Cleaning

3m read

25

The One Habit That Saves Your Washer From Mold

Given that watching machines exist to make other objects clean, it makes sense that you’d want to keep them clean as well. That’s easier said than done, however, since there’s no such thing as a “washing machine washer.” Though these time-saving appliances are fairly low-maintenance when it comes to cleanliness, they do carry some risks, namely mold and unpleasant odors. The good news is that the fix is surprisingly easy.

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Given that watching machines exist to make other objects clean, it makes sense that you’d want to keep them clean as well. That’s easier said than done, however, since there’s no such thing as a “washing machine washer.” Though these time-saving appliances are fairly low-maintenance when it comes to cleanliness, they do carry some risks,…

When Is a Door Not a Door?

Washing machines spend the vast majority of their existence closed, which prevents airflow. As moisture develops inside, this enclosed space turns into a humid, dank environment perfect for growing mold. The problem is only compounded when you forget to take your clothes out as soon as you hear that instantly recognizable beep and they develop a musty scent after sitting for too long. To prevent all that unpleasantness, simply leave the door ajar between uses. If the open door gets in the way, aim to keep it unlatched for at least for a few hours after finishing each load.

Deep Clean

That’s not all you can do, of course. If you have a front-load washing machine, which is particularly susceptible to mold, you should pull out the detergent drawer and dry the rubber gasket with a microfiber towel after each use. For a deeper clean, mix 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and coat the entire gasket, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub any stubborn or tight spots, wiping away the grime as you go. Remember to rinse the gasket with clean water afterward to prevent potential damage to the rubber.

Cleaning a top-load washing machine requires less elbow grease. Select the hottest water setting and the longest cycle (or largest load size). If available, use your machine’s “Clean Tub” cycle. As the water runs, add 4 cups of distilled white vinegar to the drum. Allow the machine to agitate briefly to mix in the vinegar, then stop the cycle. Let the vinegar soak for five minutes. Then, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and allow the agitator to resume. Stop the cycle again, and let the entire mixture soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Resume and complete the wash cycle.

Food & Drink

2m read

15

Is Your Baking Powder Still Good? Here’s How To Tell

If your cakes are mysteriously flat or your muffins refuse to rise, the culprit might not be your technique — it could be your leavener. Even if your baking powder box isn’t past its expiration date, it can still lose its rising power. As it turns out, baking powder begins to degrade once it’s opened, due to humidity, heat, and poor sealing.

If your cakes are mysteriously flat or your muffins refuse to rise, the culprit might not be your technique — it could be your leavener. Even if your baking powder box isn’t past its expiration date, it can still lose its rising power. As it turns out, baking powder begins to degrade once it’s opened, due…

A Simple, Foolproof Test You Can Do in Seconds

1. Scoop 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder into a small, heat-safe bowl.

2. Pour in 1/4 cup of boiling water.

3. Watch for the reaction: If it fizzles and bubbles energetically, the powder is still active and safe to use. If the reaction is muted or nonexistent, the powder is “dead” and should be discarded.

Why This Matters

Baking powder is what helps your cakes, quick breads, pancakes, and muffins rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. When it’s inactive, the result is heavy, dense, or flat baked goods. You might find yourself wondering why your recipe failed, even after you followed it precisely. Many home bakers overlook this step and assume they made a mistake rather than checking an ingredient that’s lost its punch.

Storage and Longevity Tips

• Once opened, keep your baking powder in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture are its enemies.

• Close the lid tightly after each use to minimize moisture entry. You can also place the container in an airtight food storage bag to ensure freshness.

• If you don’t bake often, test the powder before you start mixing up that special batch.

• If the “use by” date hasn’t passed, but you still see minimal fizz in the test, toss the container and buy a fresh one.

By making the fizz test part of your prep routine, you’ll add one more layer of quality control to your baking. A little effort now means no surprises later. No flat cakes, no disappointment — just beautiful rising and light textures every time.

Gardening

3m read

18

3 Signs Your Plant Needs a Bigger Pot

When people become parents, they often start looking for a bigger living space. A similar phenomenon occurs among “plant parents”: A time will come when our cherished plants become rootbound, requiring us to repot them into larger living spaces.

Periodic repotting is standard practice when you have indoor plants, so learning how to do it (and, more importantly, when) is crucial to long-term plant health and success. Here are three unmistakable signs that your plant needs a larger pot.

1. Your Plant Stops Growing

While some plants grow slowly, and others quickly, you should consistently see new growth as time passes. If a once-vigorous plant slows down dramatically, or if its new growth looks small or sickly compared to what you’ve seen in the past, it’s probably time to repot.

2. Your Plant’s Water Needs Increase

Watering is essential for every plant, even desert succulents, though overwatering is always a risk when you’re a houseplant novice. (Don’t worry, you can often save them.) Getting to know your plants’ specific watering needs and watering only when necessary is an important step on your growing journey. Yet, even after you’ve mastered their quirks, you may find that some plants suddenly need more frequent waterings. That shift is a telltale sign that their root growth has taken up most of the pot’s available space.

3. The Soil in Your Pot Is Crusty and White on Top

Over time, you’ll start to see crusty deposits building up at the top of the soil. These deposits are salts, introduced through your tap water or your choice of fertilizer. They’re a sign that the soil needs renewing, often because your plant’s roots are taking up so much of the pot. In this case, when you’re potting up your plant, be sure to scoop out as much of the old soil as possible (without damaging the roots) and replace it with fresh soil.

When Not To Pot Up Your Plants

There are a few times when it’s not appropriate to repot your plant. Some plants, for example, do best when they are slightly rootbound. Also, some species can become too large for your space if continually repotted. For those plants, your better option is to periodically prune the roots, replenish the container with new soil, and place the plant back into the same pot. If your plant is already top-heavy, instead of potting up, consider switching to a heavier or wider pot (for more stability) that holds the same quantity of soil.

Food & Drink

3m read

8

You Don’t Need To Cook Chicken as Long as You Think

There are some foods that people tend to approach with an extra degree of caution, and chicken — despite being so popular — is one of them. There’s a good reason for that: Most of the chicken in our food supply comes from large factory farms, where conditions are prime for the spread of common pathogens, such as salmonella or listeria. In fact, in October 2025, shortly before this article was written, nearly 5 million pounds of chicken products were recalled for potential listeria contamination.

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There are some foods that people tend to approach with an extra degree of caution, and chicken — despite being so popular — is one of them. There’s a good reason for that: Most of the chicken in our food supply comes from large factory farms, where conditions are prime for the spread of common…

While you might choose to ignore official temperature recommendations if you prefer a medium-rare steak or a soft egg, most of us are happy to accept the guidance on chicken. The USDA specifies that chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may not need to cook your poultry as long as you think to guarantee food safety. Here’s why.

Cooking Chicken to a Safe Temperature

Here’s the thing about the USDA’s official temperature recommendations: They’re conservative by design, focusing on a temperature that will kill bacteria instantly. However, according to the USDA’s own guidance for commercial food producers, a lower temperature held for a longer time works just as well. For example, maintaining a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly 52 seconds gives the same result. The problem is that food manufacturers have the resources to be that precise, and home cooks like us don’t. The good news is that we don’t have to.

That’s thanks to something called “carryover cooking.” When you remove a whole chicken (or a piece of chicken) from your stove, oven, or grill, a lot of heat is already trapped inside. This heat means the cooking process will continue, and the interior temperature will continue to rise. The bigger the cut, the more carryover cooking you’ll see. A whole chicken retains more heat than a leg quarter, which retains more heat than a boneless breast.

A Meat Thermometer Is Essential for Food Safety

So relax a little, and allow time for carryover cooking when preparing chicken. For a whole bird, you can safely pull it from the oven when the temperature hits 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller cuts, 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit is a safe range. The only way to know for sure, however, is with an accurate meat thermometer. Check the temperature in a couple of places before you take the chicken off the heat, and then leave the thermometer in place while the meat rests for five to 10 minutes before serving. As long as the internal temperature stays at 155 degrees Fahrenheit or above (in the lowest-temperature part) for at least a minute or two, you’re golden.

Cleaning

3m read

8

The Easiest Way To Stop Trash Can Odors

Persistent garbage odors can linger in the bin even after you’ve taken the bag to the curb. If you’re battling bad scents coming from your trash can, try this simple hack that gets rid of them in just a few hours.

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.

Persistent garbage odors can linger in the bin even after you’ve taken the bag to the curb. If you’re battling bad scents coming from your trash can, try this simple hack that gets rid of them in just a few hours.

DIY Trash Can Deodorizer

Looking for an easy way to keep trash can odors at bay? You can make your own odor-absorbing sachets using a few simple items you likely have in your kitchen. The key ingredient in this hack is baking soda, which naturally eliminates odors by reacting with odor-causing acids and trapping smelly molecules on the spot. Just pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a disposable coffee filter (the basket-shaped ones work best), then seal it shut with a rubber band or clip to secure the contents.

We like to make a few of these at a time and drop one or two into the bottom of the can, right under the trash liner or bag. If you notice your baking soda sachet isn’t as effective after a few weeks or months, just toss it and drop in a fresh one to keep your trash can — and your entire kitchen — smelling fresh.

More Ways To Reduce Trash Smells

Baking soda isn’t the only household ingredient that can quickly zap odors. Coffee grounds are another inexpensive way to reduce bad smells quickly. You can easily make the same deodorizing pouches using coffee grounds instead of baking soda and place them anywhere odors linger. We even like to drop these in our sneakers during the humid summer months to prevent stinky soles.

What else works? Try making an odor neutralizer with crushed, activated charcoal, or whip up a deodorizing spray using equal parts distilled white vinegar and water to spritz the inside of your trash can before adding a new bag.

A final tip: Keeping food waste separate from everyday trash will significantly reduce trash can odors. Compost bins and biodegradable bags are a great way to turn food scraps into fertilizer, but if you don’t have room, just toss your waste in a plastic bag and keep it in the freezer until you can move it to an outside garbage bin.

Organizing

2m read

300

Organize Any Drawer So Essentials Are Easy To Find

Never underestimate the power of a well-organized drawer. Being the precious storage real estate that they are, drawers are meant to keep everything you need neatly organized, but that only happens with a solid system in place.

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Never underestimate the power of a well-organized drawer. Being the precious storage real estate that they are, drawers are meant to keep everything you need neatly organized, but that only happens with a solid system in place.

In reality, many of us have ventured into junk drawer territory. We all have at least one drawer (if not several) where we’ve adopted a “throw and go” mentality. This might be convenient in the moment, but it becomes a bit of a nightmare when you can’t find what you’re looking for. Thankfully, there’s a simple, helpful, and ultimately better way to organize your drawers, and you’ll be surprised you didn’t think of it sooner.

The Best Way To Organize Drawers

A good drawer organization system relies not on what you use to store items, but on where you place them. The key is to position your most-used items front and center. By front-loading your drawers with the things you need the most, you always know exactly where to find them.

By default, lower-priority items can be stored in the back of the drawer. Take a nightstand, for example. If you’re in the habit of taking vitamins or applying lotion before bed, those items should be placed at the very front of the drawer for easy access.

Taking It a Step Further

If you find that this front-loading system works well for you, then it’s time to level up your organization game. You can do this by investing in a set of drawer organizers to quickly whip any drawer into shape.

Alternatively, you can use adjustable drawer dividers. When placed horizontally, these dividers can separate the front of the drawer from the back. When positioned vertically, they can divide the drawer into smaller, specialized compartments.

Food & Drink

3m read

870

Get Dinner Ready Sooner With This Defrosting Hack

Frozen food was one of the great innovations of the 20th century. Of course, that convenient new preservation method came with a corresponding inconvenience: having to thaw things before we cook them. The USDA endorses three defrosting methods: in the fridge overnight, in the microwave, or in cold water. While all three are effective, there’s a defrosting hack for quick meals that holds its own against those officially recognized methods.

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.

Frozen food was one of the great innovations of the 20th century. Of course, that convenient new preservation method came with a corresponding inconvenience: having to thaw things before we cook them. The USDA endorses three defrosting methods: in the fridge overnight, in the microwave, or in cold water. While all three are effective, there’s…

The Two-Pan Hack To Defrost Meat

Here’s how it works:

• Take one metal skillet (or other shallow metal pan) and place it upside down on your counter.

• Lay the package of food you want to defrost (meat, poultry, etc.) on top of the first pan.

• Put a second metal pan on top of the food, right side up.

• Give it about an hour or so to thaw.

Tip: This hack works best with meat that’s packaged as flat as possible. Consider portioning the meat into freezer bags and using a rolling pin or an empty wine bottle to compress it.

You can speed things up by putting a bit of weight in the top pan, such as a can of vegetables or a cup or two of water. This is optional, but that added weight helps make sure there’s good contact between the meat and the metal.

Now that you know how it works, you probably want to know why it works. Well, it’s basic science: Heat always moves from a warmer spot to a colder spot. When you cook, your skillets transfer the stove’s heat to your food; this thawing hack is just a slower version of that process, using the room’s ambient temperature as the heat source.

But What About Food Safety?

Quick weeknight meals are important, but food safety is even more important, of course. That’s why the USDA emphasizes overnight thawing in your refrigerator: It ensures your food always stays at a safe temperature. This skillet method falls into the same category as thawing in cold water: Only use it for food you plan to cook right away since it will get warmer than the safe range for storage. Still, it beats microwave thawing (which is uneven and gives you partially cooked spots) and water thawing (which can be messy and risks waterlogging your food).

This method won’t work for all cuts, of course. It’s best for things like thin steaks and chops, or packages of sliced or ground meat — especially if they’ve been packed flat to save thawing time and storage space. For larger items, such as a roast or a whole chicken, you’ll still need to use another defrosting method. They’re simply too large to thaw completely within a food-safe time frame, and their irregular shape means the top pan would just slide off.

Home Improvement

3m read

10,063

Forget This Winter Task and You Could Face Burst Pipes

There’s a well-known saying that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. That’s true — but there are also a handful of other things that, while not as inevitable, seem to crop up year after year. Every January, for example, a horde of people search the internet for “best workout routines for beginners.” Similarly, once the winter cold sets in, searches for information on frozen pipes predictably spike.

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.

There’s a well-known saying that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. That’s true — but there are also a handful of other things that, while not as inevitable, seem to crop up year after year. Every January, for example, a horde of people search the internet for “best workout routines for…

There’s no reason you should be one of them. To quote another well-known saying, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Here’s the simple routine you need to winterize your outdoor faucet and avoid burst pipes before the next big freeze hits.

How To Avoid Burst Pipes

As the weather gets colder, your need to water the lawn and garden largely goes away. While a good watering can certainly help protect your plants from frost, you can use a bucket if necessary. So, once temperatures drop below freezing, it’s time to shut down your outdoor faucet for the winter. Here’s what to do:

1. Disconnect your hose from the outdoor faucet, drain it, and store it away for the winter in a sheltered spot.

2. Locate the indoor shut-off for the faucet (if you have one) and turn it off. Then, run the outside faucet until the water stops. Skip this step if you don’t have an indoor shut-off valve.

3. Place an insulated cover over the outdoor faucet. These are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware stores or online retailers.

That’s usually enough to do the job, but there are a few other things to consider if you experience severe winters.

More Tips for Colder Climates

If you live in a climate with cold winters (especially if you’re new to the area or your house), there are a few extra precautions worth taking.

Look inside your basement or buildup and locate the pipe that runs to your outdoor faucet. If it runs up an uninsulated wall in an unheated area, that section of the water line could freeze in an unusually harsh cold spell. You can prevent this by placing insulation between the wall and the pipe, or by buying the wrap-around insulation specifically meant for water lines.

If you want to be really sure, or if the neighbors warn you that frozen pipes are a common issue where you live, you can also wrap the water line with low-voltage heating tape. This is inexpensive as well, and means you’ll be able to sleep soundly (and so will your plumber) even during the worst cold snaps.

Cleaning

3m read

31

Clean Your Curtains Without Ever Taking Them Down

Cleaning curtains easily ranks near the top of many people’s “most annoying chores” list. Wrestling with the rod, bumping your head in the process, and then trying to stuff bulky fabric into your washing machine — or worse, hauling it to the dry cleaner — is nobody’s idea of fun. It’s no wonder this chore gets postponed again and again. Unfortunately, it must be done, as curtains quietly collect dust, allergens, pet hair, and the occasional mystery stain.

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.

Cleaning curtains easily ranks near the top of many people’s “most annoying chores” list. Wrestling with the rod, bumping your head in the process, and then trying to stuff bulky fabric into your washing machine — or worse, hauling it to the dry cleaner — is nobody’s idea of fun. It’s no wonder this chore…

Here’s the good news: There’s an easier way to get your curtains clean, and you don’t even have to take them down.

Start With a Good Shake and a Vacuum

Think of your curtains like a delicate, hanging rug. Instead of beating the dirt out, shake the curtains gently while they’re still on the rod to loosen any settled dust and debris. (A step stool will be helpful here.) It’s best to shake them from the top so everything falls downward, ideally out an open window.

Next, grab your vacuum. Using the soft brush attachment, glide it from top to bottom, paying special attention to folds and pleats where dust loves to hide. Finish by giving the floor a quick once-over with the vacuum too.

Steam Away the Stale

Once the surface dust is gone, it’s time to take out the secret weapon: a steamer. A handheld garment steamer will smooth out wrinkles, lift away any lingering dust, neutralize odors, and even eliminate bacteria and dust mites — all without you ever having to take the curtains down.

After heating, move the steamer slowly in vertical strokes, keeping a couple of inches between the nozzle and the fabric. Use the gentlest setting, especially if your curtains are made of natural materials, such as cotton or linen, or delicate sheer fabric. Don’t worry about moisture, either; the curtains will be only slightly damp and will dry within minutes.

Fresh Air Does Wonders

After steaming, let Mother Nature take over. Open your windows, if possible, to let in a breeze. This airflow will help whisk away any lingering odors and keep mildew at bay, all while speeding up the drying process.

Organizing

2m read

28

A Recycling Bin Fix for Unruly Wrapping Paper Rolls

Choosing festive wrapping paper is almost as fun as shopping for the gifts themselves. Keeping that gift wrap stored in a neat and tidy manner, however, is an entirely different matter. Whether you choose specific wrapping paper for each family member, have dedicated Santa wrapping paper, or stick with neutral wrapping paper (hello, brown Kraft paper) versatile enough for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, and other gift-giving traditions, chances are, you’ll always have a little left over. Storing opened wrapping paper is tricky, often resulting in an unruly situation that makes the next gift-wrapping session overwhelming.

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Choosing festive wrapping paper is almost as fun as shopping for the gifts themselves. Keeping that gift wrap stored in a neat and tidy manner, however, is an entirely different matter. Whether you choose specific wrapping paper for each family member, have dedicated Santa wrapping paper, or stick with neutral wrapping paper (hello, brown Kraft…

A Free Fix for Unraveling Rolls

Fortunately, there is a simple hack for fixing unraveling wrapping paper. Best of all, it doesn’t require you to go out and buy any fancy organizers or innovative clips (though, if you are planning to buy something, we swear by the Little ELF storage tote). Instead, dig into your recycling and grab a few empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

Cut a vertical slit down the center of the cardboard roll so it opens when pulled apart, but closes (mostly) back up when left alone — sort of like a cuff. Wrap this cuff around your opened wrapping paper roll, and it will hold everything neatly in place. When you’re ready to use the wrapping paper, simply remove the cuff, cut what you need, and then replace the cuff to secure the roll again. In addition to toilet paper and paper towel rolls, empty wrapping paper rolls cut into 6-inch tubes also work well for this hack.

Another Snappy Solution

If you don’t have any empty rolls on hand, a slap bracelet is another unique way to keep everything in place. You can purchase slap bracelets specifically designed for holding wrapping paper, such as these silicone snap bands. Or you can just order a pack of Christmas slap bracelets, such as these or these. Slap bracelets also happen to make great gift toppers or stocking stuffers.

When Is a Door Not a Door?

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1. Your Plant Stops Growing

2. Your Plant’s Water Needs Increase

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