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Cleaning 3m read
1,145

The Easiest Way To Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets bear the brunt of daily cooking, collecting grease, fingerprints, and food splatters. But scrubbing them doesn’t have to be a chore. The easiest, most efficient way to clean cabinet fronts? Use a flat mop. This simple tool gets the job done quickly, especially when you’re tackling high or low cabinets and don’t want to drag out a step stool or scrub on your knees.

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.

Kitchen cabinets bear the brunt of daily cooking, collecting grease, fingerprints, and food splatters. But scrubbing them doesn’t have to be a chore. The easiest, most efficient way to clean cabinet fronts? Use a flat mop. This simple tool gets the job done quickly, especially when you’re tackling high or low cabinets and don’t want…

Why a Flat Mop Works

A lightweight, microfiber flat mop, such as the Bona Premium Sweep and Clean Mop, is ideal because its microfiber pad traps dust and grime without scratching surfaces. Plus, the head glides easily over cabinet fronts and can get into tight corners around hardware. For tall uppers or hard-to-reach areas, an extendable handle, found on mops like the MR.SIGA Professional Microfiber Mop, makes the job safer and easier — no ladder required.

Related: These Tools Make Cleaning More Comfortable for Everyone

DIY Cabinet Cleaner: Safe and Simple

Most kitchen cabinets have a painted, laminate, or wood finish, which means harsh cleaners can dull or damage the surface. Here’s a gentle, effective homemade cleaner that cuts grease without harming your cabinets:

• 2 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap (such as Dawn)

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar (optional, for extra degreasing)

Mix in a spray bottle and lightly mist your cabinet fronts. (Don’t oversaturate, as moisture can damage wood.) Then, use a flat mop with a dampened microfiber pad to wipe clean.

For tougher spots around handles or above the stove, keep a microfiber cloth handy. Spritz the solution directly onto the cloth for targeted cleaning.

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Final Touches

After cleaning, go over the cabinets with a clean, dry microfiber mop pad or cloth to buff out streaks and remove any excess moisture. For wood cabinets, you can also follow up with a product such as Howard Feed-N-Wax to restore shine and protect the finish.

Using a microfiber flat mop to clean kitchen cabinet fronts is a total game-changer. It’s fast, gentle on finishes, and saves you the hassle of climbing or crouching. Add a safe homemade cleaner to your routine, and you’ll keep your cabinets looking fresh with no elbow grease required.

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Organizing 3m read
557

Don’t Shop for Drawer Organizers Without Doing This First

A drawer organizer is one of the best ways to declutter your space, giving every random little knickknack a proper home. But all too often, we head to big-box stores with the best intentions of maximizing drawer space, only to find we miscalculated the dimensions (or didn’t calculate at all) and end up with organizers that don’t fit.

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.

A drawer organizer is one of the best ways to declutter your space, giving every random little knickknack a proper home. But all too often, we head to big-box stores with the best intentions of maximizing drawer space, only to find we miscalculated the dimensions (or didn’t calculate at all) and end up with organizers…

Measuring your drawers is one way to figure out what you need. But a visual aid you can take to the store, and physically arrange organizing solutions on, can ensure you get the perfect fit every time. Now, we’re not suggesting you remove your junk drawer and cart it all the way to The Container Store. The idea is to create a blueprint of your drawers to use as a visual guide when selecting dividers and other organizers.

Related: Create a Clutter-Free Home With These 10 Amazon Organizers

Map Your Way to Organization

To create a drawer blueprint, grab a roll of parchment paper (or kraft paper or packing paper — whatever you have on hand) and use it to trace each drawer’s dimensions. You can fold down any overlapping paper and tape the pieces together until you have one sheet that’s the exact width and length of the drawer. Jot down the drawer’s depth and bring a pocket tape measure to confirm the organizers are also the correct height.

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Then, take this blueprint with you to the store. Place the organizers directly on top of the parchment paper (as if you’re putting them inside the drawer) to see how everything fits together. This will help you take advantage of every square inch of space within the drawer and choose the best organizers in one shopping trip.

The best part (besides avoiding multiple trips to the store) is that if any awkward spaces are left over — which often happens with older furniture that doesn’t have standard sizing — you can get creative. Shop the store for decor items such as small dishes or baskets that can double as drawer organizers.

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Home Improvement 3m read
1,062

Never Struggle To Find the End of a Tape Roll Again

Few household annoyances are as frustrating as trying to find the end of a roll of tape. Whether it’s masking tape, packing tape, or cellophane tape, the end always seems to disappear just when you need it most. You peel, pick, and squint, only to waste time and damage your fingernails. But there’s a simple solution to this problem, likely already in your kitchen drawer: a plastic bread tab.

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.

Few household annoyances are as frustrating as trying to find the end of a roll of tape. Whether it’s masking tape, packing tape, or cellophane tape, the end always seems to disappear just when you need it most. You peel, pick, and squint, only to waste time and damage your fingernails. But there’s a simple…

That little plastic tab, usually tossed aside after finishing a loaf of bread, makes a perfect tape end marker. All you need to do is stick it at the end of the tape roll after your last use. This gives you a small, rigid handle that keeps the tape from folding back onto itself and makes the end instantly visible and easy to grab the next time around. No more scraping with your nails or losing inches of tape in the struggle.

Related: This Hack for Labeling Moving Boxes Is a Total Game Changer

Put an End to Your Tape Troubles

This hack couldn’t be easier. All you need is a roll of tape and a plastic bread tab. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Cut your tape as usual, making sure the end doesn’t re-adhere to the roll.

2. Place the plastic bread tab directly onto the sticky end of the tape. Position it so only about half of the tab makes contact with the tape’s end.

3. Press down gently on the bread tab so it sticks to the tape.

4. Every time you cut a piece of tape, remove the tab and re-adhere it to the new end of the tape roll.

The next time you reach for the tape, the bread tab will act as a convenient pull-tab. It’s easy, clean, and actually pretty satisfying.

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Bonus Hack: Tame Tangled Cords With Bread Tabs

If you’re swimming in a sea of mystery cords, bread tabs come to the rescue again. Use them as DIY cord labels. Just write the name of the device (e.g., “phone charger” or “lamp”) on the tab with a marker, and clip it onto the cord near the plug. No more guessing which black wire goes where.

Bread tabs are a perfect example of how a tiny, overlooked item can become a multitasking hero around the house. So, before you toss that next bread tab, consider keeping it in a junk drawer or container for small household fixes.

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Gardening 3m read
1,044

Wilting Hydrangeas? Hot Water Is All You Need To Revive Them

Late summer blooms allow you to soak up the last few weeks of warm weather, and hydrangeas are some of the most popular flowers this time of year. If you spend time exploring the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest or coastal East Coast enclaves such as Nantucket and the Hamptons, you’ll see bushes of blooms lining picket fences in shades of blue, pink, purple, and classic creamy white. They’re also a flower stand favorite at local farmers markets and nurseries alike. 

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.

Late summer blooms allow you to soak up the last few weeks of warm weather, and hydrangeas are some of the most popular flowers this time of year. If you spend time exploring the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest or coastal East Coast enclaves such as Nantucket and the Hamptons, you’ll see bushes of…

While cut hydrangeas can last for a week or more with proper care, they sometimes start to wilt just a few hours after being placed in a vase. When trimmed, the woody stems ooze sap that can clog the plant’s water-absorbing vessels, causing the flower heads to droop. If this happens to you, don’t lose hope — a soak in hot water can bring your sad-looking hydrangeas back to life 

The Hot Water Hydrangea Hack

Dunking wilted flowers in hot water might seem like a death sentence, but it’s a surprisingly effective trick for drooping hydrangeas. The hot water helps unclog the stems, allowing the flower heads and other parts of the plant to soak up some hydration.

Related: 3 Hacks To Keep Store-Bought Roses Fresh and Beautiful

To revive wilted hydrangeas, start by giving the stems a fresh cut. Then, pour hot tap water (between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit) into a large bowl. If you have a lot of blooms, you can also plug your kitchen sink and fill it with hot water. Submerge the cut hydrangeas (flowers, leaves, stems, and all) in the hot water and let them soak for around 40 minutes. These incredible blooms can absorb water through their petals and leaves (not just their stems), so they’ll perk back up in no time, looking freshly cut and ready for more summer days.

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Bonus Hack

If giving your hydrangeas a bath sounds like a lot of work, you can achieve similar results by boiling some water, pouring it into a heat-safe container, and letting the freshly cut stems soak for about two hours as the water cools. You may notice some discoloration on the stems afterward, but it won’t matter if you’re displaying them in a solid-color vase. Alternatively, you can use alum powder (found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores) to keep the blooms looking perky. Give the stems a quick trim, then dip the ends (up to 1 inch) into the white powder before returning them to a vase filled with fresh water.

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Food & Drink 3m read
20,868

Your Cheese Grater Has a Secret Spiralizer

The spiralizer is an interesting kitchen gadget. It reached peak popularity about a decade ago, when it was a staple in food blogs and late-night infomercials. Though the spiralizer fad has come and gone, it left an impact. Supermarkets now sell spiralized vegetable “noodles” in the produce section, and aficionados of state fair food routinely use their spiralizers to make “ribbon fries” at home.

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 spiralizer is an interesting kitchen gadget. It reached peak popularity about a decade ago, when it was a staple in food blogs and late-night infomercials. Though the spiralizer fad has come and gone, it left an impact. Supermarkets now sell spiralized vegetable “noodles” in the produce section, and aficionados of state fair food routinely…

You might know this dish by another name — tornado potato, rotato potato, chips on a stick — but it’s essentially long spirals of fried potato, cut on an industrial spiralizer and often served on a skewer for easier eating. (When referred to as ribbon fries, however, they’re typically served without a skewer.)

If you love that particular treat but don’t own a spiralizer, we have good news: a plain old box grater can do the job.

Making Curly Potatoes Without a Spiralizer

Start by laying your box grater on its side on your counter or workspace, with its wide slicing blade facing upward. It helps to put a damp towel underneath to keep it from sliding, just as you would to stabilize a cutting board. Then:

• Peel one or more russet potatoes, ensuring they’re large enough to make a nice spiral, but still comfortable to handle. Lightly trim one end of the potato with a paring knife; this will make for a clean start to the spiral.

• Push a long skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato so it comes out the other end. This step is optional, but it helps keep the potato intact and makes it easier to eat once fried.

• Place the flat end of the potato against the grater’s wide slicing blade, with the skewer centered in its opening.

• Gently press down and rotate the potato, forcing it to spiral through the blade.

• Continue until the entire potato has spiraled through the blade. Or use your paring knife to trim off the end once your fingers get perilously close to the blade.

• Stand up the box grater and tilt it to release the skewer and your newly spiralized potato. 

• Repeat with the remaining potatoes. Then, you can either fry them, or mist them with oil and pop them in the oven or air fryer. Check out this video tutorial if you need visual cues.

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Tip: Any time you’re pushing a vegetable toward a blade, there’s always a risk of cutting yourself. You might want to invest in some inexpensive cut-resistant gloves for your kitchen to protect against that.

Related: You’re Grating Cheese All Wrong

Other Cool Box Grater Hacks

Your box grater has more tricks up its sleeve, of course. You can use the spiral technique with its regular large grater side to make spiralized zucchini noodles (“zoodles”), or whip up low-carb lasagne by using the slicing blade as an improvised mandoline for long sheets of zucchini or other vegetables. You can even use the different-sized holes on your box grater to easily strip fresh herbs from their stems — a real time-saver when you’re cooking.

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Decorating 3m read
6,303

A Foolproof Formula for Perfectly Coordinated Sofa Pillows

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed throw pillow. Refreshing your living room doesn’t require maxing out your credit card or wrestling an oversized sectional through the front door. Sometimes, all it takes is a strategic pillow arrangement to make your sofa look like it belongs in an interior design magazine.

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.

Never underestimate the power of a well-placed throw pillow. Refreshing your living room doesn’t require maxing out your credit card or wrestling an oversized sectional through the front door. Sometimes, all it takes is a strategic pillow arrangement to make your sofa look like it belongs in an interior design magazine.

Take a cue from Jessica Bennett, owner and design principal at Alice Lane Home Collection, who recently shared a foolproof formula on TikTok: two solid-colored pillows plus one showstopping patterned pillow. It’s an easy-to-replicate combination that delivers a designer-approved look without the guesswork or eye-popping price tag.

Start With Symmetry

First, select a pair of matching, solid-colored pillows. Place one on each end of the sofa; this anchors the furnishing while providing symmetry. When choosing a color, find inspiration within other pieces in your living room — perhaps the terra-cotta threaded through your area rug or the navy blue painted on an accent wall. Soft neutrals such as creamy ivory, charcoal gray, or dusty blush are nearly guaranteed good choices, but don’t be afraid to go bold if your space could benefit from a splash of color.

Then Add a Pop of Pattern

For the wild card third pillow, let your personality shine. Throw pillows are an affordable way to mix up your living room’s design, so choose a pattern that pushes your comfort zone — whether a stripe, geometric, or floral design. Place this scene-stealer on one end of the sofa, nestled in front of a solid-colored pillow.

Create Depth

Color and pattern are a strong start, but for a truly luxurious feel, play with texture too. Mix linen or boucle solids with a velvet or wool patterned pillow for a richer, layered look. Textural contrast is an easy way to add warmth and depth without visual clutter. It’s the difference between a rigid hotel lobby couch and one you want to curl up on at the end of the day.

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Related: How To Make Your Throw Pillows Extra Fluffy

If you’re working with an oversized sofa or sectional, three pillows may appear puny. In that case, scale up to five pillows — three solids and two patterns — while sticking with the same principles: symmetry, textural depth, and a bold moment.

Bonus Tip: Retire the Karate Chop

Ditch the rigid “karate chop” on your pillows — that approach is stiff, much like your grandma’s plastic-covered formal sofa. Instead, embrace the gentle scrunch by lightly pressing on the top, bottom, and each side of the pillow. Slightly compressing all four sides exudes an effortless coziness.

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Cleaning 2m read
0

Easily Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

Pet hair is the bane of every cat and dog parent’s existence. It feels like it’s everywhere at all times, and it’s especially tricky to remove from soft or upholstered furniture. But there’s an easy solution for this, and it’s something you probably already have in your kitchen. That’s right — you can use good old rubber gloves (the kind for dishwashing or house cleaning) to remove pet hair from those pesky areas where it’s holding on for dear life. And it couldn’t be simpler to do: Don the gloves and run your hands over the area you want to clean, scraping off your “findings” into a trash can as you go.

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.

Pet hair is the bane of every cat and dog parent’s existence. It feels like it’s everywhere at all times, and it’s especially tricky to remove from soft or upholstered furniture. But there’s an easy solution for this, and it’s something you probably already have in your kitchen. That’s right — you can use good…

Harnessing Friction

This trick works because of the friction created between the rubber glove and the fabric. The friction generates static, causing pet hair (along with any other small, lightweight debris that might be hiding in the furniture) to stick to the glove.

You can use this hack on anything with a soft texture that might be harboring hair, including your sofa, rug, car seats, or curtains. Use your fingers to get into hard-to-reach places that other cleaning tools can’t access, such as between sofa cushions or behind car seats.

Take It to the Next Level

For especially hairy furniture, you can add a very small amount of water to the gloves; this helps them attract even more hair. (Just don’t add too much — the gloves should be damp, not wet.) If you want to take things up a notch, consider buying rubber gloves with built-in scrubbers. Their silicone nubs are great for catching stubborn strands.

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You can also take steps to minimize the problem at the source. While you’ll never be able to completely stop pets from shedding, you can make sure you’re grooming them regularly to gently remove dead hair before it gets all over your house. Make sure you’re giving dogs regular baths; you can even use grooming gloves, but go very slowly and gently, and stop if your dog seems stressed. Cats don’t need to be bathed regularly, but can benefit from gentle brushing with a wire brush (or a soft-bristled brush for more sensitive souls).

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Cleaning 3m read
982

This Powdered Drink Mix Deep Cleans Your Dishwasher

When wandering through the grocery store, you’re most likely to come across Tang in the beverage aisle. But some would argue that this powdered drink mix should actually be stocked among the cleaning supplies. That’s because Tang can do far more than just quench your thirst — it can also leave your dishwasher sparkling clean. If you’re skeptical about this claim, let’s explain how it works.

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.

When wandering through the grocery store, you’re most likely to come across Tang in the beverage aisle. But some would argue that this powdered drink mix should actually be stocked among the cleaning supplies. That’s because Tang can do far more than just quench your thirst — it can also leave your dishwasher sparkling clean.…

Tang — Not Just for Astronauts

Powdered Tang is naturally acidic and boasts a high citric acid content. Citric acid has long been used as a natural alternative to harsher cleaning products, making Tang a surprisingly useful tool for breaking down hard water deposits or built-up soap scum inside the dishwasher. Plus, because Tang is biodegradable and nontoxic, you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals coming into contact with your kitchenware.

To clean your dishwasher with Tang, first remove all dishes, glasses, and utensils so the appliance is completely empty. Next, run a normal, hot water cycle for about six minutes to help loosen any grime inside. Once those six minutes have elapsed, pause the cycle and open the door.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of Tang into the bottom of the dishwasher. There will most likely be some standing water that will mix with the orange-flavored powder, but add the Tang regardless. Shut the door and let the cycle continue, during which the hot water and Tang will work in tandem to break down all that gunk.

What Not To Do

Do not put powdered Tang into the dishwasher’s detergent compartment. Doing so could potentially damage your appliance, as it’s only designed to accommodate low-foaming detergent.

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Once the cycle is complete, your dishwasher should look noticeably cleaner. If any stubborn spots remain, simply run another cycle as described above until they’re eliminated. As a bonus, the Tang will leave behind a pleasant citrus scent. Repeat this process monthly to maintain a clean appliance, free of hard water deposits and nasty soap scum.

Related: 12 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher

The Surprising Versatility of Tang

Joey Green has spent years compiling alternative uses for brand-name products on his Wacky Uses blog. When it comes to Tang, Green suggests using it to clean toilet bowls: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of powdered Tang around the bowl, let it sit for an hour, use a toilet brush to remove any stains, and flush.

Tang can also be used to deter cats from scratching certain areas of your home. Cats are naturally averse to citrus, including oranges. Mix 2 cups of isopropyl alcohol with ½ teaspoon of orange-flavored Tang mix in a spray bottle. Spray it onto chair legs, couch corners, or any other potential problem areas. (We recommend conducting a spot test first to ensure the mixture doesn’t damage the fabric or finish.) This should prevent your furry little menace from scratching up the furniture without causing them harm.

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Organizing 3m read
787

This Freezer Hack Eliminates Bulky Boxes

It’s an all-too-common occurrence: You come home from the grocery store, and neatly stack your frozen pizzas, fish sticks, and TV dinners in the freezer. But when dinnertime rolls around and it’s time to heat up that chicken tikka masala, you reach for the freezer door handle and bam! All those boxes come toppling down.

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’s an all-too-common occurrence: You come home from the grocery store, and neatly stack your frozen pizzas, fish sticks, and TV dinners in the freezer. But when dinnertime rolls around and it’s time to heat up that chicken tikka masala, you reach for the freezer door handle and bam! All those boxes come toppling down.

When freezer space is limited, it’s important to stay on top of organization and be more selective about the frozen foods you keep in there. But if bulky boxes are still hogging all your storage space, we have an easy fix.

Say Goodbye to Bulk

When you haven’t opened a box of frozen food, it’s understandable to want to keep everything intact. However, once you crack open a box and its inner bag, things get messy in a hurry. Instead of carelessly rolling up the inner bag of frozen food and attempting to put it back in its original container, ditch the box entirely. Getting rid of the box instantly frees up valuable freezer space. Plus, if you roll the bag tightly and secure it with a clip, it can help prevent crumbs or small pieces from escaping.

Related: The Best Costco Finds To Stock Your Freezer With

Don’t Forget Your Labels

If you’re a creature of habit, you might have the cooking instructions for your favorite frozen goods memorized. (“Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.”) But you can’t go wrong with cutting them out of the original packaging and keeping them handy, just in case. While you’re at it, you can snip out the brand name and expiration date, too. Place these inside the bag and secure it with a clip, or attach them to the outside — either way, you’ll have all the important information right there.

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A Freezer Upgrade

Sometimes, the inner frozen bag might not be in the best shape. If that’s the case, upgrade to a sturdy, freezer-safe zip-top bag. And if you’d rather not cut out the brand label and cooking instructions, you can easily write them down on the freezer bag instead.

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Home Improvement 3m read
1,041

Bring Your Rusty Tools Back to Life

Rust might seem like the end of the road for your trusty screwdriver or hammer. But it’s surprisingly easy to give those rusted tools a makeover that will leave them looking completely rejuvenated. Gone are the days of buying costly replacements — here’s how you can bring them back to life.

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.

Rust might seem like the end of the road for your trusty screwdriver or hammer. But it’s surprisingly easy to give those rusted tools a makeover that will leave them looking completely rejuvenated. Gone are the days of buying costly replacements — here’s how you can bring them back to life.

Salt and Vinegar: Delicious and Practical

Salt and vinegar isn’t just a delicious potato chip flavor — it’s also the solution to this common frustration. A fair warning: This trick only works for nonelectric tools, as it involves submerging them in liquid. Attempting this with a rusted power drill, for instance, will almost certainly destroy its electrical components.

Grab an oversized food storage container or any other leakproof vessel that’s large enough to fit the tool. (We recommend using a container made of glass, ceramic, or food-safe plastic, as some metals can be corroded by the acid and salt.) Fully submerge the rusted tool in distilled white vinegar, then pour a thick layer of table salt directly onto the rusted area. Let the tool soak in the solution for 24 hours.

Related: A Simple Trick for Keeping Tools Rust-Free

Once 24 hours have passed, take the tool out of the vinegar. You should notice that much of the rust has already flaked off, but use a wire brush to remove any remaining bits from the tool’s nooks and crannies. Dry the tool completely with a clean rag to remove any vinegar and salt, then spray it with a bit of  WD-40 — this helps seal the tool’s finish and prevent further corrosion. Finally, give the tool another pass with a clean rag to dry it off, and it should now look rust-free and good as new.

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What About Rusted Power Tools?

Since you can’t submerge a power tool in vinegar without damaging it, here are a few safer solutions for removing rust, according to Home Depot. Both steel wool and coarse sandpaper are great for removing rust from affected areas. Once you’ve gotten rid of the larger areas of rust, use finer sandpaper to smooth the surface and eliminate any remaining specks.

Alternatively, baking soda can be quite handy. Mix one part baking soda with one part water in a bowl to form a paste, then apply it directly to the rusted area. After several hours, use a scrubber to brush away the paste and any rusty remnants, rinse with clean water, then dry the tool with a clean cloth.

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