We all have our moments of oversight or confusion, often leading us to use everyday objects in the most unconventional ways. Surprisingly, some of these actions become a habit, only to discover later that we’ve been doing it wrong the whole time. Here are 18 things many of us have been doing incorrectly for years that make us feel like novices when we finally figure it out.
Confusing Fabric Softener and Laundry Detergent
It’s easy to mix up the bottles when you’re in a rush, but fabric softener isn’t the same as detergent. You may think your clothes are getting cleaned, but in reality, you’re just making them smell nice without removing any dirt.
Misunderstanding Car Controls
For some, the symbols on car controls might as well be hieroglyphics. Imagine spending sweltering summers in your car only to realize that the ‘snowflake’ symbol is the air conditioner and not the defroster.
Eating Cupcakes Incorrectly
A lot of us munch on cupcakes like normal pastries, ending up with icing on our noses. The correct way? Slice the bottom half of the cupcake and put it on top. Voila, a cupcake sandwich with perfectly distributed icing.
Improper Use of Aluminum Foil and Plastic Wrap Boxes
Ever notice the perforated tabs on the sides of these boxes? Press them in. They hold the roll steady, preventing it from leaping out every time you need some foil or wrap.
Peeling Bananas from the Wrong End
Humans typically peel bananas from the stem, but monkeys—the banana connoisseurs—do it from the bottom, which is actually easier and doesn’t leave you with those annoying stringy bits.
Struggling with Juice Boxes
Those flaps on the sides of juice boxes aren’t just for decoration. If you lift them up, they act as handles, preventing little hands from squeezing juice all over the place.
Handling Pizza Incorrectly
Instead of using your fingers to hold the edge of the slice, try folding it a bit to create a ‘U’ shape. This method provides better support, and no cheese or toppings will slide off.
Misusing Straws in Soft Drink Cans
The hole in the pull tab of a soda can isn’t just a design feature. You can put your straw through it, which prevents it from bobbing up when you’re trying to take a sip.
Keeping Ice Cream in Its Original Tub
We’ve all struggled with rock-hard ice cream straight out of the freezer. Next time, try storing the whole ice cream tub in a zip-top plastic bag—it keeps your dessert soft and easily scoopable.
Not Using the Oven Drawer for Warming
Many people use the drawer beneath their oven for storage. Little do they know, it’s designed to keep cooked food warm, not for storing pots and pans.
Treating Toothpaste Like a Commodity
A pea-sized amount is all you need, not the long stripe shown in commercials. Overdoing it just wastes toothpaste and doesn’t enhance cleaning.
Loading Dishwashers Haphazardly
There is a method to the madness of loading a dishwasher. Cups and glasses go on top, plates on the bottom, and utensils in the basket, with knives pointed downward for safety.
Incorrectly Peeling Oranges
Cut off the top and bottom, make a small incision on the side, and then just unroll. No more struggling with your fingernails or getting squirted in the eye.
Handling Tic Tac Containers Inefficiently
The lid of a Tic Tac container has a tiny crevice designed to dispense one mint at a time, saving you from the embarrassment of shaking out a handful when you just wanted one.
Using Toilet Seat Covers Wrongly
The flap of a toilet seat cover should go in the front, not the back. It’s designed to keep the cover from slipping into the bowl before you’re ready to use it.
Ignoring Ketchup Cup Extensions
Those small paper ketchup cups at fast food joints can be fanned out to create a bigger dipping surface, letting you enjoy your fries without constantly refilling.
Wearing Earphones Incorrectly
Earphones should be worn with the wire looped over your ear from behind. It reduces the strain on the earbuds, so they won’t fall out easily.
Not Using Spaghetti Spoons for Measuring
That hole in the middle of your spaghetti spoon isn’t just for draining water—it’s also a handy tool for measuring a perfect single serving of spaghetti.
Whether it’s about misreading symbols, following habits blindly, or not fully understanding an object’s function, these small mishaps make us feel a little foolish when we realize our mistakes. However, it’s all part of the learning process. As the saying goes, “Live and learn!” So, the next time you spot someone making these blunders, share the wisdom.
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