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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
998

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
795

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
1,055

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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Gardening 3m read
448

How To Turn One Strawberry Plant Into Many

When the weather warms, many of us get the itch to do a bit of gardening. Strawberry plants are a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. They thrive in everything from planters to hanging baskets and even raised beds, making cultivating your own strawberry patch something anyone can do.

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 the weather warms, many of us get the itch to do a bit of gardening. Strawberry plants are a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. They thrive in everything from planters to hanging baskets and even raised beds, making cultivating your own strawberry patch something anyone can do.

The only potential issue for some is that acquiring enough strawberry plants might stretch their budget more than they’d like. However, this isn’t as big an obstacle as you might think, because strawberries are surprisingly easy to propagate. Once you have even one healthy, well-established plant, you can use it to produce as many additional strawberry plants as your space allows.

How To Propagate Strawberry Plants Easily

Chances are, most of us have seen a spider plant before. They’re one of the easiest houseplants to grow, partly because they produce long runners with clumps on them (often called “pups”) that can take root and become entirely new plants.

Well, strawberries do that, too. Along with the distinctive leaves, blossoms, and berries, you’ll see your plants pushing out runners: long, thin stems with little clumps of baby leaves on them. Here’s how to turn those into new plants.

1. Count the patches of small leaves along the runners; these are your future plants.

2. Prepare enough small pots for each of these “babies,” filling them with rich potting soil or your own compost.

3. Stretch the runner out so you can position one pot directly under each patch of leaves (keep the runners attached).

4. Mound a little extra soil over the leaf clump and water it well.

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That’s it! If you’re growing your strawberries outdoors, it’s even simpler: Just arrange the runners neatly and mound soil over the leaf clumps.

Related: Do This to Your Basil for Growth All Summer Long

In a couple of weeks, you’ll see roots developing where you’ve potted the runners. At that point, you can snip the original runner, and your new baby plants will continue to grow independently. Once they’re robust and well rooted, you can transplant them into their permanent homes and wait for them to put out their own runners. Keep this up until you’ve created the strawberry garden of your dreams.

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Food & Drink 2m read
656

Stop Kebab Sticks From Charring on the Grill

Nothing says summer like the smell of a sizzling grill. Meat and veggies are warm-weather staples when it comes to eating outdoors, and skewering them together is an easy way to enjoy a bit of everything in one bite. Kebabs are quick and straightforward to make, but those untreated wooden sticks sometimes pose a minor problem when it’s time to take them off the grill. Fortunately, we found a simple hack to keep that from happening to your kebabs.

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.

Nothing says summer like the smell of a sizzling grill. Meat and veggies are warm-weather staples when it comes to eating outdoors, and skewering them together is an easy way to enjoy a bit of everything in one bite. Kebabs are quick and straightforward to make, but those untreated wooden sticks sometimes pose a minor…

Keep Your Kebabs From Charring

If the ends of your wooden skewers burn on the grill, try this trick to keep them from ruining your summer fun. First, count out the wooden kebab skewers you’ll need and place them in a flat-bottomed pan large enough to hold them all, such as a casserole dish or roasting pan. Then, pour in enough water to completely cover the skewers. Getting your skewers wet helps prevent them from burning and splitting, and also makes them more pliable, so it’s easier to remove meat and vegetables once they’re cooked to perfection.

Related: Flip All Your Hot Dogs at Once With This Grilling Trick

Let the sticks soak for a while — we recommend at least 30 minutes, though keeping them submerged for an hour or two is your best bet. Once they’re fully soaked, remove them from their bath and use as many as you need to get your cookout underway. If you have any extra skewers, pop them in the freezer for fast, easy use the next time you light up the grill.

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More Ways To Save Your Kebabs

If planning ahead isn’t your strong suit, or if you grill kebabs often and don’t want to go to the trouble of soaking and storing wooden skewers, there’s another option: metal kebab skewers. These make grilling easy because they’re washable and reusable, ensuring you’ll always have them on hand. Not only that, but metal kebab skewers never burn, char, or split, so you can count on easy grilling every time.

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Decorating 2m read
1,148

The Wall Art Choice That Makes Small Spaces Feel Bigger

We live in the era of gallery walls, and while they might seem like the ultimate way to max out your wall space (the clusters of frames and knickknacks certainly allow you to go heavy on the decor), a less-is-more approach can actually make a bigger impact — especially in small spaces.

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.

We live in the era of gallery walls, and while they might seem like the ultimate way to max out your wall space (the clusters of frames and knickknacks certainly allow you to go heavy on the decor), a less-is-more approach can actually make a bigger impact — especially in small spaces.

Why Go Big?

A collection of framed artworks and photographs can make a space feel more crowded and less visually captivating. Conversely, hanging a large piece of artwork in a small space — or even on a small wall — can make the room appear larger than it is. This is because a single, oversized piece of artwork helps draw the eye upward and outward, creating the illusion of more space. It also allows you to make a bigger impact with your choice of artwork, taking advantage of vertical space rather than overcrowding your valuable floor space.

Adding a large piece of artwork to a smaller space can also have a more luxurious feel, elevating your home through captivating and savvy decor choices. Plus, it’s a lot simpler, so your walls won’t feel cluttered with multiple items.

Related: Your Utensil Drawer Holds the Secret to Perfectly Hung Pictures

To make a bold impact, hang the artwork symmetrically, aligning it not only with the center of the wall but also with the center of any furniture that’s set against it. If you want to add some interest (and have the wall space for it), try clustering three larger works of art to create a vignette. This offers a gallery wall feel without occupying the entire wall. You might also want to consider hanging the artwork so its center is slightly above eye level (just a smidge, not too high), to quite literally heighten the illusion of more space.

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Food & Drink 4m read
858

Does the Egg Float Test Really Determine Freshness?

Whether you’re preparing to cook a Denver omelet for breakfast or about to whip up a creamy lemon curd, it’s always a good idea to check the freshness of your raw eggs. When stored in the refrigerator, eggs are typically good for three to five weeks from the date of purchase, according to the USDA. If you still have the original carton the eggs were packaged in, you can easily check the expiration date, which is usually labeled “EXP.”

Whether you’re preparing to cook a Denver omelet for breakfast or about to whip up a creamy lemon curd, it’s always a good idea to check the freshness of your raw eggs. When stored in the refrigerator, eggs are typically good for three to five weeks from the date of purchase, according to the USDA.…

However, if the carton is long gone, or if you have your own backyard chicken coop with no way of remembering how long you’ve had the eggs, you may be wondering if there’s a method for determining their freshness. Many home cooks have heard of the “float test,” in which an egg is placed in a glass of water to see if it sinks or floats. If an egg sinks, it’s considered fresh and safe to eat; if it floats, that suggests it’s past its prime.

But is this hack scientifically proven, or is it just an old wives’ tale? Let’s find out.

The Theory Behind the Egg Test

As an egg ages, it loses moisture — primarily from the egg whites — and air enters through the shell’s pores, filling the void and forming an air sac inside. This air sac makes the egg less dense, causing it to float in water.

While the float test can indicate an egg’s freshness, it doesn’t confirm whether it’s safe to eat. Eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, either when the bacteria pass through the shell or if they are present from formation due to an infected hen. And salmonella can lead to food poisoning if a compromised egg is consumed.

The best way to determine whether an egg has spoiled is by giving it a good sniff. You can do this while the egg is inside its shell or cracked open — if it has a sulfurous smell, or the yolk or whites look discolored (potentially with pink, green, or black spots), throw it away. The shell may also have cracks, sliminess, or a powdery residue, suggesting bacteria have gained a foothold.

What Not To Do

Don’t risk it. If you think your egg is rotten, err on the side of caution and discard it. A bad egg can result in a salmonella infection, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

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Final Verdict

The egg float test is a somewhat reliable measure of an egg’s age, not its safety. In the U.S., commercially sold eggs are washed and sanitized, a process that removes the natural “bloom” or protective cuticle that seals the shells’ pores. Because this protective layer is gone, there’s a slight chance that even a relatively new egg, if stored in very dry conditions, might develop an enlarged air sac. However, it’s highly unlikely that an older egg would not develop an enlarged air sac, given how porous the shells are.

Related: The Hard-Boiled Egg Peeling Hack That’s Better Than All the Rest

A fresh egg should have no noticeable smell — if you’re in the clear and want to gauge its quality, by all means, drop it in a glass of water to find out. Older eggs may have thinner whites, flatter yolks, and a slightly faded color. This doesn’t mean they’re spoiled, though; many home cooks actually prefer such eggs for hard-boiling. Their weakened membranes and higher pH levels make them easier to peel — perfect for making egg salad, deviled eggs, or a creamy potato salad.

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Organizing 3m read
0

Your Entryway Needs a Returns Basket

Every home has that one spot where clutter mysteriously accumulates, often right by the front door. It’s where items meant to leave the house — a bag of donations for the thrift store, borrowed books due back to a friend, or that sweater you swore you’d return two weeks ago — somehow get stuck in limbo. The solution? A simple yet genius addition to your entryway: a returns basket.

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 that one spot where clutter mysteriously accumulates, often right by the front door. It’s where items meant to leave the house — a bag of donations for the thrift store, borrowed books due back to a friend, or that sweater you swore you’d return two weeks ago — somehow get stuck in…

What Is a Returns Basket?

Think of a returns basket as a temporary holding zone for anything that doesn’t belong in your home. It’s the perfect catchall for items destined to go elsewhere — library books, borrowed food storage containers, store returns, hand-me-downs, or packages heading to the post office. Instead of letting these things pile up in various corners of your house (or worse, forgetting them entirely), corral them in one designated basket near the door to keep your space tidier and your errands more streamlined.

Which Type To Choose

Not just any container will do. Choose a bin or basket with handles — something durable yet portable that you can easily grab on your way out. It doesn’t need to be fancy; even a simple canvas tote or lidded basket will do the trick. If you’re feeling especially organized, label it “Returns” to make its purpose crystal clear to everyone in the house.

The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require any tech, apps, or complicated routines. Just drop items in the basket as you think of them. Then, the next time you’re heading to the car, grab the basket and check off a few to-dos — no last-minute scrambling or forgotten packages.

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Bonus Tip

If you have little ones in your life, assign them their own mini returns section. It’s a great way to teach responsibility and keep track of school library books, forgotten jackets, or toys headed back to a friend’s house.

A returns basket may not seem like a big deal, but it solves a surprisingly persistent problem in most homes. By creating a dedicated space for outbound items, you’ll clear mental and physical clutter and finally stop letting returns, donations, and borrowed stuff collect dust.

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Home Improvement 3m read
862

How To Magnetize Any Screwdriver

It’s a tale as old as time: Your screwdriver does an admirable job of both driving and removing screws, and yet the fact that it isn’t magnetic leaves you feeling incomplete. Though especially prevalent among your standard flathead and Phillips varieties, lack of magnetism has also been known to afflict such lesser-known screwdriver types as Pozidriv, hex, tri-wing, Torx, and even Robertson.

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 a tale as old as time: Your screwdriver does an admirable job of both driving and removing screws, and yet the fact that it isn’t magnetic leaves you feeling incomplete. Though especially prevalent among your standard flathead and Phillips varieties, lack of magnetism has also been known to afflict such lesser-known screwdriver types as…

If you have grown weary of looking at your toolbox with a sense of longing every time you have trouble fitting a screw in a tight or awkward spot, fret not — this one weird trick is about to put an end to your frustration.

What You’ll Need

Nonmagnetic screwdriver

Neodymium magnet (aka rare-earth magnet)

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Say Goodbye to Dropped Screws

Start by quickly cleaning your screwdriver to ensure it’s neither wet nor dirty. Then, repeatedly rub the magnet along the screwdriver’s shaft in one direction, from the handle toward the tip. Depending on the strength of the magnet (that’s why a rare-earth variety is your best option here), this should take between 10 and 30 passes. Your screwdriver will now be magnetized, allowing you to attach screws to the head.

The magnetization can last anywhere from a few hours to several years, depending on the strength of the magnet used. If the effect lasts longer than you need it to, simply rub the magnet along the screwdriver’s shaft in the opposite direction to demagnetize it.

Related: A Fast Fix for Stripped Screws

In addition to making accessing hard-to-reach areas considerably easier, this hack has the added benefit of making you feel as though you’ve successfully conducted a small-scale physics experiment.

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Other Options To Consider

While the above trick will work in a pinch, you can always buy a magnetizer/demagnetizer tool to alternate between the two states whenever you please. You could also buy a magnetic screwdriver set, though they aren’t entirely without their downsides. They can collect metal debris that wouldn’t stick to their nonmagnetic counterparts, and it’s possible (though not likely) to damage certain electronic components when working with them.

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