You've Been Storing Your Ladder All Wrong According To TikTok

A ladder is a must-have tool for every homeowner. Whether you're reaching high shelves, painting a stairwell, or putting up holiday decorations, it serves countless purposes. Yet, how many of us pay attention to how we store our ladders when they're not in use? Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the longevity of your ladder, maximizing space, and, of course, safety. If you leave a small space between the ladder and the wall, you might be storing your ladder all wrong. Read on to find out how to correct this simple mistake in less than a second, according to TikTok.

But first, the basics. A fundamental storage rule is to always keep your ladder indoors, preferably in a garage or workshop. The most common error is leaving the ladder exposed to the elements, especially outdoors. A ladder exposed to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can suffer degradation of its material, especially if made of metal. Wooden ladders may warp or rot. If indoor storage isn't possible, use a cover to protect it from exposure.

Placing a ladder flat on the ground is easy, especially if you have floor space. However, this position encourages people to stack items on top of it, leading to the bending or warping of its rungs or sides over time. Always store your ladder vertically or against a wall, not on the floor. This will prevent excess weight on any part of the ladder. Plus, it's a space-saver. This leads us to the mindblowing TikTok tip.

The TikTok video presents a simple solution. It's also priceless — you don't need any fancy or expensive storage solutions to achieve it. If you store your ladder on an angle against the wall but leave that foot-long distance at the bottom of the ladder, listen up. Moment of truth — ladders are specifically designed to be stored straight up against the wall. In fact, according to this TikTok, the ladder will actually balance itself and fall back towards the wall (not at you) if tipped.

First, you must ensure the ladder is properly and securely folded. If you have an extension ladder, it must be collapsed before storage. Then, move it parallel to the wall so that it is completely flush. That's it! A one-second fix. The design of the ladder will ensure it doesn't slide or pose a tripping hazard, as most ladders have slip-resistant material coating all four feet. 

However, note that this may not work with old wooden ladders or ladders that do not have this particular type of non-slip bottom construction. Otherwise, all it takes is pushing your ladder flush against the wall and letting its ingenious engineering take care of the rest. Who knew that a simple one-second shift could make all the difference?