We all have those moments when we suddenly realize that we’ve been doing something wrong the entire time. Why didn’t anyone say anything to us before? Thankfully, a lot of these aren’t life-or-death mistakes, but simply things that we’ve picked up when we shouldn’t have. Here are 17 things you may have done your whole life that are technically wrong.
Hanging Toilet Paper With the Flap Under
Despite what some people might say, there’s actually a patent from the 1890s showing the correct way to hang toilet paper. And it’s with the flap going over the roll. It’s not clear why they chose that way, but it is a little easier to grab when the flap’s under, instead of over. You can see where it is right away. As such, if we’re going by design, the over-flap wins.
Holding a Steering Wheel At 10 and 2
That old “10 and 2” rule they taught in driver’s ed isn’t a great idea, as the safer grip is 9 and 3. The old rule comes from a time before all cars were fitted with airbags, which means that the 9 and 3 position is a lot better. Holding the wheel too high could fling your arms into your face. Better yet, the new position gives you more control over the wheel, especially if you need to turn fast. It’s also a lot more comfortable on long drives.
Microwaving Leftovers In the Center of the Plate
Stacking your food right in the middle of the plate seems logical. However, it’s actually the worst spot for even heating because the outer edge is heated more by the microwave. As such, spreading it around in a ring cooks everything better. Otherwise, your food will be frozen in the middle, yet sizzling at the edges. Some microwaves also have hot spots, meaning that putting food in the center will slow the whole thing down.
Using a Plunger With a Flat Bottom For a Toilet Clog
A plunger with a flat end is meant for the sink, not the toilet. Yes, there’s a difference. Toilets need the kind with a little rubber flap that sticks out, as this part forms the seal. It’ll give you the satisfying “whoosh” you need for the clog to clear. A flat one, however, simply pushes air around and does practically nothing for toilets, except waste your energy.
Peeling Bananas From the Stem Side
Monkeys figured out a long time ago that you should pinch the bottom of the banana to peel it. Why? Because it leaves no weird strings and stops you from smushing the banana. It’ll give you a clean peel every time, without bending the banana. It’s an even better trick if the fruit’s overripe, as it will stop you from mashing half of the banana in the process.
Cutting Bread By Pressing Straight Down
Slicing into a loaf and getting a flat piece is never fun, and it’s likely because you pressed straight down on it. You should try gently sawing it with a bread knife. Serrated knives need motion, rather than force, so try gliding it through. Let the knife teeth do the work, and you’ll keep that crusty outside and soft inside. Just make sure you use a serrated knife for the easiest slicing.
Using Only One Hole of the Gas Can Spout
On the back of most gas cans, you might notice that there’s a tiny cap, which isn’t a random design choice. It’s an air vent. When you don’t open it, the gas glugs out, but when you pop it open, the fuel flows way smoother. It creates less mess and fewer fumes. The vent allows air to replace the fuel as it pours, similar to poking a second hole in a juice box. Save yourself some time and pop it open.
Tying Shoelaces Using the “Granny Knot”
If your shoelaces keep coming undone, you should know that it’s the knot’s fault, not your shoes. You’re probably doing a granny knot without realizing it. Sure, these knots look fine, but they come loose a lot more easily, while a square knot holds better. It all depends on your direction. A square knot lies flat, while a granny knot twists and unties itself over time. As long as the lace loops are pointing sideways, you’re good.
Using the Wrong Side of Aluminum Foil
Foil has two sides, shiny and dull, and there’s a reason for that. With non-stick foil, only one side has the coating, and that’s the dull side, meaning that putting the shiny side down will cause your food to stick. It’s not a huge issue if you’re using regular foil, but with the coated kind, it matters. Just flip it next time to make the cleanup a lot easier and far less messy.
Washing Your Face With Hot Water
While splashing your face with hot water may feel good, doing so actually strips your skin’s natural oils. It’s better to use lukewarm water because it cleans just as well, but without making your face dry. Hot water also makes your skin red and tight right after washing. This could also cause breakouts, so try lowering the temperature a little.
Inserting Bobby Pins Wavy Side Up
You’d think the wavy side of a bobby pin goes on top, but that’s not true. It’s meant to go down. The ridges grip your hair better that way, which keeps everything in place, while the straight side is there to smooth the outer part of your hair. Most packaging doesn’t explain it, so it’s easy to miss.
Putting Q-Tips Into Your Ears
Q-tips were never meant to go inside your ears, and it even says that on the box. But so many people ignore this or just don’t know, and they force them into their ear canals. That’s not a good idea. All that digging will push the wax deeper, and if you go too far, you could even damage your eardrum. A warm washcloth around the outer ear is a safer way to drain your ears. Q-tips are actually made for applying or removing makeup or cleaning around the outer ear.
Cracking Eggs On the Edge of a Bowl
Sure, cracking your eggs on the side of a bowl is easy, but it usually makes things messier. You’ll get tiny shell bits in the bowl more often than not. Instead, you should try smacking the egg on a flat counter, as it’ll break open fine, just without the extra shell pieces. You also won’t accidentally break the yolk. Such a small change helps a lot, especially when you’re doing more than one egg.
Tilting Your Head Back During a Nosebleed
During a nosebleed, tipping your head back means that you’ll send the blood straight down your throat, which could cause stomach problems. It may even make you cough or gag. A much safer idea is to lean forward a little and pinch your nostrils together with your fingers, then keep the pressure for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to relax and breathe through your mouth while it clots, which should help the bleeding stop a lot faster.
Pushing Elevator Buttons Repeatedly
Hitting the elevator button over and over again doesn’t actually do anything because the system has already received your request. The same goes for the “close door” button. In fact, in most places, the “close door” button doesn’t even work unless you’re a maintenance person or have a key, so really, one tap is all you need.
Using Measuring Cups For Dry and Wet Ingredients
It may not seem like a big deal to use the same measuring cup for flour and milk, but it really is. Dry ones are supposed to be filled to the top and leveled off, while liquid ones are see-through and give you room to pour without spilling. Using the wrong measuring cup could throw off your measurements, which could completely change how your food rises or sets.
Resting Meat Right After Cooking Without Covering It
After you pull your steak off the pan, you might set it on a plate and walk away, which seems fine because the food’s cooked. However, uncovered meat cools down rather quickly, and it also dries out while it’s sitting there. Try covering it loosely with some foil. This way, it stays warm for longer and holds onto all those juices, so it doesn’t leak everywhere when you slice it. Most meats do better with even five minutes of covered rest.
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