Common household items often have fascinating histories and peculiar facts associated with them. Some of these facts can be incredibly intriguing, while others are just downright strange. Are you ready to uncover some of the most bizarre facts about everyday items? Brace yourself and join us on this journey of 10 bizarre facts you won’t believe are real. Let’s get started…
- Toilet Paper Orientation: Did you know that there’s a patent from 1891 that shows the correct way to hang toilet paper is ‘over’ not ‘under’?
- Microwave Cooking: The microwave oven was invented by accident when an engineer named Percy Spencer walked by a radar tube and the chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
- Post-It Notes: Post-It Notes were also invented by accident. A scientist at 3M was trying to create a super-strong adhesive, but ended up creating a low-tack, reusable one instead.
- Dishwashers: The first practical dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1886. She was a wealthy woman who was tired of her servants chipping her fine china.
- Vacuum Cleaners: Early vacuum cleaners were so large that they had to be transported by horse-drawn carriages. They were powered by coal and required several operators.
- Light Bulbs: The first light bulb was not actually invented by Thomas Edison. Sir Hiram Maxim is often credited with the invention, but his design was not commercially successful.
- Refrigerators: Before modern refrigerators, people used iceboxes. They would have to buy ice and place it in the box to keep their food cold.
- Televisions: The first television was actually mechanical, not electronic. It was invented by John Logie Baird in the 1920s and had a resolution of just 30 lines.
- Washing Machines: The first electric washing machine was invented in 1908 by Alva J. Fisher. It was called the Thor and was produced by the Hurley Machine Company of Chicago.
- Computers: The first computer was so large that it took up an entire room. It was called the ENIAC and was used for calculations during World War II.
And there you have it—10 bizarre facts about common household items that are not just interesting but also quite astonishing. Who knew that these everyday items could have such fascinating stories behind them?
