Category: Brain Teasers

What Celtic group, under the command of Brennus, invaded Italy and sacked Rome in 390 BC, agreeing to leave the city only after being offered a large payment of gold?

Visigoths
Etruscans
Gauls
Huns
Mongols

The correct answer is Gauls

Trivia: Shower curtains are often made of what material that prevents mildew?

Cotton
Wood
Leather
Polyester

The correct answer is Polyester

So why is this answer correct? : Mildew grows in abundance in homes and develops rapidly under humid conditions. It is noticeable because of its musty smell and black or white appearance on surfaces. Although it can grow on many naturally-sourced products such as paper, wool, silk, and linen, mildew cannot grow easily on most synthetic fabrics, which is why many shower curtains are made from synthetic materials.

Trivia: What salad dressing ingredient can help clean limescale?

Oil
Salt
Vinegar
Mustard

The correct answer is Vinegar

So why is this answer correct? : Limescale is white, crusty, and hard, and is much more challenging to eliminate than other issues like soap scum. It appears in places touched by hard water, such as bathroom tiles, toilets, faucets, kettles, and washing machines. Limescale is composed of calcium and carbonate ions from hard water, which are rich in minerals and salts. Installing a water softener and cleaning with vinegar and pumice stones are some of the best ways to eliminate limescale.

Trivia: A multimeter checks for a broken what?

Outlet
Toilet
Window
Fireplace

The correct answer is Outlet

So why is this answer correct? : Broken electronics and faulty outlets are common household problems, so a digital multimeter is a great household tool. These gadgets can test wall outlets, power cords, appliances, electrical components in vehicles, and other consumer electronics. The name “multimeter” comes from the tool’s ability to test multiple electrical values, including voltage, current, and resistance.

Trivia: What car product can be used to prevent soap scum?

Windshield wiper fluid
Motor oil
Car wax
Gasoline

The correct answer is Car wax

So why is this answer correct? : Soap scum is a white or gray residue that occurs when soap ingredients like calcium stearate and magnesium stearate mix with hard water. Luckily, there are plenty of cleaning products to get rid of this unsightly problem, such as Borax or bleach-based sprays. Applying a gel gloss or car wax after the surface also will make it more difficult for soap scum to return.

Trivia: What is used to scrub stains off porcelain?

Brick
Charcoal
Pumice stone
Razor blade

The correct answer is Pumice stone

So why is this answer correct? : Pumice stones are lightweight, porous volcanic stones that clean porcelain appliances such as sinks and toilets. Pumice is harder than most mineral deposits that build up on porcelain, so its tough texture will scour off otherwise difficult stains.

Trivia: What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances?

Steel wool
Chloride
Microfiber cloths
Oven cleaner

The correct answer is Microfiber cloths

So why is this answer correct? : Stainless steel can be easily damaged by many common cleaning products, including steel wool, abrasive sponges, chlorine solutions, and even tap water, which can leave stains. The best option for cleaning a stainless steel appliance is to use a cleaning solution specifically for stainless steel and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

Trivia: What problem does weatherstripping solve?

Ice buildup
Air leaks
Clogged gutters
Frozen pipes

The correct answer is Air leaks

So why is this answer correct? : Air leaks can cause drafts and excess moisture around movable home components like doors and windows. Because they can’t be sealed permanently, a felt, foam, or vinyl strip is attached to the doorway or window frame to help close the gap and eliminate air leaks. Fixing these issues with weatherstripping also saves homeowners money on utilities by cutting down on heating and air conditioning costs.

Trivia: What part of a fireplace should you check if there’s a draft?

The damper
The hearth
The mantel
The surround

The correct answer is The damper

So why is this answer correct? : A damper is a mechanism that opens and closes the smoke chamber of a chimney. The damper should remain open while the chimney is in use so that smoke travels up and out of the home, and it should be closed when the chimney isn’t being used so that unwanted cold or hot air does not enter the house.

Trivia: Spackle is used to fix what problem?

Damaged drywall
Rusty pipes
Window drafts
Mold

The correct answer is Damaged drywall

So why is this answer correct? : Spackle is a DIY-friendly paste that repairs minor holes and dents in drywall, ceilings, and other surfaces. It is made of gypsum powder mixed with binders to create a thick paste that dries quickly to create a sturdy patch. This differs from joint compounds, which are used to hang new drywall.