3m read

The Meat-Freezing Hack That Saves Time and Storage Space

Most of us don’t have as much storage space as we’d like, and that’s especially true when it comes to our freezers. Stocking up on staples such as ground beef or sausage whenever they’re on sale can help you stretch your budget, but only if you have somewhere to store them until needed. That’s why this hack for freezing meat is so effective: It saves space and time.

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A Simple Hack for Freezing Meat

The next time you buy any kind of ground meat or poultry, try this hack. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along. First, remove the meat from its original packaging (plastic wrap over a tray isn’t ideal for freezing anyway). Place the meat in a heavy-duty, zipper-seal freezer bag. Half-seal the bag, leaving one side open for air to escape. Then, use the side of a wine bottle (or a rolling pin) to roll it flat, squeezing out the air as you go. When you’re done, fully seal the bag.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, this technique actually does a lot for you. First, by squeezing out the air and pressing the bag to the meat, you’re protecting against deterioration and freezer burn (it’s almost as good as vacuum sealing). Second, your meat will freeze faster, which is beneficial for both food safety and preserving quality. Third, your meat will take up less space in the freezer, so you can pack more in. And finally, thawing meat becomes much faster due to the increased surface area.

A Couple of Extra Tips

Want to make it easy to organize and find your flat-packed meats in the freezer? Grab an inexpensive storage container that’s wide enough for the bags and fits your freezer. A magazine file or mail organizer works great for this — just make sure it’s made of plastic or metal. Once the bags are frozen flat, stand them upright in the container. This allows you to easily flip through them and quickly find what you’re looking for.

Don’t stop with meats — this hack also works wonderfully for pureed or mashed vegetables and fruit (think baked winter squash or overripe bananas already mashed and measured for use in recipes). You can also puree fresh herbs in a blender or food processor with a little bit of oil and freeze them flat in smaller bags. When you’re cooking, simply break off a piece, throw it in the pan, and return the rest to your freezer.

Home Improvement

6m read

10 Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything

PSA: Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. Whether you’re planning ahead or scrambling to find a last-minute gift, one thing is certain: Dads can be incredibly difficult to shop for. This is especially true for the dad who has everything (or claims he does when you ask what he wants for his dedicated day). If you’re feeling stuck on what to get your dad, spouse, or father figure, you’re not alone: A recent survey of 2,000 adults found that 38% consider their dad the hardest to shop for, compared to only 15% who feel the same about their moms.

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.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up our top gift picks for the man who tells you to “save your money for something else.” Whether he’s into birding, grilling, exercising, or some other activity ending in “-ing,” here’s a mix of budget-friendly and splurge-worthy selects, plus some Father’s Day gifts you can buy last-minute.

The Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything

1. Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder With Camera

If your dad’s idea of small talk is filling you in on his weekly tally of goldfinch sightings, consider gifting him a Bird Buddy. This smart bird feeder captures high-resolution photos and video, accessed through an app with AI-powered bird identification. Unlike similar models, the Bird Buddy does not require a monthly subscription to access key features such as bird postcards, live streaming, and species identification. The Bird Buddy is also available in a hummingbird model if Dad always looks forward to their spring arrival.

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder With HD Camera and AI-powered bird identification through an app.

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder With Camera

Price: $199.00

BUY NOW

2. TheraGun Therabody Mini

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a massage tool — and no one does it quite like TheraGun. The Therabody Mini is a portable massage gun that can help relieve tension, aches and pains, and even stress. It weighs less than a pound and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, offering up to 180 minutes of targeted relief per charge. Give Dad the gift of relaxation after a long day or some post-workout muscle recovery without a visit to the massage therapist.

TheraGun Therabody Mini

Price: $219.99

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3. What’s For Dinner Dice

For a budget-friendly Father’s Day gift idea, consider the What’s For Dinner Dice. This is a fun game that helps Dad (and the family) decide what to eat for dinner, with options such as pizza, steak, chicken, sushi, and pasta. Simply roll the die and head to the grocery store — the what-to-make-for-dinner dilemma is solved.

What’s For Dinner Dice

Price: $7.29

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4. Rolling Grill Baskets

Given that Father’s Day falls in the middle of June, a grill gadget is a seasonally appropriate gift. But don’t just buy him a new apron and call it a day. These Rolling Grill Baskets from Amazon are a fun and functional addition to weekend barbecues with the family. Fill them with smaller items you don’t want getting lost between the grill grates, such as homemade fries, chopped vegetables, and marinated shrimp. Pair these two rolling grill baskets with some mouthwatering sauces, such as the Smash Kitchen Organic Hot Honey BBQ Sauce or Kinder’s Bourbon Peach Wing Sauce.

Two cylindrical wire baskets with wooden handles on a grill. Inside the baskets are chopped veggies.

Rolling Grill Baskets

Price: $23.99

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5. LEATHERMAN Wave+

The LEATHERMAN Wave+ is the ultimate multitool and a great gift for an outdoorsy or DIY dad. This versatile tool is like a modern-day pocket knife, featuring 18 tools built into a compact design. It includes a knife, pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, a wire cutter, a ruler, and even a bottle opener. The Wave+ is also available on Amazon, making it one of the best last-minute Father’s Day gift ideas.

LEATHERMAN Wave+

Price: $119.95

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6. Huski Wine Chiller

For the dad who’s a true oenophile, consider something practical he might not splurge on for himself, such as the Huski Wine Chiller. This wine chiller is specifically designed to fit around most 750 milliliter bottles and features an adjustable height mechanism for a secure fit. It keeps wine chilled for up to six hours and doesn’t perspire, ensuring his beach bag or picnic basket remains completely dry.

Huski Wine Chiller

Price: $49.99

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7. Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal

If you’re truly stuck on what to get your dad for Father’s Day (and he keeps telling you not to get him anything), the Dad’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal is an excellent option. With dedicated sections and writing prompts, this guided journal helps Dad preserve his life story and memories so family members can learn more about their beloved patriarch.

A dusty blue journal with a gold design on the cover that says "Dad's Story."

Dad's Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal

Price: $20.73

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8. Oura Ring 4

For a splurge-worthy Father’s Day gift, look no further than the Oura Ring 4. This wearable fitness tracker monitors over 30 biometrics, including sleep, activity, stress, metabolic health, and heart health. It’s water-resistant for around-the-clock wear and offers up to eight days of battery life. It’s a particularly great gift for active (and data-driven) dads seeking to keep tabs on their health.

Oura Ring 4

Price: $349.00

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9. Paper Love Happy Father’s Day Pop Up Card

Instead of a basic Father’s Day card from the dollar store, why not have some fun with a pop-up design? The Paper Love Happy Father’s Day Pop Up Card from Amazon will catch Dad by surprise and has plenty of space for writing a personalized message. Slip in a gift card to his favorite restaurant or tickets to a sports game for a memorable, if slightly over-the-top, way to celebrate him.

Paper Love Happy Father's Day Pop Up Card

Price: $13.29

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10. MEATER Plus: Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer

Take Dad’s grilling (or cooking) to the next level with the MEATER Plus. This smart meat thermometer is designed with app connectivity so he can achieve perfectly cooked steak every time. The app also features step-by-step cooking instructions, making it the perfect gift for novice cooks and pit masters alike.

MEATER Plus: Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer

Price: $99.00

BUY NOW

Home Improvement

7m read

10 Affordable Upgrades Realtors Say Increase the Value of Your Home

Selling a house is an expensive undertaking. Beyond the typical expenses, such as real estate commissions and closing costs, you may have to shell out for professional home staging, recurring cleaning services, or even a pre-listing home inspection. In many cases, these costs are recouped when you sell your home, but getting to that point requires you to present your property in the best possible light.

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

If major home improvements, such as replacing garage doors or remodeling the kitchen, are out of budget, there are other, more affordable upgrades you can make to help your home sell quickly and potentially for more money. In this case, we’ve defined “affordable” as projects costing less than $500, although prices may vary depending on where you live.

To find out which value-adding upgrades realtors recommend, we spoke to Abbey Drummond of Windermere Real Estate in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Dani Rosenthal of Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Lake Arrowhead, California. Here are their tips.

1. Touch Up Exterior Paint

Peeling paint is a telltale sign of deferred maintenance. But instead of repainting your entire house, which could cost thousands of dollars, Rosenthal recommends touching up any areas where the paint is coming off. “To me, that’s number one because it sets the tone when you walk into a house,” she says.

Both realtors we spoke to also advise repainting the front door a compelling accent color. “The exact color will depend on the house, but a contrasting color is always a good choice — you want something that stands out,” Rosenthal says.

2. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can increase a home’s value by 7% to 14%, according to a study from the University of Texas at Arlington. Drummond says you can add visual appeal to your home’s exterior through simple, inexpensive refreshes. “Anything from fresh mulch, updated house numbers, a new mailbox, or a bold front door color improves the curb appeal,” she explains. “Buyers form their first impressions before they even step inside, so you have to make [curb appeal] count.”

3. Update Light Fixtures

Lighting trends come and go — that shiny brass chandelier may have been on trend when you purchased it in the ’90s, but now, it makes your house feel outdated. “I’m a huge advocate for updating light fixtures,” Drummond says. “They go a long way, especially if the existing ones all kind of look the same.” If you never replaced the builder-grade lighting that came with your home, or your design choices harken back to another century, consider upgrading and differentiating your fixtures.

“There are tons of affordable, stylish light fixtures available online through retailers like Wayfair and Amazon,” Rosenthal says. “Modernizing light fixtures enhances the visual appeal of the house and improves buyers’ perceptions of it.”

4. Neutralize Any Bold Colors

You might love your bedroom’s purple accent wall, but to a buyer, it’s yet another project for them to tackle after moving in. And that may turn some home shoppers away, especially those looking for a turnkey property. “It’s important to repaint any bold colors in the house,” Drummond notes. “This helps buyers visualize the home as their own and creates a clean, cohesive look.” Choose a light neutral paint color, such as white, beige, or greige, that serves as a versatile backdrop.

Drummond also advises “touching up any scuffed walls, trim, or baseboards” before sticking a for-sale sign in the yard. Sellers often overlook this project (it’s easy to become blind to a chip in the doorframe you see every day), but these small touch-ups show pride of ownership.

5. Clean Up the Exterior

“Exterior cleanup, whether it’s power washing your house to remove cobwebs or dust, or hiring a professional window washing service, really helps with presentation,” Rosenthal says. “The goal is always to provide a clean and well-maintained look.”

Beyond the obvious tasks such as mowing the lawn, cleaning gutters, and removing your garden gnome collection, Rosenthal suggests incorporating greenery: “We always add fresh plants, especially native or low-maintenance plants. Even potted plants in front of a garage or a front entryway help add color and life.”

6. Swap Cabinet Hardware

“Modern cabinet pulls and knobs can make even an older kitchen or bathroom feel refreshed,” Drummond says. Before listing, head to your local home improvement store for some new hardware. (Tip: Make sure the new hardware fits the cabinet’s existing holes. You may want to bring your old hardware with you to compare the sizing.) Choose a widely appealing style — or two, if you’re combining knobs and pulls — that complements the room’s aesthetic. Since mixing metals isn’t for everyone, stick to one finish for a cohesive design. “This simple swap adds a touch of style and makes [the space] look more expensive for a minimal investment,” Drummond adds.

7. Get a New Kitchen Faucet

The average U.S. kitchen remodel in 2025 costs almost $27,000, according to Angi, an online platform connecting homeowners with service professionals. Instead of blowing your home improvement budget on replacing tile countertops or painting honey oak cabinets, opt for a stylish yet practical plumbing fixture. “Upgrading a kitchen sink faucet creates a fresh look in a possibly otherwise dated space,” Rosenthal says. “Kitchen updates can be so expensive, and adding fresh elements helps with perception.”

8. Replace All Light Switch Plates

Here’s an upgrade many sellers fail to consider: “Replace all light switch plates, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors if any of them don’t look brand-new,” Drummond says. “Oftentimes, they will be a little yellowish, or just not match the color of the walls, and that makes them look old.” Wall plates often cost less than $1 each, and replacing them requires only a screwdriver. Basic fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are priced at around $20 each, and go a long way in making your home’s safety features appear up-to-date.

9. Invest in GFCI Electrical Outlets

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electrical outlets are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms, exteriors, and other areas where water is present. “If any water hits them, they automatically turn off to prevent electrocution or fire,” Rosenthal explains. In 2023, the National Electrical Code (NEC) was expanded, requiring all kitchen receptacles to have GFCI protection, too. This means that many older homes aren’t in compliance.

“This is something that gets called out in almost every inspection,” Rosenthal says. “If any electrical outlets are within 6 feet of water, they’re supposed to be GFCI. Thankfully, it only costs around $90 to update an outlet.”

10. Refresh the Flooring

“This upgrade might cost a bit more than $500, but it’s either refinish hardwood floors, replace carpet, or deep-clean carpet,” Drummond says. Tackling one or all of these home improvement projects can significantly improve your home’s appearance, but the out-of-pocket expenses can be prohibitive for some sellers.

Angi pegs the cost of refinishing hardwood flooring at $3 to $8 per square foot, and carpet replacement costs at $3 to $11 per square foot. Depending on how much of each flooring type you have throughout your home, those costs can add up quickly — but the returns on that investment are major.

“Flooring is such a major focal point for buyers, and if refinishing or replacing it is out of the budget, then even a professional deep clean makes a big difference to prospective buyers,” Drummond says. The average price of a professional carpet cleaning will only set you back around $180, according to data from Angi, but the impact on your home’s cleanliness — not to mention the smell — can’t be overstated.

Decorating

2m read

Create a Whole Home Color Palette That Looks Expertly Designed

Interior designers have a secret weapon when it comes to creating cohesive color palettes in homes. Fortunately, you don’t have to be part of an insiders-only club to access their totally free design tool. Take it from TikTok creator Claire Faulkner of @thatcotswaldclaire. To nail a professional-looking color scheme throughout your entire home — room to room, from paint to furnishings to decor — she says all you need to do is take a trip to your local paint store.

Paint chips are arranged in vertical columns, with the lightest shade at the top and darkest at the bottom. While many people gravitate toward individual swatches that catch their eye — one blue here, another gray there — the real trick, Claire says, is shopping shades horizontally.

How To Solve Color Palette Conundrums

Using the paint supplier’s store displays or take-home brochures, select five to seven colors on the same horizontal line. These hues will always work together, as they’ve been carefully chosen by the paint company’s experts using the science of the color wheel. No need to worry about undertones or intensities; this method allows you to create a whole-home color scheme with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Among your five to seven colors, two or three should be used as paint colors for your walls, ceiling, and trim. The other shades can be represented through large decor items, such as rugs, bedding, and bed frames. Color shy? Save your brightest, boldest shade for small accent pieces, be they lamps or throw pillows.

By following this simple horizontal color selection method, you’ll create a professional-looking palette and a home that feels cohesive, not chaotic.

Bonus Tip

Not sure where to start? Use something you already own (and love) as a jumping-off point. Say your living room is anchored with a statement sofa. Find the closest matching paint chip, then work across the color row horizontally to build your whole home’s color palette.

Home Improvement

3m read

Revive Dull Wood Furniture Without Refinishing It

Solid wood furniture can elevate any space, but it usually requires some upkeep. If you’ve slacked on conditioning your wood table and chairs — or you found an amazing wood furniture piece at a local thrift store that could use some love — you don’t have to sand or restain it to achieve that good-as-new finish. HOWARD Restor-A-Finish is something of an open secret among antique dealers and furniture flippers who use it to erase light scratches, sun fading, water marks, heat rings, smoke damage, and other blemishes from wood surfaces. This product costs less than $10 and delivers the look of a full-on restoration without any of the effort.

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.

Solid wood furniture can elevate any space, but it usually requires some upkeep. If you’ve slacked on conditioning your wood table and chairs — or you found an amazing wood furniture piece at a local thrift store that could use some love — you don’t have to sand or restain it to achieve that good-as-new…

Bring Wood Finishes Back to Life

According to TikTok creator and interiors consultant Maggie Wilkerson (aka Collected Home), a little bit of Restor-A-Finish can work like magic on wood furniture. That’s why antique dealers swear by it for reviving old wood tables without all of the sanding and staining that typically goes into restoring these pieces.

Similar to wood stain, the restoration formula comes in eight different colors, including neutral, to match various types of wood finishes. If you aren’t able to find a perfect match, opt for a slightly lighter finish — you can always go darker later if needed. Since it’s not a stain, the surface restorer shouldn’t be used to darken or change the color of the finish.

Restor-A-Finish is primarily intended as a cosmetic fix and should only be used on finished wood surfaces, such as those with shellac or lacquer. If you’re planning to fully refinish the piece in the future, you may want to avoid this product, as it creates a barrier that makes removal, sanding, and restaining more challenging.

How To Apply Restor-A-Finish

Before you begin, clean the wood surface thoroughly. Create a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, lightly mist the surface using a spray bottle, and wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth. Wilkerson recommends applying Restor-A-Finish with a soft cloth or ultra-fine steel wool (her go-to method). Steel wool is especially effective on stubborn spots, but remember to rub with the wood grain.

To prevent staining, do not pour Restor-A-Finish directly onto furniture. Work in small sections, applying the Restor-A-Finish to your cloth or steel wool and then rubbing it into the wood. Immediately wipe away any excess with another clean microfiber cloth. Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. While this step is entirely optional, Wilkerson finishes her projects with a coat of HOWARD Feed-N-Wax to add moisture and polish. It helps maintain the wood’s natural grain and provides a protective coating.

While not a miracle cure, Restor-A-Finish offers an easy way to improve the look of wood furniture, cabinets, and trim if you’re not the type of DIYer to break out an electric sander. Those working with valuable antiques, seeking to change the color of the finish, or dealing with significant damage may want to refinish the piece themselves or turn to a professional for help.

Food & Drink

2m read

This Common Kitchen Item Prevents Spills Without a Funnel

It doesn’t matter how steady your hand is; pouring liquid without the use of a funnel often leaves behind a mess. So much of a mess that sometimes you end up with more liquid on the counter than in the container. Even the times when you think to yourself, “I got this,” you likely don’t — at least not without help.

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.

But there’s a very simple hack that will save you the trouble of wiping up constant spills on your countertop. All you need is an item from your silverware drawer.

Spill-Free Pouring

If you don’t own a funnel, or the one you have isn’t the right size, use a spoon to easily guide liquid into a container. Here’s how it’s done: Place a dinner spoon (the kind you use for eating, not serving) handle-side down into the opening of a jar. Take the vessel holding the liquid (whether it’s a cup, bowl, or something else), and rest the edge of it against the backside of the spoon as you pour the liquid. The liquid will follow the spoon’s curve, flowing down the stem and directly into the other container with no mess.

Perfect for Restaurants

This spoon trick is especially helpful when you’re at a restaurant and struggling to pour creamer into your coffee cup.

Hold the spoon over your coffee cup with its curved back facing upward. Place the edge of the creamer container against this curve and slowly pour. The spoon will funnel the coffee creamer right into your cup. This keeps the saucer and table clean, and it might even make you feel a little fancy. Plus, it’s a fun trick to teach friends or dinner companions, especially after they have attempted to pour a liquid without success.

This easy trick works for any type of liquid, and, if done with care, prevents spills every time.

Cleaning

3m read

Clean Scorched Baking Sheets With Just Two Ingredients

A baking sheet is an essential piece of cookware that every kitchen should have. You can use it for a variety of tasks, including baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and arranging ingredients for mise en place. But as a kitchen workhorse, it won’t look new forever. With consistent use, you’re bound to get some buildup or scorching from burnt food or high heat. But don’t throw it away just yet. There’s an easy way to clean baking sheets, and it requires two ingredients you likely already have at home: baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

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.

What You’ll Need

• Baking soda

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Plastic scraper

• Scrubbing sponge

How To Clean Baking Sheets

When soap and water aren’t doing the trick, one of the easiest ways to deep clean a baking sheet is using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

It’s best to do this in your sink, bathtub, or plastic dish tub to make cleanup easier. First, take your baking soda and sprinkle it generously on the pan until the entire surface is covered. Second, carefully pour hydrogen peroxide over the baking sheet, enough for it to form a thick paste. Use your fingers or a dish brush to disperse the paste, coating the baking sheet evenly.

You might notice some fizzing or bubbling, but this is just oxygen being released as the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide react. Let it sit overnight, or at least eight hours, and the paste will work its magic to help loosen and lift any buildup and marks.

When the time is up, use a plastic scraper to remove the residue and toss the gunk in the trash can. If you don’t have a scraper, you can use a ball of aluminum foil to scrub away any remnants on aluminum or steel baking sheets. However, you should avoid using aluminum foil on nonstick surfaces, as it may damage the coating.

Next, wash the sheet pan with warm water and soap. If you’re dealing with stubborn buildup and scorching, use a scrubbing sponge. While some elbow grease might be needed for tough spots, the results are well worth the effort.

Give It a Test Run First

If you want to be extra cautious and see how your sheet pan will react to this hack, conduct a spot test on the back of the sheet pan first. We recommend using a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, as it’s gentler on surfaces yet effective for cleaning purposes.

Cleaning

2m read

A Powerful Ant Spray With Just Two Nontoxic Ingredients

While many common ant species don’t cause any physical damage to homes, they’re unsightly, contaminate food, and just plain annoying. It isn’t unusual to spot trails of ants indoors, but since they’re unwanted guests, it’s important to get rid of them before they become a bigger problem.

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.

To eliminate ants from inside your house, you should first try to follow the trail to see where they’re coming from. Head to the other end, and if you find their food source, thoroughly clean the area and seal the entry point. If that isn’t possible or doesn’t work, you’ll need to move on to an ant spray.

An Effective, Nontoxic Ant Spray

If you want to avoid using chemicals inside your home to kill the ants, try this nontoxic DIY solution made with common household ingredients. All you need is dish soap, water, and a spray bottle.

To create this powerful concoction, mix 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of liquid dish soap and 32 ounces (4 cups) of water in a spray bottle. Use it to spray and remove the pheromone trail left behind by the ants. It also kills them on contact as the soap breaks down their exoskeletons.

What Is a Pheromone Trail?

Ants communicate with their colonies using pheromone trails. Scouting ants secrete pheromones that other ants detect with their sensory organs. The trail often leads to a food source where the worker ants can find nourishment, or retrieve food to take to the queen and other ants who don’t leave the nest.

Food & Drink

3m read

How To Get the Most Juice From a Lemon

Whether blended into hummus, squeezed over fish, or stirred into a glass of water for a vitamin C boost, lemon juice adds brightness to a variety of dishes. But juicing lemons can be tedious and even frustrating, particularly if a stray droplet gets in your eye. That’s where this hack comes in. It makes the task quick and easy with just a few seconds and a common household appliance.

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.

Microwaving for the Most Juice

If you have a recipe that calls for lemon juice, microwaving the fruit for several seconds can help you squeeze out the most liquid. To do this, grab your lemons, put them on a plate, and microwave on high for 10 to 20 seconds. We recommend starting with 10 seconds, especially if you’re only warming up one lemon. You may need to add a bit more time for larger quantities. The warmed-up lemon should feel slightly softer, but not mushy.

Once that’s done, allow the lemon to cool enough to handle. Cut the fruit in half and use your citrus juicer to press the juice out as usual. This trick works for both room-temperature and refrigerated lemons, but you may need to add a few more seconds to your timer if the lemons are cold.

Bonus Tip

You can keep lemons fresh for up to a month by refrigerating them in a sealed plastic bag. This helps prevent the fruit from drying out in a self-defrosting refrigerator, while still allowing it to breathe, so air and moisture can pass through its skin.

Juicing Other Citrus

Good news — this hack isn’t limited to lemons. You can use it to extract more juice from any citrus fruit you have on hand, including oranges, grapefruit, limes, pomelo, clementines, mandarins, and more. Just follow the same steps listed above, adding a few more seconds to the microwave timer for larger fruits such as grapefruit or pomelo.

How To Soften a Lemon Without a Microwave

If you don’t have a microwave or prefer not to use one for softening citrus, don’t fret. You can achieve a similar effect by rolling it on a hard surface. Simply place the fruit on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or countertop, cover it with your palm, and roll it back and forth for several seconds while applying gentle pressure. This helps break down the internal membranes or juice sacs, softens the peel for easier squeezing, and loosens the pulp so you get more juice with less effort.

Cleaning

3m read

Use This Unexpected Item To Clean a Gunky Can Opener

Has your can opener seen better days? After opening cans of tuna, tomatoes, beans, soups, condensed milk, and everything else, the blade and gear of a can opener can get gunked up pretty fast. Fortunately, there’s a quick fix for that, and it involves an item you probably have plenty of in a kitchen drawer.

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.

Say Goodbye to Gunk

If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your can opener (or if you’ve never cleaned it at all), you can dislodge those caked-on bits of food using a sheet of wax paper. You don’t need much — just a few inches to cover the can opener blade. Tear off a piece that’s about 4 to 6 inches wide. Fold it in half, then fold it in half again in the other direction to create a thick pad. All you have to do now is pinch your can opener down on the wax paper as you would any can and roll it over the paper. Do this several times on both sides of the folded wax paper for best results.

You’ll see crud, food buildup, and gunk transfer onto the paper as you run the tool over it. Not only does this trick clean your can opener, but the wax also lubricates the gear, keeping it running smoothly.

Bonus Tip

If you don’t have any wax paper, you can use the same cleaning method with a paper towel or parchment paper, although they won’t provide any slip to improve the can opener’s operation.

How To Deep-Clean Your Can Opener

While wax paper will help loosen dried-on food residue, it’s no substitute for regular cleanings. To sanitize your can opener, take a clean dish towel or microfiber cloth and soak it in warm, soapy water. Run the towel over the gears and cutting mechanism to easily remove any residue. You can also use a scrub brush and dish soap to dislodge bigger pieces of food or get rid of buildup. However you choose to wash your can opener, be sure to let it dry thoroughly to prevent rusting. First, dry it with a towel, then leave it out in a dish rack overnight with the handles open for optimal airflow.

A Simple Hack for Freezing Meat

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A Couple of Extra Tips

The Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Dad Who Has Everything

1. Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder With Camera

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Cook Up Some Clam Chowder With This New England Quiz

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2. TheraGun Therabody Mini

3. What’s For Dinner Dice

4. Rolling Grill Baskets

5. LEATHERMAN Wave+

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