Advertisement
Food & Drink 3m read
605

How To Store Spices Like a Chef

Culinarily speaking, one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in your kitchen is the spot where you store your spices and herbs. Square inch for square inch, there’s no other area that gives you such flavor and versatility for a relatively small investment in space. Yet, many of us don’t give enough thought to where we situate our spice storage, or what that implies for their lifespan. To put things into perspective, let’s take a look at how chefs store spices and herbs.

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.

Culinarily speaking, one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in your kitchen is the spot where you store your spices and herbs. Square inch for square inch, there’s no other area that gives you such flavor and versatility for a relatively small investment in space. Yet, many of us don’t give enough thought…

Know Your Enemy: What Conditions Age Spices Quickly?

The flavors of spices and dried herbs come from a range of volatile compounds — organic molecules that create the familiar aromas and sweet or savory tastes that tickle our taste buds. Some of these are highly volatile and evaporate quickly (that’s why fresh-ground spices have the most flavor), but others will last for a longer or shorter time depending on the conditions they face. The biggest factors that cause spices to go stale and lose their taste are:

• Heat and humidity

• Direct light

• Exposure to oxygen

Related: When You Should Toss Old Spices

A rack of spice jars hanging in a well-lit kitchen on the wall beside your stove (or worse yet, over it) is just about the worst-case scenario, but that’s where we often put them. Here’s how to change your storage habits to ensure peak, long-lasting flavor.

Advertisement

Professional-Grade Spice Storage

So, how do chefs store their spices? They start by choosing a cool, dark, well-ventilated location in or very close to the kitchen (such as a pantry). The cool and dark environment addresses the heat and light issues, while ventilation helps control humidity. Chefs also tend to buy their spices whole, grating or grinding them only as needed; this prevents oxidation and flavor loss. (For this, you’ll just need an inexpensive spice grinder or a small mortar and pestle.)

For spices you use infrequently and in small amounts, ordinary spice jars are perfectly fine, provided you keep them in a dark spot. For the spices you use more often, however, opt for small jars with an airtight seal. Mylar bags with a zipper seal are a good option for whole spices or dried herbs, and they take up less space inside a cupboard or drawer.

It’s fine to keep a few of your most-used spices near where you cook. For this setup, metal spice jars are your best bet, as they block light while allowing you to keep your favorites close to the stove. An in-drawer spice organizer is an excellent solution. You can find organizers that lay the spices flat in skinny drawers, or tiered versions for deeper drawers that angle the jars for space-efficient storage.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Panther Media Global/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Fred Decker
Writer
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Panther Media Global/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Cleaning 3m read
703

Remove Sweater Pills Using a Tool You Already Own

Frightful weather outside calls for cozy sweaters inside. Whether you’re wearing a brand-new style you snagged during a Black Friday sale, an incredible vintage find, or that favorite crewneck you always reach for this time of year, it’s hard to avoid pilling or shedding of the sweater fibers.

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.

Frightful weather outside calls for cozy sweaters inside. Whether you’re wearing a brand-new style you snagged during a Black Friday sale, an incredible vintage find, or that favorite crewneck you always reach for this time of year, it’s hard to avoid pilling or shedding of the sweater fibers.

Why Do Sweaters Pill?

The yarn used to knit sweaters consists of fibers (be it wool, cotton, cashmere, or synthetic materials like acrylic) spun together in a continuous strand. Depending on the materials used to create the fiber and the yarn’s construction, the knitted fabric can start to pill when it rubs against other surfaces or itself — such as the underarm area or around the waist and ribbing when layering with jackets. This is especially true for sweaters made with blended materials, such as wool and polyester, or any ultrasoft and shorter fiber, as these weaker fibers are easier to snag or break away from the strand. This breakage results in shedding or pilling.

How To Remove Pills From Sweaters

Although they’re annoying, pills are actually quite easy to remove. While you can invest in a fancy electric fabric shaver, you probably already have the best tool for removing pills stashed away in your bathroom. In a pinch, a sharp, new disposable razor can shave off the tiny wads of fiber and help reduce shedding. Any razor will work, as long as it doesn’t have a moisture strip (which can cause more pilling). However, a single blade razor is preferred because it provides a little more control when trimming off the pills.

Advertisement
Related: The Best Amazon Finds for a Neat and Organized Closet

To remove pills, lay the sweater on a flat surface, then use one hand to hold the material taut. Gently glide the razor in short, upward strokes with light pressure. Unlike with actual shaving, you don’t want to glide the razor too close to the fabric. Instead, focus on reducing the pills on the surface, being careful not to scrape the underlying fabric. Once you’re finished, use a piece of tape to clean up the trimmed pills and fibers.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Gunars/ Adobe Stock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Jessie Quinn
Writer
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more.
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Gunars/ Adobe Stock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Organizing 3m read
30

Do This Now To Avoid Tangled Christmas Lights Next Year

The last present has been unwrapped, the final cookie consumed, and you can’t stand to hear one more holiday song. You know what that means: It’s time to tackle the bittersweet task of taking down the Christmas tree. If you’ve ever spent an entire afternoon accidentally building a ball of knots, consider this end-of-season cheer: There’s an easy way to ensure tangle-free Christmas lights for next year, and you don’t need anything except a regular coat hanger.

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 last present has been unwrapped, the final cookie consumed, and you can’t stand to hear one more holiday song. You know what that means: It’s time to tackle the bittersweet task of taking down the Christmas tree. If you’ve ever spent an entire afternoon accidentally building a ball of knots, consider this end-of-season cheer:…

This hack keeps your lights neat, compact, and blissfully organized until next season. Your future self will thank you.

How To Wind Lights on Hangers

Instead of pulling an entire strand of lights off the tree, wrap it around a hanger as you take it off branch by branch. Start at the plug end and wind the strand around the hanger — narrow end to wide end, then back again. Think of it like wrapping a hose around a reel.

Related: An Inexpensive Storage Hack for Christmas Ornaments

Keep gentle tension on the strand as you wrap; this ensures the lights lie flat and prevents loops from slipping off. Once you’ve wrapped an entire strand, secure the last few inches by tucking them under a wrapped section or looping them around the hanger’s hook. The result is a tidy, portable bundle of lights that won’t morph into a knotted mess over the next 11 months. 

Advertisement

Where To Store the Hangers

Your newly wrapped hangers can hang on a closet rod, making them easy to store. If you have space to spare in a coat closet or guest bedroom wardrobe, group all of your light bundles together to free up valuable floor space. Then, whenever you decide to decorate again, simply grab a hanger, head to the tree, and unwind the strand with ease. Your tree will be glowing before you know it — no detangling sessions required.

Label Before You Store

Before storing your light bundles, label each hanger by wrapping a piece of masking tape around its neck. Quick identifiers, such as “tree lights” or “outdoor garland,” will ensure you know which set goes where next December. This means no more guesswork — just effortless holiday magic.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  LeoPatrizi/ iStock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Megan McCarty
Writer
Megan McCarty is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers the fun stuff: design, travel, wellness, beauty, and fashion. She has written for publications including Domino, The Spruce, MyDomaine, Bustle, and Rue Magazine. Her life rules include, but are not limited to, zipper when merging, contribute to your IRA, and do the nice thing.
Megan McCarty is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers the fun stuff: design, travel, wellness, beauty, and fashion. She has written for publications including Domino, The Spruce, MyDomaine, Bustle, and Rue Magazine. Her life rules include, but are not limited to, zipper when merging, contribute to your IRA, and do the nice thing.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  LeoPatrizi/ iStock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Home Improvement 3m read
1,489

Stop Snow From Clinging to Your Shovel With This

Winter is full of fun activities, from skiing down the slopes to making snow angels, but it’s also a time for painstaking chores. Perhaps none is more grueling than shoveling snow. Unless you own a snowblower — or know a teenager who’s willing to help you shovel in exchange for a few bucks or some pizza — you’ll probably end up clearing all the pathways yourself. Here’s a tip to make this difficult task a little easier — all you’ll need is a staple found in nearly every kitchen.

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.

Winter is full of fun activities, from skiing down the slopes to making snow angels, but it’s also a time for painstaking chores. Perhaps none is more grueling than shoveling snow. Unless you own a snowblower — or know a teenager who’s willing to help you shovel in exchange for a few bucks or some…

The Solution? Cooking Spray

Getting snow stuck to the shovel is a far too common occurrence. And as snow freezes to the metal or plastic, it prevents you from scooping up a full load, making shoveling the driveway a lengthier and more arduous process.

Enter cooking spray: Much like it keeps food from sticking to a pan, it can also help prevent snow from sticking to your shovel. If you don’t have any cooking spray available, vegetable oil and wax are suitable alternatives. (Think candle wax, car wax, or even ski and snowboard wax, which is formulated for freezing conditions.)

Related: Defrost Your Windshield in Seconds With This Life-Changing Hack

Before heading outside, coat both sides of the blade with cooking spray. As you toil away, you’ll notice the snow sliding off with relative ease. This keeps your shovel operating at maximum efficiency, so you won’t have to waste time whacking it against the ground to unstick frozen snow. Reapply the cooking spray every 30 minutes or as needed.

Advertisement

Know the Limitations

Despite the usefulness of this hack, there are a number of important caveats. First, if you leave the shovel outside in the freezing cold the night before shoveling, the cooking spray will do little to help. The oil isn’t powerful enough to prevent sticking if the shovel itself is too cold to begin with. This is why you should always store shovels inside a garage, foyer, or any location where temperatures remain above freezing.

Second, this hack works only with slightly slushy snow that has started to melt and would otherwise stick to the blade. If you’re dealing with dry, hard snow, that type won’t stick anyway, which makes applying cooking spray redundant.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Unsplash+ via Getty Images | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Unsplash+ via Getty Images | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Organizing 3m read
181

How To Keep Your Kitchen Clutter-Free Year-Round

Keeping your kitchen clutter-free year-round doesn’t require a full renovation; it just takes a smart seasonal mindset and a few practical steps. Think of it like your wardrobe: You wouldn’t keep your winter coats front and center in August, so why should seldom-used kitchen gear occupy prime real estate? By rotating your kitchen items with the seasons, you can make your space work smarter, not harder.

Keeping your kitchen clutter-free year-round doesn’t require a full renovation; it just takes a smart seasonal mindset and a few practical steps. Think of it like your wardrobe: You wouldn’t keep your winter coats front and center in August, so why should seldom-used kitchen gear occupy prime real estate? By rotating your kitchen items with…

Audit and Categorize

Start by opening all your cabinets and drawers and pulling everything out. Identify three categories: daily essentials, seasonal/occasional items, and never or rarely used. Daily essentials — such as the coffee maker, your favorite frying pan, and frequently used dishes — should stay within easy reach. Seasonal or occasional items (large roasting pans, festive mugs, and specialty baking supplies) should go into a storage box or a less accessible location, perhaps alongside your holiday decorations.

Items that are never or rarely used should be decluttered and donated. If you simply can’t part with something, like the fondue set you inherited from your grandmother, find a dedicated storage spot for it outside of the kitchen. This seasonal swap helps reclaim precious kitchen space.

Related: Declutter 100 Items in 10 Days Using This Simple Method

Choose Better Spots for Less-Used Items

Once you’ve identified your seasonal or occasional items, give them a designated, off-to-the-side spot. This could be a shelf above the cabinets, a storage closet, or even the garage. Consider storing items that show up only once or twice a year — think holiday cookie cutters, themed serveware, and specialty appliances — in these less busy locations so your everyday zones stay clear.

Advertisement

Swap the Lineup as Seasons Change

When the seasons change or a major holiday concludes, take a few minutes to handle the swap. Move the summer grilling gear out after Labor Day. Bring in the holiday baking tools in November, and put them away early in the new year. The key is to use the seasonal transition as your trigger for decluttering and restocking the daily zone. This simple check-in helps prevent “back-of-the-cupboard” surprises, like finding a forgotten Santa mug at the bottom of a drawer.

Label and Maintain

Label storage boxes with their contents so you don’t have to rummage through six tubs looking for the gravy boat. Before storing, inspect items for damage, clean them thoroughly, and make sure they’re dry. Checking everything carefully before tucking it away will help you avoid potential pest or moisture damage issues.

Enjoy the Result

Once the seasonal rotation is complete, your cabinets and counters will feel breathable, your tools will be easier to find, and your entire kitchen will operate efficiently. A clutter-free kitchen isn’t only peaceful; it makes cooking, entertaining, and cleaning far more enjoyable.

Ultimately, a clutter-free kitchen isn’t about having less stuff — it’s about keeping the right stuff in the right place at the right time. With a seasonal swap, your kitchen can stay organized and efficient year-round.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  2K Studio/ iStock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Jill Layton
Writer
Jill Layton started writing professionally when she realized her emails and texts were kinda funny. She’s an affiliate shopping writer and lifestyle contributor for Scary Mommy, Bustle, Mic, and Best Products. She’s the mom of two alarmingly witty kids and the world’s most perfect dog.
Jill Layton started writing professionally when she realized her emails and texts were kinda funny. She’s an affiliate shopping writer and lifestyle contributor for Scary Mommy, Bustle, Mic, and Best Products. She’s the mom of two alarmingly witty kids and the world’s most perfect dog.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  2K Studio/ iStock | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Food & Drink 3m read
3,058

Are You Still Shredding Meat by Hand? Try This Instead

Whether you’re an avid barbecuer or tearing up some chicken for a hearty bowl of soup, you may find yourself shredding meat by hand from time to time. But doing so can be a tedious process, and handling meat fresh off the grill can be painfully hot. However, we’ve found a solution that not only keeps hands clean and avoids burns but also shreds meat with maximum efficiency in just a few seconds flat.

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.

Whether you’re an avid barbecuer or tearing up some chicken for a hearty bowl of soup, you may find yourself shredding meat by hand from time to time. But doing so can be a tedious process, and handling meat fresh off the grill can be painfully hot. However, we’ve found a solution that not only…

Mixing Things Up

A stand mixer is the tool you never knew you needed for shredding meat. The key is to use the appliance’s paddle attachment (aka flat beater), as it results in uniform shreds and effectively contains the mess. Other attachments, such as the wire whip or dough hook, won’t be much help. If you don’t own a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer with a beater attachment on the lowest speed setting. (Beaters are the standard attachments most models come with; they are teardrop-shaped with two loops of twisted metal.)

Once you’ve attached the paddle to your stand mixer, break the meat into large chunks and add it into the bowl. Turn the mixer to its lowest speed setting, and watch how quickly the paddle works its magic. The entire process may take only about 10 seconds (assuming the meat is tender and still warmed through).

Hot Tip

It’s always a good idea to shred meat while it’s hot, or at least warm, as the heat helps the muscle fibers separate cleanly. This results in long, fine shreds with a fluffier texture.

Advertisement

Once the meat is shredded, stop the mixer, add in your favorite barbecue sauce (if desired), and run the appliance for five more seconds to mix everything together. At this point, your meat should be evenly sauced and ready to serve.

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

One-Bowl Wonder

Not only does the mixer do a better job of shredding than hands ever could, but the bowl captures juices that would have otherwise been lost on the cutting board. You can then use these captured juices to make a sauce or help keep the meat moist. The bowl also serves as the perfect vessel for combining messy ingredients, such as pulled pork and coleslaw when preparing sandwiches.

This mixing method saves you a good chunk of time and makes cleanup a breeze, since the entire mess stays contained within the bowl and on the paddle, rather than spreading all over the countertop. The faster you finish cleaning, the sooner you can get to enjoying the delicious meal in front of you.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Brigette Supernova/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 19, 2025 |
Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Brigette Supernova/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 19, 2025 |
Advertisement
Gardening 3m read
717

The First Thing You Must Do With Every New Plant

Becoming a “plant parent” is a crash course in plant care. Like any other living thing in your home — whether it’s a puppy or a sourdough starter — houseplants need a little nurturing. Unlike with a puppy or sourdough, however, it takes a while for their problems to become obvious. That’s how issues with one plant can spread to others before you ever realize what’s going on. If you want to avoid that and keep your existing plants healthy, it’s absolutely essential to quarantine any new plants you add to your household.

Becoming a “plant parent” is a crash course in plant care. Like any other living thing in your home — whether it’s a puppy or a sourdough starter — houseplants need a little nurturing. Unlike with a puppy or sourdough, however, it takes a while for their problems to become obvious. That’s how issues with…

Why Quarantining New Plants Is a Must

When you bring new houseplants into your home, you’re placing a great deal of trust in the supplier. Whether it comes from a store, a nursery, a friend, or a family member, always use discretion. Some sources are inherently better than others: A successful, reputable nursery, for example, is usually better than a supermarket, department store, or hardware store.

Related: 20 Essential Hacks Every Plant Parent Needs To Know

Still, no matter how trustworthy the source, don’t just plop a new plant down in the middle of the ones you’re already growing. The last thing you want is to infest your entire collection with aphids, spider mites, or some ghastly fungal or bacterial infection. A “time out” in quarantine should always be your starting point.

Advertisement

Managing the Quarantine

Picking a spot to isolate your new plant is the first step. This can be a challenge if every well-lit area in your house already has a plant or two. Ideally, the quarantine area should be in a room with no other plants. If that’s not possible, then place it as far away from your other plants as you can, specifically in a spot where air circulation won’t run from the new plant to your existing ones. If you must use a dark corner, plan on giving your new plant supplemental light from a grow light.

Next, give your new plant a thorough inspection. Look closely for curled leaves, spots, bumps, browning edges, wilting, or other signs of distress. Don’t forget to check the soil for larvae or insects as well. If you find any of these issues, consult the nursery or an online resource to determine the problem and treat it appropriately, whether with a pesticide, fungicide, or maybe just a good, deep watering. Then, continue to monitor the plant for about a week to see how it responds (and always wash your hands after handling it). When you’re confident that the problems are either nonexistent or resolved — and only then — you can move it to its permanent location.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Karola G/ Pexels | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Fred Decker
Writer
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Karola G/ Pexels | Updated  Dec 16, 2025 |
Advertisement
Decorating 2m read
29

Tired of Crooked Frames? Try This Easy Fix

You could spend all day planning where you want to hang your picture and art frames, even making marks on the wall with a pencil, lining spots with painter’s tape, or cutting out pieces of kraft paper to map things out. Yet, when you leave frames hanging for a while — particularly on a wire or string using a single hook, nail, or screw — they can easily become crooked. Whether because of the constant foot traffic in your home or the vibrations from doors opening and closing, a once-leveled frame can tilt and shift over time. Luckily, all you need is some handy museum putty to firmly secure it in place. The fix costs under $10, and it’ll take only a few minutes of your time.

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

You could spend all day planning where you want to hang your picture and art frames, even making marks on the wall with a pencil, lining spots with painter’s tape, or cutting out pieces of kraft paper to map things out. Yet, when you leave frames hanging for a while — particularly on a wire…

How To Fix Crooked Picture Frames

Museum gel is a miracle worker for keeping objects from sliding and falling, and its counterpart, museum putty, is just as effective. Museum putty — a thick, opaque, moldable adhesive — can be used to attach the back of a frame to your wall, preventing it from moving or shifting. The putty is designed to be removable and reusable, so you can take it off without damaging any surfaces.

To use museum putty to secure picture frames, pull off a small amount and roll it between your fingers until it softens. Apply a pea-sized ball of putty to each corner on the back of the frame you want to stabilize. Then hang the frame back on its hook, nail, or screw, make sure it’s level, and firmly press the frame against the wall. Now that the frame is anchored to the wall, you won’t have to worry about it going crooked and needing to be readjusted.

Advertisement
Related: 6 Tips for Arranging a Cohesive Gallery Wall

Museum putty is perfect not just for picture frames and wall art, but also for all the other pieces you hang up on your walls. This hack is a great solution for securing mirrors or even small floating shelves that tend to shift and become crooked.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Home Improvement 3m read
129

This Simple Hack Keeps Rodents From Sneaking Inside

Most homeowners have a clearly drawn line regarding which furry creatures are allowed indoors. While pet cats and dogs are OK, wild mice and rats are largely considered rodents non grata. Yet, determined vermin may still find a way to sneak inside, exposing cracks and crevices you might have overlooked. Here’s one hack that could solve this problem and keep pesky pests from entering your 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.

Most homeowners have a clearly drawn line regarding which furry creatures are allowed indoors. While pet cats and dogs are OK, wild mice and rats are largely considered rodents non grata. Yet, determined vermin may still find a way to sneak inside, exposing cracks and crevices you might have overlooked. Here’s one hack that could…

A Solution That’s Sharp as Steel

Rodents are highly intelligent critters with a good sense of smell, and they can easily track down warm air currents. This helps them locate potential entry points into a home, and their compressible bodies allow them to squeeze through the tightest of gaps — including those as small as a dime. We’re talking under baseboards, around pipes, or anywhere else there might be even an inch of open space. And if you fill the gaps with the wrong material, the rodents will simply chew right through it and come inside anyway.

Related: Do This Once a Year To Save Your Home From Rot

But one material that effectively deters mice and rats is grade 4 steel wool, which has sharp edges that prevent rodents from chewing through it. So if you have a rodent problem, grab some steel wool and fill up all the holes you find. You should use a screwdriver to push the wool into narrow gaps that your fingers may not be able to reach.

Advertisement

Go around the house and firmly lodge the wool below baseboards, around cable entrances, behind appliances, or anywhere else you discover openings. Make sure it’s tightly packed, because if you leave even the slightest gap, a rodent will likely find its way past the wool. For larger holes, use expanding foam alongside steel wool. This creates an airtight seal for added protection. As a bonus, the foam also prevents cold, drafty air from creeping into the home.

It’s important to note that steel wool is prone to rusting and should not be used on any openings exposed to moisture. For outdoor gaps or those around plumbing, use copper mesh instead; it’s rust-resistant and will do just as good a job of keeping vermin from getting inside.

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Sergio Delle Vedove/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 8, 2025 |
Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Sergio Delle Vedove/ Alamy Stock Photo | Updated  Dec 8, 2025 |
Advertisement
Gardening 2m read
1,011

Does Adding Rocks to Plant Pots Really Help Drainage?

We love uncovering the best hacks to make your home a happier, more efficient, and more beautiful place to live. But sometimes we come across viral tips that are more urban legend than clever hack. You may have heard, for example, that adding rocks to the bottom of your plant’s pot can help with drainage. We’ve even tried this trick on our own plant babies several times. Unfortunately, it actually has the opposite effect.

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 love uncovering the best hacks to make your home a happier, more efficient, and more beautiful place to live. But sometimes we come across viral tips that are more urban legend than clever hack. You may have heard, for example, that adding rocks to the bottom of your plant’s pot can help with drainage.…

Rocks Invite Root Rot

It’s a commonly believed houseplant myth that placing small rocks at the bottom of your plant’s pot promises better drainage. Honestly, we aren’t surprised it’s so well known — we can envision the trickle-down stream as we type this. But the truth is, the rocks create what’s known as a perched water table. This phenomenon causes water to accumulate and fully saturate the soil layer just above the rocks, preventing drainage and often leading to root rot.

Related: Why You Should Shower With Your Plants

Instead of placing a layer of rocks at the bottom of your plant pots, try adding a layer to the surface. Surface rocks can help with drainage and are a great solution for thirsty plants, since they act as a barrier to prevent evaporation and retain moisture. Placing rocks on top of your soil can also keep weeds at bay and provides a nice, clean look.

Advertisement

A Rock-Solid Idea

You can use rocks to create humidity for your plants, too. If you have a tropical houseplant — which most popular ones are — and don’t live in a tropical climate, your plant likely isn’t getting enough year-round humidity. To remedy this, you can get a larger plant saucer (around 3 inches wider than your pot’s base) and fill it with small rocks. Add a shallow layer of water to the tray, then place your pot on top. If your pot has drainage holes (which it definitely should), make sure any exposed roots are sitting above the water level. As the water in the tray evaporates, the plant will absorb the humidity. 

Advertisement
Featured Image Credit:  Elena Perova/ iStock | Updated  Dec 8, 2025 |
Jessie Quinn
Writer
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more.
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Featured Image Credit:  Elena Perova/ iStock | Updated  Dec 8, 2025 |