This article is about things that we do all the time. Apparently, our entire life we’ve been doing them the wrong way, while a much easier solution was right there under our nose. Most of these tricks are so simple, but most of us never knew they existed. Be prepared to re-evaluate things you have been doing for years.

When we at Bright Side found out about these tricks, we were somewhere between shock and disbelief. As it turns out, we’ve been approaching the most simple everyday things all wrong and there are much easier and more convenient ways to do them.

1. Peeling bananas

Most people peel their banana from the top part, which is wrong. The best way to peel a banana is from the bottom, so you don’t squeeze the fruit. In fact, monkeys apparently figured this out a long time ago.

2. Getting Tic Tacs out of the container

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There is actually something inside the lid of the Tic Tac container that will help you get just one piece out, instead of half the box. Flip the box over, then turn it on its side, and gently open it. The lid is specifically designed to hold one individual Tic Tac.

3. Cooking pot

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You’re supposed to use the hole in the pot handle to hold your spoon while cooking. Wow, our moms never told us that.

4. Using foil

When you need to use foil, often the whole roll comes out. Well, there’s a simple solution right there on the box, it even says: “Press Ends To Lock Roll” and that’s exactly what it does. If you look on the sides of the box, you will see the little grips, you just push them in and they hold the roll in place. We wish we knew about this earlier.

5. Chinese takeout

Chinese takeout containers are not the most convenient to eat out of because they are often deep and narrow. Believe it or not, these containers have a secret that will make eating much easier for you. Unfold the container and it turns into a plate.

6. Keychains

Use a staple remover to remove keys from key rings instead of abusing your nails. It’s so simple.

7. Using a microwave more efficiently

The limited space inside a microwave has always been inconvenient when you want to have a meal together with your friend or partner. It would be easier and more convenient if you could prepare both meals at the same time. Most of us don’t realize that the whole space in the microwave is good for heating, even above the spinning plate. To heat 2 plates at once, simply put the first plate on the microwave platter pushed to one side, then place an upside-down coffee mug next to it and place the second plate on top of the mug.

8. Eating Oreo cookies

Stick a fork into the creme filling of the Oreo cookie. This way you can dip the entire cookie without getting your fingers all milky. Whoever came up with this idea is a total genius.

9. Perfect grilled cheese sandwich

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Turning your toaster sideways and inserting a slice of bread and a slice of cheese into each slot will help you make a fast, easy, no-fuss grilled cheese sandwich. Just don’t put too much cheese and take your time when pulling out the finished product. You don’t want your gooey cheese to catch on any of the toaster parts. It’s a nightmare to clean it up — some of us learned this hard way.

10. Cutting soft cheese

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Use dental floss to cut soft cheeses. With a little practice, you can get really thin and perfectly neat slices.

11. Cutting cakes

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You can also use dental floss to cut cakes.

12. Starbucks lids

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Did you know that Starbucks lids are not just for holding a straw and keeping your drink from spilling everywhere? They’re actually specifically designed to be used as coasters. And now we’ve all learned something new today.

13. Heating a meal in the microwave

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The next time you heat up leftovers in the microwave, make sure you create a small hole in the middle of the food on your plate. Doing this will allow the microwave to heat your meal evenly.

Wet a paper towel, wrap it around any warm drink, and put it in the freezer. It’ll be cold in literally 5-10 minutes!

Have you found these tricks useful? How many of them have you been doing wrong this whole time? Tell us about it in the comments. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, surely we all make these mistakes.

Please note: This article was updated in May 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.1