7 Household Items You’re Better Off Storing Upside Down
Updated: Oct. 19, 2022
Sometimes upside down is actually right side up. It’s time to rethink how you keep common household items.
Mostly-full open paint cans
Keeping leftover paint can come in handy when you’re freshening up an old coat, completing household projects, or touching up minor scratches and nicks—especially if the color is rare. According to apartmenttherapy.com, to make the most of your paint and keep it from going to waste, store it upside down. You can maximize shelf life with some plastic wrap. Keep your paint in a dry room where the temperature remains pretty steady. After use, cover the opening with plastic wrap. Then, securely affix the lid to prevent leakage. Once you’ve completed these two steps, take the plunge and turn the paint can upside down. Doing so will allow the paint to create its own seal and minimize waste.
Natural nut butter
Whether you prefer sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or good old peanut butter, the rules for storage are the same. When it comes to natural nut butter, avoid the dreaded layer of oil at the top by simply storing the jar upside down. Doing so will redistribute things better than any spoon stirring could. The oil will naturally work its way to the bottom of the jar and, next time you dig in for a PB&J, you’ll be greeted with a smooth, creamy spoonful.
Sharpies and markers
Break the well-ingrained habit of storing pens right side up for the “felt tip exception.” Items like markers, sharpies, and highlighters should be stored upside down to prevent them from drying out. Keeping the ink in contact with the felt tip fibers might help your writing utensil last a bit longer.
Wine bottles
While you shouldn’t exactly store them upside down, wine bottles made the list because their typical right side up storage isn’t exactly right. According to winespectator.com, when it comes to wine, horizontal storage is best. When the bottle is horizontal, the wine keeps the cork wet—preventing it from drying out, letting air in, oxidizing, and going bad. It also prevents sediment from collecting at the neck of the bottle and limits the risk of leaks—both of which could happen if the bottle was turned completely upside down.
Peaches
According to Cooking Light, when possible, fruits that bruise easily, like peaches, are best stored upside down. When you attempt to store them right side up, peaches roll and bruise. Store them stem end down. While this doesn’t prevent bruising completely, it allows the fruit to lay flat and stay blemish free longer.
Pineapples
Looking to keep that pineapple sweet? If you have the whole fruit, cut the top off and store it upside down. Doing so will redistribute sweetness by allowing the juices that have accumulated at the bottom to flow back to the other end.
Shampoo and conditioner
Get the most of the dwindling contents in that bottle of Suave and really look smart by storing your shampoo and conditioner upside down. This way, you can get out every drop and have your hair products ready to go before you step in the shower.
