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Original poster

What other commonly known stuff should I know, but don’t?

656 replies

Lolabear38 · 27/06/2023 23:55

I found out maybe 6 months ago that you should clean out the filter in your tumble dryer on a regular basis, as it gets full of fluff and lint and is a fire hazard. I had no idea. I’m an educated woman, generally reasonably intelligent and practical, I just had no idea you were supposed to do this. I don’t know how. My friend mentioned it in relation to something and I immediately told my husband who looked at me like some kind of moron - turns out he’s been doing it for years!

I’ve been thinking about it recently and I’m starting to wonder what other commonly known stuff you’re supposed to be doing in day to day life that I’m just not. Any ideas? Can be household related or just general life stuff really. I’m starting to wonder what I might be missing out on/ putting us in danger of.

OP posts:
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20
pickledandpuzzled · 29/06/2023 07:21

ClickingTock123 · 28/06/2023 20:29

Don't know how accurate it is but all my friends and I had it in common...

Every woman has a freckle in the same place on her forearm. Around 3 inches down, right in the middle...

Which one? 😆

What other commonly known stuff should I know, but don’t?
Itsbeennice · 29/06/2023 07:28

AnImaginaryCat · 29/06/2023 07:11

Not for spelling, as my post points out if you read it very carefully.

Nor in pronunciation in Hiberno-English. Though don't worry but, it's a common ignorance posters frequently get snobby about.

Show quote history

Right. Forgot about the Hiberno-English.

Riverlee · 29/06/2023 07:31

Watching to read when I have more time

FatOaf · 29/06/2023 07:46

Unless you drive my OHs car, I told him this recently as I thought he was in the longer line and making it more awkward for himself. But his is actually on the opposite side 🤣 however totally tracks for most cars.

But this doesn't explain why he was in the longer queue anyway. It doesn't matter which side your filler cap is on. The hose on the pump will reach either side (unless you're in a van, camper, etc.). I get very fed up of people sitting waiting for a pump on the "right" side when there are plenty of pumps free. They cause queues to build up behind them and block access.

Carriemac · 29/06/2023 07:51

VisionsOfSplendour · 29/06/2023 06:44

What did you think WD40 was for that thiis was a surprise to you 😂

Show quote history

😱

Mamadothehump · 29/06/2023 07:51

Lavenderandbrown · 29/06/2023 00:40

Based on 30 years in healthcare….men who have a full head of hair have bald chests. Men who have bald heads have hairy chests. It’s not 100% but it absolutely is true for most men.

Not for my late 40's DH! Full head of hair and hairy chest and back. My loveable gorilla 🤣

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 29/06/2023 07:52

Talking of T Rex, on a TV prog the other day it was said that their brains were not like a reptile’s, but like a bird’s. Which I suppose makes sense, since birds are descended from dinosaurs.

Also heard not long ago that the closest modern relations to dinosaurs are chickens. Which came back to me recently when having a little chat with one of dd’s friendly ex-battery rescues. ‘Did you know your billion-times grandmother was a dinosaur?’

Bubbylana · 29/06/2023 07:52

My car's petrol gauge is on the oppisite side to the petrol cap so thats wrong but my car is 19 years old so that might be why.

StormInaDcup99 · 29/06/2023 08:00

If your loo is blocked, try pouring a decent amount of washing up liquid in and flushing. Do this a few times. (Works in same way as trying to remove a stuck ring from your finger using lots of soap)

Often works a treat and avoids expensive plumbing costs

BadNomad · 29/06/2023 08:02

The next time one of these threads is created, can the poster giving the petrol gauge fact make sure to mention that it is an ARROW that indicates what side the fuel cap is on. And that not all cars have an arrow.

TreesandFish · 29/06/2023 08:03

Barbadossunset · 28/06/2023 21:33

Turn your bedsheets inside out and it's easier to flip on the duvet

I’m being stupid but I don’t understand this.

She meant the duvet cover not the actual bottom sheet

Barbadossunset · 29/06/2023 08:07

She meant the duvet cover not the actual bottom sheet.

Ah, ok. Thank you.

DrSbaitso · 29/06/2023 08:09

TreesandFish · 29/06/2023 08:03

She meant the duvet cover not the actual bottom sheet

Show quote history

How do you do it any other way??

Magnoliafarm · 29/06/2023 08:10

FatOaf · 29/06/2023 07:46

Unless you drive my OHs car, I told him this recently as I thought he was in the longer line and making it more awkward for himself. But his is actually on the opposite side 🤣 however totally tracks for most cars.

But this doesn't explain why he was in the longer queue anyway. It doesn't matter which side your filler cap is on. The hose on the pump will reach either side (unless you're in a van, camper, etc.). I get very fed up of people sitting waiting for a pump on the "right" side when there are plenty of pumps free. They cause queues to build up behind them and block access.

I drive an mpv and have found that the extra long hoses never reach! Very awkward to have to get back in the car after trying and failing to fill up and either drive round to re-queue or do some aggressive reversing round the forecourt!

JustHavinABreak · 29/06/2023 08:15

Given how much of this stuff I didn't know, I can't believe I'm considered a fully functioning adult 😳

SockGoddess · 29/06/2023 08:17

Did you know about reading appliance manuals? That's a handy one.

I know I should read them but they’re so boring and full of info you don’t need and I never have time. They often do have a quick start leaflet but what you need is a sticker on the appliance (or to put on it optionally) that tells you the basics. Do x every month, do y every year, url for full instructions online, little diagram of where filters etc are.

FatOaf · 29/06/2023 08:17

I drive an mpv and have found that the extra long hoses never reach! Very awkward to have to get back in the car after trying and failing to fill up and either drive round to re-queue or do some aggressive reversing round the forecourt!

What kind of MPV? I used to have a Renault Scénic and a Fiat Multipla and never had any difficulty.

ohfacksake · 29/06/2023 08:18

ClickingTock123 · 28/06/2023 20:29

Don't know how accurate it is but all my friends and I had it in common...

Every woman has a freckle in the same place on her forearm. Around 3 inches down, right in the middle...

Wow! I have one on both!

LaBefana · 29/06/2023 08:19

@IcakethereforeIam

Those tokens they have at supermarkets like Tesco to drop into a charity thingy, are the right size to unlock trolleys.

My local Tesco Extra used to just give them away (blue ones) but now you have to buy a red one for £1 at a till which seems kind of silly.

sashh · 29/06/2023 08:19

Bubbylana · 29/06/2023 07:52

My car's petrol gauge is on the oppisite side to the petrol cap so thats wrong but my car is 19 years old so that might be why.

It's NOT the gauge, there is an ARROW, the arrow points to the cap. Please have a look at the pics.

DeanElderberry · 29/06/2023 08:19

AnImaginaryCat · 29/06/2023 07:03

The whole w thing isn't true (despite the confusion it's caused) is it?

There are others that (when spelt) don't start with themselves:

Ay bee cee dee,
Ee eff gee,
Haitch I jay kay,
Ell em en o pee.
Cue ar ess,
Tee u vee,
Double-u ex,
Wy and zed (or zee).

You know what hasn't cropped up yet that tends to on these threads? The toaster dial being minutes. (Despite it not being a general thing, as it varies from toaster to toaster.)

The version I was taught has a repetition half way through that preserves the rhythm and ends most lines on the ee sound.

Still sometimes recite it in my head ...

Ay bee cee dee,

Ee eff gee,

Haitch I jay kay,

Ellem en o pee.

Ellem en o pee cue,

Ar ess tee,

Ewe vee doublewe,

Ex wy zee.

Maybe today will be the day I dekunk the drainage hole in the fridge - I've been putting it off for a long time.

AngryBirdsNoMore · 29/06/2023 08:20

BadNomad · 29/06/2023 08:02

The next time one of these threads is created, can the poster giving the petrol gauge fact make sure to mention that it is an ARROW that indicates what side the fuel cap is on. And that not all cars have an arrow.

Yep we’re 13 pages in and people are still misunderstanding.

LaBefana · 29/06/2023 08:22

TommyNever · 28/06/2023 23:45

While I knew most babies are born bald, I didn't realise they have a little knob on their backs that you can turn to quickly grow hair.

Turn it clockwise and they sprout hair, anticlockwise and the hair retracts again.

My sister must have secretly given birth to about six like that between the ages of 6 and 8.

SaltyCrisps · 29/06/2023 08:38

HelebethH · 28/06/2023 18:57

I keep a corned beef tin key on my keyring to use on supermarket trolleys. I was shown this one day when I did not have a pound coin and a member of staff used one she kept on her just for that purpose.

I know I'm being stupid, but how does this work? Do you mean you put it in the slot where the coin would normally go? 🤔