50 Common Mistakes You’ve Almost Certainly Made In Your Life
Studies have indicated that it can take 18 to 254 days to create a new habit with an average of 66 days to perform a new behavior automatically. So, if we’ve been doing something incorrectly since we were children, it’ll take some time and effort to change our ways. Of course, the question is: what exactly have we been doing “wrong?” Well, you’ll soon find out.
Not Washing Your Hands for 20 Seconds
The global health crisis has raised public awareness of the importance of washing hands thoroughly and correctly, rather than simply drenching them in water for a few seconds and calling it a day (or even worse, not washing them at all).
Not Washing Your Hands For 20 Seconds
To get the job done properly, wet your hands first, then add soap and lather for twenty seconds. You can even use a technique similar to that used by surgeons to wash their hands by interlocking your soapy fingers, washing the palms of your hands with your fist, and turning the faucet off with your elbow.
Not Putting Eggs & Dairy in the Right Part of the Fridge
Most refrigerators have a small compartment and door shelves that are practically made for milk and eggs, so we can’t really blame ourselves for this one.
Not Putting Eggs & Dairy In The Right Part Of The Fridge
However, studies have shown that the shelves at the top of the fridge are warmer than the lower ones, so put any food or drink that is likely to spoil on the lower, colder shelves when stocking the fridge.
Excessive Mouthwash
Isn’t everything in moderation? So goes the saying. This includes mouthwash, which experts advise us to use sparingly. The reason for this is that if we slam a tidal wave of it into our mouths, we risk washing away bacteria that are supposed to help us.
Excessive Mouthwash
This study claims that frequent use of mouthwash can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. For best results, keep the mouthwash down to once daily use, and don’t get more than one capful in your mouth.
The Right Way to Clean Jeans
Some of you may already know this (but we’re guessing a lot of you don’t), but you shouldn’t wash your jeans every time you wear them. Even after three or four years, it’s not enough!
The Right Way To Clean Jeans
According to studies, frequently washing jeans ruins the color and shape of the denim, and the pants can lose up to 4% of their fibers. The number of times a pair of jeans can be worn between washes is between five and ten.
The Right Way to Load a Washer
There’s so much use of the washing machine over the course of our whole life. We’ve been putting our laundry in the washer, giving it a dose of detergent, and then beginning the cycle.
The Right Way To Load A Washer
However, the proper method is to start filling the machine with water, add the detergent, and distribute it through the water before adding your clothes. This method ensures that the detergent is evenly distributed across all of the clothes. Don’t forget to clean the washer after you’re done to get rid of any leftover bacteria.
Storing Wine Glasses Incorrectly
Surprisingly, wine glasses aren’t designed to be stored upside down, even if you believe it will keep dust out of the interior of the glass (just use them more, duh).
Storing Wine Glasses Incorrectly
Storing a wine glass in this manner puts a lot of pressure on the rim, which is usually the most fragile part of the glass. Wine glasses should be stored stems down to avoid moisture buildup and the formation of pressure cracks.
Use the Correct Plunger for the Sink
You might be surprised to learn that plungers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. This means you won’t have to unclog the kitchen sink with your toilet plunger (which you should never do anyway because it’s gross).
Use The Correct Plunger For The Sink
For the sink, the ‘cup plunger,’ which has a wider brim, is a good choice, while the ‘flange plunger,’ which has a narrower brim, is the plunger of choice for the toilet. Who’d have guessed plungers could be so detailed?
Let Sleeping Babies Lie
Some parents try to keep their children awake during the day to sleep longer at night (therefore allowing them to sleep more, too). Experts, however, believe that this is not the best strategy.
Let Sleeping Babies Lie
Parents will have difficulty getting a baby to sleep, whether the baby has been rested throughout the day or is exhausted from not being allowed to sleep. The key is to develop and stick to a schedule that works for each child.
How to Load the Dishwasher Properly
Some people like to meticulously organize their dishwashers, while others simply toss dishes and glasses in. However, given that certain parts of your dishwasher work better on certain foods than others, it appears that the former option is preferable.
How To Load The Dishwasher Properly
According to one study, dishes with protein-rich food should be placed on the outer rim of the unit, while carb-heavy plates should be placed in the center. Give it a shot and see if it cleans the dishes better!
Bobby Pin
If you’ve had trouble keeping bobby pins in place, it’s likely because you’ve been misusing them for a long time. One side of the pin is flat, while the other is wavy due to the design.
Bobby Pin
The waves should be inserted facing your scalp because they are meant to grab onto the hair and keep the pin in place. That should hopefully prevent your hair from becoming tangled and ruining your ‘do.
Ceiling Fan Flow
A ceiling fan can provide welcome relief from the hot summer months, but many people are unaware that it can also be used in the cooler months if you know how to operate it.
Ceiling Fan Flow
A fan should be turned counter-clockwise in the summer to push cool air down and cool your space. Simply switch the flow to push warm air downwards as the weather gets colder.
Keep the Roll in Place
Anyone who has ever tried to tear out an aluminum foil sheet from the box knows how incredibly frustrating it is when you tug on the roll, and all of this is coming out.
Keep The Roll In Place
But there’s a good chance you’ve overlooked the tabs on the side of the box, which are designed to keep the foil in place (the arrow points to them in the picture above). They’re supposed to be pressed in, and they’ll keep the roll in place while you’re using it.
Resistance Bands
One other misconception about resistance bands is that they’re commonly found in ‘fitness experts’ exercise recommendations and programs but are also commonly used by people in industries that deal with sports and fitness.
Resistance Bands
They can treat injuries, improve flexibility, and build strength and muscle by acting as a resistance tool. Most people mistake taking what influencers post on social media as gospel and not doing the necessary research to use resistance bands properly.
Taking Off Your Shirt
We haven’t been taking our t-shirts off incorrectly for years, and the truth is that we haven’t been. However, there is a much faster way to do it than you probably aren’t aware of.
Taking Off Your Shirt
Rather than grabbing the bottom part of the shirt and pulling it over your head, grab your sleeve from your armpits, pull your hand out, and then pull the shirt right over your head. Give it a shot and see what you think!
Get Rid of Those Wooden Chopping Boards
Wooden chopping boards may look nice in the kitchen, but they’re actually quite difficult to keep bacteria-free. Because they can’t usually be put in the dishwasher, you’ll have to wash them by hand.
Get Rid Of Those Wooden Chopping Boards
Bacteria and pathogens can seep into the board’s grain over time and use, making it nearly impossible to remove them. So, while wooden boards may look great, think about getting an alternative for your health’s sake.
Napkin Etiquette
With the unexpected success of Netflix’s The Crown, everyone may be wearing tuxedos and ties to the dinner table every night from now on. How good is your napkin game, though?
Napkin Etiquette
Most people would pick up their napkin and place it on their laps once the food arrives (in fact, most people would leave it on the table), but according to all etiquette experts around the world, the proper and polite way is to place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.
Cleaning Your Blender Properly
Most dishwashers now advertise that their blenders are dishwasher safe, so we put them in the dishwasher with the rest of our dirty dishes. However, this is not the most effective method of cleaning the device.
Cleaning Your Blender Properly
Fill the blender halfway with warm soapy water, then run it for a few seconds to ensure the entire machine is clean. Get in there with your hands to finish the job for extra credit (but take the blade out first, of course).
Stop Grabbing That Wine Glass Without Any Class!
Holding a wine glass by the cup may feel natural, but it’s actually the worst way to do so because you’re transferring heat from your palm to the glass, which can warm the wine and change the flavor.
Stop Grabbing That Wine Glass Without Any Class!
Holding the glass at the stem with your thumb and index finger is the proper way to do it, as it helps with balance and makes it easy to swirl to aerate the wine and prevent heat transfer.
Brushing Your Hair
When most people with long hair get out of the shower, they brush their hair from the bottom up because the bottom part of their hair has the most tangles.
Brushing Your Hair
However, this isn’t good for the hair because it doesn’t distribute the natural oils produced in the scalp and can cause breakage, which leads to split ends – both of which are bad for the hair’s overall health.
Recovering From a Night of Drinking
Many people suffer from the unpleasant side effects of a night of drinking the next morning and turn to Tylenol to help them feel better. This may help a little, but hydrating is a better idea.
Recovering From A Night Of Drinking
Because the symptoms of a hangover are linked to dehydration (some people say it feels like they’re dying of thirst), it’s critical to get some water into your system. If you’re having a tough time, try Pedialyte instead of Tylenol.
That’s Not for Storage
Think carefully before you answer: Do you know the lowest rack of the oven drawer? That’s not the concept at all. It’s only a way to allow more baking trays to be stored in the kitchen area.
That’s Not For Storage
This is the warming drawer, where you can keep cooked food warm while you wait for your dinner guests or other food to finish cooking if you need extra space. Simply set the covered dish in the drawer and press the warm button while you finish the rest of your to-do list.
Cold as Ice
It’s probably happened many times that you have used a big tank of ice to chill your drinks like beer and wine. While the results are positive, there’s actually a faster method you could be using.
Cold As Ice
Yes, freezing the drink is an option, but you risk forgetting about it and ending up with a block of ice instead of your wine or beer. If you need to chill a large number of drinks quickly, a salt and ice water bucket is the best option.
Fabrics Before Paint
When it comes to decorating a room, it’s best to start with the fabrics and accessories and then move on to the walls. It may seem counterintuitive, but doing so will help you get a better idea of how the room will look.
Fabrics Before Paint
Also, help you choose the perfect color and shade for the walls. After that, be sure to place some plastic sheets and other ground covers nearby to avoid the possibility of slipping and preventing any mess.
Composting the Problem
Composting is an excellent way to help the environment by reducing chemical fertilizers (among many other benefits). However, just as with recycling, you must be cautious not to put the incorrect foods in your composting bin.
Composting The Problem
Citrus peels, onions, bread, and walnuts should not be composted because they contain compounds or qualities that reduce the compost’s efficiency. Some of them are particularly appealing to the vermin you don’t want rummaging through your trash.
Not Re-Setting the Wi-Fi Router
Did you simply plug in a wireless router and go about your business when you set it up in your home? If this is the case, you’ve made it simple for hackers to access your personal information.
Not Re-Setting The Wi-Fi Router
The best option is to reset the WiFi password and make sure all updates are installed after you’ve set up your router and have internet access to protect yourself as much as possible.
For Fork’s Sake
We hope you’re never in a situation where you need to know which cutlery to use when (that would indicate you’re in a snooty establishment, and who wants that? ), but if you are, here’s a helpful tip.
For Fork’s Sake
Start at the outside and work your way inwards when presented with a small armament of cutlery by your plate. After that, get out of there as quickly as possible.
When Was This Ever Good Advice?
It’s difficult to believe, but there appears to be some ridiculous ‘advice’ floating around that claims wearing a white t-shirt can help protect your skin from the rays of the sun.
When Was This Ever Good Advice?
This is obviously untrue, and it should come as no surprise that a white t-shirt does not protect at all. You can and should always use sunscreen because it has been scientifically proven to protect you from sunburn.
A Popular Myth
How many times have we been told that our heads are where most of our body heat escapes? As a result, during the cold winter months, we always make sure we have enough hats.
A Popular Myth
However, it turns out that the notion that we lose the majority of our heat through our domes is incorrect. Our heads lose just about 10% of our body heat. Although not insignificant, it is significantly less than you might have been led to believe.
Sleep Soundly (and Safely)
The position in which you sleep is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to sleep on their side, while others prefer to sleep on their back, but experts agree that sleeping on your stomach is dangerous. According to chiropractors, this is the least healthy way to sleep because it causes the spine to twist excessively.
Sleep Soundly (and Safely)
Furthermore, people who sleep on their stomachs frequently keep one leg bent up towards their torso, causing a kink in the flow of blood and nerve signals, which can lead to respiratory problems. Use wedge pillows and other accessories to help you transition to sleeping on your side.
Don’t Put Chocolate in the Fridge
Listen up, all you chocolate lovers. There is nothing wrong with having chocolate in the fridge during the warm months, short-term seasons, though people should avoid putting things in the freezer.
Don’t Put Chocolate In The Fridge
This is because the cold temperature can alter the flavor of the chocolate and cause sugar bloom, which affects the texture. Finally, chocolate absorbs odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Find a cool, dark place to store the chocolate instead of the fridge.
There’s a Right Way to Cut Bread
What’s that popular saying? “The best thing since sliced bread.” According to how some people cut their slices (flattening them to the cutting board or tearing them), the next step shouldn’t be too difficult.
There’s A Right Way To Cut Bread
Turning the loaf flat slide up is the best way to cut a loaf of bread. This causes a significantly smoother cut and smoother loaf, which reduces the number of crumbles.
Dipping Oreos
You’d think there’d be no wrong way to eat an oreo. After all, how difficult can it be? Eat it whole, twist it, and eat half of it at a time – just put it in your mouth and chew!
Dipping Oreos
However, those of you who like to dip the cookie in a glass of milk will probably end up messier than the rest of us because you’ll have a hard time fitting the cookie and your fingers into the glass at the same time. So just use chopsticks or a fork to poke a hole in the cookie and dip it that way.
Shoe Marks the Spot
No one enjoys standing in lines, especially long ones where you are forced to stay on your feet for an extended period of time while being bored out of your mind. If only we could make the Caribbean way of doing things an unofficial rule around the world.
Shoe Marks The Spot
It entails removing your shoes and using them to save your spot so you can sit and relax while you wait. It sounds like a nice method, but let’s be honest: no one in the United States will follow that rule, and your shoes will be kicked to the side in no time.
Getting Rid of Those Annoying Threads
Aren’t those dangling threads that we have on our clothes and couches the worst? And we always try to pull the thread out with our fingers, which only makes the thread bigger and worsens the situation.
Getting Rid Of Those Annoying Threads
Instead of pressing down with your fingers, get a razor and gently shave the threads that way, and make sure to apply just enough pressure to get a clean cut.
Using a Straw for the Soda Can
We’re not sure who’s still drinking soda from a can with a straw (since straws are terrible for the environment and nothing is stopping you from a) drinking straight from the can and b) pouring it into a glass), but it turns out the can be made for it.
Using A Straw For The Soda Can
To make drinking more effective, you can place the tab in the position that works better to rotate the tab. Then again, however, do not use plastic straws.
Stopping Your Earbuds From Falling Out
With the advent of Air Pods and other wireless devices that you can throw in your ears, this tip is definitely out of date, but for those of you who still have traditional earbuds, here’s a trick to keep them in your ear when you’re on the go.
Stopping Your Earbuds From Falling Out
Insert your earbuds after wrapping them around your ear. This will help them to stay in one place. Is that clear? Well then, get some modern technology now!
Disguising Typos
Instead of scribbling furiously (which will make your handwriting resemble that of a child), try this if you managed to mess up your handwriting on something important, such as an exam essay or official document.
Disguising Typos
Simply write some other letters on top of the misspelled word (or words), making it impossible to read and saving you the embarrassment of people discovering you don’t know how to spell some basic words.
Connecting Extension Cords
Extension cords always seem to come out of the socket, whether you trip over them or they just happen to pop out on their own. So why not use a tried-and-true knot to secure it?
Connecting Extension Cords
Try tying your cords in a knot and plugging them in together. We’re not saying you have to use a sailor’s knot (such as a reef knot, rolling hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend…there are many), but a standard one should suffice.
Chilling a Beverage
You could always throw it in the freezer and trust yourself to remember to take it out before it completely freezes if you don’t have the patience to wait for it to get cold – but there’s a far more effective method.
Chilling A Beverage
Wrap a wet paper towel or a few layers of plastic wrap around your bottle of water and place it in the freezer. Give it time to expand for a few minutes, and you will then pull it out and enjoy your cold beverage!
Watch Your Gum Intake
You should read this if you enjoy chewing gum and can’t go a day without putting a stick in your mouth. Gum is loaded with sugar, which can feed the bacteria already present in your mouth.
Watch Your Gum Intake
This, in turn, can lead to worsening bad breath, prompting you to chew more gum in an attempt to alleviate the problem, resulting in a vicious cycle. Instead, focus on maintaining good oral hygiene and, if you miss chewing gum, consider switching to vegan gum.
Don’t Cool Leftovers
Spoiled leftovers are highly recommended to cool in the fridge before serving; for many of us as children, it was commonly believed that items such as tomatoes needed to be kept cold first. And as it turned out, however, this is a bad idea.
Don’t Cool Leftovers
According to the USDA, food left out at room temperature enters an unsafe temperature zone. If you must let food cool before putting it in the fridge, at the very least, cut it into smaller portions so it cools faster and you can get it in faster.
When to Brush Your Teeth
We’re guessing that most people brush their teeth twice a day, but some people prefer to brush three times or in between meals. Even so, some experts believe that this is a mistake.
When To Brush Your Teeth
According to some studies, brushing after a meal can harm the layer beneath your enamel, potentially leading to future dental problems. So rest assured that brushing twice a day (along with flossing) is sufficient.
How to Create Soft Serve Ice Cream
Because getting ice cream out of a cartoon straight from the freezer can be a pain, some people prefer to soften it first by microwaving it. But there’s a better way to make serving ice cream easier!
How To Create Soft Serve Ice Cream
Use a sealed bag to freeze the ice cream container to protect it from freezer damage and make sure it remains in a fluid state in the freezer.
Stop Putting Avocados in the Fridge
Avocados are the best. They are the mother of guacamole and go with almost everything. Some people believe that this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) is the best food item. This means we must treat them properly, which includes keeping them out of the refrigerator.
Stop Putting Avocados In The Fridge
The reason for this is that avocados produce the same chemicals that ripen bananas. To speed up the ripening process, place freshly picked avocados in a warmer room (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Check Your Recylcing
Recycling is essential, and each household should do its part to help clean up the environment. It is quite simple if you have a grasp of the issues, but most people don’t.
Check Your Recycling
The EPA has released information that we regularly throw items into the recycling bins that are not recyclable, including greasy pizza boxes and colored paper. Do your research and recycle properly, and make it a habit – it’s an important one!
Wait to Rinse
It appears that we will have to start brushing our teeth with a timer in the morning. We don’t wait long enough before rinsing with mouthwash, not because we don’t brush for long enough (though you should brush for at least a minute).
Wait To Rinse
It takes at least 30 minutes to work for the toothpaste to diffuse for the final rinse before flushing out. If the time has passed, go ahead and do it.
Stretching Doesn’t Prevent Injury
Several studies have found no difference in injuries between those who stretch before exercise and those who do not. Don’t you wish you could go back and slap this study in the face of your old gym trainer?
Stretching Doesn’t Prevent Injury
That isn’t to say you shouldn’t stretch at all; quite the contrary. Stretching improves mobility and blood circulation, both of which are important no matter what exercise or sport you’re about to do.
There’s a Better Way to Work Your Abs
How many times have you heard or seen trainers claim that sit-ups are the best abdominal exercise? The truth is that they aren’t, and they may end up working the musculature around your hip joints more than your abs.
There’s A Better Way To Work Your Abs
Squats, V-Ups, and even deadlifts are more effective exercises. It’s all about controlling your breathing and using your abs during compound movements (movements involving multiple joints) to get a more effective ‘pump.’ Powerlifters have powerful abs for a reason.
Once a Day is Enough
It appears that washing the whole body once a day is the best approach. Using only one watering can instead of two cuts your watering bills in half and helps you reduce water pollution and improve your health.
Once A Day Is Enough
That seems counterintuitive – after all, isn’t showering and washing your body with soap and being clean a good thing? No, not at all. Showering too frequently can strip your skin of the beneficial bacteria it requires to stay healthy and cause it to dry out. As much as possible, limit it to once per day.
Up the Sunscreen
Sunlight is beneficial to our health, but we must be cautious because the sun’s rays can harm our skin. That’s why we have sunscreen, but according to scientists and dermatologists, we’ve all been using too little of it for it to be fully effective.
Up The Sunscreen
We’re also putting it on at the wrong time: 15 minutes before going outside, we should apply an amount of sunscreen equal to a shot glass full all over our bodies.