These Common Household Items Can Be Repurposed In Ways You Never Imagined Before

Coin ridges, coat hangers, TV antennas, Solo cups… you will never guess what these things have in common. Even though they seem like nothing more than regular household items, these things actually carry tricks and secrets you never would have suspected! What we are about to tell you will change your life. Repurpose these things and save yourself the hassle of yet another trip to Target or Home Depot. Are you ready to hear these simple but life-changing hacks? We sure hope so.

Wine Bottle Dip

Ah, nothing says unwinding like a glass of wine at the end of the day. If this applies to you, we are sure there is no need to point out the dip at the bottom of the bottle. Did you know that this feature is called the punt or kick-up? It gives the bottle the stability it needs to stop it from breaking or falling over from a gust of wind. Aside from that, it gives the bottle the strength it needs to store champagne and sparkling wine. It also allows the distribution of steam to clean it before the wine is poured inside.

Shirt Loops

We bet you already know that this does not only exists on t-shirts! It comes on collared shirts as well. These loops were first used in the Navy. You would not find a lot of storage space out at sea, so sailors just used the hooks to hang their clothes. In the ‘60s, college kids started to use the feature to keep their shirts immaculate when they go to the gym. Manufacturers choose to keep them as a sign of class.

Colored Toothpaste Squares

Have you ever noticed the colored block located at the bottom of your toothpaste tube? These things are known as “eye marks”. We bet the one on yours is green, black, red, or blue. They are more than just weird aesthetic choices, you know. They allow the assembly line machines to figure out which parts to fold and cut. If it were not for these features, tubes of toothpaste would remain attached to one another and make brushing your teeth much harder.

Gas Gauge Arrow

Do you have your own car? If so, this might be nothing new to you. Nearly every single car made from 2010 onwards has a right or left arrow beside the gas gauge. This is a way to remind drivers where the gas cap is located, so they will not have to reposition their car at the gasoline station. Of course, you would already know it like the back of your hand if the car has been with you for a while. This is most useful for people driving a brand-new car or a rental vehicle!

Charcoal Purifies Air And Removes Odors

You will have no problems looking for activated bamboo charcoal since they are widely available at home goods stores. This is a great way to purify the air and remove any odors. You do not need to spend your money on air purifiers since this type of charcoal is good at removing allergens and bacteria. Simply place them inside mesh bags and leave them in the room you need to freshen up. It’s easy but effective!

Random Jean Buttons

Most people wear jeans, so there is a good chance that you have noticed the extra buttons added to different parts of your pants. You might not know it, but those buttons are actually really important. Known as rivets, they are strategically added to the garment to prevent them from coming apart at the seams. Levi Strauss owns the patent for these. He thought of them after hearing miners complain about the way their jeans wore out in 1829.

Extra Fabric With New Clothes

New clothes sometimes come with a little plastic bag with extra fabric. Most people think nothing of them and assume that they are used for tears and rips. In reality, they are meant to be a test fabric for the washing machine! You can drop them inside to check if they will bleed or shrink under your regular settings. If you ask us, this is actually a good idea since you can prevent damaging the actual garment.

Pot Handle Holes

Have you ever noticed that hole that comes in pot and pan handles? What makes them so great is the fact that you can use it to hang up your kitchenware when they are not in use. This lets you dry them properly after washing them. Chefs tend to use this hole to hold the ladle, stirring spoon, and other similar utensils as well. This is super convenient because you will not have to put it down on the counter.

Extra Sneaker Holes

What are those extra holes on your shoes for? If you ever thought they were design errors, you would be wrong. When your shoes are too big for your feet, you tend to get blisters. Of course, they are also very uncomfortable to wear. You can fix this problem by slipping the shoelaces through the opposite hole. You can then make a loop and a tighter lock. By the way, it is called the “lace lock” or “heel lock”.

Winter Hat Pom-Poms

When it is wintertime, you should wear a hat on top of your head to keep it warm and comfortable. But what is up with those pom-poms added to this garment? It turns out that this fashion feature has its origins in Scandinavia. It was added when they had to gather the seams during the knitting process. This might no longer be necessary, but we think it still makes for an adorable feature.

Airplane Window Holes

There is no need to panic when you notice that airplane windows have tiny holes. Maybe you also felt scared when you were first seated by the window! The breather hole lets the airplane’s outer panes handle the pressure difference as the airplane climbs greater heights. This lets the cabin remain both safe and comfortable. If the outer pane is ever compromised, there will be an air leak through it!

Black Grating In The Microwave

There is no reason to take a close look at your microwave. However, you do not have to be super observant to see that black grating on the microwave door. Known as the Faraday shield, this stops the electromagnetic fields from getting out and then warming people! If that ever happens, you will be at risk AND the food is not going to get cooked. We do not know which one of these is worse.

Dimples On Golf Balls

The truth is that golf balls are not really round. Take a good look at them and you will see all those dimples on the surface of the ball. It turns out that golfers realized that balls with nicks and bumps often reach further distances than new ones. These imperfections make turbulence and reduce drag. The dimples were added for better lift.

Long Bottle Necks

Many adult bottled beverages have long necks. Why is that? One of the reasons they are designed that way is for ergonomics. This lets you hold it in your hand for a long period of time! Aside from that, it also allows you to pour it into a glass or mug without a problem. Let us not forget that the design lets heat distribute so you can enjoy it cold! Unfiltered beers have more bulbous necks that capture sediments.

Can Tabs

We have all drank out of a can, so we are sure you are already familiar with the can tab on top. Not only that, but you must have seen one detach and then fall straight into the can. Why are they there in the first place? Apparently, they were designed to double as straw holders as well. However, not many people use straws when drinking from a can these days. For this reason, they are now redundant.

Takeout Boxes

Chinese takeout is a godsend when we have too much on our figurative plate! We bet you like to eat them straight from the carton too. In reality, the flat boxes were designed that way because they are meant to be used as a plate. While the food is inside the box, simply tug the sides apart and then simply put it flat against the table. Do it correctly, and your life will change. How awesome is this trick?

Double Keyboard Bumps

On your keyboard, you will find two keys with bumps on top of them: the J and F keys. They were added there to help you figure out where the rest of the keys are! You do not need to look down every single time you need to type because they serve as your reference. Ideally, your right index finger will be resting on J, while the other one is resting on F.

Measuring Tape Metal

At one point in your life, someone asked you to help them by holding the end of the measuring tape. Maybe you noticed this tiny bit of metal there as well. There are several reasons why it exists. First of all, this lets you wrap it around a nail when you are working by yourself. Aside from that, the edge is also serrated, which is a useful feature when you want to leave a mark on the surface.

Pen Cap Holes

There is nothing with your pen cap even if a hole exists there. This was actually added by design! It was added there to ensure that air can still flow even if it has been swallowed by the person using it. We are glad that they decided to add such a feature because so many people like chewing on pen caps.

iPhone Camera Hole

Do you have an iPhone? If that’s the case, there is no way you would have missed the hole right beside the lens of the camera. It’s a microphone, not a hidden camera. After the introduction of the iPhone 5, all the phones under the brand have come with three mics: one beside the speaker grills, one on the bottom edge, and another beside the camera lens. There is no need to worry about recording sound.

Zigzag Side On Bobby Pins

Bobby pins are made up of two sides: a wavy one and a straight one. The zigzag pattern should actually face the scalp, not outside! Even though the latter option might seem cooler, you will have an easier time doing the former. After all, this position allows you to secure the pin all day long.

Cable Cord Cylinders

What exactly is that cylindrical lump at the end of your power cord? We want you to know that they are called ferrite chokes or cores. They come with magnetic iron oxide, which prevents high-frequency electromagnetic interference. If the phone is too close to a speaker, weird noses will be transmitted during the call. These features will prevent those interruptions from happening in the first place!

Apple Power Cord Wings

If you own a MacBook, there is a chance that you have always wondered why they added wings to the adapter. There is no need to worry about them. In reality, you can just pull them up and then wrap the cord all over them. This way, you can avoid making a mess out of your cord! What a nifty little feature.

Blue Part On The Eraser

These erasers are sure good at bringing back childhood memories. Do you remember what people used to say about the blue part of the eraser? They said that it would erase ink, but this is not true. It is intended for strong and thick paper! Artists probably found it useful when they had to use special paper.

Square Patches On Backpacks

Many backpacks come with those square patches, but do they mean anything? They actually do. That feature is known as a lashing square or a pig snout! Many of us have issues fitting everything we need inside the bag. The cool thing about it is that you can hang extra gear with this awesome feature. Neat!

Colorful Ice Cream Scoops

If you have ever wondered why there are different ice cream scoop colors, we have the answer for you. Each color is supposed to represent a scoop size! Apparently, there are over a dozen sizes. They depend on the number of scoops for each cup. The bright colors are not simply for aesthetic purposes.

Brass Material For Door Knobs

Most doorknobs are made with the use of brass. Why is that? Apparently, this is the preferred material for this household feature because they resist bacteria buildup. It is important since a lot of people touch the knob over the course of a day. We are glad to hear that a lot of thought has gone into this.

Bottle Cap Discs

If you ever took a peek under the soda bottle cap, you might have found that plastic disc. Although it looks unnecessary, it helps with the carbonation. We would not delve into the specifics, but this feature locks in the carbon dioxide or the fizz of the soda. Your drink would not taste the same without it!

Rearview Mirror Tab

When you are driving, you will be looking at the rearview mirror often. At least you should be! There is a tab at the bottom of the mirror. What is it for? Apparently, this feature allows you to change its position to prevent the headlights from messing with your vision. It deflects the light and shows you what is happening right behind you at the same time.

Coin Ridges

Check your dimes and quarters, and you will see that they have rough edges. What gives? This is a relic from the past. They used to stamp coins in different weights to reflect their individual value. However, people shaved off the edges to make new coins. The ridges were added to prevent this!

Grocery Cart Loops

When it comes to grocery shopping, sometimes your cart will be overflowing by the time you pay. Did you know that you can use these loops that will frame the fold-out portion? You can hang vulnerable items from there to avoid crushing them. This is definitely a great idea!

Lined Paper Margins

We are about to tell you why papers sometimes come with margins. In the past, rat infestations were very common. Chilling, right? At any rate, they added the margins because the rats chewed on the edges. With this extra layer, there was a smaller chance that the rodents would get to the contents.

Paper Condiment Bowls

Fries would not be the same if you did not eat them with ketchup. However, no one likes refilling them over and over again. You might be surprised to hear that you do not have to do this. Even though it might seem small, you can actually unfold the condiment cups like this. Voila!

Women’s Underwear Pocket

Boys might be surprised to hear that there are secret pockets in ladies’ underwear sometimes. Why are they even there? Apparently, the gussets are simply extra fabric that they did not want to stitch close. They must be more comfortable than extra seems. Everyone appreciates an additional hiding place!

Plastic Cup Lids

Get ready because this one will blow you away. Did you know that those plastic lids on disposable cups can be used as a coaster too? Of course, this is only applicable if you plan to enjoy your drink in the store. This is not going to be useful whatsoever if you order it to go and then drink it in your car!

Holes In Padlocks

Many of us rely on padlocks to keep our things safe. Have you ever noticed that hole at the bottom, however? These holes were installed to let water escape when they get inside. Some locks are placed outside, so they are subjected to various weather conditions. In case of a jam, pour oil through it!

Detachable Car Headrests

Have you ever started playing with the headrest in front of you when you were bored during road trips? We bet you had no idea that you can actually take out the headrest! You would never guess the reason for this. Apparently, they did this so that you can break the windows with the bars in an emergency.

Solo Cup Lines

Do red solo cups bring you back to the days of college parties? We doubt that you ever noticed the horizontal lines on these cups. The first line is an ounce or shot of liquor. The next one is five ounces or one glass. The last one is twelve ounces or an entire beer bottle. Pretty handy, isn’t it?

Jerry Can Handles

If you like traveling and camping, you must be familiar with Jerry cans. However, do you know why there are three handles on the top? The cans were designed that way to ensure that fuel is distributed evenly. Two people should hold the exterior handles, while solo carriers should hold the middle one.

Coat Hangers Made With Wood

Wooden coat hangers do not only look good in your closet but also keep creepy crawlies away! We do not want moths living inside our clothes. Heavy clothing has a tendency to attract insects, however. The good thing is that the cedar wood will make it smell pleasant and ward off bugs and moths.

Juice Box Flaps

Why is it that juice boxes have those heavy top flaps? This photo will tell you why. The kid in the photo figured it all out! You need to fold them outward so that they will be easy to hold. After all, these juice boxes were designed for kids 2 to 10 years old. This way, they can hold it without any fear of slipping!

Holes In Your Converse

Why do Converse shoes have those side holes anyway? Apparently, there are several reasons they exist. First, they let your feet get some air. This is useful as it can get hot when they are holed up there the whole day. Second, you can also use them to tie up your laces in a different way.

Screwdrivers, But Also Wrenches

You would never have guessed this one! You should slide your wrench over your screwdriver like this. Apparently, this is the precise reason the screwdriver was designed like this. This is useful when you need to handle angles difficult to hold onto.

Medicine Bottle For Adults

Parents, you will be glad to hear that you can de-childproof your medicine bottles. There are bottles that have a cap that will everything that much easier. You just need to flip it upside down. How simple is that? While this can be very handy, you should make sure that your kids never figure it out.

TicTac Hack

TicTacs are great, but you tend to more pour of them than you want. How should you fix this problem? Apparently, the design of the box can help prevent that from happening. Tip the box over and then open it. Voila! You should have a single piece of candy waiting for you.

The Hole In Your Spaghetti Spoon

The holes in the spaghetti spoon are good when you want to drain the water, but there is more to them than that. They can also be used to measure the amount of pasta. You just need to stick a couple of pieces of spaghetti through them to get the measurement you need.

Grooves Between Tire Treads

Who would have thought that these tire indents have a special purpose? They show you when it is time to replace them! As a rule of thumb, the lowest point in the grooves shows the lowest point the tire should reach. When your tires are smooth, it is time to get new ones!

Gas Pump Latch

Gas pumps often have a latch, but you might never have figured out what they are meant for. It turns out that you do not have to stand there and hold the gas pump as you refuel the car. You can lock the latch with the grooves and simply wait for it to finish pumping gas.

Toothpick Holder

Are you aware that toothpicks have built-in holders? It’s true. Toothpicks come with ridges that you can break off and then put on top of the table. After that, you just need to put the toothpick inside a ridge. This lets you keep the toothpick safe from dirt on the table before you use it again.

Aluminum Foil Packaging

When you get aluminum foil, you should take the time to check out the tabs at the side. This is going to be a super helpful trick, so pay attention. Push in both sides to lock the roll inside the box! This way, it would not move around so much when you rip off some foil for whatever reason.

Half Belt On Jackets

Trench and pea coats often have half belts. How come? Apparently, these garments were originally made for military men with oversized jackets that they could also use as blankets. With the half belt in place, they could gather the excess material and keep it in place so they could walk.

Utility Knife Cap

Are you surprised to learn that the plastic cap on your utility knife is actually really useful? You can just pull it out to find something that will make your life easier. It is part of a new knife! You can break off the edge and have a sharp knife on you! Cool.

Stapler Plates

We bet you had no idea that the metal plate on the stapler is called an anvil. You can then change the setting of your stapler by adjusting the wheel behind it. This will give you a “temporary staple” setting. You can just push the staple arms outward, which makes the staple easier to remove.

The Hole In Your Lollipop Stick

When you are done with your lollipop, you are left with the stick. Perhaps you also used it as a whistle when you were younger. The hole is actually there for the manufacturers to pour in the melted candy. This way, the candy will form properly and latch onto the stick.

The Letter Arrangement On Your Keyboard

Why is it that they did not use the alphabetical order for the computer keyboard? There is actually a reason for this. The old typewriter keyboard actually had this, although the users typed too fast that the metal arms would get stuck. They changed it up to prevent this from happening. However, they have never come back to the old methods even if nothing is stopping them from doing so.

Ridges In Audio Jack

Did you know that the material used in the ridges of your audio jack protects and keeps your wires in place? No one likes the quality to break when listening to music! Aside from that, they dictate which headphone the music should go to. One band is for the left headphone, and the other for the right.

Silica Gel Packets

You will find silica gel packets inside your new purse or a shoebox. They help keep the protect stay fresh and clean until it is time to use them! The sachets contain “desiccant”, which helps ward off moisture and absorb humidity. The next time you need to dry your phone, use this instead of rice.

Colorful Toothpaste

Aquafresh toothpaste normally comes with blue, red, and white stripes. There is a logical explanation for this. The blue stripe is meant to freshen and clean your mouth, while the red one is added for plaque control. They work together to ensure that your dental health is in check!

The Mysterious Square In Your McFlurry Spoon

We are here to tell you just what the square openings on the McFlurry spoons are for. Apparently, the machines latch onto the hole to blend the ice cream and topping together. Think of it as a drill for ice cream! We think it is pretty efficient to give you the spoon that they used to make it with.

TV Cable Hack

You can get highspeed TV without having to pay outrages prices, you know. Netflix is good, but you can also use old TV antennas and electrical outlets to trick devices. You can stream HD signals from Fox, FX, PBS, CBS, ABC, and more by doing this trick. Try it out for yourself.

Make Threading Needles Easier

Sewing can actually be pretty fun, but no one likes spending a lot of time getting the thread through the opening of the needle. Next time you have to do this, you should first dip the end in clear nail polish. This will make it sturdy enough to slip through the eye of the needle.

Olive Oil: Not Just For Italian Food

Do you have dry skin? This is the trick for you. Olive oil offers more benefits than just making your dishes taste amazing! It will also help the state of your skin. You only need to use a tiny amount of it and apply it to your body and face. This will keep your skin moisturized the entire day!

Use A Tennis Ball For Parking Accuracy

Parking is not easy no matter where you are. When you keep bumping into the garage walls, we recommend setting up an old tennis ball and letting it hang from the roof. This will allow you to figure out when it is time to hit the brake and park the car. Say goodbye to bumper damage!

Strain Your Food With Tights

There is no need to chuck your old tights if you do not want to use them anymore. These garments are actually excellent when you want to strain food. The holes are small enough to prevent food bits from escaping. They might even work better than your average strainer!

Groom Your Eyebrows With A Toothbrush

Obviously, we use toothbrushes to brush our teeth. However, there is more to this hygiene tool than just that. If you have a spare toothbrush, you can also use it to groom your brows. What makes it so ideal is that it will cost a lot less than proper eyebrow brushes.

Loosen Doors With Petroleum Jelly

No one likes the sound of squeaky doors, right? However, you have better things to do than to run to the hardware store to find a solution to such a minor problem. All you need to fix such a dilemma is to apply some petroleum jelly on the drawer tracks, door hinges, and anything else that makes squeaky noises!