20 Common Items You Might Be Using Incorrectly

No one likes to hear they’re wrong. However, incorrectly using an item can cost time and even money. Here are 20 examples.

 

PLASTIC WRAP AND FOIL

We’ve all been there. While attempting to cover a casserole with cling wrap, the tube falls out, and the wrap clings to itself. To avoid waste, look for the tab on each end of the box. Push in these tabs to lock the tube in place.

PHONE CHARGERS

A new phone’s battery seemingly lasts forever. But over time, you need to charge it more often. In part, that’s because you’re not doing it correctly.

According to Tech Advisor, keep your battery between 30% and 90% charged. Why? If you keep it fully charged, the battery ages faster. (Ergo, don’t charge overnight.) However, letting the charge drop under 30% can also affect the battery life.

Tech Advisor also recommends always using the charger that came with your phone and avoiding cheap chargers and cables. And, try not to use a phone while it is charging.

DISINFECTANT

If you’re spraying and wiping, you’re cleaning. If you want to disinfect a surface, give it time to do the job.

The directions on Clean Well, a botanical disinfectant and all-purpose cleaner, instruct users to wet the surface with the spray. Allow the solution to dry; no wiping is required. (Do a spot test first.)

YOUR DISHWASHER

Because there are so many ways to use your dishwasher, Whirlpool created a blog about the do’s and don’ts. To start, scrape off the food and place the dish at an angle with the dirty side toward the jets. (The strongest spray is in the middle.)

Bowls, cups, mugs, wine glasses, and water bottles go on top, along with dishwasher-safe plastic containers and lids. Plates, platters, baking dishes and heavily soiled pots go on the bottom. Put knives with the sharp side down in the utensil basket.

Whirlpool also has a page detailing safe and unsafe items. For instance, insulated mugs, non-stick cookware, and sterling silver are no-nos.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

If you read the label, you might be surprised to see how little detergent you need, and according to Tide, using too little or too much can affect the outcome and fail to remove stains. Pods simplify the process. However, Tide does have a webpage with instructions for powders and liquids.

THE FREEZER

Set the temperature to zero degrees, recommends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and keep the fridge and freezer full to maintain the temperature. Don’t overcrowd the space; a blocked vent will affect the airflow.

A SPAGHETTI SPOON

Insert dry noodles through the hole in the spoon to determine one serving.

THE VACUUM

You’re not getting the biggest bang for your buck if you’re not using attachments. Instead, take time to read the manual and then put all the tools to use.

GREEK YOGURT CONTAINERS

If your yogurt has a separate but attached section for honey or fruit, simply fold that section over so the toppings drop out. By doing so, there’s no need to scoop it into the yogurt manually.

CEILING FANS

Change the blades’ direction depending on the season. According to Bob Vila, blades should move counterclockwise in warm weather to move air down and out. In winter, they can move clockwise to pull cold air toward the ceiling.

YOUR SLOW COOKER

The general rule is that you should never lift the lid until the timer goes off. That’s because the machine needs steam to do its job. Plus, the temperature inside drops without the top. However, the closer you get to the finish line, the less chance you have of affecting the process.

PLASTIC CONTAINERS

Not all plastic is safe for the microwave. As a result, chemicals can infiltrate your food. Use glass or ceramic dishes to reheat food.

CHINESE TAKEOUT CARTONS

Invented in Chicago, the iconic origami-like container is designed to become a plate — although few use it that way. Just remove the metal handle and flatten it.

THE WARMING DRAWER

Your stove drawer is for more than pans and cookie sheets. Look at the appliance’s controls. Undoubtedly there is a function for warming.

NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER

Store the jar upside down to distribute the oil evenly.

TOILET PAPER

Well, you’re probably using this right. It’s the display that’s up for debate. But, according to this patent, the paper goes over the top. It does not hang from the bottom.

A PLUNGER

The dome-shaped style is for a sink. If you want to unclog the toilet, use one with a flange— it’s not flat on the bottom.

A POT HANDLE

If there’s a hole in the end, it can serve as a spoon rest. Just slide the end into the hole, so the spoon’s basin is over the pot.

SOFT DRINK LIDS

To-go sodas from fast-food restaurants come with a plastic lid that makes for a perfectly sized coaster. Try it and you’ll see.