3m read

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A Simple Hack To Check the Level of Your Propane Tank

Propane tanks always seem to sputter out at the most inopportune times. Just imagine you’re trying to fire up the grill for a barbecue when you realize the tank is empty, leaving all of your guests hungry as a result. (That is, unless they want to chow down on some raw meat — yuck.)

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.

Propane tanks always seem to sputter out at the most inopportune times. Just imagine you’re trying to fire up the grill for a barbecue when you realize the tank is empty, leaving all of your guests hungry as a result. (That is, unless they want to chow down on some raw meat — yuck.)

We have a helpful hack to ensure you’re never caught off guard by an empty propane tank again. Checking the levels couldn’t be easier, and no, you don’t need a special gauge. All you have to do is grab a cup of warm water. Here’s how it works.

How To Check Your Levels

A typical 20-pound propane tank lasts up to 20 hours for most grills, but let’s be honest — who keeps track of their usage? In order to estimate how much propane is left, TikTok creator @brunchwithbabs comes to us with an excellent solution.

Pour a glass of warm water down the outside of the tank, then run your hand from top to bottom. Areas where the water still feels warm indicate that the tank is empty there. However, if you notice the water feels colder toward the bottom, that means there’s still some propane inside. Propane absorbs heat and leaves water cool to the touch, so you can use this trick to determine how full the tank currently is.

In other words, if the water stays warm all the way down, the tank is empty. But if the water feels cold from top to bottom, the tank is full. If the upper half of the tank feels warm and the bottom half feels cold, you can estimate that you have about 10 hours of grilling time left (assuming you’re using a standard 20-pound tank).

What Should You Do With Empty Tanks?

Take your empty propane tank to wherever propane is sold, such as a hardware store, supermarket, or gas station. They can either refill it for you (which is usually cheaper and less wasteful) or swap it out for a new full tank. You can also bring old tanks to a local scrap metal dealer for recycling. Or search for a nearby household hazardous waste collection facility. Do not attempt to discard propane tanks in your regular trash or recycling, as they can cause fires or explosions.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Gardening

10m read

0

Regrow These Foods From Kitchen Scraps

Tired of watching your grocery bill go up? Thoughtful, frugal shopping is a good starting point, and you can’t go wrong learning how to store your produce properly or make your cheese last longer. Another option is to regrow vegetables and herbs whenever possible.

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.

Tired of watching your grocery bill go up? Thoughtful, frugal shopping is a good starting point, and you can’t go wrong learning how to store your produce properly or make your cheese last longer. Another option is to regrow vegetables and herbs whenever possible.

Regrowing foods is a double win: Not only will you save a few dollars here and there, but growing even a small amount of your own food is deeply satisfying. Here are a dozen foods that are eager to sprout again, if you’ll just give them the opportunity.

1. Green Onions (Scallions)

Green onions are one of the easiest and most productive vegetables to regrow. All you need to do is save an inch or so of the white ends and place them in a narrow glass with enough water to cover the roots. Place the glass on a windowsill that gets direct light for part of the day, and the scallions will take it from there.

You will start to see new shoots in just a few days. (It’s fun for kids, or anyone else who craves near-instant gratification.) Within a couple of weeks, they will be big enough that you can start pinching or snipping them to use on salads, soups, and other dishes. Remember to change the water every few days, so it doesn’t get foul, and those green onions will keep producing for months.

2. Romaine Lettuce

Romaine is a truly versatile lettuce; its juicy stems offer an iceberg-like crunch, while its broad green leaves work just as well as leaf lettuce in most recipes. You can even use the leaves as cups for tuna or chicken salad, or as low-carb wraps.

If you’re keen to regrow vegetables from scraps, romaine is eager to oblige. Save at least an inch or two of the stem end and place it in a shallow dish with a little water (even a peanut butter jar lid will do). New leaves will grow from the crown almost immediately, and you can start harvesting the outer leaves one at a time as soon as they reach baby lettuce size. It’s a method that many gardeners, including myself, use for outdoor lettuce.

3. Celery

Celery can be a bit finicky to grow from seed, but it’s a much more willing participant if you start with the stump of a store-bought bunch. As with romaine, you can regrow celery just by putting the crown (the base, or root end) into a shallow dish of water and giving it some sunshine. You’ll start to see new growth within days, and you can begin harvesting the tender young stems — from the outside in — whenever you choose.

As a chef, I can tell you these new shoots are tender and mild, and lack the irritating strings you often get with mature celery. Don’t sleep on the leaves, either; I regularly use them as a garnish or salad ingredient, similar to parsley.

4. Garlic

Garlic has a natural tendency to sprout in spring, so you don’t need to encourage it a whole lot. If you have a bulb that’s begun to put out green shoots, it’s already past the point where its flavor and texture are at their best. Instead of using it now, separate the cloves and plant them individually in 3-inch pots filled with normal potting soil. Or, if you’re using a larger container, space the cloves 4 to 8 inches apart. A little soil, a consistent watering schedule, and six hours of direct sunlight per day are all they need to grow and flourish.

The bulb is ready to harvest when the stem yellows, but you can use it as green garlic as soon as it’s large enough. (Green or immature garlic hasn’t divided into bulbs yet, but offers a zesty garlic flavor.) You can also transplant the cloves to your garden, if you have one. Hardneck varieties will produce a woody seed stem with a curved scape at the end; you should harvest and eat them when they appear. The scapes themselves aren’t woody, delivering a boost of garlicky goodness.

5. Leafy Herbs

Leafy herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, mint, and basil, are quite delicate and often go bad before you can use them up. Storing them in a glass of water, away from light and loosely covered with a plastic bag, helps them last longer and even continue to grow.

To propagate leafy herbs, cut or pinch a small stem or even a large, healthy leaf from your chosen herb and put it in a small glass of water. Most leafy herbs will set roots, and you can either keep them in water or transfer them to soil as they grow.

6. Ginger

Ginger is a versatile plant to grow because it’s useful both fresh and dried. The next time you buy a hand of ginger, set aside a 1 1/2- to 2-inch piece with a couple of visible buds. Plant this piece in a large pot (at least 12 inches wide and deep) filled with good soil, ideally with a bit of compost or manure worked into it.

Keep it warm and give it plenty of light (remember, it’s a tropical plant), and eight to 10 months later, you can dig it up and harvest a whole new hand. If you hold back another piece to replant, you can repeat this process almost indefinitely. Bonus tip: You can do the same with ginger’s pricier cousins, turmeric and galangal.

7. Rosemary

While leafy herbs are the easiest to regrow, you can also propagate woody herbs. Rosemary is often the most cooperative: Choose a nice, healthy-looking stem that’s 4 to 6 inches long, snip it just above a leaf node, remove the needles from the bottom 2 inches, and place it in water. Once it develops roots, transplant it into soil and let the plant do its thing.

Rosemary is a perennial in warm climates, so you can transplant it outside if you wish. You can also keep it in a pot and move it indoors when the weather turns cold.

8. Potatoes

Growing new potatoes from old potatoes is a slam-dunk because that’s how they’re normally grown. There are a couple of catches, though. One is that supermarket potatoes are sometimes treated to prevent sprouting, which is good for storage but bad for growing. Another is that ordinary potato peels aren’t thick enough to feed a new plant as it grows, so you need to take a fairly deep cut (think pub-night potato skins).

The solution to both problems is to regrow potatoes that are already sprouting, since they aren’t the best for eating anyway. Cut the potatoes into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces, with a couple of sprouts or buds on each, and let them sit uncovered, cut-side up, for a day or two to scab over. Then plant them in garden beds or large containers. By midsummer, you can pull new, or baby, potatoes from the soil for potato salad or grilling. And by the end of summer, you’ll have full-sized spuds to harvest.

9. Bok Choy

If you like to cook stir-fries, ramen, or nutrient-dense side dishes, you’re probably familiar with bok choy (also called pak choi) or its close relative, baby or Shanghai bok choy. They’re closely related to cabbage and will cheerfully regrow for you with minimal effort.

Place the root end in a shallow tray of water, and — much like celery or romaine — new leaves will quickly begin to grow. Harvest the leaves from the outside in once they’re large enough, and the plant will keep producing new ones for months.

10. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are pretty easy to regrow if one has lingered until it’s past its prime as a vegetable. Poke three or four toothpicks into it around its lengthwise “equator,” then pop one end in a pickle jar or Mason jar of water, using the toothpicks to keep only the bottom half of the potato submerged. Green shoots will start to grow from the top, and when they’re about 4 inches long, you can snap them off and root them in water.

Once the green shoots develop roots, transplant them into your garden or a large planter (a single sweet potato plant requires a 10-gallon container) on a deck or patio, and then harvest them in late summer or early autumn.

11. Onions or Shallots

Onions and shallots, much like green onions, are easy to regrow. In fact, they will try to sprout whether you want them to or not. One way to make use of a sprouted onion is to put the root end in a shallow dish of water, and snip the green stems as they emerge for use as a green onion replacement. Alternatively, you can plant them, burying the onion bulbs just below the soil line with the shoots sticking out, and let them grow a whole new onion (or shallot) for use later in the year.

One thing to be aware of is that the onions might bolt, or go to seed. If you see a woody seed stem develop, either harvest the onion immediately or allow it to go to seed completely and save those seeds for next year’s garden.

12. Root Vegetables

Most root vegetables, from turnips and rutabagas to carrots and parsnips, will try to regrow if given half a chance. Usually, your best bet is to cut the leafy ends from the vegetable, leaving a generous piece to provide nourishment, and let it scab over (like a potato) for a day or two. Then put it in water or soil, root-side down, and give it plenty of light.

Leaves will soon begin growing, and for many root vegetables — turnips, beets, rutabagas — harvesting them for fresh greens is a good option. Carrot greens aren’t used as often, but they’re edible and add a carrot-like flavor to soups and salads. In some cases, a new root will also form, but depending on the plant, it may go to seed instead. However, you can save the seeds and plant them if you wish.

Food & Drink

3m read

0

The Easiest Way To Cook Corn on the Cob for a Crowd

Corn on the cob is a summertime staple, and if you have a big crowd to feed, cooking a lot of it at once can feel daunting. If you don’t have several burners to run, or a few stockpots lying around your kitchen, you’ll need to get creative, too.

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.

Corn on the cob is a summertime staple, and if you have a big crowd to feed, cooking a lot of it at once can feel daunting. If you don’t have several burners to run, or a few stockpots lying around your kitchen, you’ll need to get creative, too.

Fortunately, we found an a-maize-ing corn on the cob hack that you can use to cook a dozen or more ears at once. All you’ll need is a large cooler and 30 minutes.

How To Cook Perfect Corn on the Cob in a Cooler

We picked up this helpful trick from TikTok creator @bds_6, who shared a video detailing how he cooks heaps of corn for big family outings and backyard barbecues. To start, you’ll need a large, hard-sided cooler, such as this one from Amazon, which has a 60-quart capacity. Make sure the cooler is clean, then drop your shucked ears of corn inside.

On your stovetop, use whatever pots you have to boil enough water to cover the corn. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 quart of water per ear of corn. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully carry it over to the cooler and pour it over the corn. The ears should be submerged, so be sure to boil enough water. Once the corn is bobbing around in there, close the lid of the cooler — this will trap the steam from the boiling water and cook the corn quickly.

After about 30 minutes, pop open the lid, and use a long pair of tongs to remove the cooked corn, transferring the ears to a serving tray or large pot. Allow the water in the cooler to cool completely before dumping it out.

Cut Corn From the Cob, the Easy Way

If you need to cut kernels from the cob to sprinkle on a salad or form into fritters, this hack will help you do it with less mess. Avoid standing the corncob upright on your cutting board when removing the kernels — if you do, you’ll be finding strays around the kitchen for days. Instead, once the cooked corncob has cooled enough to handle, snap it in half. Take one half and lay it flat on your cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice downward along one side of the cob, keeping the blade close to the core. Rotate the corncob and repeat this motion until it’s bare. You’ll be left with rows of stuck-together kernels that are easy to break apart with your fingers.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Food & Drink

3m read

0

The Ice Cube Burger Hack, Debunked

Forget about seeing your first robin or those early garden blossoms. You’ll know spring is really here when grills emerge from their winter hibernation — and unlike gardening, grilling doesn’t have to wait until after the last frost.

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.

Forget about seeing your first robin or those early garden blossoms. You’ll know spring is really here when grills emerge from their winter hibernation — and unlike gardening, grilling doesn’t have to wait until after the last frost.

Along with the start of grilling season comes the start of “grilling hack” season, with TikTokers and other influencers sharing their favorite tips. Not all of those tips are necessarily worth following, though. Consider the divisive burger hack suggesting that ice cubes are the key to juicy burgers. While it’s not completely off-base, it’s not necessarily the express route to better burgers either. Let’s dig into this.

The Ice Cube Hack, Explained

There are a couple of different versions of the ice cube hack. One calls for placing an ice cube atop each patty as you put them on the grill. The more common variation suggests using smaller or broken-up ice, pressing a chunk into the center of the patty or integrating it as you form the patties. The logic here is that the ice cube adds moisture as it melts and helps prevent overcooking.

But let’s unpack this hack and look at some flaws in its reasoning. First, what makes burgers juicy is mostly the fat content, which is why the best burgers use beef that’s no more than 80% lean. Second, the melted ice cube literally waters down the flavor of your beef. The excess moisture also needs to cook off as steam before the burgers can brown. So, your choices are to serve a pale burger or keep cooking until it’s browned. This means your chances of overcooking it actually get worse.

How Can You Get Juicy Burgers?

If the ice cube hack isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, what are some proven tips for better burgers? Start by choosing beef that’s at most 80% lean. Much of the fat will render out during cooking, but while it’s there, it helps protect the moisture in the beef from evaporating, keeping it juicier. If you’d like to try adding moisture directly, mix a few tablespoons of liquid into the ground beef before you make up the patties. But don’t use water — use beef broth (or something else with a complementary flavor) so you’re adding beefiness as well.

The best thing you can do for your burgers is to simply avoid overcooking them. We recommend getting an instant-read thermometer and using it to cook your burgers to your preferred level of doneness. Once you have that dialed in, you can tweak your grilling (or pan-searing) technique to reliably produce the burger of your dreams.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Food & Drink

3m read

0

A Better, Safer Way To Clean Your Grill (No Wire Brush!)

Hosting a backyard barbecue is one of summertime’s greatest joys. But for all the fun that comes with grilling up succulent steaks and beefy burgers, scrubbing down the grill the next day can be a massive headache.

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.

Hosting a backyard barbecue is one of summertime’s greatest joys. But for all the fun that comes with grilling up succulent steaks and beefy burgers, scrubbing down the grill the next day can be a massive headache.

That caked-on grease doesn’t come off easily, leading many people to resort to wire brushes for cleanup. Unfortunately, these tools come with the risk of the small metal bristles breaking off and ending up in your food. The bristles can puncture your mouth or throat, and in severe cases, perforate the gastrointestinal tract.

The good news is, there’s a safer, inexpensive alternative that’s likely already in your kitchen: an onion.

Why Onions?

Onions are a clever cleaning hack for several reasons. First, the veggie’s natural acidity works to break down stuck-on food, making grime easier to dislodge. Onions also have antibacterial properties, which helps sanitize the grates. This makes them an excellent, nontoxic alternative to more harmful chemical cleaners.

You’ll need to gather three things before giving this hack a try. The most important, of course, is an onion — any bulb onion will do, though white is the best due to its higher water content. You’ll also need a grill fork, as well as a spray bottle filled with distilled white vinegar.

Here’s How It Works

The first step is to spray any grimy parts of the grill grates with white vinegar — the higher acidity will work with the onion’s natural juices to break down the gunk. Next, crank up the heat to high to burn away as much of the greasy food bits as possible. While the grill heats up, cut your onion in half crosswise and skewer it with the grill fork, leaving the flat, fleshy side facing down.

Rub the exposed end of the onion along the hot grill grates. The heat should activate the onion’s natural juices, which are essential for removing leftover food. As you rub the onion along the grates, it will dislodge those greasy bits, sending them to be burned by the flames below. Once the grill is sufficiently clean, simply toss the used onion half and save the other for burger toppings.

Don’t have an onion? No worries — you can also use a lemon, which is even more acidic. Slice a lemon in half crosswise and coat its flesh with coarse salt for extra scrubbing power. (Tip: A sprinkle of salt benefits onions, too.) Then use the lemon to scrub the grates just as you would an onion.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Gardening

3m read

0

This Tomato Planting Technique Yields Bountiful Harvests

Growing tomatoes is one of the best reasons to have a home garden, even if that “garden” consists of just a few pots on your patio. No supermarket tomato can compete with the flavor of one that’s homegrown and fresh from the vine, still warm from the sun. And while they’re not necessarily difficult to grow, knowing a few tricks of the trade can yield a better harvest. Here’s a simple and effective transplanting hack for tomato seedlings that can help you get a bigger crop from your own vines.

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.

Growing tomatoes is one of the best reasons to have a home garden, even if that “garden” consists of just a few pots on your patio. No supermarket tomato can compete with the flavor of one that’s homegrown and fresh from the vine, still warm from the sun. And while they’re not necessarily difficult to…

A Cool Hack for Growing Tomatoes (and Lots of Them)

If you look closely at the stems of your tomato seedlings, you’ll see that they’re covered with fine hairs. The cool thing about tomatoes is that those tiny hairs can actually turn into roots, allowing your plants to pull more nutrients from the soil. Here’s how the hack works.

First, get your bed (or pot, if you’re container gardening) ready for planting the tomato seedlings. The soil should be loose and well drained, and enriched with compost. The next step is to pinch off the seedling’s lower branches, leaving just the strongest two or three at the top. That’s enough to fuel the plant nicely, and it directs growth to the top stems. Now, plant the tomato seedling deeply, leaving only 2 to 3 inches of the main stem above the soil and burying the rest of the plant.

Over the next couple of weeks, the plant will bide its time, as all of those fine hairs begin transitioning into roots. Then, suddenly, the plant will experience a massive growth spurt as the new root system establishes itself and starts delivering nutrients.

Starting Tomatoes vs. Buying Tomato Seedlings

This hack works equally well for those who buy seedlings from the garden center and those who start their tomatoes from seeds. If you’re doing the latter, you’ll need to wait for the tiny seedlings to grow into young plants before transplanting. In general, they should be 4 to 6 inches tall with sturdy stems, a developed root system, and three to four sets of leaves.

The planting technique is particularly beneficial for nursery seedlings, which often have lots of top growth and relatively small, confined root systems. Instead of a weak plant that’s trying to outgrow its root system’s capacity, you’ll have vigorous vines with the root structure to support a massive harvest.

Buying plants is of course quick and convenient, and it means you don’t have to fuss over providing light, warmth, water, and nutrients in the correct proportions. On the other hand, starting your own from seed gives you more varieties to choose from and more control over the process. You can even save the seeds from heirloom varieties and grow them again next year. However, popular mainstream hybrids don’t “breed true,” meaning the tomatoes you grow from their seeds aren’t the same as the parent plant.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Organizing

3m read

0

The Best Way To Organize Your Swimsuits

Summertime and the livin’ is easy — that is, as long as you’re ready to shut your laptop and ignore the overflowing laundry when a pool party or beach day pops up. Step one: Get your swimsuits organized. Like most things, though, that’s easier said than done. Tossing bikinis, one pieces, and swim trunks in a drawer and hoping for the best isn’t a solid plan. There is a smarter, and simpler, way to organize swimsuits.

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.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy — that is, as long as you’re ready to shut your laptop and ignore the overflowing laundry when a pool party or beach day pops up. Step one: Get your swimsuits organized. Like most things, though, that’s easier said than done. Tossing bikinis, one pieces, and swim trunks in…

Take a cue from TikTok creator Christine Andrew. She uses translucent mesh bags with different colored zippers to sort and store her swimsuit collection. Simply place each suit in its own bag for quick identification and compact storage, and arrange the bags vertically in a drawer so you can effortlessly grab-and-go. This hack eliminates the frustration of digging through a tangled mess of swimwear, searching for a matching top and bottom, or your favorite pair of trunks. You can even label the bags, jotting down sizes or descriptions such as “yellow polka dot.”

What You’ll Need

Mr. Pen Mesh Zipper Pouches, Six-Pack, $7.85

How To Color Code Your Swimsuits

By Category

Assign colors to different types of swimwear. For instance, bikinis could go in bags with red zippers, one-piece swimsuits in green, cover-ups in purple, kids’ suits in orange, and swim trunks in blue.

By Person

If you’re organizing suits for the whole family, designate a zipper color to each person. Larger sets, such as this one, include several pouches of each color.

By Color Match

For a quick visual cue, match the zipper color to the swimsuit’s color — red swimsuits in red-zippered bags, and so on.

Helpful Tip: This system is a game-changer for travel, too. The bags make swimsuits easy to find in a suitcase and also protect your clothes from still-damp trunks. Just remember to unpack and wash them as soon as you’re home to prevent mildew and odors.

More Smart Ways To Organize Swimsuits

• Use Drawer Dividers: Dresser drawer inserts help separate swimsuits by type or color.

• Hang an Over-The-Door Pocket Organizer: A clear pocket organizer (not just for shoes) offers individual storage for each suit and can hang on the back of a closet or bathroom door.

• Label Storage Bins: Once summer is over, stash suits in labeled plastic bins or baskets under your bed or on a high closet shelf, but not too out of reach — a tropical vacation could be around the corner.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Food & Drink

3m read

0

This Hack Guarantees Cold Drinks and a Dry Cooler

As you venture out this summer for picnics in the park, beach days with kids or grandkids, and barbecues with friends, take note of this hot-weather hack that guarantees chilled beverages and a dry cooler. It’s a simple trick you’ll wish you knew about sooner, and it even provides a little bonus entertainment at the end of the day.

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.

As you venture out this summer for picnics in the park, beach days with kids or grandkids, and barbecues with friends, take note of this hot-weather hack that guarantees chilled beverages and a dry cooler. It’s a simple trick you’ll wish you knew about sooner, and it even provides a little bonus entertainment at the…

So Long, Soggy Cooler

Instead of emptying a bag of ice into your cooler or bucket, which will leave both your drinks and your container dripping wet, use frozen water balloons to keep drinks cold. This method keeps cans, bottles, and juice boxes dry and also prevents you from having to clean up a soggy mess. At the end of the day, you can simply wipe off any condensation and store the cooler, rather than leaving it out to dry.

How To Prepare

Approximately 24 to 48 hours before your event, fill the balloons with water (we recommend these because you can fill and tie 100 balloons in only 60 seconds) and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet or shallow pan to freeze. Stick the balloons in the freezer, allowing them to freeze completely, until it’s time to transfer them to a cooler. Scatter them around the beverages in your cooler to add pops of color and a refreshing chill.

A Useful Tip

Underfill the balloons slightly to give the ice room to expand without causing them to burst. If you’re using quick-fill balloons, don’t forget to pull down on the balloons to separate them from the filling tubes before freezing. They’re self-sealing, so there’s no time wasted tying each one.

Now for the Fun Part

When the frozen orbs melt, you and your guests will have water balloons to throw. If you plan on doing this, though, be sure to use the small balloons that pop easily when thrown. And, we can’t stress this enough, double-check that the balloons are completely thawed before throwing them at someone.

If you want more durability out of the balloons for chilling purposes, use standard latex balloons (the kind you normally inflate with helium), filling them up partway with water. It’s not a bad idea to just always have a pack of balloons on hand — you never know when you’ll need them to chill drinks or celebrate someone’s birthday.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

Organizing

5m read

0

15 Things You Need To Get Rid of in Your Home

Cluttered spaces lead to equally cluttered minds. Studies show that messy environments often contribute to low-grade stress, cognitive overload, decreased productivity, and other negative effects on well-being. The antidote to this is decluttering, with the goal of creating intentional, not empty, spaces that are easy to navigate. From expired pantry staples to dust-collecting craft supplies, it’s time to evict these 15 common culprits and transform your home into a streamlined sanctuary.

Cluttered spaces lead to equally cluttered minds. Studies show that messy environments often contribute to low-grade stress, cognitive overload, decreased productivity, and other negative effects on well-being. The antidote to this is decluttering, with the goal of creating intentional, not empty, spaces that are easy to navigate. From expired pantry staples to dust-collecting craft supplies,…

1. Expired Beauty Products

Will you ever coat your lashes in that dried-up mascara? Risk a burn with expired sunscreen? Makeup and skin care products have a shelf life, and those past their prime can harbor bacteria. “Toss anything with a funky smell, weird texture, or that’s been sitting unused for over a year,” says Joy Ramos, operations manager of Bear Brothers Cleaning, an Alabama-based cleaning company.

2. Old Electronics and Cables

Everyone is guilty of hanging on to mystery cables, but that tangled web of cords and chargers for devices you no longer own can go — especially if you don’t remember what they belong to. Look for e-waste programs through your local recycling center or community groups.

3. Unused Hobby Supplies

The aspirations were well intentioned. Still, if a pile of yarn has been collecting dust for years and you have yet to learn how to knit, donate the supplies. Not only do they take up space, but never-touched tools can create unnecessary guilt. Keep only what you actively use.

4. Old Paperwork

“It’s time to face that mountain of unopened mail, old warranties, and instruction manuals for gadgets you don’t even remember owning,” Ramos says. Digitize important documents and toss the rest, shredding anything that contains sensitive information.

5. Gifts You’ve Never Liked — But Kept Out of Guilt

Your aunt Kathy meant well when she gifted you that pair of fuzzy slippers. But that doesn’t mean you need to store them in the back of your closet forever.

6. Clothes That Don’t Fit

“Let’s be real about our wardrobes,” Ramos says. Closet space is extremely valuable, so the “if-I-lose-5-pounds” jeans need to go, and so does the bridesmaid dress from your sister’s wedding a decade ago. “If you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s uncomfortable, or [it] just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, give it a little goodbye and let it go,” Ramos adds.

7. Untouched Winter Gear

When the last bit of snow has melted, take the time to evaluate your winter apparel and equipment. If you didn’t wear a certain scarf or coat this winter, chances are you won’t next year either. Donate it, along with any winter equipment you didn’t use, such as those too-tight ski boots.

8. Books You Won’t Read Again

Be honest with yourself. Will you really reread that book that’s been sitting untouched on your shelf for years? If the answer is no, donate it to a local Little Free Library so someone else can appreciate it.

9. Expired Food and Pantry Goods

Check the expiration dates on your spices, baking ingredients, condiments, and canned foods — you never know what could be lurking in the back of your pantry. “The number of items that have outlived their usefulness without you even realizing it may surprise you,” Ramos says.

10. Digital Clutter

Clutter isn’t just what piles up in a junk drawer. Giving your phone and computer a clean out will equally contribute to mental clarity. Delete old downloads, organize your photo albums, and clear your desktop and inbox.

11. Broken Items You Haven’t Fixed

“We all tend to hold on to things ‘just in case,’ but it’s time to face the truth about what you’re really not going to fix,” Ramos says. Either repair that wobbly chair and torn lampshade immediately, or replace them.

12. Worn-Out Linens and Towels

If you’re questioning whether to toss that ratty towel or holey duvet cover, the answer is yes. The ultimate test is asking yourself if you’d give it to a houseguest to use. No? Then it’s overdue to be recycled or repurposed into cleaning rags.

13. Empty Boxes

It can be tempting to hang on to a stack of boxes on the off-chance you’ll need one to make a return or wrap a gift. But remember: You can always find another box if needed.

14. Duplicate Kitchen Tools

Streamlining your kitchen accessories makes cooking and baking — not to mention cleaning and organizing — so much easier. Donate all of the once-trendy kitchen gadgets you never use, such as a zucchini spiralizer or avocado slicer, as well as anything you own duplicates of.

15. Mismatched Food Containers

Take inventory of your leftover containers, including those you forgot to return to friends after the last potluck and the takeout containers you’ve been holding on to “just in case.” Save only what you actually use and toss anything with missing or mismatched lids.

Home Improvement

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Make Weathered Teak Outdoor Furniture Look Brand-New

Warmer weather means more time spent outdoors. But after a long winter battling the elements, including moisture and sunlight, our teak outdoor furniture is due for some serious R&R. Fortunately, restoring teak wood doesn’t require expert experience. If you’ve been bitten by the DIY bug and want to refresh your balcony, patio, or backyard furniture before summer, we’ve found a foolproof way to make weathered teak outdoor furniture look brand-new again.

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.

Warmer weather means more time spent outdoors. But after a long winter battling the elements, including moisture and sunlight, our teak outdoor furniture is due for some serious R&R. Fortunately, restoring teak wood doesn’t require expert experience. If you’ve been bitten by the DIY bug and want to refresh your balcony, patio, or backyard furniture…

How To Restore Teak Outdoor Furniture

Restoring teak outdoor furniture might seem daunting, but the process is actually quite simple. According to Christina Muscari, a content creator and furniture flipper with over 10 years of experience, you can completely revamp your dry, lackluster wood furniture with just a few quick steps. She shared her technique for transforming silvered teak in a recent TikTok video, which we’ll outline below.

1. Start With a Pressure Wash

The first step to restoring teak outdoor furniture is pressure washing. This helps remove dirt, dust, grime, and other debris that clings to furniture. Pressure washing is so effective that you don’t need to add any special cleaner — plain water works great. Just be sure to use a low-pressure nozzle tip that’s safe for wood surfaces so you don’t damage your furniture. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can scrub teak clean using mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush, though it will require a bit more elbow grease. Let your furniture dry overnight before moving on to step two.

2. Sand It Out

Once your furniture is nice and clean, use 120-grit sandpaper to buff away any imperfections, followed by 220-grit sandpaper to make sure everything is perfectly smooth. To take some of the effort out of it and speed up the process (especially if you’re restoring an entire furniture set), use an orbital sander.

3. Stain Your Wood

After sanding, reach for a teak oil and stain blend to give the furniture some much-needed hydration and a fresh stain. This two-in-one product makes quick work of reviving teak, but it’s important to wear gloves when applying it. We also recommend using a drop cloth under your furniture to avoid any drips.

Pour some of the teak oil and stain blend onto your furniture and rub it in using a stain sponge or a clean, lint-free cloth, and allow it to set for 30 minutes. Then, apply a second coat and leave it on for 15 minutes. Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess. Your refinished teak furniture should be ready to enjoy in eight to 10 hours. For added protection, consider using a wood sealer. This step isn’t necessary, but it will slow down the natural silvering of the teak.

This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.

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