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Gardening 3m read
46

This Natural Method Kills Weeds Instantly

Weeds are the bane of any home gardener’s existence. They’re annoyingly persistent — like a telemarketer who won’t take no for an answer — and as unsightly as an inflamed pimple that shows up the morning of a big event. Some gardeners may think that weeds are inevitable, but we have a helpful hack for easy eradication. Best of all, it doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals and costs nothing at all.

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.

Weeds are the bane of any home gardener’s existence. They’re annoyingly persistent — like a telemarketer who won’t take no for an answer — and as unsightly as an inflamed pimple that shows up the morning of a big event. Some gardeners may think that weeds are inevitable, but we have a helpful hack for…

Getting Out of the Weeds

Whenever you boil with rage at the sight of a new weed, boil up some water, too. Boiling water acts as a chemical-free contact herbicide, scalding the foliage and killing it without the use of any harmful additives. This tip is best applied to newer weeds with shallow root systems — picture those tiny weeds that form between paving stones or along gravel pathways.

We recommend using a kettle over a saucepan for a more precise pour — let’s save the burns for those intrusive plants. Pour the boiling water directly onto the weeds, using about ½ cup of water per plant. In 24 hours, the weeds should change color from green to brown. Digging out the weeds will also be much easier, if you’re willing to take that extra step.

Unfortunately, this method isn’t as effective on older weeds with deep root systems, as the boiling water loses its effectiveness as it seeps into the soil. Although a scalded weed might look dead, its roots can survive, allowing it to regrow. Instead, you should use this method to inhibit any new weed growth. So long as you stay on top of it, you can prevent young weeds from becoming established.

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Safety First

While this method is entirely natural and chemical-free, it still comes with its own set of risks. The boiling water can easily kill other plants in your garden if you’re not careful. Always take extra caution when using this method to avoid any boiling water splashing onto other plants or, worse, your hand, which could result in a burn.

Related: Why Every Gardener Should Practice Companion Planting

To play it safe, we suggest using a kettle with a narrow spout for targeted pouring. Also, be sure to position the spout as close to the weeds as possible, lessening the risk of potential splashback.

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Food & Drink 3m read
29

This Kitchen Staple Helps Your Cheese Last Longer

Cheese is a prime example of food-related human ingenuity. It takes a highly perishable protein source (milk) and turns it into a longer-lasting, tastier, and more versatile product. That’s a neat trick, even before you consider the thousands of different cheeses developed throughout history.

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.

Cheese is a prime example of food-related human ingenuity. It takes a highly perishable protein source (milk) and turns it into a longer-lasting, tastier, and more versatile product. That’s a neat trick, even before you consider the thousands of different cheeses developed throughout history.

One thing most cheeses have in common is that they need proper storage to stay at their best. Storing cheese is easy if you keep cheese bags or cheese paper on hand, but not everyone does. If you want to do it right, ordinary parchment paper, an everyday kitchen staple, works surprisingly well.

Why Keeping Cheese Can Be Difficult

It’s important to remember that cheese isn’t simply a product like potato chips. Think of it as a complete ecosystem in miniature — a complex alchemy of proteins, acidity, salt, and microbiology. Although cheese is commonly sold shrink-wrapped in plastic, it keeps best when there’s just a bit of air flow. Cheese “respires,” or sheds moisture, as it ages, and proper air circulation prevents it from becoming too moist and spoiling. To put it simply, cheese needs to breathe.

Using Parchment Paper as Cheese Paper

This explains why high-end cheese shops, or fromageries, wrap their products in paper. It’s a practice you should adopt as well, though pricey, specialized cheese paper isn’t necessary. The paper you choose needs to protect the cheese from both drying out and mold-promoting moisture buildup. Ordinary parchment paper does both of those jobs perfectly well.

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The kitchen staple works best with straight-edged cuts of cheese, whether blocks or wedges. Cut a piece of parchment that’s big enough to wrap around the cheese, and then place the cheese in the middle of it. Fold the parchment around it, sharply creasing the edges to form neat corners, ensuring the paper is pressed against the sides of the cheese. Then fold the edges over the wrapped cheese to make a neat bundle, and secure the end with a piece of tape.

Related: You’re Grating Cheese All Wrong

After you take it out and cut off a slice or two, rewrap the cheese in the same piece of parchment, refolding it so it’s a snug fit for the now-smaller cheese. It’ll keep much better than it would in plastic.

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Decorating 3m read
20

This Design Trick Makes Any ‘Flaw’ Look Intentional

Every home has its quirks. Unless you built your house from the ground up, chances are, it has a few features you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself. Perhaps you’re glancing around the room you’re in right now, glaring at an outdated brass light fixture or an orangey finish of your hardwood floors. If updating these features isn’t in the budget, try an unexpected decorating trick that interior designers and stylists swear by. The secret? Add more of the finish you don’t like.

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.

Every home has its quirks. Unless you built your house from the ground up, chances are, it has a few features you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself. Perhaps you’re glancing around the room you’re in right now, glaring at an outdated brass light fixture or an orangey finish of your hardwood floors. If updating these…

It sounds counterintuitive, but as stylist Kristen McGowan explains on her YouTube channel, it really works. Rather than hide unsightly details, embrace them. This ensures an intentional appearance, making the finish part of a cohesive design. When a finish pops up sporadically, it stands out. Alternatively, when that element is repeated throughout a space, it feels purposeful. It should look intentional, not like an afterthought.

For example, if your home has cherry-toned flooring that’s too red for your style, don’t hide it under an area rug and hope no one notices. Instead, pair it with a wooden coffee table in a similar warm tone. This approach can be applied to a dining table with the same wood finish, open shelving in a kitchen, or a mirror with a matching frame. Suddenly, that cherry floor — which you once despised — looks like a deliberate design choice. 

Bonus Hack

This decorating trick works for wall colors, too. If a room in your home has a paint color you’re unsure about, instead of rushing to repaint, first bring in inexpensive decor — such as throw pillows or artwork — that complements the hue.

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Maybe your entryway is outfitted with an ornate brass light fixture that gives off ’90s vibes. Try bringing more brass accents into the space. A small brass catchall for your keys is a good start. Then, add a warm, metallic-framed mirror or switch out the pulls on a credenza to beautiful brass ones. Alone, the light fixture is an outdated eyesore. With other similarly toned elements, it’s a stylish, coordinated feature.

Related: The Mirror-Hanging Mistake Almost Everyone Makes

By embracing existing elements, you can transform any space into a designer-approved room that feels thoughtfully curated and uniquely yours.

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Cleaning 3m read
24

Your Cleaning Routine Is Missing This Toiletry Item

Shaving cream has many applications, from minimizing razor burn to pranking your sleeping friend with a face full of foam. It’s also a versatile cleaning tool that easily gets rid of pesky odors and stains. This includes dirt and grime in the bathroom, living room, and bedroom — essentially, wherever there’s a mess, shaving cream might be the solution. Here are three problem areas that shaving cream cleans surprisingly well.

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.

Shaving cream has many applications, from minimizing razor burn to pranking your sleeping friend with a face full of foam. It’s also a versatile cleaning tool that easily gets rid of pesky odors and stains. This includes dirt and grime in the bathroom, living room, and bedroom — essentially, wherever there’s a mess, shaving cream…

The Best Shaving Cream To Use

Before you put on your rubber cleaning gloves and get to work, you’ll need the right type of shaving cream. A basic, inexpensive foaming cream will do just fine — just make sure there are no added gels, dyes, or moisturizers, as those may damage delicate surfaces. We suggest Gillette’s classic formula or any similar bare-bones product that’s white and foamy.

A Few Words of Caution

Always spot test shaving cream before cleaning an entire area to ensure it won’t cause discoloration, leave a sticky residue, or damage delicate fabrics.

1. Tackle Tainted Toilets

Just as the inside of a toilet bowl gets dirty, the exterior can develop stains and odors, especially in the porous grout along its base. Take some shaving cream and spread a thin layer around the base of the toilet, the surrounding floor, and along the crease where the toilet meets the floor. Let the shaving cream sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe away as much as possible using a microfiber cloth and mop the surface with warm, clean water. This will eliminate odors and restore some of the toilet’s natural whiteness.

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2. Clean Cruddy Carpets

Shaving cream is the perfect spot cleaner for removing dirt and grime from carpet fibers — especially pesky grease and oil stains. Squirt a glob onto the stain and rub it in using a clean cloth. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then softly blot the area to remove any excess shaving cream. The grease stain should be less noticeable, if not entirely gone. If the stain persists, repeat the process.

Related: Cleaning Your Mirrors This Way Will Prevent Bathroom Fog

3. Say “Sayonara” to Stains

Removing your bedding might reveal old sweat and drool stains on the mattress. To get rid of them, apply a generous amount of shaving cream to the stained area. Then, lightly dab at the shaving cream using a clean cloth, working it into the stain. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes, allowing enough time for the enzymes to work their magic and break down the stain. Finally, take a clean, damp rag and wipe the excess shaving cream away, revealing a fresher, cleaner mattress.

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Decorating 3m read
107

The Mirror-Hanging Mistake Almost Everyone Makes

Mirrors are essential to home decor, perfect for entryways and bedrooms — and, of course, for every bathroom, too. They’re not just pretty; they’re also practical. Whether you nab a full-length one for outfit checks or hang a wall mirror near your front door for a last-second “Do I have lipstick on my teeth?” moment, mirrors — of all shapes and sizes — are a home must-have. Plus, they help brighten things up and create the illusion of a larger space.

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.

Mirrors are essential to home decor, perfect for entryways and bedrooms — and, of course, for every bathroom, too. They’re not just pretty; they’re also practical. Whether you nab a full-length one for outfit checks or hang a wall mirror near your front door for a last-second “Do I have lipstick on my teeth?” moment,…

But a poorly placed mirror can have the opposite effect, turning a room’s highlight into an eyesore. The most common mirror-hanging mistake? Not checking what the mirror will reflect. Before grabbing a hammer, have someone hold the mirror in place as you take a step back. Look at the reflection from all angles. Do you see a blank wall or a TV? A cluttered corner or an awkward sightline into a private area? A mirror should enhance a space, not draw attention to its flaws. Sometimes, shifting it just a few inches makes all the difference.

Related: Cleaning Your Mirrors This Way Will Prevent Bathroom Fog

Hang a mirror where it reflects something beautiful, such as a piece of art, a view from a window, or a styled vignette. Remember: It’s not just about where a mirror is placed, but also about what it shows.

Bonus Tip

Another mirror must: Consider scale. A mirror should be sized proportionally to the wall on which it will hang, and to the furniture in the room as well. A too-small mirror will look puny, and one that’s too large will overwhelm the space.

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: 5 Mirrors Worth Adding to Your Cart

Delma Full Length Standing Mirror, $39.99: A full-length mirror is a necessity, but paying a ton of money for one isn’t.

WallBeyond Round Mirror With Wood Frame, $63.65: No matter your interior design style, this classic round mirror will fit right in.

Frameless Wall Mirror, $99.99: Mirrors don’t need to be serious — get fun and funky with this frameless full-length option featuring a wavy silhouette.

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Arched Metal Frame Wall Mirror, $39.99: An arched shape, a brass finish, and an affordable price point — what’s not to like?

Harritpure Irregular Wall Mirror, $62.99: Casually prop this asymmetrical mirror on a console in an entryway or a dresser in a bedroom.

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Organizing 3m read
40

How To Get Rid of Annoying Hanger Bumps

Some people call them “hanger bumps,” others refer to them as “shoulder horns,” and a shockingly high number of internet articles use the term “sweater nipples.” No matter the name, these pesky fabric bulges are an unsightly downside to storing shirts and sweaters on a hanger. Thankfully, there are a few methods to prevent these bumps from ever forming, plus some tips for getting rid of them after they appear.

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.

Some people call them “hanger bumps,” others refer to them as “shoulder horns,” and a shockingly high number of internet articles use the term “sweater nipples.” No matter the name, these pesky fabric bulges are an unsightly downside to storing shirts and sweaters on a hanger. Thankfully, there are a few methods to prevent these…

Use Padded or Velvet Hangers

Smooth plastic and wooden hangers don’t provide enough support for heavier garments, which can easily slide down the shoulders and stretch out. Padded hangers, however, are designed to distribute the weight of a shirt or sweater more evenly, offering added support to keep their natural shape intact. Another option: velvet hangers, which create friction to hold fabric in place, helping to prevent slipping, creases, and unattractive bumps.

Avoid Hanging Heavy or Bulky Sweaters

It’s best to avoid hanging your heavy or bulky sweaters, as the extra weight can ruin their shape, leading to shoulder bumps and overstretched necklines. Instead, neatly fold your sweaters and tuck them into deep drawers or stackable storage bins to maintain their form.

Of course, we understand that not everyone has enough drawer space for large, folded sweaters, and often there’s no choice but to hang them. If this is the case for you, try this no-crease hack: On a flat surface, fold the sweater in half lengthwise, aligning the sleeves. Then, position the hanger diagonally on top of the sweater, with the hook in the armpit area, facing outward. Fold both sleeves over one shoulder of the hanger, followed by the torso, creating a crisscross shape. (If you’re a visual learner, here’s a video tutorial.) Hang it in your closet, and say goodbye to shoulder bumps.

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Dab Water on the Bumps

Nothing is worse than noticing hanger bumps right before you head out the door. Rather than change your entire outfit, go to the sink, wet your fingers, and rub them along the bumps to flatten them. Alternatively, you can do this with an ice cube. Dampening the hanger bumps resets the fibers, and the shirt will dry noticeably flatter within 10 minutes. Another option is to spray a bit of Downy Wrinkle Release onto the affected areas to eliminate any bumps or wrinkles.

Related: Stop Clothes From Slipping Off Hangers With This Simple Trick

Though hanger bumps may seem inevitable, there are simple solutions to avoid or even remove them. Just follow these guidelines and you’ll get rid of those unsightly “sweater nipples” in no time at all.

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Food & Drink 2m read
32

Do This After Cutting Hot Peppers To Avoid the Burn

If you’ve ever seen a rom-com, you know what it means when the leads are bickering and firing off zingers at each other. They might look like they’re trying to drive each other away, but we know what’s really behind all of those “sick burns.” They’re feeling the love, and it scares them. This may not be the smoothest analogy, but it says a lot about our love for hot peppers. We crave them (or at least some of us do), but there’s always that moment when the heat goes from pleasure to pain.

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’ve ever seen a rom-com, you know what it means when the leads are bickering and firing off zingers at each other. They might look like they’re trying to drive each other away, but we know what’s really behind all of those “sick burns.” They’re feeling the love, and it scares them. This may…

You probably already know how to quell the burning in your mouth (milk helps, and so does chocolate), but what about the burn on your skin from cutting peppers? Here’s the hack you need to keep hot peppers from irritating your skin.

Beating the Capsaicin Pain From Hot Peppers

The active ingredient in hot peppers is an alkaloid called capsaicin, which activates sensors in your mouth and on your skin that would ordinarily respond to physical heat. Some people actually like this sensation, and find that capsaicin relieves pain from ailments such as arthritis (it’s used in topical creams for that exact purpose). Unfortunately, capsaicin can cause irritation if you’re sensitive to it, and if you absentmindedly rub your nose or eyes while it’s on your hands, you’ll be in a world of hurt.

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But you know that saying “fat equals flavor”? Well, there’s a scientific reason behind it: Many flavor compounds, including capsaicin, are lipophilic, which means they bond with fats.

Related: 3 Proven Hacks for Cutting Onions Without Crying

That’s the key to this hack: Instead of just washing with soap and water, pour a little vegetable oil onto your hands and rub it in thoroughly, as you would hand sanitizer. (If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, any cooking oil will work.) At this point, most of the capsaicin will bond to the oil. Now, wash your hands with dish soap, not hand soap, because dish soap is specially formulated to cut through and remove fat. The oil will wash away, and take the capsaicin along with it.

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Decorating 2m read
714

A Quick Fix for Leaning Taper Candles

Taper candles are a fun way to add some flair to your tablescape. You can opt for more traditional solid-color candles or try some of the trendy twisted taper candles, handpainted candles, and kitschy styles, such as these carrot or asparagus-shaped candles from Anthropologie.

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.

Taper candles are a fun way to add some flair to your tablescape. You can opt for more traditional solid-color candles or try some of the trendy twisted taper candles, handpainted candles, and kitschy styles, such as these carrot or asparagus-shaped candles from Anthropologie.

But whether you’ve thrifted your candlestick bases or splurged on a unique candelabra for your table centerpiece, you’ll likely run into one decor woe: leaning taper candles.

Related: How To Prevent and Fix Tunneling Candles

In some cases, leaning taper candles are caused by exposure to heat or sunlight — that’s why it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place. But most of the time, they simply don’t fit in the candlestick base. Luckily, there’s a free and easy fix for that. 

How To Fix Leaning Taper Candles

To fix leaning taper candles and ensure they fit securely in your candlestick base, TikToker Maggie Marsh (aka @maggssmarsh) recommends reaching for a lighter and running it back and forth at the base of your candle to warm up the wax and encourage some drippage.

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Once the wax starts to melt a little, allow a few drops to land inside the candlestick base, then reinsert the candle while the end is still warm and pliable. The softened wax around the base of the taper candle will ensure a snug fit in the candlestick base, while the drops of wax will act almost like glue to reinforce and stabilize it. You can also use Fox Run Stick-Um Candle Adhesive if you don’t want to deal with the potential mess of dripping wax or are concerned about wax buildup in the candlestick base.

If you don’t use real candles and experience this same issue with flameless candlesticks, you can create a similar effect by applying candlestick stickers or glue dots to the plastic bases. This will secure the tapers and prevent them from leaning.

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Decorating 3m read
1,365

Use This Designer Paint Trick To Fake Higher Ceilings

Many of us dream of having lofty, 10-foot ceilings throughout our homes. But if you’re stuck with shorter ceilings, you don’t have to settle for squat-looking rooms. The difference between a cramped-feeling space and an expansive one may come down to a simple, designer-approved trick.

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.

Many of us dream of having lofty, 10-foot ceilings throughout our homes. But if you’re stuck with shorter ceilings, you don’t have to settle for squat-looking rooms. The difference between a cramped-feeling space and an expansive one may come down to a simple, designer-approved trick.

For an instant lift, paint your ceiling a lighter shade than the walls. This creates an optical illusion, drawing the eye upward and giving the impression of a higher ceiling. Choose a shade 20% lighter than the wall color, or — when in doubt — simply paint it white.

It all comes down to science. “Lighter colors have a higher light reflective value (LRV), which measures the percentage of light a color reflects,” says Austin, Texas-based interior designer Alicia Hassen Roche of Brooklinteriors. “Whites, with the highest LRV, help keep a room feeling open and bright by reflecting more light rather than absorbing it. When applied to a ceiling, these high-LRV colors naturally draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of space and airiness.”

Related: This Paint Finish Promotes Better Sleep

Whether you opt for a white ceiling or a different paint hue, keep this in mind: Darker colors tend to absorb light, which makes surfaces feel closer. Lighter colors reflect light, creating an airy feeling.

Other Optical Illusions To Make a Room Feel Taller

Beyond using paint to fake higher ceilings, Hassen Roche also suggests applying these tricks:

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Install wall sconces to direct light upward. “Their low-profile design not only helps draw the eye upward but also keeps the space feeling open without bulky fixtures,” Hassen Roche says.

Don’t hang too many things on the walls. Keep walls clean of clutter to prevent a room from feeling crowded.

Avoid heavy crown molding. It adds the perception of weight to the top of the room, making it feel shorter.

Place curtain rods close to the ceiling. This elongates the walls, offering the illusion of height.

Paint the ceiling color 12 to 18 inches down the walls. Finish with picture rail molding.

 Add trim or paneling details to the bottom half of the room in a darker color. This creates more contrast between the high LRV color on your walls and ceiling.

The Best White Paint Colors for a Ceiling

Choosing any paint color can be a daunting task, but perhaps the hardest of all is finding the perfect shade of white. Here are Hassen Roche’s recommendations:

Benjamin Moore’s Simply White

Portola Paints’ Crisp

Farrow & Ball’s All White

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Cleaning 3m read
4,296

A Natural Cleaning Hack for Your Cast-Iron Skillet

If you’ve ever bought or inherited a cast-iron skillet, you’ve surely been told two things about it: that it’s the best way to cook, and that proper cleaning is of the utmost importance. The problem is, you’re usually told what not to do: Don’t soak it in water, don’t use too much soap, and whatever you do, never put it in the dishwasher.

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’ve ever bought or inherited a cast-iron skillet, you’ve surely been told two things about it: that it’s the best way to cook, and that proper cleaning is of the utmost importance. The problem is, you’re usually told what not to do: Don’t soak it in water, don’t use too much soap, and whatever…

Skip the Soap

You’d think this supposedly essential piece of cookware was a Fabergé egg from the way some of its proponents talk about it, but it’s actually quite hardy — as long as you know what to do with it. The secret, as with many of the dishes you’ll be cooking with your cast-iron skillet, is salt.

Related: Stop Scrubbing Your Oven Racks in the Sink — Do This Instead

That might sound counterintuitive, as salt is hard and coarse, but because it’s softer than your pan, there’s no risk of scratching the cookware. The process is simple and requires 2 to 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. It needs to be coarse; otherwise, there won’t be enough abrasion to effectively clean the pan.

Cleaning Cast Iron With Salt

After cooking, and while the skillet is still warm, use a damp, nonscratch scrub pad or a scrub brush with stiff bristles to gently scour it, rinsing away any loose food particles with a bit of warm water.

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Dry your skillet, then pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of kosher salt onto the cooking surface. Using a folded-up paper towel or a dry kitchen towel, rub the salt into the pan, targeting any stubborn spots. When the skillet is sufficiently clean, toss the salt in the trash.

Rinse the skillet again with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Place it on the stovetop, and heat it on medium-low for about five minutes — until you see a bit of smoke rising from it. This will get rid of any remaining moisture, keeping your skillet rust-free.

Turn off the burner and allow the pan to cool. When it’s safe to handle, pour ¼ teaspoon of cast-iron seasoning oil — or another cooking oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil — onto the cooking surface. Take a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and rub the oil all over the skillet to coat it without leaving behind any excess. After that, store it in your preferred spot and look forward to your next meal with less cooked-on residue.

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