5m read

9

10 Things in Your Bedroom That Could Be Ruining Your Sleep

If you aim for eight hours of sleep each night, you spend about a third of your life in bed, so it’s important to make your bedroom a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed. But that’s not as easy as it sounds. The truth is, clutter, light, and even the wrong set of sheets can keep your brain in low-grade alert mode, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Here are 10 things that may be worth removing from your bedroom in pursuit of sounder z’s.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

If you aim for eight hours of sleep each night, you spend about a third of your life in bed, so it’s important to make your bedroom a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed. But that’s not as easy as it sounds. The truth is, clutter, light, and even the wrong set of sheets…

1. Your Phone — and Its Charger

No surprise here: Your phone is the biggest sleep thief there is. Blue light suppresses melatonin, notifications jolt your nervous system, and the temptation to scroll (and scroll and scroll) eats up much-needed rest time. Charge your phone in another room and buy a dedicated alarm clock. It’s the smallest yet highest-impact change you can make for your sleep.

Decor swap: The Loftie alarm clock is a beautifully designed bedside alternative that also plays sleep sounds and features a two-phase alarm to wake you gently.

2. Visual Clutter

Visual clutter is a silent sleep killer. Whether it’s a pile of unfolded laundry, a towering stack of half-read books, or a collection of water glasses, your brain registers clutter as an unfinished to-do list. This is the last thing you want running in the background at 11 p.m. For better rest, clear your surfaces of everything but the absolute essentials.

3. Thin or Sheer Curtains

Light is one of the most powerful disruptors of your circadian rhythm. Streetlights, passing headlights, or even a beautiful early sunrise can pull you out of deep sleep before you’re ready.

Decor swap: Replace sheer panels with proper blackout curtains. These top-rated curtains on Amazon come in various colors, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for sweet dreams.

4. A Television

Watching a comfort show before bed can feel relaxing, but the light, sound, and mental engagement — plus the temptation to stay up for “just one more episode” — all work against a good night’s sleep. Like your phone, a TV emits blue light that disrupts your sleep cycle. If removing it entirely isn’t realistic, set a firm turn-off time.

5. Food

A nighttime snack might be tempting, but if you do indulge, keep it out of the bedroom. Eating in bed trains your brain to associate the space with stimulation rather than rest. Plus, crumbs and spills attract pests, and a nightstand full of dirty dishes doesn’t exactly signal “time to wind down.”

6. Bright, Cool-Toned Light Bulbs

Bulbs with a high color temperature (anything above 3000 Kelvin) mimic daylight, tricking your brain into staying alert. Swap cool bulbs for warm-toned smart bulbs, such as Philips Hue, that dim on a schedule to help you automatically ease into evening mode. Once the sun sets, stick to ambient light via lamps, which is more calming than overhead lighting.

7. A Desk or Laptop

Think of your bedroom as a sacred place for sleep, not for checking emails or planning next week’s all-staff meeting. Even a laptop bag in the corner can trigger low-level anxiety. If you work from home, create a firm boundary: Work items stay outside the bedroom door.

8. Synthetic Sheets

If you’re tossing and turning all night or waking up sweaty, your sheets may be the culprit. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, keeping your body temperature higher than is ideal for quality sleep. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen regulate temperature far more effectively.

Decor swap: The Quince European Linen Sheet Set is a top-rated option that is both pretty and practical. It gets softer with every wash and is priced much lower than comparable linen sets.

9. Poor Air Quality

You may not be able to see it, but poor air quality is a major — and often overlooked — sleep disruptor. Pollen, dust, mold, and smoke can cause inflammation and reduce oxygen intake. Dry air is its own issue: Parched nasal passages can lead to snoring, which disrupts both your sleep and your partner’s. An air purifier handles the former; a humidifier is the best solution for the latter.

Credit: © pocketlight—iStock/Getty Images

10. Old, Unsupportive Pillows

Pillows have a lifespan of about 18 months to two years, so chances are it’s time for your floppy, seen-better-days pillow to go. A flat or lumpy pillow throws your neck and spine out of alignment, leading to disrupted sleep and morning aches.

Decor swap: Shop for a pillow that matches your preferred sleep position. Side sleepers need a firmer, taller loft, while back sleepers tend to be most comfortable with medium support.

Home Improvement

5m read

6

8 Hidden Fire Hazards Lurking in Your Home

You already know not to leave candles unattended or set a dish towel too close to a hot burner, but some of the most dangerous fire hazards in your home aren’t the obvious ones. They’re the common household items you pass countless times a day without a second thought.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

You already know not to leave candles unattended or set a dish towel too close to a hot burner, but some of the most dangerous fire hazards in your home aren’t the obvious ones. They’re the common household items you pass countless times a day without a second thought.

Devastating house fires rarely start with a dramatic event. Instead, they often begin with something mundane and preventable. The good news is that these risks are easy to address once you know where to look. Here’s what to watch for, room by room.

1. Overloaded Outlets

Countertop appliances seem harmless enough on their own. But when you plug a coffee maker, toaster, and air fryer into the same outlet, you create a genuine fire risk. Heat-producing appliances draw significant wattage; doubling or tripling up on a single circuit is a recipe for overheating, melted wiring, or worse. The simple fix is to limit each outlet to one high-draw appliance.

Credit: © Melissa Ross—Moment/Getty Images

2. Dryer Lint

Cleaning the lint trap after every load is a good habit, but it isn’t enough. Lint also accumulates deep inside the exhaust duct, and that’s where most fires actually start. When buildup near the heating element or motor ignites, it can spread through the pipe fast. To stay safe, pull the dryer away from the wall at least once a year to clean out the exhaust duct using a flex brush or even a leaf blower. If you have shedding pets or a large family, aim to clear it out every six months. The goal is to remove lint and debris from the full length of the duct — not just the trap you can reach from the front.

3. Gas Water Heaters

It’s easy to treat the laundry room or utility closet as overflow storage, but stacking clothes, boxes, or paper products near a gas water heater is a major risk. These are open-flame appliances that should be handled with care. Nearby combustibles can easily ignite when the burner cycles on. Provide 18 to 24 inches of clearance around the water heater, and make sure the protective cover over the burner is in place.

Credit: © William A. Morgan/stock.adobe.com

4. Stoves

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, and it isn’t always about an open flame. Grease buildup on and around the stovetop is a hidden hazard that most people ignore during everyday cooking. A small flare-up in a clean kitchen stays small, but in a greasy one, it can quickly get out of control. Make it a habit to wipe down the stovetop and surrounding surfaces regularly — not just after a splatter, but as routine maintenance.

Keep the area around the stove free of clutter, too. Dish towels draped over the oven handle, paper bags left on the counter, or curtains that hang too close to the range all become fuel sources the moment something goes wrong.

5. Space Heaters

Space heaters are a leading cause of residential fires, and the reason is almost always the same: They are left unattended or placed too close to something flammable. Blankets, curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture are all potential fuel. Keep your heater at least 3 feet away from everything around it, choose a model with an automatic tip-over shutoff and overheat protection, and make it a rule to turn it off whenever you leave the room.

Credit: © Towfiqu Barbhuiya/stock.adobe.com

6. Exposed Light Bulbs in Closets

Bare bulbs tucked into closets and storage areas generate more heat than most people realize. When combustible materials such as clothing or cardboard boxes are stored too close, they can reach ignition temperature without any visible warning. Swap exposed incandescent bulbs for enclosed fixtures or recessed LEDs. At a minimum, keep all materials well clear of any exposed lighting.

Credit: © stevelenzphoto—iStock/Getty Image

7. Loose 9-Volt Batteries

This one often surprises people. A 9-volt battery rattling around in a junk drawer alongside keys, paper clips, and other metal objects can short-circuit and spark a fire. While it sounds unlikely, it’s a well-documented hazard. Store these batteries in their original packaging, or cover the terminals with a small piece of electrical tape when they’re not in use. The best practice is to move them out of the drawer to a dedicated battery organizer or a plastic bin.

8. Landscaping

The plants growing against your home’s exterior can work against you in a fire. Ornamental grasses and dense shrubs dry out in the summer, becoming kindling for stray embers. Keep all vegetation trimmed back at least 5 feet from the siding and foundation. For plants further out, make sure they stay well watered during hot, dry stretches to prevent them from becoming fuel.

Credit: © John A Garrison Jr/Unsplash.com

The Basics Still Matter

In addition to all the little things, make sure your early warning systems are fully functional. Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. For a more “set it and forget it” approach, consider upgrading to sealed 10-year battery models. These smoke detectors last longer but should be replaced every decade as their sensors lose effectiveness over time.

Decorating

5m read

8

12 Design Mistakes Making Your Home Look Cheap

Good interior design doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune — it comes from avoiding the subtle missteps that undercut everything else. A few common design mistakes can make even a well-furnished room feel cheap. Here’s what to watch out for.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Good interior design doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune — it comes from avoiding the subtle missteps that undercut everything else. A few common design mistakes can make even a well-furnished room feel cheap. Here’s what to watch out for.

1. Cool Temperature Lighting

Bulb temperature matters — a lot. Cool, bluish light doesn’t just feel cubicle-like and harsh; it actively works against warmth and coziness. “Lighting that is too cool in temperature can quickly cheapen the look of your home,” says Tara Coomer, principal interior designer of Coomer & Co., a design firm serving Nashville and south central Kentucky. Instead, Coomer recommends shopping for light bulbs around 2700 Kelvin. “Anything cooler can unintentionally sterilize a space and make it feel like a doctor’s office,” she says.

2. Hanging Art Too High

Before you get out the hammer, carefully measure 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork. That’s the standard rule for hanging art to ensure it meets most people at eye level. If you hang a piece too high, it feels awkward and uncomfortable to admire.

3. Perfectly Matched Furniture Sets

A room where every piece comes from the same collection reads like a showroom, not a lived-in home. Imagine a bed frame, dresser, and nightstand all in the same wood finish with the same hardware. Instead, try an upholstered headboard with a vintage dresser and contrasting nightstands to create more interest. “It’s best to select pieces that aren’t from a set but still look coordinated and work together harmoniously,” Coomer says. “This creates an elevated space with a more curated feel.”

Credit: © Joe Hendrickson—iStock/Getty Images

4. No Ambient Lighting

Relying solely on a single overhead fixture — especially a builder-grade ceiling light or recessed cans — flattens a room. Instead, layer your light sources. Add a floor lamp next to a reading chair, a table lamp on a side table, and sconces on either side of your bed. Together, these elements create warmth and dimension that an overhead light alone simply can’t achieve.

5. Too-Short Curtains

Short curtains are one of the fastest ways to make a room feel squat and unfinished. Mount your rods close to the ceiling and let the panels fall all the way to the floor — perhaps even pooling slightly. The payoff includes ceilings that feel taller and a sense of serious drama.

6. Lack of Texture

A room full of smooth, flat surfaces tends to feel sterile. Mixing textures adds depth and visual interest, making a space feel layered and considered rather than flat and uninspired. Try pairing a linen throw with a jute rug, a ceramic lamp base, a woven basket, and a velvet accent pillow. The pieces don’t need to be expensive; the varied texture will elevate the look and feel, regardless of the price tag.

7. A Rug That’s Too Small

An undersized rug makes a room feel disjointed, as if the furniture is floating rather than anchored. “Our preference to ground a room is to keep all furniture on the rug,” Coomer says. “Sometimes there are circumstances or restrictions that make this difficult, and in those instances, you’d just aim to have as much of the furniture on the rug as possible.”

Credit: © Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash.com

8. Too Many Small Decorative Items

A collection of small, unrelated objects scattered across shelves and surfaces reads as clutter, not decor. Edit ruthlessly, showcasing your most important travel souvenirs, framed photos, and small treasures. Group items in odd numbers, vary their heights, and give each vignette room to breathe.

9. Bare Windows

Abundant natural light is enviable, but rooms with no window treatments tend to feel unfinished and cold — especially at night. Even simple, inexpensive linen panels add softness, frame the view, and provide privacy.

10. Ignoring Scale

A petite table lamp on a large console, a loveseat dwarfed by a sprawling open-plan room, or an oversized sectional jammed into a tight space can all make a room feel off-balance. Before buying any large furniture, measure your room and tape out the footprint on the floor. What photographs well online can land very differently in your actual space.

11. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls

It feels counterintuitive, especially in smaller rooms, but floating furniture away from the walls makes a room feel larger and more inviting. Pulling a sofa even a few inches forward creates a sense of intimacy and intention that “ring around the room” arrangements never quite achieve.

12. Neglecting the Entryway

First impressions count. An entryway with bare walls and nowhere to set a bag or hang a coat simply isn’t functional, no matter how nice it looks. Even in a tight foyer, a few specific additions go a long way: a mirror for last-minute hair and lipstick checks, a coat hook, and a console so you always know where your keys are.

Home Improvement

3m read

5

The No-Cost Trick for Silencing Slamming Cabinets

Imagine you’re trying to sneak a late-night snack from the pantry, only to have the cabinet door slam shut, waking up everyone in the house. It’s a loud, jarring experience we’d all like to avoid. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to mute those cacophonous cabinets, and all you need is a common crafting tool you likely already have tucked away in a drawer. Here’s how to silence the slamming without spending a penny more.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Imagine you’re trying to sneak a late-night snack from the pantry, only to have the cabinet door slam shut, waking up everyone in the house. It’s a loud, jarring experience we’d all like to avoid. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to mute those cacophonous cabinets, and all you need is a common crafting tool you…

A Solution That Sticks

Most people reach for adhesive bumper pads to keep their cabinets from slamming. And while these pads aren’t prohibitively expensive, the cost adds up — especially if you have a lot of cabinets. They also tend to peel off and eventually need replacing. Instead, a hot glue gun offers a more permanent, highly effective fix that takes mere seconds and requires very little effort.

Begin by plugging in the glue gun and letting it warm up. Once it’s ready, apply a tiny, pea-sized dot of glue to the inside corner of the cabinet door where it makes contact with the wooden frame. Use a light touch, as too much glue can run down toward the floor. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes before testing it — you don’t want to risk gluing the cabinet shut.

Once the glue dries, it acts as a soft, durable buffer similar to a rubber bumper. Because the glue is relatively clear, it won’t be an eyesore. Besides muting loud sounds, these glue dots are easy to peel off and replace if needed.

How To Protect Your Cabinet’s Finish

If you’re worried about applying hot glue directly to your wood cabinets, there’s a simple way to add an extra layer of protection. While damage is unlikely, you can place a small piece of painter’s tape on the inside of the door and apply the glue directly to the tape. You’ll get the same noise-dampening buffer without any risk to the finish. Plus, the tape is easy to peel off and replace later.

Gardening

2m read

5

The Hair Accessory That Makes Mowing Easier on Your Joints

It doesn’t take long for a freshly cut lawn to look shaggy again, making mowing a permanent line item on your weekend to-do list. But even with an eagerness to get the grass in tip-top shape, it can be a surprisingly painful experience. If you’re like me and struggle with wrist pain, the task can be daunting. Luckily, I discovered an unlikely solution that keeps the pain at bay while I get the work done.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

It doesn’t take long for a freshly cut lawn to look shaggy again, making mowing a permanent line item on your weekend to-do list. But even with an eagerness to get the grass in tip-top shape, it can be a surprisingly painful experience. If you’re like me and struggle with wrist pain, the task can…

Hair Accessory Turned Lawn Mowing Essential

I know I’m not alone in dealing with wrist pain after mowing. The motor’s vibration and a constant, tight grip are usually the culprits, and for me, it was the latter. I needed a way to hold the lever in place and reduce strain without compromising safety. That’s when I found an old claw clip — yes, the hair accessory — that I was planning on throwing out. It turned out to be exactly what I needed.

Credit: Image Courtesy of Pauline Lacsamana

While I use a claw clip for its intended purpose almost daily, using one on my lawn mower has been a total game changer. Once the mower is set up, I press the power button, hold the lever, and use the clip to secure the lever to the handlebar. This allows me to push the mower without that constant, straining grip, which has helped my wrist pain significantly. It’s also quick and easy to take off if I need to pause.

You don’t need anything fancy — a pack from Amazon for under $10 does the trick. I’ve found that the 5-inch large clips work best, though the 4.3-inch versions are a solid runner-up.

Claw Clips To Consider

• ZYTJ 5-Inch Extra-Large Claw Clips (Four-Pack)

• LuSeren 4.3-Inch Large Claw Hair Clips (Eight-Pack)

Food & Drink

3m read

6

3 Must-Try Grilling Hacks for the Juiciest Burgers of Your Life

The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, and every other video that comes across your feed features somebody brandishing tongs in a billow of smoke. Grilling season has officially arrived. While social media is full of trendy burger-grilling tips, few actually deliver on their promises. To help you start the season off right — and make the best burgers of your life — here are three chef-approved, science-based hacks that actually work.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, and every other video that comes across your feed features somebody brandishing tongs in a billow of smoke. Grilling season has officially arrived. While social media is full of trendy burger-grilling tips, few actually deliver on their promises. To help you start the season off right —…

1. Upsize Your Patties

To be blunt, one of the primary reasons burgers end up dry and unappealing is that people overcook them “just to be safe.” While investing in a high-quality grilling thermometer will fix that issue, you can give yourself an edge without spending a single dollar on technology.

Instead, step up from the standard 4-ounce patty to a 5-ounce version. That 25% increase in size buys you extra time, ensuring a few minutes of distraction won’t leave you serving charred, dry meat. You don’t have to share your secret — just let your guests enjoy the bigger, juicier burgers and think you’re an especially generous host.

2. Dial Up the Fat Content

Chefs typically advise using beef that’s no more than 80% lean, though many people — reasonably concerned about saturated fat — prefer leaner options. However, much of that excess fat renders out on the grill, resulting in a much smaller nutritional trade-off than you might expect. The fat that remains moistens the patty and enhances the overall flavor.

Additionally, fattier cuts such as chuck, brisket, or short rib pack the intense, beefy flavor needed to elevate a basic hamburger to a gourmet experience. You’ll pay a slight premium to have a butcher grind a custom mix for you — rather than choosing from what’s available in the display case — but the superior quality makes it a worthwhile investment.

3. Stay Cool

Starting with chilled patties is one of the simplest grilling hacks, yet it’s arguably the most important. First, it promotes food safety. Second, it results in a much juicier finish.

Similar to keeping the fat in your pie crust chilled, this prevents the fat in the meat from melting and draining too quickly — a goal the viral ice cube hack attempts, however clumsily, to achieve. Keeping the meat cold preserves the loose structure of the patty, which is what traps the juices. Additionally, the heat the grill uses to melt the cold fat is heat that’s not evaporating the moisture from your burger.

Cleaning

2m read

5

The Surprising Reason To Put Flour in Your Kitchen Sink

The floors are swept and mopped, the dishes are put away, and perhaps you even felt ambitious enough to organize your food storage containers. You certainly deserve a break, but before you sit down, take a moment to show some love to an often-overlooked area: your kitchen sink. Don’t worry — you won’t need anything from the cleaning closet. Just peek into your pantry for a simple, effective DIY hack.

The floors are swept and mopped, the dishes are put away, and perhaps you even felt ambitious enough to organize your food storage containers. You certainly deserve a break, but before you sit down, take a moment to show some love to an often-overlooked area: your kitchen sink. Don’t worry — you won’t need anything…

The Polishing Staple From Your Pantry

We love this hack because it makes a stainless steel sink sparkle in seconds for just pennies. The secret ingredient is all-purpose flour — the same variety you likely have in your cupboard. If you’re short on supplies, check your local community food pantry, as flour is a frequently donated staple.

The key to success is starting with a completely dry sink. Add a handful of flour to the basin and buff it into the metal with a soft towel, focusing on particularly gunky areas like around the drain.

Because flour is micro-abrasive, it lifts away tiny bits of grime that soap often misses, leaving your sink looking brand-new. Just remember to wipe out the flour before you rinse to keep your pipes clear.

Alternatives for a Sparkling Sink

A streak-free finish starts with a quality microfiber cloth — not a paper towel. Microfiber picks up dust and debris without damaging surfaces or leaving streaks — a must for large, visible surfaces like your sink.

For an easy DIY polish, a 50/50 mix of olive oil and vinegar works wonders. Add the solution to a spray bottle and spritz a thin layer onto the stainless steel. Always wipe with the grain of the metal to effectively remove fingerprints and smudges. If you prefer a ready-made product, Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is a budget-friendly favorite among cleaning pros, while Weiman offers an excellent nonaerosol formula.

Home Improvement

3m read

3

The Dishwasher Setting That’s Costing You Money

To anyone managing a busy household, helpful shortcuts are always welcome when tidying up. But there’s one common dishwasher shortcut that costs you more money than you may realize.

On the surface, this standard setting seems appealing, but it actually wastes water and your hard-earned cash. Before you run another load of dirty dishes, here’s what to know about this widely used, yet surprisingly troublesome feature.

Quick Yet Costly

Many modern dishwashers have several settings to choose from, such as a normal cycle that takes 90 to 150 minutes and a quick-wash alternative that takes less than half that time. Given the brevity of the quick-wash cycle, you might assume it uses less water and energy. Surprisingly, that’s not the case.

Quick-wash cycles aim to achieve the same amount of cleanliness in a fraction of the time, which requires more water and heat to effectively power wash the dirty dishes. If you thought saving time meant saving money, think again.

For this reason, we recommend using the normal setting to keep your dishes clean while keeping costs low. The time savings simply aren’t worth it, especially since you can let the dishwasher run in the background while tackling other chores.

Other Costly Dishwasher Mistakes

Another common dishwasher mistake that leads to higher utility bills is using too much detergent. You may think that more soap leads to a deeper clean, but it can actually create excess foam that weakens water pressure. This can prevent dishes from getting clean, forcing you to run a second cycle.

Also, be careful not to overload the dishwasher. Overcrowding physically prevents water and soap from reaching every surface, leaving you with a load of half-cleaned dishware.

Lastly, stop rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This redundant step wastes water and hinders performance. Modern units use soil sensors to measure how dirty the water is, and prerinsing tricks the machine into running a shorter, cooler cycle that might not fully sanitize your dishes. However, you should still scrape large food scraps into the trash to avoid clogs and drainage issues.

Food & Drink

2m read

5

How To Make Brown Rice in Half the Time

Brown rice has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. With its earthy yet neutral taste, it serves as both a side dish and the foundation for grain bowls, stuffed peppers, and hearty salads. It’s also highly nutritious, retaining more intact nutrients than its heavily processed counterpart, white rice. The one downside is the cook time. In this department, white rice has a significant edge, requiring roughly 20 minutes compared to the 40 minutes needed for brown rice. However, a handy trick significantly shortens the process, making brown rice just as fast to prepare as white rice. It simply requires a bit of planning ahead.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Brown rice has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries. With its earthy yet neutral taste, it serves as both a side dish and the foundation for grain bowls, stuffed peppers, and hearty salads. It’s also highly nutritious, retaining more intact nutrients than its heavily processed counterpart, white rice. The one downside is…

The Case for Soaking Brown Rice

Here’s how to do it: At least six hours before you plan to cook your brown rice (you can also do this the night before), soak the rice in a two-to-one water-to-rice ratio in a covered pot inside the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook it, bring the water to a boil, cover it, then turn the heat down to low or medium-low, and simmer for about 20 minutes — the cook time usually reserved for white rice. Continue until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy and tender. This trick works because it softens the rice’s tough outer bran layer.

Bonus Hack: Store Dry Brown Rice in the Refrigerator or Freezer

It may seem natural to put any dry good in the pantry, but brown rice contains natural oils that white rice lacks. These oils, found in the bran and germ, can cause the rice to spoil more quickly than you might expect. To extend its shelf life, place it in an airtight container — such as a jar, food storage container, or gallon freezer bag — and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The consistently cold environment keeps the grains fresh significantly longer than a room-temperature pantry. When stored properly in the freezer, brown rice can last up to 16 months.

Organizing

6m read

499

15 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Sink

Regardless of your home’s square footage, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of every storage nook you can find — and the cabinet under your sink is a vital one. However, many of us are using this space incorrectly. We’re inadvertently storing items that can become hazardous when kept in such a moisture-prone environment.

Regardless of your home’s square footage, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of every storage nook you can find — and the cabinet under your sink is a vital one. However, many of us are using this space incorrectly. We’re inadvertently storing items that can become hazardous when kept in such a moisture-prone…

Avoid Storing These Items Under Your Sink

Whether you’re housing a backstock or everyday essentials, there are plenty of misconceptions about what actually belongs under the sink — and at least one of these will likely surprise you. Regardless of the room, here are the items you should never stash in an under-sink cabinet.

1. Backstock Paper Towels

Buying paper towels in bulk saves money in the long run, but it often leads to a storage headache. While it’s tempting to tuck those extra paper towels under the sink, they’re actually better off in a pantry or hall closet. The cabinet under your sink is often too damp and can damage the rolls before you even use them.

2. Brown Paper Grocery Bags

If you reuse brown paper grocery bags, do your future self a favor and keep them out from under the sink. Because this area is susceptible to moisture, even minor dampness can compromise the integrity of the paper or cause the bags to disintegrate.

3. Cleaning Products

The cabinet under the sink is a popular spot for cleaning supplies, but many of these products belong elsewhere. Most household cleaners require climate-controlled environments with proper ventilation to prevent them from degrading. Plus, if they aren’t sealed properly, these chemicals can leak and create hazardous fumes within the cabinet that vent into your kitchen.

4. Extra Sponges and Dish Towels

This might surprise you, but extra sponges and dish towels belong in a linen closet or another cool, dry location. While having them nearby is convenient, porous sponges can absorb excess moisture under the sink and develop mildew over time. If you must store sponges here, ensure they remain sealed in their original plastic packaging to prevent any issues. If you don’t have a linen closet, kitchen towels can be stored in a dedicated drawer or a labeled basket in the pantry.

5. Tools

Household tools such as wrenches and hammers should never be stored under the sink. The humidity in this area can quickly cause metal tools to rust or corrode, shortening their lifespan. To keep your toolkit in top shape, store it in a dry closet, garage, or workshop.

6. Dog Poop Bags

While you might be tempted to use the under-the-sink area for your backstock of dog poop bags, check the packaging first. If you’re using compostable bags, store them in a cool, dry place. Because they’re designed to break down when exposed to heat and humidity, stowing them in a damp cabinet can cause the bags to degrade and tear.

7. Compostable Trash Bags

Similarly, compostable trash bags should find a home elsewhere. While these bags won’t break down right away, the backstock can lose its structural integrity over time if exposed to excessive moisture. To prevent the liners from weakening or tearing, store them in a climate-controlled area like a pantry.

8. Batteries

Don’t store batteries or battery-operated devices, such as flashlights, in the under-sink cabinet. When subjected to high humidity, batteries can corrode or short-circuit. To maintain their shelf life and performance, place these items in a cool, dry area of the home.

9. Pet Food

Bags of pet food don’t belong under the sink for several reasons. For one, if cleaning products are kept in the same cabinet, a spill could seep into the bag and contaminate your pet’s food. Additionally, storing pet food in this dark, enclosed area is an open invitation for mice and other household pests to feast on the kibble.

10. Small Appliances

Countertop appliances such as blenders, toasters, and rice cookers aren’t meant for moist areas. Should your sink ever develop a leak, the water can easily damage these devices. Beyond the risk of a plumbing mishap, consistent moisture or humidity can damage internal electrical components and lead to rust.

11. Kitchen Wraps

It’s best to keep kitchen wraps and parchment paper far away from the dampness of the under-sink cabinet. The cardboard boxes they come in can absorb moisture and become mildewy. To prevent your aluminum foil from oxidizing and your parchment paper from soaking up musty smells, store these rolls in a dry kitchen drawer or pantry.

12. Flammable Substances

Any flammable substance should also stay away from the area under the sink. Items such as paint, oil-based polishes, and aerosol sprays can degrade when exposed to heat. More importantly, these products present a significant fire hazard; if a leak occurs, vapors can ignite if they come into contact with heat or sparks generated by a garbage disposal motor.

13. Glass Vases

If you have a collection of glass vases, it’s probably better to store them in higher cabinets rather than under the sink. This area is often dark and cramped, making it difficult to clean up shards if a vase accidentally shatters. Moving fragile glassware to an upper cabinet or storage closet also protects it from vibrations caused by plumbing and nearby foot traffic.

14. Light Bulbs

Finding the right spot for extra light bulbs can be tricky, but don’t resort to the cabinet under your sink. Because these areas are dark and small, storing any type of glass there is hazardous; the bulbs can easily shatter and leave hard-to-see shards everywhere. Instead, light bulbs should be kept in a pantry, junk drawer, or a labeled plastic bin in a low-traffic area.

15. Bulky Items

Since the area under your sink is typically more compact than other cabinets and closets, it’s worth finding a different home for bulkier items — even if they’re technically considered safe for this space. Removing oversized items keeps your cabinets clutter-free and ensures you have a clear view of your plumbing, making it easier to spot potential leaks before they cause serious damage.

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