How to Open Condiment Packets Without Making a Mess

While the little single-serving size condiment packets you get at fast food restaurants are convenient, it’s easy to make a mess with them. If you want to make sure that you don’t spill or squirt ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce or salad dressing all over yourself, follow these directions when opening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A single-serving condiment packet
• Napkin

1. Start with clean, dry hands. If you’ve already touched greasy fries or other greasy foods, wipe them clean and dry with a napkin. This will allow you to get a firm grip on the packet.

2. Check out the packet to see if it’s covered with anything slippery or greasy. If so, wipe the packet clean and dry with a napkin.

3. Use your fingers to gently squeeze the contents of the packet to one end so that you can open the packet on a relatively unfilled end.

4. Grab the unfilled end tightly with the thumb and index fingers of both hands. Your fingers should meet in the middle.

5. Slowly and steadily tear into the end of the packet using the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Once the tear has been started, guide it diagonally toward the side of the packet nearest your dominant hand. Your other thumb and forefinger should hold the other corner of the packet firmly throughout the tearing process.

6. When the corner of the packet has been torn off, place the corner piece where it won’t fall onto your clothes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re having a hard time opening a packet with this method, turn it around and repeat the process using the other end. If you’re still having trouble, just go get another packet.
• Don’t use your teeth. That’s an easy way to make a mess.