Plastic wrap is one of those kitchen staples most of us use without giving it much thought. It’s great for covering leftovers, wrapping sandwiches, and helping keep food fresh, but using it the wrong way can damage food, create safety risks, or simply make it less effective. Here are 12 mistakes to avoid the next time you reach for the roll.

Wrap Freezer Foods With Plastic Wrap Alone

Plastic wrap helps reduce air exposure, but it doesn’t provide enough protection for long-term freezer storage by itself. Add a layer of aluminum foil or place the wrapped food inside a freezer bag to help prevent freezer burn.

Throw It in the Recycling Bin Without Checking

Most curbside recycling programs don’t accept plastic wrap because it tangles sorting equipment. Check whether your local grocery stores offer plastic film recycling instead of placing it in your recycling bin.

Store It Somewhere Warm

Heat can make plastic wrap softer and more difficult to handle, causing it to cling to itself. Keeping it in a cool place, or chilling it briefly before use, can make it much easier to work with.

Pull Too Little Wrap Over the Container

A small piece stretched tightly across a bowl rarely creates a proper seal. Using enough wrap to completely cover the container and fold around the edges keeps air out and helps food stay fresh longer.

Put It in a Hot Oven

Plastic wrap isn’t designed to handle the high temperatures of a conventional oven. It can melt onto your food or cookware, creating a difficult mess and potentially releasing unwanted chemicals.

Use It in the Microwave Without Venting

If you’re using microwave-safe plastic wrap, always leave one corner open so steam can escape. Trapped steam builds pressure quickly and can cause the wrap to melt or food to splatter when removed.

Let It Touch Hot Food

Even microwave-safe plastic wrap shouldn’t sit directly on hot food, especially greasy or oily dishes that heat up faster. Leave a little space between the food and the wrap whenever possible to reduce the risk of melting.

Ignore the Box Tabs

Many plastic wrap boxes have small cardboard tabs on each end that lock the roll in place. Pressing them in keeps the roll from constantly falling out while you’re pulling off a sheet.

Use a Damaged Serrated Cutter

A bent or dull cutting edge often tears the plastic instead of giving you a clean cut. A slide cutter or a fresh box can make wrapping food much faster and less frustrating.

Forget to Secure the End After Using It

Few kitchen tasks are more annoying than hunting for the loose end of the plastic wrap every time you need it. Twisting the end slightly or folding it over the edge of the box makes it much easier to find the next time you use it.

Assume Every Brand Performs the Same

Some plastic wraps cling better, stretch farther, or seal more tightly than others. Choosing the right type for your needs makes wrapping easier and helps keep food fresher longer.