Everyday items that many people are using incorrectly

Our lives are full of habitual actions that are performed automatically. We are sure that we do things correctly, because we have been taught to do them or because everyone around us does them. However, it turns out that many everyday tasks have a more efficient or correct way of being done. Here are some examples that might change the way we think about our habits.

Spray perfume on wrist

It is a common mistake to spray perfume on your wrists and then rub it on your body. Rubbing it in destroys the perfume molecules. It is better to spray the perfume on the desired area of the body and let it dry naturally.

Use cotton swabs to clean your ears

Cotton swabs aren't designed to clean the ear canal — experts warn against doing so. Instead, they can push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage.

Apply antiperspirant

Most people apply antiperspirant in the morning, before leaving the house. However, it is more effective if you apply it at night, when your sweat glands are less active. This way, it will block sweat better.

Reheat food in the microwave

If you tend to pile food in the middle of your plate, you're doing it wrong. It's much more efficient to spread the food out around the edges, leaving the middle empty. This way, the food will heat evenly.

Cleaning the blender

Instead of trying to clean the sharp blades by hand, simply pour water mixed with a drop of detergent into the blender and turn it on for a few seconds. It will clean itself — safely and effectively.

Wear earbuds

If your headphones keep falling out, you may not be inserting them correctly. Most headphones should be inserted with the ear tip facing up and behind your ear for a better fit.

Peel the tangerine

Tired of peeling a tangerine with your fingernails? Try cutting across and gently pushing up on the segments — they should automatically separate and pop out.

Marvin Fry

Update 31 July 2025