18 Household Items You Never Realised Have Secret Functions

Jana Warner

Everyday objects often come with secret functions designed to make life easier, yet many of these functions remain undiscovered. Today, we’ll be unveiling a few hidden gems that can add convenience and efficiency to your daily routine.

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Holes in Pot Handles

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Pot and pan handles often feature a hole at the end, and it’s not just for hanging them up on the walls. This opening is actually designed to hold a stirring spoon, keeping it closeby and preventing drips on your countertop. Next time you’re cooking, try placing your spoon there to get yourself a tidier cookspace.

The Bottom Drawer of Ovens

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Many ovens include a drawer beneath the main compartment, but most people just merely use it to store their baking trays. This space, however, functions as a warming drawer, intended to keep cooked food at serving temperature. Utilising it can help coordinate meal timings when preparing multiple dishes.

The Blue Side of Erasers

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Erasers with a blue and a pink side are common, and you should now know that the blue part isn’t just for erasing pen marks. It works best on heavy-grade paper or when removing darker pencil marks, and using it for this can help you avoid tearing the paper or leaving smudges behind.

Holes in Spaghetti Spoons

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Ever noticed the hole in the centre of a spaghetti spoon? You probably didn’t know that this feature is meant to help you measure a single serving of spaghetti. Try threading dry noodles through the hole until it’s full, and you’ll have the right amount for one person. It’s a simple way to avoid cooking too much pasta than you need.

Ridges on Coins

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British coins have ridged edges, and they’re more than decorative. Historically, these ridges prevented coin clipping, a practice where people shaved off small amounts of precious metal to sell separately. Today, they help the visually impaired distinguish between denominations by touch.

Small Pockets in Jeans

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Jeans often have a tiny pocket inside the larger front pocket. While this pocket can be useful for storing small items like coins, keys, or even a USB stick in modern times, it was originally designed to hold a pocket watch, which was the most popular way to tell time in the 16th century.

Bumps on Keyboard Keys

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You may also notice that the F and J keys on keyboards—typically for Windows laptops—have small raised bumps. These tactile markers help users position their hands correctly without looking. By feeling for these keys, touch typists can maintain proper finger placement, as well as their typing speed and accuracy.

Holes in Pen Caps

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Pen caps frequently have a hole at the top, and this is nothing more than a safety feature. If someone accidentally swallows the cap, the hole allows air to pass through, reducing the risk of choking. It’s a design consideration that has potentially saved lives, especially among children.

The Notch on Measuring Tapes

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Also, measuring tapes often include a small notch or slot in the metal tab at the end. And this is a feature that allows the tape to hook onto a nail or screw for one-person measurements. It’s easy to see how this feature can make measuring distances easier when you find yourself working alone.

Tabs on Drink Cans

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The pull tab on a can of drink isn’t just for opening it. As you may have noticed, there’s usually a hole in this tab, and all you have to do is twist it around to convert it into a strawholder. Threading a straw through the hole keeps it in place, preventing it from bobbing up and down in your drink.

Loops on the Back of Shirts

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Some shirts also have a loop on the backyoke, which isn’t merely decorative. Known as a locker loop, this loop is intended for hanging the shirt on a hook without wrinkling the fabric. It’s a feature that’s especially handy in gym lockers or changing rooms.

Zigzag Sides of Bobby Pins

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Also, bobby pins have a straight side and a wavy side, and not many know that the wavy part is meant to face downwards, gripping the hair more effectively. When you place it correctly, you gain a better hold of your hair and keep hairstyles in place for longer periods.

The Flip Side of Stapler Bases

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Not many know that the metal plate on staplers can be rotated, and switching its position changes the staple from bending inward to outward. Outward staples are easier to remove and are particularly used for temporary fastening, so you don’t damage your documents using them.

Indentations on Milk Jugs

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We also see many plastic milk jugs with indentations on their sides, and these serve as expansion zones, allowing the jug to flex if the milk goes bad and gases build up. This prevents the container from bursting under pressure and contaminating other containers nearby.

Holes on Converse Trainers

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Converse trainers have extra holes near the sole, but you likely think they’re only there for ventilation—to make your legs less sweaty. These holes can be used to lace the shoes in different ways, providing a tighter fit or unique style. Experimenting with lacing can enhance comfort and appearance while wearing these shoes.

Lines on Plastic Cups

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While more common in the US, plastic cups with lines are occasionally found in the UK at parties. The lines indicate measurements for different beverages: the bottom line for shots, the middle for wine, and the top for beer. They essentially help with portion control during events.

Scraper on Tape Measures

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Many tape measures also have a serrated edge on the metal tab, and many people don’t know that this edge functions as a marking tool that allows you to scratch a measurement onto a surface when a pencil isn’t handy. It’s a convenient feature for quick, on-the-go measurement while working alone.

Little Holes in Airplane Windows

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Finally, although not a household item, this is simply a cool fact. Airplane windows have tiny holes near the bottom, and they are actually there for your safety. These holes regulate air pressure between the cabin and the window’s outer pane, preventing the window from fogging up or cracking during flight.

Up Next: 15 Purchases You Should Always Pay for in Cash, Not Credit

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Managing your finances wisely sometimes has to do with the method you use to make your purchases. Yes, credit cards offer convenience and rewards, but they can also lead to unnecessary debt and financial strain when misused – > 15 Purchases You Should Always Pay for in Cash, Not Credit

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