Regardless of the amount of available space in your kitchen, bathroom, or some other area of the home, it seems that you are always in need of more. Don’t worry because this is an issue that most people face. If you are constantly looking for products that can help you increase the storage space, you should definitely consider suction cups.
Suction cups are one of those items that have multiple purposes, and the best part is that they can be installed anywhere, from windows to walls and tiles. Just by simply placing them on the wall, you can easily grow the space that you need so much.
Well, in this article, we are going to introduce you to these items. We are going to try to explain how they work, why you should install them, and we are going to give you some tips and answer the question many people have – How to make them stick?
Table of Contents
How does it work?
img source: petco.com
If you were to google this question, you would find numerous scientific answers and formulas. Nevertheless, we will try to explain it as simple as possible.
Basically, they stick to the surface by creating a vacuum. They are made from rubber, which means that they are impenetrable by air. When you place them against a surface, due to their design, they trap the air inside. Upon pushing it, all the air is directed outside, and when this happens, the vacuum is created. As you know, the vacuum is really strong, which is what keeps the cup in the place. In case the vacuum isn’t created properly, air can penetrate the inside of the cup through the edges, and when this occurs, the cup falls off.
What are the common uses?
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As we have already mentioned, suction cups can be utilized for a whole range of purposes, so since we have explained how they work, now we are going to give you some ideas and tell you why you should purchase them.
The first benefit that probably comes to your mind is that you can create extra wall storage in your bathroom, kitchen, garage, or basically any other area of your home. You can use them to hang dishcloths and towels somewhere within your reach, clothes, or even some decoration. The options are endless, and the choice is all yours. The great thing about these is that you won’t have to drill holes in the walls. People usually avoid doing this simply because repairing them can be quite costly.
Let’s discuss how professionals from different lines of work use them. For example, they are an essential tool when it comes to installing windows. The glass is very fragile, and since these can be installed on it and removed easily, they have become a necessity.
While on the subject of glass, as you can assume, these are also used by professionals when you have to change your windshield, for example. Naturally, a completely different kind of suction cups is used for this, but they work on the same principle.
Moreover, you can use them to place cameras, radio, a GSP system, and light to your car, truck, boat, or any other kind of vehicle for that matter. Just think about all those little devices that you have hanging around that you use on a daily basis.
How to choose the right one?
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If you already have an idea of how you can use them, there are some things that you need to consider before making this purchase. Since we have mentioned a few scenarios where these come in handy, you can assume that there are many types of suction cups.
The very first thing that you have to consider is the surface where you want to put them. Is it a window, a wall, or a tile? This might surprise you, but even though these are quite similar, there still is a difference between them, which is why some cups will be more efficient than others.
Next, think about the items that they will hold. Yes, these are quite durable, but you still have to consider the weight of the items. This is something that is going to affect the size and the type of suction cups you should get. However, there are multiple companies that can design custom-made suction cups, meaning that you will be able to get exactly what you need, so you should visit here to learn more about this option you have at your disposal.
How to make them stick?
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This is the final question that we are going to answer, and almost certainly the thing that frustrates most people. There are a few steps that you have to follow.
Firstly, ensure that the suction cup is completely clean. This means that there shouldn’t be any dust or debris on it, because if there is, it won’t stick, it’s as simple as that. Then, you have to thoroughly clean the surface where you want to install it. There can’t be anything dirty, slimy, or greasy on it. Yes, you have to take the cleaning to the next level. The most efficient thing that you can use to ensure that both the surface and the sup are spotlessly clean is white vinegar. It will remove absolutely everything, but however, keep in mind that it can damage the paint on the walls, so you should test it on a small area first.
In order to increase its efficiency, you can add a bit of warm water. Dip the entire cup in it to soften it a bit, and then shake off all the remaining drops. You might not be aware of this, but temperature plays a crucial role in this process. If you want to put the cup outside, you should definitely avoid doing it if it is too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature is around 40° F, so if you have to install it outside and it is too cold, our advice is to keep the cup as warm as possible before you install it.
Finally, be realistic. We have already mentioned this, but there is a weight restriction that these can hold, so make sure to stay within the lines of it.
