14 Everyday Things You’ve Been Totally Using Wrong

The ordinary just got extraordinary, as these 14 items show how much smarter life gets when you finally use them right.

Zippers

Most people don’t realize that many zippers have a built-in locking mechanism: press the slider flat against the top of the chain and it won’t slide down on its own.

Aluminum foil packaging

Poke the little tab on the side of the box to lock the roll in place. It’s that simple. The amount of times I’ve cut my finger

whenst prying the roll out of the box, I tell ya…

Solo Cups

I used to think that the lines on the outside of a red solo cup were for grip. Yeah, I can be that dense. As it turns out, they’re for measuring your booze!

Cookware handles

The hole at the end of cookware handles aren’t there for you to hang the pan up (although that’s what I used it for). It turns out that this hole is actually a place for you to keep your spoon or mixing utensil when cooking.

Soda Can Tab

If you’re one of those people who drinks their canned soda with a straw, and no judgement if you do, really, then you should know that the pull tab can be used to hold a straw in place. No more floating straws that poke your eye!

Tic Tac boxes

These boxes are designed to dispense a single Tic Tac if you flip it upside down before opening it. Unbelievable.

Wine glasses

Holding them by the stem prevents your body heat from warming up the drink. I’m not a big wine guy, but I may start drinking it around people just so I can mention this.

Toilet Paper Roll Direction

I’ll never understand how anyone would purposely have their toilet rolls placed like the photo above. So, if you’re someone who’s always wondered which way is ‘technically’ the right way to do it… Patent docs reveal the inventor intended “over” so the end is easier to find and is cleaner since it doesn’t brush against the wall.

Dishwasher loading

Stacking plates together defeats the spray power. Place carb-heavy dishes in the center and protein-stained ones around the edges to maximize cleaning.

Microwave reheating

Instead of placing your plate in the microwave’s center, move it to the edge to ensure that the dish is heated evenly.

Oven drawer

As it turns out, the ‘oven drawer’ is literally meant to store hot food. I mean, this blew my mind, but still.. I don’t feel as embarrassed that I use the actual oven to keep the food warm.

Plungers

Not all plungers are created equal! The flat-bottom ones are for sinks, while mushroom shaped (flanged) plungers are designed specifically for toilets.

Athletic Shoes Extra Eyelet

That extra hole near the top isn’t decoration, it allows for a tighter “lock-lacing” technique, giving you better ankle

support and fewer blisters.

Pasta Spoon

The hole in the middle of your pasta scooper is to help you perfectly measure one serving of spaghetti. Watch as it still ends up making enough for 3 people.