20 Things You Had No Idea You’ve Been Using Wrong This Entire Time

Sometimes, it seems, we’re not as smart as we like to think we are. Sometimes, the manufacturers that make our everyday items are actually a lot smarter than we think they are. And sometimes, we just need some common-sense genius to show us how to do in a second something that’s been taking us forever and driving us mad. So here are 20 simple tips guaranteed to make your life a darn sight easier.

20. Use that ring-pull hole

Isn’t it a real pain when that straw comes sliding up that soda can as you’re trying to drink from it? As a matter of fact, the can makers thought of that... so just put your straw through the hole in the ring-pull that they helpfully provided and it won’t happen again.

19. Stop that pan boiling over

They say a watched pot never boils – but turn away for a minute and you’ll find that an unwatched one seems to immediately froth over. But not if you simply lay a stirring spoon across the top – it’s almost like magic.

18. Milk that ink cartridge

Printer-ink people certainly do their best to squeeze you for cash. Did you know that when your ink cartridge is “empty,” the chances are that it’s not? In fact, there’s usually a reserve – just use a paperclip on the cartridge reset button and you’ll get at it.

17. Foil that aluminum fly-out

Sick of the baking foil roll flying out of the box as you unroll it? This is one the manufacturers have provided for. On the end of the box there will be a tab – so just press it in and that foil will stay put.