As part of our daily routines, there are plenty of things we do from muscle memory without a second thought. Unfortunately, some of these habits might actually be playing it fast & loose with our safety. Here are ten surprisingly risky things you might be doing all wrong. Who knows—a little tweak here & there could keep you out of harm’s way.
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Charging Your Phone Under Your Pillow
If you’re the type to keep your phone charging under your pillow at night — you should know that it’s actually not the best idea. Phones get warm when they charge and tucking them under a pillow traps that heat. Essentially, this could turn your bed into a mini bonfire. And who wants to wake up to a scorched pillowcase? Instead, keep your phone on a nightstand.
Using Dull Kitchen Knives
You might think a dull knife is safer but the opposite is true. When you’re cutting vegetables with a dull knife, there’s a higher chance it’ll slip & nick you. Sharp knives make clean cuts with less force—so do yourself a favor and keep them honed. It’s really not worth risking an injury just because you were lazy.
Ignoring Dryer Lint Buildup
It’s okay to ignore the lint trap after doing laundry sometimes but not always. Dryers need to breathe and a clogged lint trap is basically suffocating your machine, which could lead to a fire. You should make it a habit to clean it out after each cycle or at least every two cycles. It takes two seconds.
Wearing Flip-Flops for Long Walks
Flip-flops are hardly foot-friendly for long walks. These flimsy sandals give your feet no support and this can lead to aches & pains—or even injuries. If you’re walking a lot each day, you should do your feet a solid and wear something with a bit of support. Giving your feet support now means they can help you in the future.
Reheating Rice Incorrectly
Leftover rice can actually be quite dangerous thanks to a germ called Bacillus cereus. It’s a kind of bacteria that loves to multiply if you leave rice out too long before refrigerating it. You should always cool down rice quickly and store it in the fridge within an hour of cooking to avoid any risks of catching this deadly bacteria.
Neglecting to Clean Your Reusable Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are great for fighting plastic waste, although they can be a problem if you don’t clean them properly. Why? Because they practically become a petri dish for bacteria. Give it a good scrub with soap & water every day, especially if you’re refilling it with anything other than water.
Overloading Electrical Outlets
You might think it’s a good idea to plug everything into one spot yet that couldn’t be further from the truth. Doing so can overload your circuit & potentially start a fire. Instead, you should spread out your gadgets to different outlets—and don’t forget to use a surge protector. It’s a lot cheaper than having to rebuild your home after an electrical fire!
Sleeping with Pets
Any pet owner will tell you that they love to cuddle with their furry friends at night. Sadly, it’s not the best idea for your health. Pets can bring fleas, ticks & other germs into your bed, which can spread diseases. You should give your pet their own bed to keep the pair of you safe.
Brushing Teeth Right After Eating
Brushing your teeth right after you eat can actually harm your enamel, especially if you’ve had something acidic. Our mouths are more acidic after eating & brushing can rub that acid all over your teeth. This wears down your teeth’s protective layer. Instead, you should wait about 30 minutes to give your saliva a chance to neutralize the acid.
Storing Batteries Incorrectly
Throwing your loose batteries in a drawer is no big deal, right? Wrong. If the ends of batteries touch each other or metal objects, they can short-circuit & this could make them leak. It may even start a fire. You should store them in their original packaging or keep them separated in a battery storage box. It’s one of those things you don’t really think about until you’re googling “how to clean battery acid out of a drawer.”
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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