Handy Household Tips for Better Efficiency and Food Preservation

 By: Dr. Salihu Lukman

In our daily household routines, small but effective tricks can make a huge difference. Recently, I have discovered and benefited immensely from two practical household tips that I believe will be useful for many. These simple yet powerful techniques help in food preservation and appliance longevity. Try them out and experience the benefits firsthand!

1. Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits, Vegetables, and Foods Using Cling Film

Have you ever noticed how quickly bananas, cut watermelon, cucumbers, and other fruits deteriorate in the fridge even when you enjoy a power supply 24/7? By simply using a cling film to cover these items securely, you can significantly prolong their freshness. When I saw those fruit vendors covering cut watermelons and pineapples on the street in Nigeria, I thought it was simply to protect them against flies and dust. Also, when I buy vegetables, fruits, and foods completely covered with a cling film in their containers here in Saudi Arabia, I never thought that the cling film actually prolongs the shelf life of these items when stored in a fridge and would normally remove the cling film before storing them in the fridge.

How It Works

• Cut watermelon: Typically, a cut watermelon lasts only about 4 days in the fridge before losing its freshness if you receive a constant power supply. However, when wrapped tightly with cling film, it can stay fresh for up to 14 days. The cling film minimizes exposure to oxygen and moisture loss, both of which accelerate spoilage.

• Bananas: Refrigerated bananas often turn brown and spoil within 5 days if you receive a constant power supply. But when fully wrapped in cling film and stored in a polystyrene pack or airtight container, they can last up to 14 days without losing their firmness and freshness even when they turn brown.

The Science Behind It

Cling film acts as an oxygen and moisture barrier, preventing dehydration and oxidation. Fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening and spoilage. By sealing them properly, we reduce ethylene exposure, slow down enzymatic reactions, and extend their shelf life significantly.

2. Preventing Washing Machine’s Rigorous Shaking During Drying with Weighted Counter-Balance

If you use a semi-automatic washing machine which many people use nowadays, you might have experienced intense shaking or vibrations during the drying phase. This can cause damage over time and shorten the motor’s lifespan. A simple trick to counteract this is placing heavy materials like blankets or sweaters in the washing compartment during drying.

How It Works

• When the drying drum spins at high speeds, it creates an uneven centrifugal force if the load inside is imbalanced.

• By placing a heavy object (such as a blanket or thick sweater) in the washing compartment before starting the drying cycle, the force is evenly distributed, minimizing excessive vibrations and reducing strain on the motor.

• This simple step helps stabilize the machine and prevent unnecessary mechanical stress, prolonging the motor’s life and reducing noise.

Try These Hacks and Experience the Difference!

Both of these techniques are simple yet highly effective, saving you money and improving efficiency in your home. Give them a try, and let me know how they work for you. Do you have any other handy household tips? Share them in the comments for us to gain from your experience!