MF Explains It All

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but it’s not a magic bullet.

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but will it really get your dishwasher clean?

The teddy bear has a very specific origin story.

The origins of the teddy bear involve President Theodore Roosevelt, a bear hunt, a political cartoon, and the owner of a candy shop in New York.

Alexis Bledel (left) and Lauren Graham as Rory and Lorelai Gilmore.

‘Gilmore Girls’ is often viewed as a fall show. So we counted how many episodes take place during each season—and autumn didn’t come out on top.

Blowing gray bubbles just wouldn’t feel as fun.

We uncover why bubblegum is traditionally pink—and also explore what flavor bubblegum even is.

You're not going to stand as tall at 70 as you did at 30. Here's why.

Arguably the grossest things in your kitchen.

Your kitchen sponges are grosser than you could possibly imagine, but here are some of the easiest ways to clean and disinfect them.

Caffeine is just one of the things that may be to blame for the irritating spasms.

Apple pie is a classic fall treat for Americans.

The phrase “American as apple pie“ leaves out the dish’s complicated history as an English dessert made of fruit that originated in Asia.

If you drive the same route long enough, sign fonts become fascinating.

Attentive drivers will notice more than one kind of typeface during their travels.

Yes, they‘re often bullet holes. No, that‘s not the only explanation.

Trying to sell your Princess Diana Beanie Baby? She probably isn’t worth as much as you hope—here’s why.

“God” and “Jesus” are the only Simpson characters that have five fingers.

It‘s normal for cartoon characters to be missing a digit, but how did the style originate?

Keep a look out for the origins of this weird phrase.

Popular theories involve pirates—and police.

May want to think twice about drinking straight from the faucet, too.

Depending on how weird your home’s tap water tastes, it could be due to the pipes or an old water heater, or be a problem with the water itself.

Dogs need to sniff around to understand their environment.

Two-factor authentication can also be a good security tool to have in your arsenal.

Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the risks of identity theft and safeguarding your most valuable personal information.

Thought microwave heat would be enough to kill all forms of bacteria? Think again.

Microwaves can harbor radiation-resistant bacteria, according to a new study published in 'Frontiers in Microbiology.' Fortunately, these microwave cleaning hacks can help.

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t usually need to separate your laundry—though it can still be beneficial in certain cases.

Making a beeline for the buffet table? You’re buying into some bee stereotypes.

Some kids are already hitting the books while other are still relaxing at home.

If you've ever wondered how varied back-to-school start dates are across the country, you've come to the right place.

The meaning behind the money.

There's a fancy term for forgetting a word—'lethologica.'

A wiggly tape measure isn't to blame for any mistaken measurements.

There's a good reason the metal hook on a tape measure wiggles, and it has to do with why the first inch is actually 1/16th of an inch short.

Synchronized swimming now goes by the name ‘artistic swimming.’ Here's why.

Should You Use a Lemon to Clean Your Dishwasher?

How Did the Teddy Bear Get Its Name?

Smells Like Stars Hollow: How Much of ‘Gilmore Girls’ Is Set in the Fall?

Why Is Bubblegum Pink?

Short Order: The Reason Why We Shrink in Height As We Get Older

Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Kitchen Sponges—Here’s How

Why Does My Eyelid Sometimes Twitch?

How Did Apple Pie Become an Iconic American Dessert?

Why Does the U.S. Highway System Use Two Different Fonts?

Why Do Some Road Signs Have Holes in Them?

The History—and Value—of the Princess Diana Beanie Baby

Why Do So Many Cartoon Characters Have Four Fingers?

Where Does the Expression ‘Keep Your Eyes Peeled’ Come From?

Why Does My Tap Water Taste So Funny?

Why You Shouldn't Stop Your Dog From Sniffing on Walks

11 Smart Ways to Protect Against Identity Theft

Your Microwave Is Covered With Bacteria—Here’s What to Do About It

Do You Really Need to Separate Your Laundry?

Why Do We Say “Make a Beeline”?

How Back-to-School Start Dates Vary Across the U.S.

Why Do We Say “Cold, Hard Cash”?

What’s the Word for When You Can’t Remember a Word?

Why Are the Ends of Measuring Tapes So Loose?

Why Did Synchronized Swimming Change Its Name?