What’s This? Found Under a Bathroom Vanity During Remodeling — Small Glass Tubes, 2 Inches Long, Filled with Liquid. Any Ideas? 🧪🚽
There’s something undeniably fascinating — and a little eerie — about finding mysterious objects hidden during a remodel. You tear up old floors, rip out vanities, or pry open walls, and suddenly… you’re holding something strange in your hand.
That’s exactly what happened recently during a bathroom renovation.
“We found several small glass tubes under the vanity — about two inches long, sealed, and filled with clear or lightly tinted liquid. Anyone know what they could be?”
Cue the collective curiosity of the internet, DIY enthusiasts, and amateur sleuths.
Let’s explore some of the most likely — and weirdest — possibilities behind these mysterious little vials.
🔍 Clue #1: Size, Shape, and Location
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Size: Roughly 2 inches long
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Material: Clear glass
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Contents: Liquid (clear, yellowish, or unknown)
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Found: Beneath a bathroom vanity — sealed off from normal access
These factors give us a decent head start. Here are the top theories based on expert opinions and community experiences.
🧪 1. Thermometer or Hygrometer Ampoules (From Old Devices)
Many older temperature and humidity devices (especially from the 1950s–1980s) used sealed glass tubes filled with alcohol, mercury, or dyed liquid to measure environmental changes.
If such a device broke or was discarded during a previous remodel, the liquid tubes might have rolled under the vanity and been forgotten.
Safe? Likely yes — unless the liquid is mercury, which can be hazardous. Handle with care and don’t break them.
🧼 2. Perfume or Sample Vials
Another possibility: they’re old perfume, cologne, or essential oil samples. In the mid-20th century, high-end beauty brands packaged small trial vials in glass tubes, often sealed with wax or rubber caps.
Being found in a bathroom supports this idea — they may have slipped behind a cabinet decades ago.
Safe? Yes, but the scent might be long gone (or weirdly preserved!).
⚠️ 3. Old Medication Ampoules or Veterinary Supplies
Before plastic and blister packs became standard, many injectable medications came in glass ampoules — sealed vials snapped open at the neck.
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Could be human or animal medications
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Often stored in home medicine cabinets, especially in older homes or rural areas
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Liquid might be sterile saline, antibiotics, or vitamins
Safe? Usually, but don’t open or taste them. Dispose through a pharmacy or hazardous waste center if unsure.
🧙 4. Home Remedies or Folk Medicine
In some cultures or older homes, it's not unheard of to find glass vials used in traditional remedies or rituals. These might contain:
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Herbal tinctures
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Essential oil blends
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Homemade cleaners or tonics
Sometimes, small bottles like these were also placed intentionally (more on that below 👇).
🧿 5. Protective Charms or "Witch Bottles"
Yes, this one sounds spooky — but it’s a real historical tradition.
In certain regions (especially in Europe and the southern U.S.), people would hide small bottles under floors, behind walls, or in furniture to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.
They often contained:
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Hair
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Pins or nails
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Herbs
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Liquids
If the vials were tightly sealed and tucked away deliberately, this might have been a folk magic practice or just a homeowner's quirky tradition.
Safe? Culturally significant, not dangerous — but might be worth documenting before discarding.
🔬 6. Builder’s Markers or Tools
Some contractors use sealed vials filled with colored liquid in specialized leveling or alignment tools (like plumb bobs or gradient readers). It’s rare, but a discarded part might have been left behind during past construction.
❗ What To Do If You Find Something Similar
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Don’t open them, especially if the liquid is unknown.
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Take clear photos and document where they were found.
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Ask local experts — pharmacists, contractors, or even museums may help identify them.
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If you suspect hazardous material (like mercury), contact your local waste disposal service for guidance.
🧩 Final Thought: A Tiny Mystery Tucked Away in Time
Whether it’s an old perfume sample, a forgotten medical ampoule, or something more mysterious, finding glass vials like these is like uncovering a time capsule. Each possibility offers a little glimpse into the past — into the lives, habits, or beliefs of those who came before.
So, next time you remodel, keep your eyes open. You might not just be upgrading your home — you might be uncovering a story.
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