Tag: cleaning

Declutter Your Makeup Stash With the Help of Professionals – POPSUGAR Australia

[ad_1]

Spring is rapidly approaching, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the assortment of beauty products you’ve been purchasing and hoarding over the past few months is out of control at this point. Your expanding makeup collection likely features a wide range of eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, creams, lotions, and all sorts of potions and has started to look more like a small-scale beauty boutique than a personal collection.

Honestly, if you’re anything like us, you have products in your possession that are well past their expiration date, but the packaging is just so art deco that you can’t bear to part ways with them. You keep telling yourself that you’ll use every single blush, bronzer, and contour stick you own, but we’re here to tell you, friend, that day most likely will never come.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s about time we face the truth. Holding on to these expired and unused products is not only unhealthy but also restricts you from making space for new potential favorites. It’s time to say goodbye to these old products, clear out the clutter, and free up that much-needed space in your beauty drawer.

Don’t know where to start? No worries, as we’ve tapped a few industry experts to give top-tier insider secrets on decluttering your makeup. Keep reading for more.

Makeup Decluttering Tip 1: Process of Elimination

When you come across alluring headlines like “The Best Lipsticks of 2024,” it becomes incredibly tempting to purchase and experiment with every shade just for the sheer fun it promises. Next, you realize you’ve accumulated 100 lipsticks in the same shade.

However, renowned celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes has a trick for this: “If you’ve got over 50 lipsticks but don’t use them every day, do your full makeup but don’t do your lips and apply each shade and take a picture of each,” she tells PS. “This way, you can narrow down which lipsticks you need to give away and which ones you actually wear.”

Makeup Decluttering Tip 2: Look at the Expiration Date

One thing you don’t want to do is use expired makeup. (We’re preaching to ourselves here, as this editor is still holding onto a Marc Jacobs Beauty travel-size mascara from 2017.) Makeup artist Kasey Spickard says we all need to check the expiration date from the time we crack the seal open.

“Check the packaging for the expiration date from opening,” Spickard says. “They can range from three months to 36 months depending on the product. Get rid of any products that have passed their ‘period after opening‘ window.”

Makeup Decluttering Tip 3: Create a Love vs. Lust Pile,

When new makeup products come out, we are all instantly in lust with the promises of newness, but over time, our usage weeds out which products we’re actually in love with versus those we just had a lust for. Longtime makeup artist Theo Turner suggests splitting your makeup into these two categories when deciding what to keep and what to toss out.

“The ‘love’ pile will contain all products you currently use and need to complete your daily makeup – your ‘stranded on an island’ picks, if you will,” Turner says. “These are our keepers.” Then, turn your attention to your second pile. “The ‘lust’ pile, on the other hand, are products you thought you would love, but after purchasing, they don’t quite work for you. You may love the packaging or color, but you never reach for the product. Donate it.”

Makeup Decluttering Tip 4: Group Like With Like

Before you decide to purchase a new product, you should take inventory of what you already have. Maybe you are running out of your favorite blush, but before you restock, you should try the other 10 you have on hand.

“My first pass is to take inventory of everything I have and group items by product category,” Spickard says. “Moisturizers with moisturizers, foundations with foundations, and so on. This allows me to see where I may need to invest going forward.”

Makeup Decluttering Tip 5: Invest in Multipurpose Products

In 2024, makeup products that can pull triple duty as a lip, cheek, and eyeshadow tint are all the rage; no more buying a separate product for each part of your face. It’s not just about saving time and money – it’s about decluttering that precious vanity space.

“The best solution is to invest in products that are multipurpose such as lipstick that doubles as blush or an eyeshadow palette with versatile shades,” Atlanta-based makeup artist Marquis Glisson advises. “This helps minimize the number of products you need to keep while still allowing for creativity.”

Stixx Mathews is a New York City-based freelance beauty writer with 11 years of experience who is passionate about telling stories that merge beauty and pop culture. He enjoys sharing his expert insights about the latest trends and must-have products, with a particular focus on lipstick and fragrance.

[ad_2]

Stixx mathews

Source link

March 11, 2024
I Tried Good Housekeeping’s Favorite $7 “Small but Mighty” Microwave Cleaner, and I’ll Never Go Back

[ad_1]

One reviewer even called it “the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Emma Kumagawa

Source link

March 3, 2024
3 easy ways to keep your bathroom in great condition – Growing Family

[ad_1]

Collaborative post

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home. It might not seem so at first glance; after all, it’s not like you sleep, cook, or entertain in this space. That being said, it’s hard to live in a property without a functioning, clean, and correctly designed bathroom.

Whether your bathroom is connected to your master bedroom in the form of an en suite, or a “main” bathroom your entire family uses, it’s important to keep it in good condition.

Regular bathroom maintenance doesn’t just keep this essential room looking good, it can also prevent costly repairs. Here are three simple things you can do to ensure your bathroom stays clean, functions effectively, and is a pleasant place to spend time in.

Clean the grout regularly

It’s important to clean the grout in your bathroom regularly. Mold can easily grow here, but if the grouting is dark, it can be hard to spot.

Making sure your tiles and grout are cleaned (and reapplied if necessary) will keep the space hygienic, while also preventing the spread of mold and damp where moisture hasn’t been wiped away. This is especially true in a wet room, where the flooring, skirting and walls may be entirely comprised of tiles.

Water pressure & boiler function

A boiler needs to be carefully maintained and inspected over time. That’s not necessarily because they’re prone to breaking down (newer models are especially reliable and can last for a decade or more), but because certain issues like water pressure may require consideration.

You can also opt for a more energy-efficient boiler if you want to reduce costs on central heating. With BuyaBoiler you can pay for and install a new boiler within a few days, allowing you to resolve any issues quickly and then hardly have to worry about it again.

3d rendering of water drops on chrome metal gutter next to the laying shower head

Unclog drains

Your shower and bath drains can clog surprisingly quickly. This can happen for a whole host of reasons, especially if the whole family uses the main bathroom.

Having drain cleaner and clog remover solutions can be helpful, and regular bleaching is important too. If you have a compressed drain plug that helps the water flow correctly, that may need a clean too.

If your drains are clogging and your own efforts to clear them aren’t working, consider calling a plumber to inspect your pipes. Sometimes a compressed clog can cause a leak, and it’s best to resolve that issue before it causes costly damage.

With these tips, you can keep your bathroom in great condition without a huge amount of effort. Over time you’ll come to know your specific bathroom well and pre-empt its common issues.

[ad_2]

Catherine

Source link

March 2, 2024
The Grossest Part of Your Stanley Tumbler That No One Is Cleaning, According to Experts

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Shoppers just can’t seem to get enough of the Stanley Quencher Tumbler. The 40-ounce reusable steel cup is insulated, keeping your drink of choice cold for hours, and has become somewhat of a statement piece with its abundance of colors, designs, and limited-edition drops. Some brands are even trying to mimic the tumbler’s success by crafting their own dupes of the viral product. While I can’t try to explain the trend, I’m here for an environmentally-friendly product that encourages people to drink more water!

But as with all reusable water bottles, it’s crucial to keep them clean — which is apparently harder than it sounds. Some TikTok creators (like @skysayingthings and @jenn_rupp) have taken to the app to share videos of the mold and mildew that has been collecting and hiding in their tumbler, despite cleaning out the bottle frequently. There was even a viral story of a young girl who caught a months-long “mystery illness” from mold growing in a similar-style water bottle. So, what gives? And why do these water bottles get so nasty?

I spoke with Becky Rapinchuk, cleaning expert, author, and founder of Clean Mama, and Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space, to learn the best way to clean the cup, how often, and which household items will serve you best when cleaning.

“The best way to clean a Stanley is to clean it after each use,” explains Rapinchuk. “Make sure it’s not sitting under a car seat, in a bag, or backpack. If you’re washing it after each use, it’s not as likely to grow mildew.” The cleaning pros recommend following these steps when cleaning out your Stanley tumbler to avoid any bacteria build-up or chance of illness:

How to Clean a Stanley Tumbler

If you follow all of these steps every time you clean your Stanley tumbler (which should be at least once a week), odds are good you’ll avoid mildew, black mold, and any illness associated with what’s growing inside the lid components. You can’t beat the pure convenience of having a tumbler as exceptional as a Stanley, but while it’s important to stay hydrated, it’s just as crucial to keep your cup clean — for your own safety.

[ad_2]

Emma Taubenfeld

Source link

February 26, 2024
The Gorgeous Odor-Free Dish Scrubber That Replaced My Stinky Sponges and Is Saving Me Money in the Long Run

[ad_1]

Haley Lyndes

Haley is your ultimate shopping authority, dedicated to bringing you the latest deals and the best product choices for Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn. With prior experience as a full-time commerce writer for POPSUGAR, she’s passionate about helping you discover the best places to shop for top-notch products without breaking the bank. Born in Vermont and based in Boston, she has a deep-rooted love for New England and enjoys her weekends exploring the charm of the region, hopping from one (very small) state to another.

[ad_2]

Haley Lyndes

Source link

February 16, 2024
5 Products That Eliminate Odor, Not Just Mask It

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

This year, my family and I moved into our new house in Tennessee. It had been sitting vacant for a while, and therefore, smelled a bit stale. We’re also a household of seven, including two dogs, a cat, and three little kids who play lots of sports. This means there’s a lot of smells going on in our home.

I really don’t want our home to smell bad. But I know that you can get used to the way your home smells, so much so that it can be difficult to distinguish whether or not it’s an unpleasant scent. That’s why I try my best to identify what it must smell like to our guests by taking it all in when I walk in the door after being outside.

Additionally, while I like lighting candles for the ambiance they provide and diffusing essential oils for their gentle aroma, I prefer to not mask household odors and instead neutralize them.

After trying several different things, I think I’ve figured out a way to deal with all the particular odors that can be an issue in our home. Here are three odor eliminating products I’ve found that keep my home smelling presentable.

[ad_2]

Shifrah Combiths

Source link

February 6, 2024
These Are the Easiest Silicone Bags Ever to Clean — Just Watch

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

I cannot kick my resealable bag habit. I do my best to reuse them, but sometimes I can’t decide which is worse: wasting water trying to remove greasy food from inside the bag, or giving up and throwing them out. I thought reusable silicone bags would be the solution, but while they definitely work, most can be pretty tricky to clean, and they’re just as hard to dry because they still only open on one side.

1. It’s effortless to clean.

When my kids come home from school, they don’t even need to rinse their SoftShell containers. They simply open them and drop them into the dishwasher next to the plates, saving time and water. If I had known that these containers would solve all our lunch box drama, I would have invested in them years ago.

2. Deep cleaning is a snap.

Not to slander my children prematurely, but when the Big Bee, Little Bee bags inevitably spend spring break marinating in a child’s backpack, the silicone panels can be fully removed for deep cleaning.

There’s no pinch-press seal on these beauties. Simply close the container and slide the lock into place. You can even do it blindfolded — just feel for the raised lock symbol. Young children can manage this independently, which is a selling point on its own.

4. It doubles as a plate.

Unlike a traditional resealable bag, the Big Bee, Little Bee containers double as plates. When open, they lie flat easily, and actually stay down. Double the surface space for lunch time!

My teenage daughter won’t take her splurgy PlanetBox bento box to school because it takes up too much space in her backpack. Her new seven-by-seven-inch SoftShell easily slips into the small pocket in the front of her bag, leaving plenty of room for her Chromebook and binder.

6. There are no lids to lose.

There are plenty of great solutions for lid storage, but why not forgo them altogether? With SoftShells, there are exactly zero lids to lose.

7. It’s microwave-safe.

My kids barely have time to eat lunch at school, let alone microwave it, but the SoftShells are indeed microwave-safe — just be sure to leave them open to vent. The edges are cool to the touch, even fresh from the microwave, making them safer to handle than a traditional plate.

8. It’s colorful and freezer-safe.

The SoftShells are also freezer-safe, which is the main place I use resealable bags. As an unexpected bonus, they make my freezer colorful and cheerful! They come in four fun, bright colors that kids love: lime, raspberry, grape, and aqua.

9. There are no hazardous materials.

The clamshell edges are made from BPA-free plastic, but the only part of the container that actually touches food is the FDA-grade silicone shell. All components are also free from the alphabet soup of bad actors: PVC, phthalates, and lead.

A word to the wise: Don’t wait.

These popular baggies are frequently out of stock, so I recommend placing your order as soon as you see that they’re available. When deciding how many you need, keep in mind that they are designed for sandwiches, snacks, and foods with thick sauces. In other words, they’re not made for your breakfast bone broth.

[ad_2]

Meg Asby

Source link

January 28, 2024
10 Microwave Cleaners That Will Instantly Remove Splatters and Add Sparkle

[ad_1]

Keep your appliance sparkling inside and out.
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Britt Franklin

Source link

January 25, 2024
4 Easy Ways to Clean Your Garbage Disposal, According to Plumbers (Using Things You Already Have!)

[ad_1]

They share all their best tips and tricks.
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Ashley Abramson

Source link

January 21, 2024
I Tried This Viral Red Wine Stain Removal Trick (Using More Wine) — And Immediately Regretted It

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

After a hectic 2023, my best friend, husband, and I spent New Year’s Eve watching movies and drinking our favorite Noble Vines Cabernet Sauvignon. Although it was a low-key, cozy evening, I was inevitably clumsy and spilled wine on my favorite tea towel as I was pouring our second glasses. As an avid follower (and enthusiast) of #CleanTok, I remembered a video from TikTok’s beloved Grandma Babs as I got over my initial shock of possibly ruining my festive holiday tea towel. However, the process shocked me even more, as this was the first time a viral trick didn’t go as planned.

Grandma Babs’ red wine stain removal trick simply required one surprising ingredient: more wine! White wine, in fact. In Babs’ video, the white wine seemingly erased the dark red stain like magic after she absorbed the excess with paper towels. Thankfully, I had a roll and a bottle of sauvignon blanc that I normally use for cooking, but figured it could get the job done.

I poured the same amount of white wine as I spilled (a little less than 1/4 cup) and let it sit for about a minute. I started dabbing with the paper towels, even placing one in between the towel to absorb as much red wine as possible. I had some hope at first when I noticed some red color on the paper towels, but after a few more dabs my hope diminished, as the stain looked essentially the same as when I first spilled the wine.

My best friend, who loves a good cleaning hack as much as I do, suggested some baking soda. I sprinkled enough to cover the stain and rubbed it in lightly, leaving it for five minutes to do the work. After wiping off the baking soda, the three of us were horrified at the black spot now staining my poor tea towel.

Because home remedies didn’t seem to be working, I decided to put some OxiClean Stain Remover on the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and throw my tea towel in the wash as my last resort. I was relieved to find out it worked — for the most part, at least.

There was a very faint stain, but overall my tea towel was restored back to its cute glory. Even though Grandma Babs’ wine stain removal trick didn’t work for me, I’ll definitely continue to follow her sage advice, hacks, and tips and keep up with the trials and errors of home cleaning. Moral of the story? Always be skeptical of viral cleaning tips and tricks — and when all else fails, stick to tried-and-true cleaning methods (like these red wine stain removal tricks).

[ad_2]

L. Daniela Alvarez

Source link

January 14, 2024
The Psychologist-Approved Bartender Cleaning Trick I've Been Using for 15 Years

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Even though it’s been years since I bartended, I still have a few tips and tricks from my days behind the bar that have followed me home. You can tell that a smoothie (or piña colada) is perfectly blended as soon as you peer into the top of the blender and see a nickel-sized hole has formed in your creamy drink, like the eye of a tornado; and rolling limes around on your countertop before you slice into them will yield more juice for your margs. But perhaps one of the very best habits I picked up from my bartending days is the “closing shift” cleaning routine, which has recently been getting attention on the #CleanTok side of TikTok.

When I bartended, my coworkers and I thoroughly closed down the bar each night, wiping down sticky bottles, re-stocking coolers, and polishing the bar top so it sparkled. You never wanted to be the subject of blame should an opening bartender come into a disheveled bar, grunting “Who closed last night?” Then, she’d have to not only clean up from the night before, but also do all the prep work that goes into setting up the bar, which includes filling up ice wells, cutting lots of fruit, and making mixes.

At home, I practice a similar closing shift to appease the opener (i.e., my future self; I live alone). Seeing dishes piled up in the sink or cluttered countertops in the morning feels a little overwhelming to me, so I like to bang out a “closing shift” each night. In this TikTok video, user @yourgirlabbey jokes about the closing shift not doing their job and having to pick up the slack in the morning. Extremely relatable!

I set a timer (usually for 10 or 15 minutes) and race the clock to get everything cleaned up before I wind down for the night. My closing shift usually includes loading the dishwasher, cleaning my pans, wiping down the countertops, and washing out my water bottle (I’m on team Owalla Free Sip). Even though I’m a pretty messy cook that does so-so on cleaning as I go, I still can knock out this chore quickly — and it’s much less labor-intensive than shutting down an entire bar (with achy feet, no less).

What Experts Think About the “Closing Shift”

Therapist Risa Williams, LMFT, is a time management consultant and endorses a tool she calls “cleaning round-up,” which is a short round of putting stuff away as you close out the day so that you can transition into rest mode.

“It doesn’t have to be a heavy-duty cleaning process at all,” she says. “It’s important to see it as a nightly ritual that helps you set yourself up for an easier time in the morning in order to make this habit stick. In this way, we can help our future self by clearing the deck and making space to focus on things in the morning.”

A closing shift can also be satisfying, says San Francisco-based therapist John Clarke, LPCC, because throughout the day we’re “exposed to a lot of feedback loops that can’t be closed.” For instance, a home repair project that’s stalled, a task at work you’re waiting for approval on, or simply a conversation where you’re “left on read.”

“It can often be these little things like working the closing shift that satisfy our brains in a deep, deep way, giving us a sense of completion and finality around a situation,” Clarke says. “On top of this, it is the knowing that, despite all the many unknowns of life, we will be walking into a perfectly clean kitchen tomorrow; that is naturally very satisfying and anxiety-relieving.” Think of it as a gift to your morning self. Trust us — the experts said so.

[ad_2]

Brittany Anas

Source link

January 11, 2024
We Tested 5 Methods for Getting Grease Stains Out of Clothing, and 2 Blew Us Away

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dainty diner, or an enthusiastic eater: Grease will eventually find its way onto a piece of your clothing. Be it by bacon or a delicious vinaigrette, it will find a way, and attempt to claim your clothing for the dark side of the closet. Because it can be so hard to lift a grease stain — and everyone seems to have a recipe for what works best — I decided to put five popular methods to the test. The good news is that one method really stood out, and a very, very close combo platter took second place. Let’s take a look.

How We Tested the Different Methods

I tested five similarly sizable splatters of bacon grease on a 100% cotton white dress shirt. I waited 15 minutes for each stain to set (I used that time to eat the bacon!), and then got to cleaning.

The ratings: Each method received a rating of one to five, with five being the best method overall and one being the least favorite method. Along with the rating, you’ll find notes on how easy or difficult the method was, how much elbow grease it took (pun intended), and how much time it took to remove.

Grease Cleaning Method: Hairspray

The method: Lay the soiled clothing on a paper towel and saturate the stain with hairspray. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then launder in hot water. If you can still see the grease stain, spray again and let sit for another 30 minutes. Do not dry the item until the stain has been lifted.

How it went: I saturated the stain with TRESemme non-aerosol hairspray and let it sit for about 30 minutes. According to my research, I should have started to see the stain lift at that point. Because the area was saturated, though, it was difficult to tell if what I was seeing was grease or hairspray — so I went ahead and laundered it in hot water. After removing it from the washing machine, it looked as if the stain was completely gone, but the fabric was wet (clearly), so it was actually hard to tell. I went ahead and tossed it in the dryer. Mistake! I was bummed to learn that the stain hadn’t lifted much at all and I had set it into the fabric deeper. Out of all the methods tested, this was the least effective.

I could see how you might use this method if you’re out and about and need something to intercept the stain until you can launder your clothing, but I wouldn’t recommend hairspray being your only line of defense. Definitely use dish soap, or a stain-fighting agent to spot treat your garment before laundering at home. (More on this below.)

Grease Cleaning Method: Chalk

The method: Rub chalk over a grease spot and let it absorb the oil, then brush the chalk off and launder. If stain persists, continue rubbing chalk on the fabric until the stain lifts. The idea is that the chalk will absorb the oils that hold dirt in.

How it went: I definitely saw the chalk absorb the grease (it turned brownish and got gross pretty quickly), but I also noticed that rubbing the chalk seemed to move the stain around and make it bigger. Once the shirt came out of the washing machine, it looked like the stain had disappeared, but once it was dry, the stain was clearly visible.

I might use this method as a Band-Aid of sorts, to absorb the grease stain until I could take the clothing item home and properly treat it with a stain-fighting agent, but would not recommend chalk on its own to fight grease stains.

Grease Cleaning Method: Dish Soap

The method: Squeeze a dab of dish soap onto the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Place the stained garment in the washing machine and once the cycle is finished, check to be sure the stain has disappeared. If you don’t see it, you can transfer the item to the dryer; if the stain persists, repeat with more dish soap.

How it went: I dabbed the dish soap right over the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before popping it into the washing machine on hot. (More time is better than less time, right?). Once the cycle was finished, I held up the wet cloth and couldn’t see the stain anymore, so into the dryer it went! I pulled it out of the dryer with high hopes (dishwashing detergent is a degreaser, after all!) and was disappointed to find that the stain hadn’t completely disappeared. It did work at removing quite a bit of it, but I think it’s necessary to first soak up the grease with baking soda (see below), then treat it with dish soap. (I used Dawn dish soap, by the way!).

Grease Cleaning Method: Baking Soda

The method: Sprinkle baking soda on a fresh stain and let it absorb the grease for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, use a brush (a toothbrush or a clean kitchen brush would be great) and scrub the baking soda into the stain. Once the powder changes to a brown color, scrape it off and repeat until the soda no longer changes color and the stain is lifted.

How it went: I sprinkled the baking soda on the stain in a nice little mound and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. I shook the excess soda into the sink, grabbed my cleaning toothbrush, and started scrubbing. I definitely saw the baking soda turn a dingy brown color, so I scraped it all off, poured more soda on the stain and let it sit for 15 more minutes. After the second pass there was so much baking soda pressed into the fabric that I really couldn’t see much of the stain at all, so I went ahead and popped it into the washing machine on hot.

When the shirt came out of the wash I couldn’t see any of the stain at all, so I happily chucked it into the dryer, feeling victorious. Once out of the dryer it looked like the stain was completely gone — until I took a photo of it with my phone, then I could see the faintest ghost of the stain. I was still really happy with this method, but think it could be perfected if used in combination with Dawn dish soap, after the baking soda step. It’s definitely the best/least harsh method!

Grease Cleaning Method: Salt + Stain Remover

The method: Immediately sprinkle salt on the grease stain (it works like baking soda to absorb the grease). After the salt absorbs the grease for a few minutes (or once you make it back home), use Shout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam as a spot treatment before laundering the garment in hot water. As always, make sure the stain is gone before drying the garment.

How it went: In almost every sort of light, the stain looked like it’s completely gone. Even when photographed there’s just the slightest, faintest ghost shape of the stain. This method worked just a bit better than the baking soda method, although I’m not sure how effective the salt really was.

I liked this method so much, I also tried it on a yellow dinner napkin. I noticed that, once again, the grease came out, but it emerged from the dryer looking a bit worn, which tells me that this treatment is pretty harsh. I’m giving this the highest rating because it did the job and I would 100% use it again. But only on an all-white garment. I would not recommend using it on black, or anything colorful.

Also, if you hesitate to use extra chemicals or products in your household, go with the Dawn and baking soda combo.

Do you have a method you swear by for lifting grease stains out of clothing? Tell us about it in the comments below.

[ad_2]

Ashley Poskin

Source link

December 31, 2023
You've Been Cleaning Your Wooden Spoons All Wrong

[ad_1]

Shifrah Combiths

With five children, Shifrah is learning a thing or two about how to keep a fairly organized and pretty clean house with a grateful heart in a way that leaves plenty of time for the people who matter most. Shifrah grew up in San Francisco, but has come to appreciate smaller town life in Tallahassee, Florida, which she now calls home. She’s been writing professionally for twenty years and she loves lifestyle photography, memory keeping, gardening, reading, and going to the beach with her husband and children.

[ad_2]

Shifrah Combiths

Source link

December 28, 2023
The Best Under Sink Water Filters for Safer, Great-Tasting Tap Water

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Water quality is a niche yet always interesting topic of conversation. No matter which state (or country, for that matter) you travel to, the locals are going to have strong opinions. The water that flows out of your kitchen sink might taste fine, but it could still contain bacteria, heavy metals, and other unwanted contaminants. Or, maybe tap water actually doesn’t taste good to you, which is all the more reason not to consume it. In any case, there are simple solutions around the problem. When you travel, you might opt to buy bottles of filtered water, but thankfully, there’s a much easier and less costly solution infor your regular day-to-day: You can equip your home with a filter. Below, you’ll find five of our top under-sink filter recommendations, as well as some info on what makes each one so great. After all, staying hydrated shouldn’t be complicated!

What Are the Benefits of an Under-Sink Water Filter?

When you hear “filter,” you probably think of a pitcher filter, like a Brita or a Pur. Those certainly have their advantages, but you should also keep in mind that pitchers have to be refilled on a daily basis, and they can take up excess room in your fridge or on your countertop. On a more serious note, many pitchers aren’t designed to remove significant contaminants, so although they might make your water look and taste cleaner, the effect doesn’t always go beyond that. For more comprehensive filtration, you’ll want to invest in an under-sink filter. The right one will remove all those unwanted particles far more effectively, and it stays out of your way as you work in the kitchen. Plus, your water will still taste great — like bottled water, but much fresher!

Things to Consider Before Buying an Under-Sink Water Filter

The biggest downside of an under-sink water filter is that you have to research which one is best for your specific kitchen. Not every model is compatible with every faucet, and if your home naturally has low water pressure, you’ll want to be extra conscious of this when selecting your filter type. Specifically, there are four main types (more on this below). The filter you choose also needs to fit in your under-sink cabinet, so some measuring is in order. A smaller, low-capacity filter could free up more space, but it won’t release as much water as quickly as a high-capacity filter would. Plus, the bigger the filter, often the more expensive it is, so that’s something to keep in mind, as well. Size and price also factor into how frequently you’ll need to maintain or replace your filter.

Types of Under-Sink Water Filters

Depending on the type of filter you choose, you’ll need to change it anywhere from every six months to every four years. Reverse osmosis filters typically last the longest, having to be replaced every two to four years. You must also consider how many people live in your household and how frequently you all use the sink in question. A sink used by five people will need to have its filter replaced more frequently than one used by two, for example. Some filters have a set replacement time outlined in their instructions, while others might have a built-in indicator telling you when it’s time to get a new filter.

Another factor you’ll want to consider before buying an under-sink filter is whether you need it to be renter-friendly. When it comes to installation, many filters require you to drill an extra faucet hole into your sink. You might also have to drill the body of the filter into the side of the cabinet and drill a hole into your sink’s drain pipe. Make sure to read the installation instructions before purchasing, and, when in doubt, remember that you can always enlist the help of a professional! If you’re worried about risking your security deposit, an under-sink filter might not be right for you.

[ad_2]

Nikol Slatinska

Source link

December 27, 2023
I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Line a Trash Can, and It's Mind-Blowing

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

As soon as I saw this TikTok about the “right” way to line your trash can, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Have I really been putting in my garbage bags the “wrong” way my whole life? Here’s my process: I tear off a bag from the roll, whip it through the air while holding it at the opening, and wrangle it into my trash bin. It’s a bit of a production, but it gets the job done.

I had no clue there was even another option for crossing this chore off my to-do list. But Hannah Ian of Stored Simply stopped me in my tracks with her viral video demonstrating what I now believe to be the smartest way to line a trash can. It’s got more than 12 million views, so it seems many people agree. I just had to try it!

How to Use the Garbage Bag Hack

In her video, Ian shares with viewers an alternative to waving your garbage bag around in the air before lining your trash can.

Step 1: Remove one trash bag from the roll and gently separate the open end. (Apparently, most garbage bags are inside out! You can see the seam if you look closely.)

Step 2: Place the open end of the bag (the side with the drawstring you use to close it up when it’s full) around the bin “like a hat,” Ian explains in her video. The bottom of the bag is the top of the “hat.” If necessary, pull the bag taut around the trash can.

Step 3: Press the top of the “hat” down into the center of the bin. Voila, you’ve got a lined garbage can!

Now that you know the simple trick for easily lining your trash can, I’ll let you in on a secret: There’s more than one “right” way to line your garbage can. “There isn’t a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to insert a trash bag into a can; people can use whatever process works best for them, seams in or seams out,” says Glad Brand Studio Leader, Carrie Rathod. Ian also says in her video that there’s nothing wrong with the conventional way if you prefer it; it definitely still works.

I’m here for literally anything that makes chores quieter, though, and this hack definitely delivers.

[ad_2]

Meg Asby

Source link

December 24, 2023
The Amazing $11 Cleaning Find That Keeps My Glass Stovetop Looking Like New

[ad_1]

And it’s so easy to use!
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Cindy Brzostowski

Source link

December 22, 2023
The 30 Cleaning Products That Our Editors Loved This Year

[ad_1]

These handy cleaners made our homes sparkle this year.
READ MORE…

[ad_2]

Britt Franklin

Source link

December 15, 2023
How To Clean a Keurig Coffee Machine

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Love them or hate them, pod coffee systems have carved (and kept!) a home in the morning beverage market. If you use this type of coffee maker, you know how crucial it is to keep the system brewing without issue every morning — or maybe all day, depending on your coffee habit (no judgments here!) Could you just imagine if it worked just fine for your husband and then it stopped brewing when you tried to make your own cup? The horror!

As irksome as it might be, keeping up a consistent cleaning schedule with your Keurig (or similar pod machines) is the secret to preventing issues like the dreaded clog. With these machines getting a lot of daily use, they can easily develop clogs that can cause the system to quit completely. No bueno. Luckily, that’s why we’re here, to equip you with the tools needed to keep the coffee flowing, uninterrupted. Here’s a quick cleaning routine to keep your machine running well.

This Is the Best Way to Keep the Coffee Flowing

While we offer a tutorial here to clean your Keurig with vinegar, a household staple for most of us, if you want to be really certain you’re clearing out those clogs you can opt for a descaling solution. This one is the only Keurig-approved cleaning solution for its brewers!

What do you need to clean a Keurig?

While cleaning a Keurig might seem like a bit of a laborious task, it’s actually a lot easier than you may think. In fact, it only requires a handful of items:

How to Clean a Keurig Coffee Machine

[ad_2]

Erika Tracy

Source link

December 15, 2023
Things to Get Rid of Before 2024: Your Guide to a Clutter-Free New Year
[ad_1]
As we prepare to ring in the new year and think about our resolutions for 2024, there are memories, accomplishments, and prized possessions that we’ll bring with us; however, certain things will be left in the past.

Whether you live in a single-family home in Denver, CO, or a Chicago, IL apartment, this Redfin article shares expert advice on what you’ll want to consider before getting rid of things, the benefits that come with it, and what to consider getting rid of.

In doing so, we hope that you discover a serene space where you can achieve your 2024 resolutions. Now, let’s get started.

The benefits of getting rid of things before 2024

Navigating the year ahead can be more accessible by shredding baggage and unnecessary clutter and finding an overall freeness within your day-to-day living arrangement.

Tina Falk, founder of VIA Feng Shui, shares, “If things in your space aren’t positively supporting you, it’s time to let go.” She adds that as you reflect on what is occupying your space, it should add value, and we should “feel uplifted by what we see.”

Cynthia Lee Chan, a Colorado classical feng shui practitioner, shares how “there are energy cycles (chi) that flow through our bodies and environments.” By clearing blockage (such as clutter) to this flow, Cynthia states that “mental clarity can be promoted, and you’ll pave the way for a more harmonious life with yourself and those around you.”

Strategies and tips to consider before getting rid of things

Before searching for things to get rid of throughout your house, consider implementing a strategy. Here are a few ideas.

Try the five natural elements strategy

Christina Galloway, feng shui and design consultant for Santo Sage suggests “clearing your space using the five natural elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.” These five elements can be found in items such as loose paper, power cables and cords, bedding, electronics, or glassware. Plan to check areas such as “surfaces, walls, and closets” for items, as mentioned by Paula Russell, founder and owner of M&D Organizers.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Getting rid of things doesn’t have to be a taxing, lonesome task. Lisa with The Chaos Ninja recommends “asking for help” and shares that “besties are honest company.” Having a trusted friend give you their thoughts on something that may be hard to part with can make the job easier.

Consider rehoming your items

Rehoming your items is something to keep in mind, and Connor Chytraus, co-founder of Happy Homes, shares that “lightly used items can be donated.” Ines Cohron, the owner of Total Home Cleaning, adds that we should “create an organization method that “separates items to be donated, trashed, and kept into separate piles.”

Try repairing items

For those a little more handy, before recycling or tossing broken items such as appliances, Chris Armani, master of feng shui for Saint Louis Feng Shui, suggests “attempting to repair the item. However, remove broken items that symbolize unresolved issues and slow the positive energy flow in your space.”

Meet these requirements

In feng shui, Elizabeth Aley, feng shui consultant with Align & Design Feng Shui, shares that “there are three requirements that items you decide to keep should meet.” Those requirements are:
1. You must need it
2. You must use it
3. You must love it
8 Things to consider getting rid of

Now that you know where to search, how to organize, and what potential benefits can follow, here are a few ideas for things to get rid of before 2024.

1. Decaying plants and scattered yard items

Myoko Fuse of Home Esteem suggests starting your endeavors in the front yard. She states, “Remove planters with dead or welted plants and other unnecessary items.”

2. Unnecessary mail

Once inside your home, one of the easiest piles of clutter to remove is “all that mail on your countertop,” says certified feng shui consultant of MonShui, Pamela Smith.

3. Books you didn’t love

For avid book readers who couldn’t resist a beautifully designed cover but weren’t too captured by the storyline, Katie McAllister with Susquehanna Organizing suggests adding those to your donation pile.

4. Unused kitchen utensils

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a spatula, but you either have a collection or the one you own is buried beneath many other kitchen utensils, Susan Domelsmith Cabral with Clear Space Feng Shui suggests “donating items that block you from easily opening drawers.”

5. Discard wire hangers

Most mornings start in the closet; Karen Buschini with In Its Place Organizing suggests “discarding wire hangers and replacing them with uniform ones.”

6. Assess your wardrobe

Continuing with the closet theme, Sean Sullivan, feng shui practitioner for Tulocay Feng Shui, recommends “asking yourself if you’ve worn an item in the past year, or if you will ever wear it again.” Additionally, Ashley Nariman, owner of Clear Spaces Organizing Co., suggests to those gifted apparel during the holiday season to replace the old with the new rather than add to an ever-growing collection.

7. Recycle unused tech products

For those guilty of hoarding iPhone boxes or old, outdated tech products, Aqeelah Rahim with Maid Kept suggests letting these items go. If you need help recycling them properly, check with your local tech store, such as BestBuy, as they often have recycling programs.

8. Forgotten garage items

Alexis Summerfield, feng shui consultant, reminds us how the garage is a part of the house. Therefore, it shouldn’t be overlooked when getting rid of things before the new year.
[ad_2]

Marcello Kline

Source link
December 13, 2023
The One Thing Experts Wish You Would Stop Doing to Your Wooden Spoons

[ad_1]

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Everyone on TikTok is boiling their wooden spoons right now, but I just learned that it’s a big no-no. For me, this is very good news. Boiling utensils sounds labor-intensive, and I can hardly psych myself up to fill a pot to boil pasta. I was relieved to scroll upon America’s Test Kitchen’s TikTok addressing the issue.

In the TikTok, Lisa McManus, executive editor of America’s Test Kitchen Reviews, explains that boiling wooden tools removes the natural oils and causes the utensils to absorb water, which leads to the dreaded shrinking and cracking.

The Test Kitchen’s recommended alternative is a classic one: hot, soapy water. For the same reasons you shouldn’t boil your wooden tools, you shouldn’t soak them either. Simply wash, rinse, and pat dry. If the tools feel a bit “parched,” treat them with a food-grade mineral oil and let sit overnight. In the morning, wipe the excess oil and your tools are ready to go.

Luckily I already owned everything I needed to try this method out — even the food-grade mineral oil, believe it or not. (Treating my cutting boards was always something I meant to do but never did, like reaching inbox zero or practicing daily yoga — then one day I clicked “buy now,” and I became the sort of person whose cutting boards are going to last forever. It wasn’t even hard!).

Until seeing this video, however, I hadn’t thought to use the oil on my wooden spoons, and it showed. My oldest spoon — one I probably “borrowed” from my mother’s kitchen — had significant cracks.

If you’ve already boiled your spoons, I’m here to tell you that all hope is not lost! I dutifully washed, dried, and treated my cracked spoon with mineral oil. The treatment didn’t make the cracks disappear (it’s not magical), but the dry spoon did soak up lots of moisture, and it looks and feels 100 times better than before. Now that I know how to care for it, I don’t have to worry about the cracks getting worse, and my other spoons won’t be subject to the same fate.

If you’re thinking, great, another cleaning rule to remember, I get it. I feel like I need to post a sign above my sink with washing instructions for each item in my kitchen: This can go in the dishwasher, that can’t, and you can’t even put soap on that one. But for anything wooden, just remember to hand-wash and oil periodically. Or, as one commenter put it, “Oil, don’t boil! Got it!”

Buy: Food-Grade Mineral Oil, $8.99

[ad_2]

Meg Asby

Source link

December 2, 2023