to hang.
17:19So designers began putting the loop on the back.
17:22If the student removed the loop, it signified that they were going steady in a relationship.
17:27Unless your friend ripped one off for a prank, now everyone's asking whom you're with.
17:33There's a little more to this story, but we haven't got time to hang around.
17:38And yes, that's a bad pun.
17:41On purpose.
17:42It's what I do.
17:44Ever wondered why coins have those little ridges along the edge?
17:48It's a leftover from earlier times when they were worth more.
17:52Counterfeiters could easily file the edges off to sell as gold or silver coins to make some profit.
17:58The ridges were created so it was much easier to tell which of the coins had been altered.
18:03It's not needed today, but the coins still have that altered style.
18:08If you ever get really bored, you could try counting how many ridges there are.
18:14Actually, that is a very boring idea.
18:16Forget that and watch another Bright Side video instead.
18:22Yep, moving objects through a door when it keeps closing is super annoying.
18:27So instead, tie a rubber band around the handle on each side of the door so that it crosses over
18:33the latch.
18:34The latch then won't be able to pop out, and the door won't lock shut.
18:39To check whether your bed sheets are fully dried, take a mirror and place it underneath.
18:44Leave it there for around 5 minutes, and if it steams up, it means the sheets are still damp.
18:50A damp bed can be a breeding ground for mold and other nasty fungi.
18:55You can paint the end of your keys with different colored nail polish so that you can easily identify which
19:01key is which.
19:03In order to pour the perfect amount of oil or salad dressing, poke holes in the foil seal rather than
19:10removing it completely.
19:11This prevents a big amount rushing out quickly.
19:14To prevent band-aids from slipping off your finger, cut a line on either side.
19:19This will create 4 smaller sticky strips rather than one large one, and it will be much easier to secure.
19:28If you enter a public restroom and see a red solo cup someone put under the seat, better choose another
19:34booth.
19:35It means there's no toilet paper in this one.
19:38The red cup is a frequent replacement for a toilet paper hub, which is also put under the seat for
19:44the same reason.
19:46Speaking of restrooms, almost any public toilet has a large gap between the floor and the door.
19:51The reason for such a zero-privacy thing is to actually minimize the level of privacy and comfort so that
19:58people won't stay there long and there'd be no lines.
20:01It's also to clean and safer if some emergency occurs.
20:06Forgot to put your drink in the fridge?
20:08Wrap a wet paper towel around it and put it in the freezer.
20:12In just 15 minutes, your drink will be ice cold.
20:16Instead of filling your purse or wallet with store loyalty cards, you can take a photo of them.
20:22Just take one snap of the barcode, as well as a picture of the front so you know which card
20:26it is.
20:27Then, when you visit the store, just scan the barcode on your phone to collect your points.
20:33If you're using your phone to watch something and are tired of propping it up and having it fall back
20:39down, try using your sunglasses.
20:41Simply place them upside down and use the parts that go around your ears to hold the phone in place.
20:49Now, if you don't have the correct size coin to put in your shopping cart next time you go to
20:53the supermarket, you can use your key instead.
20:56If you have a key with a rounded end, you can insert that where the coin would go and the
21:01cart should unlock.
21:03If you're struggling to get your taco shells to stay in place, use a muffin tray.
21:09Flip the tray upside down, spray it with oil, and place your tortillas in the gap.
21:14Cook them for around 10 minutes at 700 degrees Fahrenheit for the perfect crispy taco shell.
21:21You can use a water bottle to separate egg yolks.
21:24Hold the bottle over the yolk and squeeze it to suck the yolk up.
21:28Drop it into a separate bowl and you're good to go.
21:32Next time you're struggling to clean your ceiling fan, use a pillowcase.
21:36Slide the pillowcase over each blade to wipe off the dust.
21:40This way, excess dust is caught inside the pillowcase and won't rain down on you.
21:46To properly clean your blender, fill it with soap and hot water.
21:50Switch it on for around 10 seconds and let the swirling water do the hard work.
21:55Then just rinse it off and it's clean.
21:59Put down a strip of masking tape before nailing into plaster walls.
22:03The tape should stop the plaster from flaking or spreading dust all over the floor.
22:08If your shoes smell bad, put a few dry teabags into the shoe.
22:13The teabags will absorb the smell.
22:16Try using toothpaste to remove small scratches on furniture.
22:20Rub a peanut-sized amount on the scratch in a circular motion until the scratch buffs out.
22:26Then wipe it with a damp cloth and voila!
22:30Drill a couple of small holes in the bottom of your trash can to stop the bag getting stuck when
22:36you pull it out.
22:37The holes stop the vacuum-like effect that keeps the bag pinned down.
22:42You can easily remove the sticky residue from jars using cooking oil.
22:47Soak a cotton pad in some oil, then rub it on the sticky area.
22:51Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then it should wipe away easily.
22:55Now, you can use hair conditioner to make that new wool sweater less itchy.
23:00Just soak it in lukewarm water with a couple of tablespoons of conditioner and leave it for 15 minutes.
23:06Then, just dry it and your sweater will be much softer.
23:10An odor on your fingers can be removed with some minty toothpaste.
23:14Rub them together with toothpaste, then rinse them clean.
23:18It'll help get rid of the odor and act as a light scrub, too.
23:22Now, before you throw out those old sneakers, arm yourself with an old toothbrush and a little toothpaste.
23:28Work the paste into the dirty spots and leave it for at least 10 minutes.
23:32Wipe it off with a damp cloth and repeat if it didn't do it right the first time.
23:37Be careful with color toothpaste. It may leave stains.
23:42Washing your clothes on a low heat or, even better, a cold wash will make them last twice as long.
23:48Drying them on the line, if possible, will also make the material last longer than if you used a dryer.
23:54Metal zippers are very durable, but they'll snag more than other kinds of zippers.
24:00Just gently rub a bar of soap over the teeth of both sides of the zipper.
24:04The residue will help lubricate it, making it easier to slide open and closed.
24:10When you can't squeeze any more toothpaste out of your tube, just cut the end off.
24:15This will allow you to get what's left inside onto your toothbrush in a pinch.
24:19If there's enough for more than one use, place it in a plastic bag for later.
24:25Freezing candles before use can make them burn a lot slower.
24:29This will cool the wax right down and extend its melting time.
24:35A pack of cotton pads has those strings on it so that we can hang it on some hook or
24:40holder.
24:40And no, there's no need to untighten and tighten the pack again.
24:45Look at the bottom of the pack. It has a perforated line.
24:48Tear along it, and now you're good to pull out a cotton pad.
24:52If you've ever tasted a Nintendo cartridge, you'll confirm that, yes, they taste revolting,
24:59leaving a sour, bitterish aftertaste in your mouth.
25:01They're covered with denotonium benzoate, one of the most disgusting flavors known.
25:07Actually, this taste is kind of a hidden function.
25:10It prevents people from swallowing those cartridges.
25:14Headrests in a car are about comfort, and detachable headrests are about safety.
25:19If you pull the headrest out of the seat, you'll see two bars, which are quite sturdy.
25:24If you ever get locked or trapped in a car, you can get out of there,
25:28smashing the window with these bars.
25:31Rough edges on the dives aren't just about design.
25:35The coins used to be made of precious metals to show their real value.
25:39People would shave off the edges, spending the shaven coins with the same value,
25:44and melt the edges to new coins.
25:46To avoid it, minters added that pattern, so people could tell if someone cut that coin before.
25:53That black grate on a microwave isn't just some fancy decoration.
25:57It's called a Faraday shield, and it prevents the rays from escaping the microwave.
26:03It also speeds up the heating, so you could enjoy yesterday's leftovers faster.
26:09A triple handle on a jerry can is there to make it easier for two people to carry it and
26:14distribute the fuel evenly.
26:16Gas cans often have a second hole that actually needs to be uncapped, too, before you pour the gas.
26:22The air passage will prevent it from pouring out, so no more fuel waste.
26:28Did you know zippers have locks?
26:31Or that food containers have been designed to make your life so much easier?
26:35If only you knew how to use them properly.
26:39Well, get ready to find out the secrets behind everyday items you have certainly been taking for granted.
26:45Some airplanes have wings with upturned ends.
26:48But why?
26:49When a plane is soaring through the sky, air begins to spiral around the tips of the wings.
26:54This can cause something called drag.
26:57This means that the airplane has to work harder to move forward as the drag acts as resistance.
27:03The upturned ends, or winglets, reduce the amount of drag the plane experiences.
27:08This makes for a smoother, more efficient ride and improves the aircraft's stability.
27:14Many countries around the world have started to explore wind as a way to generate electricity.
27:19This involves using large turbines.
27:21These giant machines have massive blades which catch the wind.
27:25This makes them spin, generating power that can be added to the electrical grid.
27:30You may think those blades have smooth edges, like you would find on a fan, but they're not.
27:36They're actually covered in little pointy teeth called serrations, similar to what you would see on a saw.
27:42People living near wind turbines will appreciate these serrations.
27:46They not only reduce the noise as the blades spin, making them much quieter, but also reduce how far that
27:53noise will travel.
27:54Now, I'll bet you have a blender, and I'll also bet you use it incorrectly.
28:00When making a smoothie, for example, do you cram in all those healthy fruits and veggies and then cover them
28:07with your preferred liquid?
28:08Then you turn the device on, and it winds, struggles, and sounds like it might blow a fuse.
28:13Well, you are supposed to add all the liquids first.
28:17Then you can add the solids.
28:19The blades don't have to struggle as much to spin through the liquid.
28:22This creates a whirlpool effect, and the device is able to pull the solid food down and blend everything evenly.
28:29Your next smoothie will have fewer chunks.
28:32Yes, you are welcome.
28:33I know that with online banking, you are handling fewer checks.
28:38But next time you see one, take a close-up look at the signature lines on the front and back.
28:44No, closer than that.
28:45I think you might need to grab a magnifying glass.
28:48Yes, those lines are really teeny-tiny words.
28:52Called micro-printing, they make it harder for people to print fake checks.
28:56This will be indicated on the check with the letters MP, often near where the signature goes.
29:02The words that make up these lines can be anything from authorized signature to original document.
29:09Most printers are unable to reproduce the micro-printing, making it easier to detect a fake check.
29:15Hand sanitizer is everywhere these days.
29:18Yep, nothing gets past me.
29:20And though it's great at keeping your fingers free of germs, it's actually much more useful than you think.
29:26Some of us have made the mistake of using a permanent marker on a whiteboard.
29:31Guess what? It doesn't come off.
29:33But grab your hand sanitizer, and it can lift that stubborn mark.
29:37It can also help with cleaning windows, sunglasses, and mirrors.
29:42Do you have a magic key fob for your car?
29:45Most fobs are designed to lock and unlock your car doors.
29:49Some even allow you to start your car from a distance.
29:52But there's one feature some fobs have that you would never know unless you read the manual.
29:58And who has time for that?
30:00To see if you have a special fob, hold down the unlock button for a whole two seconds.
30:05For some car brands, this will open the windows of your car.
30:09This allows you to access your car if there's ever an issue with the door locks or to let out
30:14hot air on a summer day.
30:17You might have noticed a hole along the side of the shaft or barrel of some ballpoint pens.
30:23This is designed to handle pressure.
30:25The hole ensures that the internal and external pressure is the same, which allows the ink to flow freely into
30:31the tip.
30:32If these pressures were different, the ink could become stuck inside, making the pen useless.
30:38Another hole you might see is at the very top of a pen's cap.
30:42This is a new development, with companies adding it in 1991.
30:47First, it helps keep the ink from drying out. Yay!
30:50Second, it ensures that if you accidentally swallow it, the cap will not completely block your airway.
30:57You'll still be able to breathe while seeking help.
31:00Huh, double yay!
31:00But maybe, think about stop putting caps in your mouth in the first place.
31:05Speaking of holes, some shoes are designed with two extra holes, or eyelets.
31:11They're located near the arch, just above the sole of the shoe.
31:14Everyone assumes they're there to help your feet breathe and keep sweating, and the resulting smelliness to a minimum.
31:21But you're actually supposed to use them when lacing up.
31:24They allow you to get a tighter, better fit, and reduce the chances of spraining your ankle.
31:30Some people prefer to drink soda from a glass bottle, arguing that it tastes better.
31:36Whether or not this is true, the bottle does have a unique design feature that most people completely ignore.
31:42It's that long, tapered neck.
31:45Heat transfers from the hand.
31:47If you hold the bottle around the thicker body, you are warming the contents inside.
31:52Warm cola?
31:53No thanks.
31:54You should be holding on to the long neck instead.
31:57This way, your drink will stay colder longer.
32:01Hungry?
32:02Who doesn't like some delicious Chinese takeout?
32:05Here's a shocker.
32:06Those sturdy containers the food comes in can actually be turned into plates.
32:11First, grab the creases on the sides of the packaging.
32:14Slowly pull these apart.
32:16Push the corners down to flatten the box.
32:19This is ideal for rice and noodle dishes, but not so good for soup.
32:23Another surprise?
32:25Chinese takeout containers were not invented in China.
32:28They were created in 1894 by Frederick Weeks Wilcox, a man from Chicago.
32:35He called his creation a paper pail and was inspired by Japanese origami when he designed them.
32:42As Chinese food gained in popularity in America, these paper pails were used for delivery and takeout
32:49and eventually became associated with this particular style of cuisine.
32:53Now, when it comes to dessert, or breakfast, or both actually, a popular choice is a donut.
33:00But people often wonder about the hole in the center.
33:03Wait, another hole?
33:05You bet!
33:06Although it's hard to know who exactly invented the hole in a donut,
33:10some stories give credit to a sailor named Hanson Gregory.
33:14It was 1847, and Hanson was only 16 years old.
33:19At the time, he was working on a lime trading ship.
33:22The deep-fried cakes served on board were nice and crispy on the outside,
33:27but undercooked and doughy on the inside.
33:30He suggested adding a hole in the middle, which would allow the batter to cook evenly.
33:35The modern donut was born.
33:37Hanson is now my personal hero.
33:40Of course, with all that food, it'll make doing up your pants a little harder.
33:44Luckily, most zippers now have locks.
33:48A locking mechanism, which often looks like a little pin or bump,
33:52was added to help keep the zipper done up.
33:55When you position the pull tab flat along the teeth,
33:58the pin hooks in place, and the zipper can't move.
34:01When you lift the tab, it becomes unlocked, and you can easily open and close it.
34:07Now, why are the letters on the computer keyboard in such random order?
34:11This feature dates back to when manual typewriters were used.
34:15Initially, the keys were placed in alphabetical order.
34:18But this way, people were able to type too quickly for the machine to handle.
34:23Levers associated with certain letters would often get jammed together.
34:27The QWERTY keyboard, which is the one we still use today,
34:31was designed to slow people down and reduce the chance of hitting two keys that might jam.
34:36The QWERTY keyboard may no longer be essential, but we have become used to it.
34:42Now, feel the F and J keys on your computer.
34:45Each of these has a little bump on it.
34:47These are known as homing bars.
34:50And the F and J are called position keys.
34:53They were designed to help you properly place your hand when typing
34:56without having to look down at them.
34:59This allows for touch typing,
35:01when you use your muscle memory to remember where each key was.
35:05For it to work, you have to put your fingers in a specific position before starting.
35:10This means ASDF for the left hand and JKL for the right hand.
35:15This is especially useful if you have to transcribe something for your job.
35:20You can read the original and type it out without slowing down to look at your keyboard.
35:25Even the human body has its own little secrets hiding in plain sight.
35:30On your fingers, at the base of each nail, there's something called a cuticle.
35:35Many people think it is just a bit of extra skin, and they cut or trim it, often when getting
35:41a manicure.
35:42But the cuticle is there to protect the nail from becoming infected by bacteria or fungus.
35:48By removing it, you are leaving your fingernails exposed.
35:53If you really want the look of a longer nail, you can gently push the cuticle back towards the base
35:58of the nail.
35:59It can still do its job, and you can still get that funky nail art you always wanted.