Join the Fun!

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) I was a medic in the Army.

Tampons were part of my regular trauma kit in the field because they were perfect for quickly plugging gunshot wounds.

Myhandsunclean , Eric E Castro Report

Final score:

433points

POST

Polly Hart 1 year ago

Tell that to Dane Swan

179points

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) The Daily Mail is excellent for house training puppies.

Farsydi , carterse Report

Final score:

409points

POST

rspanther 1 year ago

And for lining bird cages. But only if you can get it for free, they don't deserve any money.

145points

siliconalleymarketer , Helena Volkova Report

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) A tennis ball. Entertains animals for days, works as an amazing massage tool in physical therapy, protect your floors from chairs that scratch and more!

Final score:

383points

POST

Robert T 1 year ago

Or to put on the feet of a walker, a la Up.

13points

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Silly String is used by soldiers to detect tripwires.

kelephon19 , Ellen Davis Report

Final score:

371points

POST

karen snyder 1 year ago

Yes. It's been a highly requested item by US military personnel since 2004. Also, the doctors who invented it were trying to create a spray on cast for broken bones.

142points

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Bluetooth speakers. I bought one once for it's intended purpose of listening to music, but then when I realized how small they actually are, they've pretty much became one of my favorite tools for office pranking and shenanigans:

* Record a co-worker's desk phone ringing, place the speaker behind their phone, and then start playing the ring tone over it
* Electronic whoopee cushion
* Hide it in an inconspicuous place in an otherwise open area, then play a whispering voice "Hey , look over here" as people walk by- great for people who believe in ghosts!
* If someone keeps a door closed normally, hide it as close to the door as possible, then play knocking sounds
* Hide it in a cubicle/office and just play random, loud sound effects

Pancake_Nom , Nicolas J Leclercq Report

Final score:

294points

POST

YourSecretSanta 1 year ago

Calm down Satan (I say as I immediately open an online shopping store to see where I can buy one)

222points

SwingGirlAtHeart , Bradley Gordon Report

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) I always keep fingernail clippers in my purse because I can use them to cut SO. MANY. THINGS. Little plastic tags on new clothes, zip ties, or even yarn when you want to knit on a plane and they don't let you have scissors!

Final score:

292points

POST

Polly Hart 1 year ago

Wait, they let people take knitting needles on planes again finally?

73points

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) "Water pipes"

All over the smoke shop there are signs saying that all the glass products are "for tobacco use only." However, I find that they work much better for smoking marijuana over tobacco. Who knew?

Naweezy Report

Final score:

286points

POST

Mooooomooooo 1 year ago

Hahaha

75points

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Hair conditioner works best as shaving foam than some brands of shaving foam.

ItsACaragor , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

283points

POST

Peppy 1 year ago

Very good when shaving legs, smooth as can be.

75points

#10

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Listerine was used as a surgical antiseptic when it was first invented and now it's a mouth wash.

Naweezy , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

266points

POST

vglw 1 year ago

Many years ago, my grandmother used Listerine to disinfect scrapes on knees. That junk burns like fire but we never had an infected scrape.

120points

fresh_scents , Phil and Pam Gradwell Report

#11

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Newspapers are really good for cleaning windows.

Final score:

264points

POST

Eirik Johnsbråten 1 year ago

And drying shoes

48points

#12

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Aluminum foil. People use it to wrap food while they can use it to make rockets, electromagnets and hats that prevent the government from mind-controlling you.

anon , David (Davo) Smith Report

Final score:

258points

POST

Uncanny 1 year ago

Also, great for making funny cat videos when placed on kitchen counters!

59points

#13

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Pipe cleaners, meant for cleaning tobacco pipes. More often used in a million craft projects.

StovardBule , Wesley Fryer Report

Final score:

252points

POST

Ray Heap 1 year ago

Cleaning the toner feeder tubes on large industrial printers.

52points

#14

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) I have noticed the upvote / downvote buttons have far more utility as “I like this” / “F**k you” buttons than as a rating of how relevant the content is which it was made for

Naweezy , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

228points

POST

somed ay 1 year ago

For real. And the “was this review helpful?” button on Amazon is used exclusively to rate the product itself.

40points

#15

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Melamine foam, AKA magic eraser sponges and Mr. Clean Magic Sponges.

Melamine foam was originally used as pipe insulation and soundproofing but was later discovered to clean surfaces like magic!

dkcs , Trevor Cox Report

Final score:

214points

POST

Robert T 1 year ago (edited)

Where do you think pool noodles came from? They're just pipe insulation.

70points

its_over9000 , Karolina Grabowska Report

#16

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Two things. Duct tape and baling twine.

Add wd40 in the mix and you can fix almost everything.

Final score:

205points

POST

Annik Perrot 1 year ago

McGyver, is that you?

120points

#17

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) I use the metal dental tool for pill openers. I have a hard time opening up tiny pill packets so I used my metal plaque thingy to open them. I have four or five hidden in random places. I mean what cruel AF person would design migraine meds in that freaking things. I also have one for cleaning out my tobacco water pipes but I just saw a post here that tells me I have been using my water pipes wrong. Who knew? :-/

anon , Free Dental Photos Report

Final score:

192points

POST

Kim Steffen 1 year ago

They also package nicotine gum in these damn things.

30points

CottonCandyTacos , KitchenFunWithMy3Sons Report

#18

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Dawn dish soap. That s**t gets anything off anything. Also, if you wash your car with it in the water when bugs hit your windshield the first week or so, they just bounce off like rain x

Final score:

191points

POST

Ace 1 year ago

Any brand does the same, but it's quite corrosive so should not be used on car paintwork.

64points

#19

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Toothbrushes for cleaning bikes and cars (not the whole car, just little corners).

anon , Brainstorm Innovations Report

Final score:

184points

POST

Hotdogking 1 year ago

Well someone took inspiration from James May

25points

#20

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Toothpaste. It can be used to fix issues with plastics. Most notably it can be used on your headlight lenses as an abrasive to remove the yellowing effect that happens to car headlights over time. It can also be used to buff scratches out of CDs/DVDs/Blu-Rays. If you have a Formica countertop with a stain, a whitening toothpaste can be used to buff the stain out.

putsch80 , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

Final score:

172points

POST

Jo 1 year ago

But please! Don't use it to clean your glasses, especially if the lenses have some kind of coating on them. My younger son taught us the hard way...

99points

#21

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Barbie doll's legs. They served as a great scratcher for my itchy leg when I had a cast on it. The arch of her foot was perfect.

anon , susan402 Report

Final score:

167points

POST

RAM31280 1 year ago

The frame of Barbie's legs have been used to as fingers on prosthetic hands.

44points

#22

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Viagra WAS intended to help treat high blood pressure

ItsAllAboot , Tim Reckmann Report

Final score:

159points

POST

Jill Jones 1 year ago

It is also used for pulmonary arterial hypertension. I take six 20mg a day, and the main thing that has kept me alive the past three years. FYI- I'm female

142points

#23

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Vinegar: not just used to put on your hot chips
Bicarbonate of soda: not just used for cooking

Have a blocked sink? If you can, remove the drain cover, pour in some bicarb and then follow with white vinegar. It fizzzes and causes a reaction that helps loosen the blockage. Throw some hot water down the drain. Repeat if necessary. Soooooo much cheaper than a plumber.

Create a paste of bicarb and water. Use it to scrub stubborn stains off your stove top.

Grab an empty spray bottle. Put I cup of white vinegar and one cup of liquid dish washing detergent. Wet the shower screen, spray the mix on and leet it sit for about 10 mins. Grab a light scouring pad and starting at the top, scrub (lightly) the glass. You might need to be a bit heavier on the bottom of the glass. Rinse off and voila! Clean clean glass! Also good on the oven doors too! Actually...any glass.

baccgirl , Mike Mozart Report

Final score:

147points

POST

Jj321 1 year ago

I use Vinegar in laundry. It helps keep away musty smells and works like fabric softener.

93points

phony-pony , Gustavo da Cunha Pimenta Report

#24

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) I use default web browsers to download Firefox/Chrome.

Final score:

146points

POST

Remi (He/Him) 1 year ago

For windows my go to is Opera

24points

steveofthejungle , cottonbro studio Report

#25

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Clear nail polish works so well to fix small holes or seal things.

Edit: like the small hole in my giant popsicle floatie

Final score:

137points

POST

Antonia 1 year ago

and it stops a run in your stocking

99points

notenoughtimetoride , Lee Balicki Report

#26

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Neoprene. Apparently it was originally used as a lining for industrial waste but obviously now makes a good wetsuit (and has many other industrial uses).

Final score:

134points

POST

Debby Keir 1 year ago

And brilliant hypoallergenic surgical gloves.

32points

#27

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Tube guitar amps. They were never intended to produce distortion, but a whole genre of music was born by "misusing" them!

DaveCanada , Kristian Bjornard Report

Final score:

133points

POST

Kayjunmoon 1 year ago

Jimi Hendrix a case in point I think.

31points

BoneYardBetty , Darina Belonogova Report

#28

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) A whole slew of medications.

My daily medication is an anti-seizure medication. Works like s**t as an anti-seizure medication, but works **fantastically** as an anti-psychotic.

Final score:

133points

POST

Robert T 1 year ago

When used in different doses they have different effects. Lorazepam can be used as an antiemetic, and methotrexate (a chemo drug) to slow down osteoarthritis.

37points

#29

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Paint can opener. I'm a cable technician, and I find myself outdoors in all manor of conditions. I keep a paint can opener in my vehicle to get mud, dog c**p, and rocks out of the treads of my boots. Way better than the stick that breaks. Now, I keep one in my personal vehicle for when we take the dogs out to the park.

Edit: I'm aware there are dozens of flat objects to open paint cans, but the thread was about better alternative uses for objects, and a paint can opener fits the bill. Also, props to those who added that the tool makes a great free bottle opener.

mistergreen06 , myogtacticalgear Report

Final score:

127points

POST

Robert T 1 year ago (edited)

Do you mean a screwdriver? /s

18points

#30

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Avon Skin so Soft works as an amazing bug repellant. We go camping fairly regularly and always take a bottle!

chickensundae , Ron Lach Report

Final score:

126points

POST

Christine Rockwell 1 year ago

Does not work on Michigan mosquitos!

47points

metubialman , Toiletries & Cosmetics Wholesaler Report

#31

I never once used baby oil on my baby... but I use it to remove eye makeup whenever I wear eye makeup.

Final score:

120points

POST

Kayjunmoon 1 year ago

And to remove tar from your skin if you inadvertently step on some on a beach.

35points

#32

Silly Putty is great to clean your car. All the little crumbs and dust that sink into the console creases and door lock controls. Just press and pick it up, fold putty, repeat.

Picodick Report

Final score:

116points

POST

ShaZam Beaubien 1 year ago

Silly putty can be used to pick up Glitter spills. It's the fastest way to remove glitter.

80points

#33

My grandma keeps a special pair of scissors for when we're eating pizza.

I have admired that stroke of brilliance my entire life.

Phyndah Report

Final score:

115points

POST

Ches Yamada 1 year ago

We have food scissors in our kitchen, too.

73points

#34

Apparently, coca cola has some amazing cleaning purposes. Lime stains, water rings, oil stains in the driveway, just google or youtube it.

Jean_Lily Report

Final score:

109points

POST

Anthony Kiousopoulos 1 year ago

Also quite good to settle your stomach if you have a stomach flu!!

53points

cute ghost person 1 year ago

Ginger rale for me, I once has a stomach ache really bad on a boat and some random guy said gingerale or tea( if i liked it, which i do) It works really well thats why I always drink it on planes( my stomach is very picky)

12points

Jay Son 1 year ago

Works wonders with rust, too.

5points

Michael Largey 1 year ago (edited)

When I was in third grade, our nun was trying to teach us the danger of some foods to dental health. She had someone bring in a tooth which had recently fallen out. (Plenty of volunteers at that age.) She put it in a glass of Coke and left it overnight. The next day she took the tooth out of the glass and showed us what bad shape it was now in. Nun: "Class, what does this teach us?" Student: "When you drink Coke, don't hold it in your mouth too long. Guzzle it right down!" He was not named student of the month.

4points

Bored Birgit 1 year ago

But he was so right.

0points

Marie Dahme 1 year ago

Cleans car batteries too….imagine what that shite does to your stomach. I know people with kidney problems must stay away from it.

4points

InvincibleRodent 1 year ago

While this is true, that's mostly because it's acidic. You're likely better off just using vinegar for most of the same purposes!

4points

MIHAELA ČVORAK 1 year ago

Probably, but it is cheaper than vinegar.

0points

James016 1 year ago

Pour it into the toilet, leave it overnight, flush, and you have a clean toilet

4points

Jesus Ortiz 1 year ago

It's because of the Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4) contained within. H3PO4 is good at breaking down mineral buildup. In fact, when I used to work as a Janitor, one of my most favorite cleaners was one that had H3PO4 and Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) mixed together, and it worked miracles at making toilets look like brand spanking new.

3points

CHRIS DOMRES 1 year ago

I think it has phosphoric acid in it which converts iron oxide (rust) to phosphorus oxide.

3points

Rachel Reynolds 1 year ago

I soak my work clothes in CocaCola to get grease and oil out. Lit it sit overnight and rinse with a hose. Bam! Nasty mechanic coverall are now safe to wash in the family washing machine. It gets diesel, grease, all weights of oil, ATF and coolant out of denim and industrial work uniform fabric.

2points

IamMe 1 year ago

My ex is a mechanic, he used it a lot for cleaning and de-rusting parts.

2points

T. 1 year ago

Despite from drinking it, I use it to clean the rust off the chromed frame of my bicycle. Dip some lightly crumbled tinfoil in coke and it will work like a charm. For tight edges I use a tinbrush and coke.

2points

Pieter LeGrande 1 year ago

Makes an excellent soldering flux according to my dad (an electrical engineer).

1point

Peppy 1 year ago

You’ll never want to drink it again after you see it dissolve limescale

1point

PVR 1 year ago (edited)

Removes rust off screws and nails as well.

1point

Jan Olsen 1 year ago

This is a myth. There is even a mythbuster episode debunking it.

0points

elcee 1 year ago

and if that doesn't work, they also sell fine pumice stones (on a long handle even!) for that lime rust ring in your toilet (etc)!

0points

Deep One 1 year ago

Also works great if cleaning a large flat grill. Throw some on while the grill is hot and everything lifts right off.

0points

Bleau 1 year ago

An blood

0points

Bookworm 1 year ago

I've also heard (don't quote me on this) that people with feeding tubes can use Coke to dissolve blockages in the tube.

0points

Isabel Care 1 year ago

Removes the lurking barium meal from the toilet pan.

0points

Kabuki Kitsune 1 year ago

It's also good for cleaning corroded battery connections for your car. Just unhook the connections, and dip them in a cup of coke. After a few minutes, the corrosion will burn off and you'll be left with a clean connection. Just gotta hit it with a wire brush, and you're good.

0points

Thomas Schwarting 1 year ago

I've always used gingerale for that. Must be the bicarbonate.

0points

Dorothy Reiser 1 year ago

Coke syrup for morning sickness.

0points

BatPhace 1 year ago

Also great for cleaning car battery terminals

0points

Neuridivergent 1 year ago

Diesel mechanic father cleaned the carburetor with it.

0points

Ozzyols 1 year ago

My Dad never drank coke after watching his father pour it on a seized up wheel bolt and it ate through the grime/rust/gunk (NB… this was the Coca Cola of the 1950’s)

0points

Jill Bussey 1 year ago

Much better to use it as a cleaning agent than to actually drink it.

0points

Sarah 1 year ago

My dad told me the highway patrol keeps coca-cola in the trunk to clean blood off the roads. I haven't fact checked that.

0points

L hill 1 year ago

Works great with rum as well. Who knew?

0points

Rostit . 1 year ago

It's great as long as you don't drink it.

0points

okpkpkp 1 year ago

That's because you shouldn't drink it. I thought it was like battery acid.

0points

Tessa Dawn 1 year ago

Great at removing rust as well

0points

Mr. Toast 1 year ago

Yep flat coca cola for upset stomachs. Also always have a coke afterwards if I have been doing any river or sea activity that I may have got water in my mouth. Seems to prevent issues.

0points

C C 1 year ago

corroded battery terminals

0points

Michelle C 1 year ago

Coca-Cola is apparently good for cleaning toilets, too!

0points

les 1 year ago

can be used to unsieze engines too

0points

Nat Rich 1 year ago

Also good to use in the slow cooker with gammon

0points

Pheonixvatoreii 1 year ago

I once did an experiment by leaving some old rusted copper 1 and 2ps in some coca cola, and OH MY GOD were they clean!

0points

Leeds Lass 1 year ago

it's good to cook gammon in as well!

0points

Gogubaci 1 year ago

my father was a mechanic and used it to clean rust off tools and other car parts

0points

pocwaddler 1 year ago

When I used to work on oil rigs, we had separate overalls that we called "greasers," because they would be soaked in oil and grease and drilling mud and all kinds of nastiness. In the small town where I lived the Laundromat had specific machines for washing greasers, for obvious reasons. We always put in soap and then poured a bottle of coca-cola, and it cleaned them perfectly. It's also good to pour on battery posts to clean off the deposits.

0points

Mike Anderson 1 year ago

Great for cleaning automobile battery terminals.

0points

The Scout 1 year ago

Gets my sink unclogged very time.

0points

Robert T 1 year ago

It is very good for cleaning copper coins.

0points

#35

Slotted spoon (spaghetti scoops)

I bought a really good quality one to use as a back scratcher

popepipoes Report

Final score:

99points

POST

Pat Dobson 1 year ago

I use one to take hay out of sheep water buckets

42points

nebuchadn3zzar , cottonbro studio Report

#36

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Condoms are awesome.

They are used to cover gun barrels, cook meatloaf, waterproof phone covers, ice packs, and everything in between.

If you ever need a cheap, waterproof container that can be used for many different things, use a condom.

Final score:

94points

POST

Ray Heap 1 year ago

Please tell me how to cook a meat loaf in a condom.

252points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#37

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Safety pins, originally designed to fasten cloth baby diapers now used in a million other ways.

Edit: I'm a little surprised no one mentioned separating eyelashes after applying mascara, popping blisters, removing splinters, and protesting the President.

Also I once knew a goth girl who lined her backpack with them so ppl would respect her personal space in the hallway. Worked for her apparently and as far as I know she didn't get in trouble.

Gloworm02 , Carol VanHook Report

Final score:

92points

POST

Greenmantle 1 year ago

Not sure I'd want a sharp metal object that close to my eyes... hopefully there's some other way of doing it

76points

#38

Sealable sandwich bags (Ziploc design, not the foldover ones) are great waterproof bags for phones. Reddit in the shower. Sure, that's it. "Reddit."

On an unrelated note, buy shares in sandwich bag companies.

Jackpot777 Report

Final score:

90points

POST

JJ 1 year ago

Yes! That's how I used my e-book-reader in the bathtub before there was a waterproof one available.

16points

#39

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Originally, gasoline was a by product of making kerosene. Dunno if it counts but by products don't usually have an intended use.

YddishMcSquidish , D.L. Report

Final score:

81points

POST

Marilyn Holt 1 year ago

I heard that about petroleium jelly too (vaseline). Oil field workers found that it made their hands soft and protected cuts and scrapes.

37points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#40

Mayonaise. Its amazing for removing stubborn stcky residues. Use it a lot in my job.

anon Report

Final score:

80points

POST

Robert T 1 year ago

I'm not asking what job that is!

58points

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

#41

Remember the red ring of death and overheating issues with the 360?

Well when I was a kid my dad was a penny pincher and wouldn't turn the heat on in winter until HE decided if it was cold. So I used my Xbox 360 as a heater for my room.

EDIT: Phone auto corrected to penny puncher instead of penny pincher lol.

Earnwald Report

Final score:

31points

POST

Robert Trebor 1 year ago

Penny Puncher - a lesser known craft

8points

#42

Bondage tape and rope. I own both, and have maybe used the bondage tape once for it's actual function, and never the rope for it's actual function. I have however used both for quick home fixes, packing, and for a few other odd house-hold jobs. Bondage tape is great for ice packs! It cannot stick to your skin, so if you're hairy, like me, you can just wrap it. The tape was one of the best purchases I've ever made.

grizzfan Report

Final score:

27points

POST

Ace 1 year ago

The things you learn. Who ever knew such a thing as "bondage tape" even existed.

24points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#43

This is more of a "less known intended use", but taking anti-histamine pills (the ones you get for seasonal allergies) makes mosquito bites stop itching.

If you go to a doctor for itching mosquito bites he'll usually prescribe you a gel or cream with the same or similar ingredients - but if you're a mosquito magnet like me and you get absolutely *covered* in them it's much quicker, easier, and safer to just take a tiny Claritin pill. Twenty minutes later and all the itching is gone.

If you explicitly ask your doctor for pills instead of gel/cream, he'll give it to you.

----

EDIT: There seem to be two frequent misconceptions in the responses to my comment.

1) I am not talking about Claritin-D, which contains both loratadine (an anti-histamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Pseudoephedrine, as a medication, is no laughing matter, plus it is a controlled substance. I am talking about standard Claritin or Clarinase, which contains only loratadine or desloratadine. Also, I may not have made it clear enough when I said "if you ask your doctor", but you should never start taking any kind of medication regularly, even loratadine, without consulting a doctor.

2) Yes, I am aware that mosquito bites are a histaminic reaction and that is why taking allergy pills for it will work. That knowledge is in fact what led me to try it in the first place. But allergy pills are generally only marketed and prescribed for seasonal allergies; you never see Claritin advertising about mosquito bites, and it's not in the package insert. That's what makes this not the intended function. Also, reread the first nine words of this comment.

anon Report

Final score:

26points

POST

Anyone-for-tea? 1 year ago

I thought this was common knowledge? I take them at least a week before I go anywhere on holiday and then taken them every day whilst there too as I get bitten terribly.

12points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#44

smartphones.

already this morning, i've texted 3 people, checked the weather forecast, watched sports highlights, read my email, checked work schedule and (obviously) gone on reddit.

if it rings, pretty good chance i won't answer. but i still call it "my phone."

EDIT: my point is that maybe we should call them something different than smartPHONES -- perhaps pocket computers, or handheld facebook thingy --since the *phone* part of a smartphone is oftentimes its least-used feature.

cubs_070816 Report

Final score:

21points

POST

John L 1 year ago

THIS, I grew up in the 80's. If I wanted to do all the things, I can now do with my smartphone, I would have to pay far more than the cost of a smart phone. Are they expensive, yes, but only in context. I don't complain about the cost, but I also don't get a new one every time a new version comes out.

6points

#45

Frying pans are a much better solution to making instant noodles than saucepans, even though there's no frying involved. Just break the dried noodles in half, throw in a little bit of water (you need less than you think, but you can always top up because the extra will heat up super quickly; enough to just about cover the bottom of the pan usually does it), and then sprinkle the flavour powder over the top.

The flavouring coats the noodles evenly, and once the water is absorbed the noodles are done. No mess, no fuss, no draining. If you want to chop up spring onions or whatever, go nuts; if you like to fry some chicken to go with it, you can just put the noodles and water in the same pan and get that delicious crispy meat goodness in with it.

Portarossa Report

Final score:

21points

POST

Olive Harper 1 year ago

Frying pans are also a good weapon.

9points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#46

My martini shaker is great for cooling down ice coffee in a hurry.

fibericon Report

Final score:

19points

POST

TomCat 1 year ago

Also white wine that I forgot to chill.

4points

#47

I'm going to say kerosene as it relates to glass cutting. Kerosene is a freaking energy dense fuel, which is why we use it to put s**t in space. But damn when you dip your glass cutting tool in it before scoring a pane, freaking magic happens.

thehalfwit Report

Final score:

18points

POST

David Paterson 1 year ago

It does? Must tell family member who does glass cutting.

5points

#48

Coffee filters. Not necessarily a better use but so many other uses than just filtering coffee.

allthedifference Report

Final score:

18points

POST

Jay Son 1 year ago

Used coffee grounds also work wonders to wash your hands with if you have motor oil or other grease on your hands.

7points

ChinesePaperFarmer Report

#49

Hair dryers if you need your shirt dry in a hurry.

Final score:

16points

POST

Ches Yamada 1 year ago

Or if you have a hot flash on cool.

7points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

#50

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) My cell phone works better as a way to browse reddit than it does a phone.

Naweezy , Ivan Radic Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Clown fish 1 year ago

Or bored panda that's got all reddit and alot of other stuff

1point

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#51

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Pedialyte for hangovers

Besoffen55 , itch-exe Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Marie Dahme 1 year ago

Have you seen the commercial with the dad on the floor of the kitchen drinking pedialyte…the little girl comes in and says, “ Hey that’s mine !” Dad says, “I’ll buy you a pony.” Love it.

17points

#52

Pennies are far more useful for checking your tire treads and making souvenirs at the zoo than being used as currency.

foreveralone323 Report

Final score:

14points

POST

3 Owls In A Coat 1 year ago

I’m Canadian, we don’t have pennies anymore. Walking into the grocery store the other day, a lady stopped right in front of me to pick up a penny off the ground and we both just marveled at it for a moment, haven’t seen one in years 😅

3points

#53

Reddit for market research.

splorf Report

Final score:

13points

POST

Francesa Miller 1 year ago

I use it for all kinds of research. I'm a writer and need to know strange or obscure things sometimes.

3points

#54

Probably ever clear. It's supposed to be consumed, but is a fantastic cleaner

Theundercave Report

Final score:

12points

POST

Jilltdcatlady 1 year ago

It's a legitimate treatment for antifreeze poisoning (ethylene glycol) in animals. It has to be given IV and caught in less than 6 hours. But it has saved many unlucky doggos.

3points

#55

Until they ripped out the "Other OS" option, PS3s were AWESOME at doing tasks requiring many computers all working on a single project, like drug research.

My guess is that Sony took that option out when they were seeing thousands of PS3s purchased (which they take a loss on) with no games (where they make the real profit) bought with them.

Pinstar Report

Final score:

12points

POST

John L 1 year ago (edited)

My understanding was that hostile countries were buying them as replacements for processing computers, thus getting around some international sanctions for export technology.

5points

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#56

Those dotted 'bathroom cleaning' wipes. Absolute s**t for soap scum, feckin' godly at cleaning grease off your range

Taleya Report

Final score:

11points

POST

HappyScrapper2458 1 year ago

Can also be used on walls if you are moving out and need to clean...

2points

#57

Use our selfie stick to hold phone while netflixin' in bed.

itsbraille Report

Final score:

8points

POST

3 Owls In A Coat 1 year ago

I use my cat

3points

#58

You can use your trusty old frying pan as a *drying pan!!!*

SinusMonstrum Report

Final score:

6points

POST

Lolly Gagger 1 year ago

This one needs more info.

13points

#59

That little plastic stand for the Wii U controller is great for a cellphone stand.

Stolypin26 Report

Final score:

6points

POST

Rider 1 year ago

I use a cellphone stand for my switch.

0points

#60

Bananas can be shoved in holes in pipes to prevent leaking

Barack-YoMama Report

Final score:

5points

POST

Jay Son 1 year ago

Don't forget them for scale!

21points

anon , https://www.tiktok.com/@kat_longoria/video/6992513913271241985?embed_source=121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_blank&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=6992513913271241985&refer=embed&referer_url=www.shape.com%2Flifestyle%2Fbeauty-style%2Ftiktok-eyeliner-tape-hack&referer_video_id=6992513913271241985 Report

#61

"What Product Has A Better Use Than Its Intended Function?" (40 Answers) Not 'better', but medical tape is great for getting a straight line with eyeliner and eyeshadow. Not many people will use medical tape in their day to day life, but this tape pulls off to leave perfect lines without pulling off foundation.

Final score:

2points

POST

Leslie Harris 1 year ago

great way to stretch the skin in the eye area for early wrinkles

6points

#62

tvs are great babysitters

Ultimater Report

Final score:

-11points

POST

John L 1 year ago

No...no they are not.

12points

Howdy, I'm Adelaide! I'm originally from Texas, but after graduating from university with an acting degree, I relocated to sunny Los Angeles for a while. I then got a serious bite from the travel bug and found myself moving to Sweden and England before settling in Lithuania about two years ago. I'm passionate about animal welfare, sustainability and eating delicious food. But as you can see, I cover a wide range of topics including drama, internet trends and hilarious memes. I can easily be won over with a Seinfeld reference, vegan pastry or glass of fresh cold brew. And during my free time, I can usually be seen strolling through a park, playing tennis or baking something tasty.

Read less »

I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

Bill Evs 1 year ago

One I always recommend (but get horrified looks when I do) is to use superglue to mend cuts on your body. Obviously use a non-toxic variety but I heard about it as a kid by an ex-soldier and have sworn by it ever since. I once badly sliced my thumb open on the way to work. I grabbed some superglue, sealed it closed and put a plaster (band-aid) on it. The wound healed perfectly and to this day you can only see the faintest hint of a scar considering how deep the wound was initially.

23points

kf 1 year ago

I heard it was initially invented/ intended as field wound dressing. Used it 3 times so far to glue myself shut if I don't have steri-strips.

9points

GirlFriday 1 year ago

I had major surgery not too long ago. Imagine my surprise when I woke up and asked about taking care of my stitches only to be told that I didn't have stitches. The surgeon closed me up with superglue. As the wound healed, it pushed the superglue out.

6points

Jihana 1 year ago

True! I once had a badly cracked heel, and every step hurt like crazy, I could barely walk. Did not have time to go to the doctor, so I just used some super glue to glue the edges back together. Worked like a charm, instant pain relief. It did get quite hot though, when it hardened, I did not expect that, and that hurt a bit.

6points

David Paterson 1 year ago

Superglue for detecting fingerprints as well.

6points

Colin 1 year ago

Old pro-wrestling trick. They'd squeeze the skin of a cut together, crazy glue it to stop the blood flow until they could get it seen to for stitches.

5points

Jan Dunn 1 year ago

That's what it was invented for I use it all the time have for years. Specially on paper cuts or tiny cuts on your fingertips stops the pain stings for a second and then just stops the pain.

1point

A P 1 year ago

Just be very sure you never get it anywhere near any silk you may be wearing

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

There's also a spray med that we used to use at my hospital. Worked great for paper cuts. They never pulled apart and healed well.

0points

Sky Render 1 year ago

Here's an obscure one: hemostats! Surgeons use them to hold a surgical cut in place while they work, but their vice-like grip makes them perfect for holding anything gently-but-firmly. I've used one as a makeshift bottle cleaner many times by having it grip a paper towel square.

9points

Jihana 1 year ago

Uuuh that's smart!

1point

Rider 1 year ago

Manuka honey, great for wound care especially infections and burns. It cleared up recurring MSRA and is magic at pulling pus out of abscesses.

5points

Melissa Harris 1 year ago (edited)

All honey is good for wound care. It's especially great for cracked or chapped lips

3points

Maisey Myles 1 year ago

If your dog/pet gets "skunked", use Massengill Powdered Douch- Mix a couple of tablespoons in some tepid water in a gallon jug and pour onto DRY fur

4points

Old Roadie 1 year ago

This one is new to me! Thank you for the tip.

0points

Jihana 1 year ago

For migraine sufferers in Austria: go get a bottle of Veen Veen from the pharmacy. It's a kind of wine with herbal extracts, and it's supposed to help with blood circulation and "strengthening the veins", whatever that means. But it's insanely effective in stopping migraine attacks. Works way better than normal pain killers. It's a small Austrian brand, so I don't think you can buy it outside of Austria. Sorry, rest of the world 🙁

4points

A P 1 year ago

Too bad, that'd come in handy around my house

2points

Melissa Harris 1 year ago

It's probably got wormwood in it.

1point

Danish Susanne 1 year ago (edited)

I have read that Tanacetum parthenium (called Matrem where I live) might help for migraines. Steep som leaves in tea and drink. Tastes nasty, but you only need a small cup. For winter leaves may be kept in alcohol. They don't keep their properties well if dried.

0points

Cyber Returns 1 year ago

You know all that antibacterial handwash you have stocked up because of Covid? Well, it makes an awesome multi-cleaner! Use it to clean work tops, cookers floors cupboard doors and even the dishes! It's antibacterial, has a powerful degreasing agent and lasts for ages before it breaks down in water. I even use it in my jet wash to clean the car!

4points

Adam L 1 year ago

A restaurant I worked for had us use it to clean certain surfaces when the pandemic hit

4points

Boggitha Johns 1 year ago

It gets paint splatters off vinyl chair cushions

4points

Šimon Špaček 1 year ago

We use it to clean laptops (it is basicaly mixture of pure alcohols, so it a) doesn't short cirquit anything, b) removes grease, c) removes most regular glues (who puts stickers on work computers?) a d) kills all germs left behind by people. And trust me, some computers are nasty. We use alcohol wipes too and we use them to rate how nasty computer is. "Clean" computers require 1/3 to 1/2 of wipe (so you can clean two or three computers with one wipe). One or two wipes is normally used computer. Five wipes is awful machine. And our record is 10 wipes after using spray to remove the worst (and still I had to use few inside. I have no idea how can anyone make computer that filthy).

1point

David Paterson 1 year ago

I don't know if this counts, but medics in the Vietnam war used shirt sleeves in arterial surgery, to repair and reinforce damaged arterial walls.

4points

BG 1 year ago

Lysol was a "feminine cleanser".

3points

Powerful Katrinka 1 year ago

That's horrifying.

6points

Oddly Me 1 year ago

Hemorrhoid cream for undereye bags.

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

0points

Brent Hollett 1 year ago

No More Tears Baby Shampoo is a better anti-fog on goggles when Scuba Diving, than all the anti-fog solutions.

1point

Šimon Špaček 1 year ago

I want to add one, lock picks. They are meant to unlock locks without keys, but they are so useful! Opening laptop? Use one to unhook all those little clips. Cleaning that laptop? You can use one to clean the grill over fan or to clean sides of keys on keyboard. Removing things from tight spaces? Small steel hook will help. Heck, I used one when I was cracking walnuts. You know how sometimes the shell stays around the nut? Lockpick is your friend.

1point

Imjust jim 1 year ago

In the days of the blue laws here in MA - no alcohol sold on Sunday - they had to hide the sterno - yeah, drinking sterno - that might be a sign of trouble with liquor.

1point

Weirdo with Internet 1 year ago

My grandma uses rubbing alcohol as window cleaner.

1point

Joeshar 1 year ago

Coke to clean chrome tires (saw it in Mythbusters)

1point

Isabel Care 1 year ago

I bought a radiator roller, for painting behind radiators. It was 20 years before I used it for it's intended purpose. I got it to reach the windows when they were open, so I could close them. Also for pulling stuff down from on top the the kitchen cabinets, helping me get dressed when one grabber isn't enough, back scratcher, hook it through loops on shoes to pull them on.

0points

POST

Bill Evs 1 year ago

23points

kf 1 year ago

I heard it was initially invented/ intended as field wound dressing. Used it 3 times so far to glue myself shut if I don't have steri-strips.

9points

GirlFriday 1 year ago

6points

Jihana 1 year ago

6points

David Paterson 1 year ago

Superglue for detecting fingerprints as well.

6points

Colin 1 year ago

Old pro-wrestling trick. They'd squeeze the skin of a cut together, crazy glue it to stop the blood flow until they could get it seen to for stitches.

5points

Jan Dunn 1 year ago

That's what it was invented for I use it all the time have for years. Specially on paper cuts or tiny cuts on your fingertips stops the pain stings for a second and then just stops the pain.

1point

A P 1 year ago

Just be very sure you never get it anywhere near any silk you may be wearing

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

There's also a spray med that we used to use at my hospital. Worked great for paper cuts. They never pulled apart and healed well.

0points

Sky Render 1 year ago

9points

Jihana 1 year ago

Uuuh that's smart!

1point

Rider 1 year ago

Manuka honey, great for wound care especially infections and burns. It cleared up recurring MSRA and is magic at pulling pus out of abscesses.

5points

Melissa Harris 1 year ago (edited)

All honey is good for wound care. It's especially great for cracked or chapped lips

3points

Maisey Myles 1 year ago

If your dog/pet gets "skunked", use Massengill Powdered Douch- Mix a couple of tablespoons in some tepid water in a gallon jug and pour onto DRY fur

4points

Old Roadie 1 year ago

This one is new to me! Thank you for the tip.

0points

Jihana 1 year ago

4points

A P 1 year ago

Too bad, that'd come in handy around my house

2points

Melissa Harris 1 year ago

It's probably got wormwood in it.

1point

Danish Susanne 1 year ago (edited)

0points

Cyber Returns 1 year ago

4points

Adam L 1 year ago

A restaurant I worked for had us use it to clean certain surfaces when the pandemic hit

4points

Boggitha Johns 1 year ago

It gets paint splatters off vinyl chair cushions

4points

Šimon Špaček 1 year ago

1point

David Paterson 1 year ago

I don't know if this counts, but medics in the Vietnam war used shirt sleeves in arterial surgery, to repair and reinforce damaged arterial walls.

4points

BG 1 year ago

Lysol was a "feminine cleanser".

3points

Powerful Katrinka 1 year ago

That's horrifying.

6points

Oddly Me 1 year ago

Hemorrhoid cream for undereye bags.

1point

Jude Laskowski 1 year ago

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

0points