25 Parenting Life Hacks - mental_floss List Show Ep. 435

[@chaseis1badmonkey]

You need to think at this stuff a little more, John. The lint roller on glitter, for example, was probably meant for the speckles that never seem to go away, not a giant pile poured on the table

[@liljakaren97]

Also with the watermelon, he could have cut a little bit into it and then stick it in there

[@d_e_a_n]

Totally agree. If the glitter was spilled on a couch the roller would work great. Or if for the cake sprinkles he carefully poured them into the 5 right after icing the cake, they would indeed stick. Or as said cutting a slot in the watermelon and THEN putting a stick in it.

[@NaTaS-]

OR if the cake frosting had been fresh and non dried out from being store bought.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

He never really tries the hacks, or completely misunderstands them. A while back he tried the fresh eggs sink. But eggs sunk. Well yeah, eggs stay good for several weeks. *sigh* If you're not even going to try, why do it in the first place?

[@anjalireisdorf6018]

I totally agree, I remember one time he tried to make whipped cream in a bag and shook the bag for 30 seconds. It normally takes at least five minutes to make normal whipped cream.

[@meganwilson8601]

I do not have children, but I am a teacher. I would be concerned about giving a child vanilla-scented paint. If it's colorful and smells yummy, they'll probably eat it!

[@chaseis1badmonkey]

Good call

[@gamesman0118]

Not sure but I think there might be some paints that are edible or at least non-toxic enough that it won't hurt them.

[@AlliasEllie]

@Gamesman01 I hope you're not a parent...

[@mstrainjr]

I agree. It's good that it smells bad.

[@gamesman0118]

Ellie K Really? You do know there are such things as food coloring? Add a color to flour paste and you have a passable paint. I'm not talking about house paint moron but finger-paints and kindergarten paints. Get a fricken grip. I used to be a painter and commercial paint is some of the most toxic stuff in the world. You do know the paste they used in kindergarten was edible? No one was giving them superglue. If there are no edible paints I might look into making some. Seriously if you can't teach your kids not to eat wall paint you shouldn't have kids yourself.

[@slimspidy]

pre cut a slot in the rind, C'MON MAN you wrote a book for Christ's sake!

[@memorandom7484]

The cake/sprinkles one's the same - of course the sprinkles don't just stay in place if you don't make a surface for them to adhere to. He obviously has no common sense.

[@melimsah]

I mean, the frosting shoulda worked, buuuut he used the WORST KIND OF SPRINKLES! You gotta use the crystalized sugary kind, not the spherical ones. THE SPHERICAL ONES ARE THE GLITTER OF DESSERT WORLD.

[@tolwenAuris]

Like frosting? I think there was actually some on the cake. What I've got a problem with is the amount of sprinkles he used - you need a single layer only! Obviously they're gonna roll down, they don't stick to themselves! John used way too many!

[@Kevici]

+The Good News Channel You replied to a lot of comments.

[@DeaconTaylor]

you do realise these arent to be taken seriously right?

[@warxdrum]

I'm pretty sure you're supposed to stick a knife in the watermelon to make a hole before you put in the wooden stick.

[@michaelpesavento8268]

Hi, Yeah! Sometimes John can be so Clueless:/ Thanks.

[@Zineeta]

lol that's what I was thinking

[@kwsapphire]

+

[@jamienatale4281]

i cannot believe... i just watched this man dip an oreo in water... and by CHOICE...

[@cornhusker221]

It's just so wrong!

[@Sunnnys_abyss]

its scary...

[@alexanderl7059]

Take a shot every time John says "apparently"

[@paxman192]

Apparently that's true."Pass!"

[@vipcesh]

+1

[@Regolith86]

No way, dude; I like my liver.

[@fromscratchauntybindy9743]

Hahaha - watch all the List shows he's done in a row with friends and sink a shot each time John says "apparently" - then his non-logic attempts will be even funnier!

[@somethingelse9176]

Alex Lee Ap-PARENT-ly

[@Naiadryade]

Alternate title: "Important Advice for My Brother"

[@jonahlee8894]

true!!!!

[@ipadair7345]

Naiadryade +

[@TheTexas1994]

Dunking Oreos in water is probably the grossest thing I've ever seen.

[@mstrainjr]

If the old Oreo commercials showed people dunking the cookies in water instead of milk, I think sales would have been significantly lower.

[@NikoGeG]

they probably dont wanna piss of the vegan

[@vivaeljason]

No, he legitimately prefers water.

[@LynxChan]

He hates milk, that's why.

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

John is weird that way.

[@Alex-km7so]

Who else doesn't have kids but watches it just because there might be one that applies to you.

[@darktrooperdalek7991]

Yup.

[@aliwiston7971]

👋p

[@rebekahgrijalva2720]

#babysitterlife

[@alleeum]

+

[@krismilko]

Yes! haha

[@elizabethr5270]

John does Life Hacks are my favorite Mental Floss videos haha. The fabric softener thing really works quite nicely- though I use it on wigs for costumes rather than doll heads. Gently combing it through makes it work a little nicer and if the 'hair' is heat-resistant then running it through a hair straightener (on a low temp) can get the frizz out even better.

[@Ravenclaw1991]

Oreos in water?? What the hell, John?

[@LynxChan]

It's even worse. He actually puts water...on his cereal! His depravity knows no bounds!

[@Ravenclaw1991]

LynxChan I know right? I found that out a couple years ago! Yuck!!

[@blakon621]

My trust has been betrayed.

[@pirateking888]

"This hack says add some salt to watermelon and make it taste sweeter" [pours 1/4 cup onto one slice and takes bite] "TASTES LIKE A FAIL TO ME"

[@kwsapphire]

I find it hilarious how many Life Hacks John declares a failure because he did them wrong. xD

[@kwsapphire]

Actually I think I figured it out, John is just trolling us.

[@KarissaBoBissa]

I'm sorry John but watching you attempt these hacks is like watching a baby giraffe walk for the first time. Also salt on watermelon is totally delicious.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

He might have actually liked it if he hadn't used WAY too much salt.

[@antonysmomma]

NEVER PUT SALT ON WATERMELON YOU WEIRDOS

[@alexwoogie462]

antonysmomma Did you even try it? It's awesome!

[@amalrodriguez2327]

Salt, lemon, and tajin, hell yes!

[@warriorcatskid003]

Fellow watermelon salter here!

[@MatthewSchooley94]

I honestly kinda facepalmed at the first watermelon one. I mean...perhaps you could have cut a little slit into the melon rind first?

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

It makes me sad that he has failed so many hacks that would have passed had he not done them wrong.

[@MatthewSchooley94]

Lawrence Calablaster Yeah. Like the one where you can determine whether an egg is hard-boiled by spinning it.

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

Matthew Schooley That one totally works! Also (& he may have succesfully tested this one already), rotten eggs float & good eggs sink.

[@xingmei818]

for the watermelon he should have added only a little pinch! also it works better for sour fruits like pineapple and sour watermelons haha

[@rainydays7698]

How is this man a published writer. Maybe all the watered-down oreos have gotten to his head.

[@JonFawkes]

The watermelon salt thing totally works so long as you don't totally oversalt it like you did. All you need is a pinch

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

There is a long list of life hacks that he has failed simply because he did them wrong.

[@sharprs]

Strawberries too.

[@randythomet2385]

Yes. When I was a kid we would sprinkle salt from a shaker on watermelon. Like normal. It tasted very good.

[@Zineeta]

Yep just a dab will do ya.

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

Agape Ima +

[@tweetthang96]

Not a parent but an older sibling and college student. Some of these are very very helpful. Although the salad spinner one isn't to dry clothes, it's to remove excess water from like delicates and such before hanging to dry if you had to wash by hand. So you don't have to wring them for 10 minutes.

[@SionEoinPaytonJesse]

The pump dispenser for toothpaste is a double-edged sword if your child loves the pleasure of endlessly pumping and making a mess. It's easier to clean when all they did was pump hand soap all over the bathroom sink but toothpaste?!

[@fireaza]

I'm no child, but I too enjoy the pleasure of endlessly pumping and making a mess ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@alannar.8701]

To be fair, it's a lot easier to squeeze out toothpaste and make a mess.

[@maishamohiuddin297]

These are BY FAR my favourite videos from mental floss

[@marinepoof]

lol john is kinda like a 6 year-old. I use half of the hacks that he failed.

[@chaseis1badmonkey]

I don't think I've tried any of the hacks in these videos, especially this one, I'm not a parent, but he just kinda jumps in without thinking how this might actually work.

[@SmellsLikeAniseed]

Agreed

[@laurinesax]

still, I really enjoy these videos!

[@SmellsLikeAniseed]

Love the videos but get annoyed at John's silliness :')

[@christinecrawford]

+remyling These videos are awesome!

[@anameihadtopick]

Finger paint works better than tempra paint for the ziplock bag hack-it is also a GREAT way to practice writing letters.

[@kayobro1234]

Do more of these dammit!

[@kevinren]

^^^^^^^^

[@kevinren]

More.... more...

[@samwolf155]

+

[@gretaliubertaite5393]

+

[@lucasmaas]

SERIOUSLY JOHN WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST MILK

[@EvelynDayless]

Milk is a nasty thing babies are supposed to drink not adults. I don't eat ham and gravy baby food either.

[@QuantumProdigy3]

he might be lactose intolerant

[@jennagarland7282]

Most adults are lactose intolerant to some degree due to the fact that mammals don’t need to drink milk past being weaned off breast milk/formula.

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

Ever consider that sprinkles are just cake glitter?

[@JimFortune]

Parents should never buy glitter. That's for Grandparents to do. Muahahahah

[@JimFortune]

***** Nah. It's just payback. My daughter called me once saying "Dad, the baby kept me up ALL NIGHT!" My response was "Yeah."

[@INearlyShirtMyPants]

The coordination of this guy, along with his half-assed application of these ideas really takes the "test" out of this. And the toothpaste totally works. My little brother destroyed our brand new tv cabinet with a permanent marker (in the 90's, when people have tv cabinets) and nothing got the ink off... until my mom gave Colgate a shot.

[@Ekaekto]

Hank will need this video soon :)

[@Grianan66]

Glitter is my favorite color! And..... my kids are grown, so I'm the Nana now.... Glitter for everyone!!! :)

[@christinecrawford]

Yay!! These life hack videos are the most fun ones on this channel! Got my popcorn, time to settle in....

[@LittleDreamer3]

As a teacher, some of these hacks are helpful! Especially the paint one!

[@LittleDreamer3]

The bag one!

[@bdzpop]

I love these mental floss life hack videos so much! I don't even have kids but watched it out of curiosity

[@Ratryoshka]

another parenting life hack: Use your baby to wake up your older kids for school Our dad used to do this to us when our youngest sister's still a baby

[@wiet111]

I knew about the dunking in water from dear Hank and John, but I'm definitely judging!

[@Kiku91]

My sister does the watermelon hack with a lot of other fruits, not just watermelon. Not so much "sweetens" the flavor, but enhances the flavor, something to do with drawing out the water. (So my sister says) Personally it tastes a little strange, but it's not a bad idea either. Just lightly sprinkle.

[@prequarius]

Permanent marker comes off really easy with rubbing alcohol. Not to sure about rough surfaces, but smooth surfaces and certain fabrics it comes off pretty easy.

[@jonthekiwi]

Best video so far!! Would love even more of these.

[@LilAnnThrax]

Using Press and Seal wrap over a cup is even better than regular plastic wrap. Push down around the top rim and around the top of the cup. Works wonders!

[@virginiababiash4791]

You guys are awesome! Best hacks too watch ever. love it!

[@rochellelee4002]

John, poor the sprinkles out BEFORE you remove the mold... -_- John Fail.

[@jayproverb5342]

The fabric softener trick also works with wigs. It helps with the frizz.

[@gmccCreations]

sweet John.....clean glitter with a swifter dry sheet or a drying sheet! it is like magic

[@alleeum]

+++

[@jeremygarst394]

WD-40 can be used in hundreds of ways. You should do an episode on creative uses of WD-40!

[@emullinsstreams]

5:28 My dad uses washed peanut butter jars and icing containers to hold various things: snacks yes, but also nails and screws for his shop!

[@emullinsstreams]

Also, 7:36 I keep my bobby pins in old TicTac containers. lol

[@jnzkngs]

I believe that it was Bonnie Burton that said "Glitter is the herpes of crafting."

[@Zineeta]

John I do think this was one of your better life hack videos! :) Tip - The sprinkled number on the cake works well but you need more frosting for it to stick to and tap off the extra. Salt just add a pinch but it's not for everyone.

[@turdl38]

I miss these so much

[@anameihadtopick]

Ok, for the lint roller, yes that works for the little leftover bits after you swept up the big stuff. (Men!)

[@iLOVEpicklesBRO28]

I love how done he is the entire time lol

[@wow-si6th]

Could not hold It together when he laughed after the sprinkles 😂

[@kingvalren4991]

Pls do more life hack testing these actually help me

[@moagoo5714]

You don't like salt on watermelon, yet dip Oreos in WATER? #hostfail

[@nodnarbionking]

I always liked to use warm tea in my cereal. Great for chilly mornings :)

[@alleeum]

+

[@arielendsley3181]

I've done the salad spinner thing. Our washer was broken. It's not so much a replacement for the dryer as it is a substitute for the spin cycle.

[@ayoungchair]

My sister and I dunk our cookies in water! We never knew why we started but it's the best! So happy to hear you are also in on it! 😁

[@SojournerDidimus]

Ah, the joys of being a parent!

[@bobwalsh4320]

That salad spinner thing was hilarious

[@laurinesax]

I love the John hacks videos!

[@claram.8587]

"Quite a respectable purple!" -John Green, award winning author.

[@Kizu671]

cut the watermelon slice slightly just enough to indent the stick through. press down on the sprinkles before removing the cookie cutter.

[@forsidious]

Salt on melons (like any melon really) is great. Salt and pepper is particularly good on cantaloupe.

[@lifeisthepit]

The most successful life hack video to date (probably)!

[@dustybird3219]

not really, I swear he is trying to fail all of there by not even trying to make it work

[@oraganizerz]

love it - So Meredith is the head writer meaning she keeps talking to her self :D

[@Genny-qc3xh]

Every time he said apPARENTly I smiled

[@ceciliazubler8970]

Salted watermelon is incredible with some lime!

[@Natasha4995]

More of these please 👍

[@nettles89]

'Never acquire glitter.' Words to live by.

[@abdullahbaig5440]

John seems to be utterly amazing at doing life hacks the wrong way.

[@katiepatrick6506]

You WAYYYYYYY over-salted that watermelon XD

[@chloecrumbley3513]

My teacher assigned John as a person to research for an Honors English III. 👌👌👌

[@LazerLord10]

About cards, clothes pins work WAY better

[@LazerLord10]

Well, I used it when I was 5, and it worked quite well. I just need to hold a stick, essentially.

[@karilynjaquest8739]

Glitter is the herpes of the craft world. Its the gift that keeps on giving :)

[@manaphyshipper]

Watermelon and salt is great, you gotta use a small amount of salt. Also I used a knife to make slits in watermeleon before adding a stick, then freeze for some cool ice lollies.

[@0whitestone]

salted waltermellon is sooo good. I've always eaten it like that

[@cwold6743]

Salted watermelon is the bomb. Is that just a Southern thing? We've always done that!

[@SaintHansen]

I think the glitter trick is likely for when there is left over glitter on your clothes not just a big pile of glitter on the table.

[@argella1300]

I've seen cosplayers use the fabric softener trick on their wigs to get the fake-looking glossy shine out of the synthetic hair. It makes it look more satiny, almost like real hair. Also, I have a feeling the watermelon on a stick thing would work better with something more sturdy and made for stabbing into food, like a fork.

[@eadonrayne]

Oh, John! Salted watermelon is the greatest thing ever!

[@chaseis1badmonkey]

Yeah, he just poured it on from the can. Use a shaker John.

[@HeatherLKelly]

+

[@michaelpesavento8268]

HI, Yes!!! Thanks.

[@Korflog666]

You also need to use bigger salt. Small salt particles makes it too salty.

[@Talesonelves]

What the heck!? I LOVE salted-watermelon! I've eaten it that way my entire life (and that's nearing 4 decades). :D

[@SionEoinPaytonJesse]

I agree for the most part about generic plastic wrap but the up&up brand is not too bad! We use it! Minimal "can't cut the whole piece" frustration. The best plastic wrap experience is if you get a job at a deli/food stand and they have the giant rolls in the big boxes with the serious metal cutter line on them. It's so pleasurable it makes you forget about how much you want to live a green, low-impact life.

[@Expat47]

Salt on watermelon (or any melon) is a win but don't over do it! If you've got a slightly green apple salt will help that too. In general, salt is the opposite of bitter so salting anything that is slightly bitter will improve the taste. Ask any old sailor if he/she doesn't put salt in the coffee pot.

[@tybois74]

You should on sprinkle the salt on the watermelon with a salt shaker. It only adds a little and does make the watermelon sweeter. Too much salt will make it worse. Been eating watermelon with salt since I was a kid. :)

[@jessenright22]

Drink every time John says apparentl- Oh God I'm drunk.

[@nancyhoang]

"That smells like paint" LOL

[@MsMangoChan]

More life hack videos please!!

[@Kastor774]

Went overboard with the salt on the watermelon.

[@TechnicolorMoments0]

Wouldn't the goldfish thing be a pass because kids can get one at a time and not dump them everywhere?

[@alleeum]

+

[@noahz]

pass if you enjoy kids whining "I can't get them out....heeeeeelp meeee!"

[@jairustheadventurer3935]

MORE LIFEHACKS!!!

[@AirQuotes]

dunks in water, eats cereal on water??? wtf go home you're clearly drunk.

[@AirQuotes]

*with

[@memorandom7484]

It's just _wrong,_ isn't it?

[@SomeBritishGal1]

He made an entire video about it on Vlogbrothers a few months ago!

[@SupermarketSweep777]

There are homeless people who would not even do that.

[@SomeBritishGal1]

SupermarketSweep777​ Might as well eat it dry, like a certain KZbinr who's name starts with a P...

[@casey6556]

Salted watermelon isn't supposed to be "sweeter". It just makes it taste better and more interesting, in some people's (including my) opinion.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Some pepper is also very good. I always put some on my strawberries. :)

[@casey6556]

Interesting. I'm going to have to try that now!

[@m8e]

Some gin make it more interesting too. (and that's a real parenting tip)

[@alexiswilliams2469]

The *absolute easiest* way to clean up glitter is a damp paper towel. No fuss, no muss- just results. It even works wonders for cleaning up broken glass.

[@Marie45610]

I like salt on my Cantalope.

[@michaelpesavento8268]

Hi, Me Too! Thanks.

[@MisshapenDeformity]

Same, also honeydew and watermelon.

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

Scribble over a permanent marker mark with a dry wipe marker to get if off (as long as it is something you can remove the dry wipe ink from...)

[@wolfbd5950]

Happy early birthday, mini-Hank!

[@charlesbentley7317]

Salt on watermelon is absolutely amazing! You just used WAY too much salt.

[@James_Hough]

In my 19+ years of parenting, with, now, 4 kids...I cannot imagine me thinking any one of these amazing enough to actually claim credit for on the internet.

[@leeoCraftylady]

Nix the lint roller for glitter -- use a Swiffer!!

[@OMGhowtheF]

Lmao John actually got angry at that watermelon fail

[@tayeley]

John looks so different!

[@dismissing]

he's going through a mid life crisis

[@queenofthedisappointments]

The magnetic strip for bobby pins seems neat, but I usually use a tic-tac container. Also...what does John Green have against using milk???