Generally speaking, there’s no one “right” way to do most things in life.
It all comes down to personal preference and what works for you. However, just because something isn’t necessarily incorrect doesn’t make it efficient or even the best choice. Chances, there are certain things you’re doing “wrong” in life that could benefit with a few tweaks. No shame — we’re all guilty of many of these!
1. Storing peanut butter the wrong way
If you’ve ever tried to mix peanut butter after the oil has separated, you know how messy it can be. If you’re keeping the jar upright, the oil sits on top, making it a pain to blend. The solution? Store the jar upside down! This way, the oil gets a chance to redistribute evenly, so the next time you open it, the peanut butter is already smooth and ready to spread — no more stirring endlessly! (Bonus tip: please don’t keep your peanut butter in the fridge!)
2. Overpacking your washing machine
Source: Unsplash It’s tempting to throw in as much laundry as possible to save time, but overloading your washing machine actually works against you. When it’s packed too tight, water and detergent can’t circulate properly, which means your clothes don’t get cleaned as well. To get the best results, stick to the recommended capacity for your machine. Giving your laundry room to move around ensures a proper clean — and it’ll save you from doing an extra load.
3. Using too much toothpaste
You’ve probably been told for years that you need a big squeeze of toothpaste, but in reality, a pea-sized amount is all you need. Using too much doesn’t just waste toothpaste; it can create too much foam, making it harder to brush your gnashers effectively. By scaling back, you’ll get better brushing results and save some product while you’re at it.
4. Holding a wine glass by the bowl
Gripping your wine glass by the bowl might feel natural, but it can actually warm up your drink and mess with the flavour. The bowl is meant to help you swirl the wine and enjoy the aroma, not for holding. Instead, grab the stem to keep the wine at the perfect temperature, and you won’t leave fingerprints all over the glass. It also looks a bit more elegant, which is always a good thing.
5. Cracking eggs on the edge of a bowl
Cracking eggs on the edge of a bowl is a common habit, but it often ends with shell fragments in the mix, and sometimes, a broken yolk. The trick? Crack your eggs on a flat surface, like your worktop. You’ll get a cleaner break, making it much easier to keep the shells out and your yolks intact — plus, it’s just less messy!
6. Peeling bananas from the stem
Source: Unsplash We’ve all peeled bananas from the stem, but did you know you’ve probably been doing it the hard way? The easiest way is to pinch the bottom of the banana and peel it from there. It’s how monkeys do it, and it’s way simpler! No more smooshing the top or struggling with an awkward peel — just a nice, clean banana every time.
7. Sleeping with too many pillows
Source: Unsplash It might seem comfortable to pile up multiple pillows, but stacking them under your head can actually cause neck strain and mess with your sleep. Instead, use one supportive pillow that matches your sleeping position. The right height helps keep your spine aligned, and your neck relaxed, so you wake up feeling a lot better. Trust me, your neck will thank you!
8. Microwaving food unevenly
We’ve all had that ping meal that’s too hot on the edges but still cold in the middle. That’s because food in the centre doesn’t heat evenly. The easiest way around this is to spread your food out in a ring shape before microwaving, and rotate the plate halfway through. This little trick ensures everything cooks evenly, so you’re not left with a plate of food that’s all over the place temperature-wise.
9. Boiling pasta in a small pot
A small pot might seem convenient, but it actually causes pasta to stick together or cook unevenly because there’s not enough water for it to move around. Use a bigger pot with plenty of water to give your pasta room to float around and cook evenly. Don’t forget to add some salt to the water — it helps bring out the pasta’s flavour and makes it taste even better!
10. Skipping the preheating step when baking
Ever rushed straight into baking without preheating the oven? It’s something we’ve all done, but skipping this step can really throw off your baking results, especially with delicate recipes. Preheating ensures the oven is at the right temperature from the start, giving your food the best chance of cooking evenly. It only takes a few extra minutes, but it makes a huge difference in how your baked goods turn out.
11. Overwatering your plants
Source: Unsplash We’ve all been guilty of thinking more water equals more love for our plants, but too much water can actually suffocate their roots and cause them to rot. Make sure you’re watering according to each plant’s specific needs, and try letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings. This keeps your plants healthier in the long run and prevents issues like yellowing leaves or root rot.
12. Using dull knives in the kitchen
It might seem like dull knives are fine, but they’re actually more dangerous than sharp ones! They require more force to cut through food, which increases the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. A sharp knife makes prep work easier and safer. Keeping your knives sharpened ensures you can chop with more precision, reducing strain on your hands and making your time in the kitchen a lot smoother.
13. Storing bread in the fridge
It might seem like refrigerating bread keeps it fresher longer, but in reality, the cold environment speeds up the staling process, making bread go hard faster. The better option? Store your bread in a cool, dry place, like a bread box or a sealed bag on the counter. If you need to store it for longer, freezing bread is a much better way to keep its texture and taste intact. Your sandwiches will thank you later!
