How to Use a Level to Straighten a Picture, Appliances, and More

When my washing machine started acting up the other day, it occurred to me that it might no longer be “level”. In this context, “level” means straight and even which is surprisingly important when it comes to appliances such as washing machines and ovens.

When an oven is crooked, baked dishes such as cakes and pies will come out lopsided. A crooked washing machine will jump around the room while making a huge banging noise. So how do you determine if an appliance is straight? With a simple tool called a spirit or bubble level.

A spirit level is a tool that measures the evenness of horizontal surface by means of a small glass vial which contains a bit of water or alcohol. Levels are usually made of wood or aluminum and can be found in the hardware department of your favorite discount store.

I own several spirit levels in different lengths. The shorter ones are used to straightening out small items such as pictures on the wall. My 48″ level is used for straightening out appliances, curtain or shower rods, or other items that span a greater distance. These tools are invaluable for making sure that the appliances and pictures in your home are resting perfectly straight. Here are simple instructions for how to read a level:

Look for the leveling vials. Set the level on any flat surface. Locate the vials; there should be at least one vertical vial along the short end and a horizontal vial along the long end of the level’s body. Each vial contains a small air bubble which will float up between two lines when the surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical.

Place the level on the item being straightened. Levels have at least one smooth or “flat” side. This is the side that is placed on top of or alongside the item to be straightened. Look at the placement of the bubble in the vial. If the bubble is in the center of the two lines, the item is straight. If the bubble is either way to the left or to the right, the item is crooked.

Adjust. Leaving the level in place, slowly adjust the surface. If the bubble is over to the right, lift up the left side of the item to bring it level. If the bubble is on the left side, raise the right side. Once the air bubble floats to the center of the two lines, the item is perfectly straight.

More by this contributor:
How to clean and organize cluttered kitchen cabinets
Winter cleaning tips to brighten your home.
How to speed clean your home