7 household items you may be using incorrectly

Here are some items that could be more efficient and practical if you used them the way they were designed:

The drawer under the oven

This space seems ideal for storing cookie sheets and other kitchen utensils. However, the drawer under the oven is not intended as a storage place, but as a stove. Think about it the next time you have a lot of dinner guests over! All you have to do is make sure it is clean, then place your freshly cooked lasagna on it while the guests finish their starters.

The dish-washer

The majority of people do not use this device correctly, or at least not optimally. This is probably the case for your spouse or your roommate, do you think? Inappropriate uses include:

•      Overfilling the dishwasher: This prevents you from washing properly by blocking the jets or worse, the mechanism.
•      Rinse the dishes: Your appliance already contains an integrated rinse cycle. Additionally, the amount of water used to pre-rinse dishes before washing them is a great waste of this resource. The only good reason to rinse is when you don't take the appliance off straight away: you still need to avoid dry food crusts!
•      Do not wash it frequently: Debris accumulates in this appliance little by little. They can damage it or not allow optimal washing. Every week, remove the filter from the bottom and rinse it with plenty of water before replacing it.

The robot vacuum cleaner…

Have you replaced your regular vacuum cleaner with a robot? Error. This device, although very practical and appreciated, was not designed to replace the ordinary vacuum cleaner, but rather to complement it. It is not as effective at removing particles and should be used between deeper cleaning sessions.

…and regular vacuuming

You know, all those nozzles you can attach to your vacuum? They should be used for specific tasks, such as anything that is higher than the ground: curtains, couches, light fixtures, baseboards or even that have a special texture. Few people use them, which makes them poorly used objects in the house. Also, this non-use can wear out your main nozzle more quickly or even the vacuum cleaner itself. For example, when you pass it over a long pile carpet which exerts a resistance that would not exist with the appropriate tip.

The ceiling fan

The direction of rotation of the fins must follow the changing seasons. How? On hot days, the fan should rotate counterclockwise. If it is cold, you should operate the device clockwise. These ways of doing things optimize the notion that cold air goes down and hot air goes up. In short, it also saves you on your energy bills!

The suction unblocker

What's more unpleasant than having to unclog a toilet? Not much, except maybe doing this chore with the wrong instrument. If your unblocker has a flat bottom, it is in fact a suction cup used to unclog a sink. The one for the toilet should rather have a bell shape. Do not mix the two – especially not after use!

The cell phone charger

Most people charge their cell phones all night, which actually causes the opposite effect. By trying to compensate with the minimum loss, the connected cell phone oscillates between a full and semi-full charge, which causes the battery to wear out prematurely. Instead, wait until the charge is at 15% and below (but we agree that this can be stressful!).

Were you surprised by any of these points? What everyday objects are you using incorrectly in your property?