Advertisement
Cleaning 2m read
0

The Carpet Cleaning Hack That Could Damage Your Vacuum

Whether it’s wall-to-wall or a hand-tufted runner, carpet offers numerous benefits, from plush comfort to cozy insulation and sound absorption. The only drawback is that carpet can be tough to clean, which is why we’re all for an effective hack to make it look (and smell) as good as new. One cleaning solution that many people rely on is baking soda. It can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks throughout the home, such as restoring your favorite dinner plates or getting rid of stains on coffee mugs. But when it comes to cleaning carpet, this hack isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. While it can help remove stains and odors from your carpet, this cleaning agent can potentially do more harm than good.

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 it’s wall-to-wall or a hand-tufted runner, carpet offers numerous benefits, from plush comfort to cozy insulation and sound absorption. The only drawback is that carpet can be tough to clean, which is why we’re all for an effective hack to make it look (and smell) as good as new. One cleaning solution that many…

Why Baking Soda Is Bad for Your Vacuum

When using baking soda to clean a carpet, you typically vacuum the area, sprinkle on some baking soda, let it sit for a while, then vacuum it up. Sounds easy, right? Well, here’s the thing — while baking soda is a multipurpose ingredient that can be used in all sorts of DIY home cleaners, it’s not suitable for carpets or vacuums. Baking soda is made of fine particles that can get embedded in the carpet fibers (potentially requiring professional cleaning). It can also damage your vacuum by getting into the motor and clogging the machine, rendering it unusable.

In a YouTube video from Performance Reviews, a vacuum was tested against three cups of baking soda. By the second cup, the vacuum’s performance took a hit. And by the third cup, the suction was less effective and baking soda started coming out of the vacuum and filter. The moral of the story? Baking soda and vacuums don’t mix.

Advertisement
Related: 5 Essential Tips for Cleaning Smarter, Not Harder

What To Do Instead

So, how do you freshen up carpet without ruining your vacuum? Using a steam cleaner is a fantastic option for both disinfecting and removing stubborn stains. For a DIY cleaning solution, you can use 1/4 teaspoon dish soap (make sure it’s the clear kind) and 1 cup of room temperature water to remove stains on a carpet. Another option is to buy cleaning products specifically made to clean carpets, like OxiClean or Folex.

Advertisement
Pauline Lacsamana
Writer
Pauline Lacsamana is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in commerce, home, design, and lifestyle. She has bylines in The Spruce, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report, Hunker, MyDomaine, Parade, and more.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Karolina Grabowska/ Unsplash+ | Updated  Dec 4, 2024 |
Advertisement
Home Improvement 3m read
0

How To Prevent and Fix Tunneling Candles

Candle aficionados know that you can’t burn a new candle willy-nilly. A candle’s first lighting is its most important, since wax has memory. If you don’t let a freshly lit candle burn long enough, it may result in a tunnel of wax along the edges of the vessel that will deepen every time it’s lit. This takes away not only from the beauty of the candle, but also from its overall burn time — a needless waste of precious wax.

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.

Candle aficionados know that you can’t burn a new candle willy-nilly. A candle’s first lighting is its most important, since wax has memory. If you don’t let a freshly lit candle burn long enough, it may result in a tunnel of wax along the edges of the vessel that will deepen every time it’s lit.…

The good news is there’s an easy way to fix a tunneled candle and it only requires one item that you likely already have at home. Take it from TikTok creator @sircandleman, who says all you need is a kitchen staple — aluminum foil — and three simple steps to even out your candle’s wax.

First, trim the wick to a quarter-inch long and light it. Once it’s lit, wrap aluminum foil around the candle, creating a cone shape that extends a few inches above the rim. Leave a 1-inch opening at the top so the candle has enough oxygen to burn. Then, all that’s left to do is wait for the tunneled wax to even out. Depending on the severity of the tunneling, this may take 45 minutes to an hour.

The aluminum foil creates an insulated environment for the flame, allowing it to stay steady and continuously radiate heat. The result? An even burn pool.

Advertisement

Why Does a Candle Tunnel?

The most common reason a candle tunnels is because it wasn’t burned long enough the first time. When lighting a new candle, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time — not right before bed — as a first burn can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the size of the candle.

Related: Remove Water Stains From Wood Furniture With This One Ingredient

A problem with the wick could also be the culprit. It may be too small for the candle or improperly placed. If that’s the case, try our bonus hack to gently melt the wax and expose more of the wick.

Bonus Hack

Fresh out of aluminum foil? Spare yourself a trip to the grocery store and grab a hair dryer to melt the tunneled wax instead. Use the lowest heat setting and hold the hair dryer a safe distance away from you to avoid spatter. This method is best for minor tunneling.

Advertisement

Candle Maintenance Tips

Trim the wick before each burn. A shorter wick reduces smoke and soot, resulting in a cleaner burn. Trimming it also extends the burn time, since longer wicks burn faster, consuming more wax.

Keep the candle free of dust. Not only does it block the release of fragrance molecules, but it can get caught in the flame, causing an uneven burn. Nylon pantyhose are surprisingly effective for cleaning dust off a candle. The material’s soft texture won’t scratch the surface and its natural electrostatic charge attracts fine particles.

Use a candle snuffer. Snuffing is a gentle way to extinguish a flame, protecting the wick and wax from being blown out of place.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  No Revisions/ Unsplash | Updated  Dec 3, 2024 |
Advertisement
Decorating 3m read
1,455

The Designer’s Secret to a Cohesive Color Palette

Whether you’re embarking on a room refresh or moving into a new space, selecting a cohesive color palette is a key step in the process. The shades you pick will affect all of your design choices, both big and small, from paint and furniture to artwork and accessories. There’s a Goldilocks-like balance to choosing a color palette — it shouldn’t be too bright, too blah, or too busy.

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 embarking on a room refresh or moving into a new space, selecting a cohesive color palette is a key step in the process. The shades you pick will affect all of your design choices, both big and small, from paint and furniture to artwork and accessories. There’s a Goldilocks-like balance to choosing a…

Luckily, there’s an interior designer-approved trick to nailing a harmonious color palette. Simply look down — the answer is in your rug.

In this YouTube video, interior designer Andrea Hundley of Design Morsels revealed an insider’s secret — that professionals often design a room by plucking colors from an area rug. (A large piece of art can be used in the same way.) If you already own a rug for the space, consider it a shortcut to an intentional color palette you’re guaranteed to love.

Related: Follow This One Designer Tip When Shopping for Lightbulbs

Rest assured you don’t need to use every color featured in a rug. You only need a few colors, whether bright hues or calming neutrals, to carry a space. If you’re working mostly with neutrals, layer in lots of texture — a bouclé couch, a woven wallpaper — to add dimension. 

Advertisement

Follow the 60-30-10 Rule

Whichever colors you opt for, keep in mind that they shouldn’t be used evenly. Adhere to the timeless decorating rule of 60-30-10. One dominant color should account for 60% of the space, often through a paint color and large pieces of furniture. Use a secondary color that comprises 30% of the room, in elements such as window coverings and bed linens. Finally, an accent color — the remaining 10% — can add a punch of personality through accessories like throw pillows and lamps.

In Hundley’s video, she shares an example of a dining room with a vintage-style area rug that’s predominantly red with an oatmeal border, punctuated with washed-out shades of pink, orange, and charcoal. The room’s dominant color, oatmeal, is painted on the walls and represented in the upholstered dining chairs. The secondary color, red, is pulled in through the drapes, artwork, and flowers on the table. While not a perfect match, the orange accent color is reflected in the warmth of the brass chandelier, mirror frame, and chair legs. 

Advertisement

You can enhance sight lines from room to room by using common colors in varying amounts. Going back to Hundley’s dining room example, you might consider using the same oatmeal hue in the adjoining living room as a secondary or accent color through a throw blanket or armchair. This creates a seamless flow as you move through the house.

Bonus Tip

Struggling to visualize how the room will look? Use Canva, a free online designing tool, to create a mood board with images of your rug, wall color, and furnishings.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Wirestock/ iStock | Updated  Dec 4, 2024 |
Advertisement
Gardening 3m read
3,144

This Spice Is a Natural Fungicide for Houseplants

Your spice cabinet is full of magical panaceas that could change your life. Just ask those who lived in the Middle Ages, when it was thought that oregano could help ward off witches. OK, maybe that specific example is a little too fantastical, but we stand by our initial point. Some spices can genuinely improve your life if you know how to harness their special properties — and not just in the kitchen. There’s even one that acts as a natural fungicide for houseplants.

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.

Your spice cabinet is full of magical panaceas that could change your life. Just ask those who lived in the Middle Ages, when it was thought that oregano could help ward off witches. OK, maybe that specific example is a little too fantastical, but we stand by our initial point. Some spices can genuinely improve…

The Secret Ingredient? Cinnamon

According to Eleni Veroutsos of the Backyard Boss blog, cinnamon is an effective solution for combatting soil and leaf mold. That’s due to the spice’s chemical makeup — cinnamon is a natural insecticide with both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Not only will cinnamon help you eliminate all of that unsightly plant fungus, but it will also ward off pesky gnats (they can’t stand the smell).

Soil Mold

If you notice moldy soil, Veroutsos suggests sprinkling a thin layer — about an eighth of an inch — of ground cinnamon over the affected areas, paying close attention to any problem spots. If you’re worried a wayward breeze could blow the cinnamon away, add a thin layer of soil on top to keep it in place. If the treatment doesn’t work the first time, repeat as many times as necessary until the mold starts to dissipate.

Advertisement

Leaf Mold

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that produces a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It’s notoriously difficult to treat, but some plant parents have found success using a mixture of cinnamon, milk, and water. YouTuber @creative_explained uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 cup of milk (1% or 2% is best), and 1 cup of water to create a fungus-fighting solution. Stir to combine, then use a fine-mesh strainer to separate any clumps. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected leaves. Then, place the plant in direct sunlight to activate the milk protein’s antiseptic properties.

Related: A Surprising Way To Boost Plant Growth in a Dim Space

Repeat this process every two weeks — making a new solution each time to avoid spoiled milk — and you should see a noticeable improvement. While the cinnamon and milk mixture can effectively treat powdery mildew, it’s even more powerful as a preventative measure.

Fungus Gnats

The moment a fungus gnat appears on your plant, you might feel like it’s too late. But don’t despair: Cinnamon is here to save the day. Simply sprinkle a layer of ground cinnamon over the soil — this will discourage females from laying additional eggs, and stifle the growth of any extant larva. If you’re worried about making a mess, adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the soil will also do the trick. In time, the gnats will die off, and your plant will survive.

While cinnamon is a great solution for existing mold, there are steps you can take before it even starts. Avoid overwatering your plants, use well-draining potting mixes, and ensure pots have proper drainage. Place your plants in well-ventilated areas and remove fallen dead leaves from the soil. You should repot your plant and replace the soil every 12 to 18 months to provide it with essential nutrients and room to grow.

Advertisement
Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, 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.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Jus_Ol/ Shutterstock | Updated  Dec 3, 2024 |
Advertisement
Cleaning 3m read
0

Why You Should Put a Ball of Aluminum Foil in the Dishwasher

Aluminum foil is a multipurpose tool that should be stocked in every kitchen. It can be used to preserve freshness, sharpen scissors, and make the perfect droid costume when your kid suddenly becomes obsessed with Star Wars. Aluminum foil can also help restore cutlery that looks past its prime. Here’s why you should toss a wadded-up ball of foil inside the dishwasher the next time you run a cycle.

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.

Aluminum foil is a multipurpose tool that should be stocked in every kitchen. It can be used to preserve freshness, sharpen scissors, and make the perfect droid costume when your kid suddenly becomes obsessed with Star Wars. Aluminum foil can also help restore cutlery that looks past its prime. Here’s why you should toss a…

Add Shine To Utensils

TikTok creator @jojo.butterflylove brought this clever hack to our attention. Here’s how it works: Take a ball of tightly crumpled aluminum foil and stuff it into the dishwasher’s utensil basket. The foil ball should be nestled tightly against the cutlery, as it won’t have much effect if placed in a separate compartment or dislodged during the cleaning cycle. Then run the dishwasher as normal.

Related: Garbage Disposal Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work

The science behind this hack involves oxidation and ion transfer. The heat and moisture in the dishwasher speed up the oxidation of the aluminum foil. Ions from the tarnished cutlery are drawn to the oxidizing foil, helping to remove discoloration and grime. Once the cycle is complete, you’ll notice that the wad of aluminum foil will look tarnished, and the silverware will be left shinier than before.

Advertisement

Does Aluminum Affect Glassware?

There’s a false claim making the rounds on the internet that aluminum foil can also help restore smudged and foggy glassware. It’s been debunked by chemists who say foil has little to no impact when it comes to cleaning glass and ceramic. Glass doesn’t react to oxidation in the same way as metal, so you’ll need to find a different hack for sparkling glassware.

Bonus Glassware Tip

Thankfully, we have an alternative solution for cleaning glassware, and all that’s needed is a little bit of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is natural, nontoxic, and the perfect product for removing hard water or mineral buildup on glassware. Pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl, place it on the same rack as your glassware, and run a hot cycle. The combination of heat, water, and vinegar will break down those pesky stains and leave each glass looking as clear as the day you bought it.

Advertisement
Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, 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.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Alena Matrosova/ Shutterstock | Updated  Dec 5, 2024 |
Advertisement
Gardening 3m read
8,448

A Surprising Way To Boost Plant Growth in a Dim Space

It’s no secret that houseplants can be challenging to keep alive, especially if your space lacks natural light or you don’t rotate the pot to ensure even growth. Without adequate sunlight, plants may become leggy, lean to the side, or experience stunted growth, which may leave you tempted to replace them with faux greenery.

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

It’s no secret that houseplants can be challenging to keep alive, especially if your space lacks natural light or you don’t rotate the pot to ensure even growth. Without adequate sunlight, plants may become leggy, lean to the side, or experience stunted growth, which may leave you tempted to replace them with faux greenery.

Thankfully, there’s a simple trick to help plants thrive in low-light conditions, and it utilizes a common household item.

The Hack

Increase the amount of natural light your indoor plants receive by using aluminum foil to reflect the sun’s rays. Yep, that’s right — everyday foil that you probably have in a drawer right now.

To do this, create a sun box.

Related: Winter-Blooming Houseplants To Brighten Up Your Space
Advertisement

How To Make a Sun Box

You’ll need a plant, a cardboard box that’s at least 2 inches taller than the plant’s top leaves, aluminum foil (the shinier, the better), and clear heavy-duty tape.

Steps:

1. Cut away the top and one side of the cardboard box. (Think of the dioramas you made in elementary school but with an open-top structure.)

2. Line the entire inside of the box with aluminum foil, taking care not to crumple it. Be sure to leave the shiny side of the foil facing out for maximum reflectiveness. (Tip: Aluminum foil tape also works well.)

3. Tape the foil to the box so it stays put.

4. Place the plant inside the box, positioning it near a window to sunbathe.

Advertisement

How It Works

By strategically placing tin foil near plants, you can increase the amount of light they receive. The foil acts as a mirror and reflects light streaming through the window to every part of a plant.

What Not To Do

Don’t leave your plant inside the box if it doesn’t appear healthy. Plants can be stressed by sudden changes in light conditions, so monitor the leaves for yellowing or bleaching. If you’re concerned about hot spots, consider painting the sun box with white high-gloss paint instead.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Anntuan/ Shutterstock | Updated  Dec 3, 2024 |
Advertisement
Food & Drink 3m read
0

This 2-Step Method for Reviving Stale Bread Works Like a Charm

Stale bread can be repurposed in countless ways. You can dice it up and create homemade croutons, toss it in a food processor to prepare breadcrumbs, whip up a delicious bread pudding, or even make it the centerpiece of your weekend French toast breakfast. But when you need a slice (or two) of fresh bread, realizing your loaf has gone stale is a total bummer. Luckily, there’s a simple hack to freshen stale bread, allowing you to extend its lifespan.

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.

Stale bread can be repurposed in countless ways. You can dice it up and create homemade croutons, toss it in a food processor to prepare breadcrumbs, whip up a delicious bread pudding, or even make it the centerpiece of your weekend French toast breakfast. But when you need a slice (or two) of fresh bread,…

How To Revive Stale Bread in the Microwave

The best way to revive stale bread is to start with a super crusty loaf such as a French baguette or a no-knead sourdough. (We know — it sounds counterintuitive, but we swear it works best.) Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and stick it in the microwave for 10 seconds. Once it’s nice and warm, carefully remove the paper towel and place the bread in an oven or toaster oven (we’re obsessed with the Our Place Wonder Oven) at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This two-step process rehydrates the bread without making it soggy. 

You can also revive stale bread by placing it under cold, running water for a few seconds until it’s evenly saturated, then popping it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until toasted. Note that the toast time will vary depending on the size of the bread. For a baguette, five minutes is ample time. For a half-boule or bâtard, bake for 10 minutes. A full loaf will take about 15 minutes in the oven. 

Advertisement

If you don’t want to turn on your oven or don’t own a toaster oven, you can still try this hack with an air fryer. An air fryer is an excellent way to refresh stale bread because it allows you to rehydrate the bread while keeping the outer shell crispy. To revive stale bread in an air fryer, run it under cold water until thoroughly damp, then place it in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around three to four minutes.

Related: An Easy Trick To Revive Carrots That Have Gone Limp
Knead-To-Know Rehydrating Tip

The bread should be eaten soon after you’ve rehydrated it; ideally, while it’s still warm and soft. If you wait too long, the bread will become dry and chewy once again.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Frank Flores/ Unsplash+ | Updated  Nov 26, 2024 |
Advertisement
Decorating 3m read
0

Ditch the Air Mattress With This Temporary Guest Bed

For a host, the greatest compliment is when guests say, “I feel right at home!” What you don’t want is them moaning “ooh” and “oww” from a crick in their back, all thanks to a night of restless sleep on an air mattress. Your guests deserve a better sleeping setup, but what if you don’t have an entire room to dedicate as a guest bedroom? Not to worry — there’s a simple and much more comfortable solution.

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.

For a host, the greatest compliment is when guests say, “I feel right at home!” What you don’t want is them moaning “ooh” and “oww” from a crick in their back, all thanks to a night of restless sleep on an air mattress. Your guests deserve a better sleeping setup, but what if you don’t…

Trust DIY-er Megan Olivotti-Krehbiel (@ahousetohomey) and invest in a foldable mattress and bed frame. Yes, those exist! A folding platform bed frame can be easily assembled with just a few screws, then topped with a thick, cushy, foam trifolding mattress. Add some cozy bedding, a couple of pillows, and voilà! Impromptu guest suite complete.

Related: Essential Items for a Welcoming Guest Room

Not quite convinced? Let’s face it: Air mattresses aren’t that convenient. Not only are they unsupportive, but they’re also heavy and noisy, require significant storage space, are a pain to inflate and deflate, and are prone to slow leaks and punctures, especially if you have curious sharp-clawed four-legged friends.

Advertisement

Folding mattresses, meanwhile, are made of thick foam that won’t lose its shape and can be put together in mere minutes. They come in a variety of sizes, too, including single, twin, full, and queen. For an extra cozy night of z’s, add a mattress topper for guests who prefer a softer bed.

Bonus Tip: A trifolding mattress is convenient for more than just houseguests. Lay it on your living room floor for family movie nights or kids’ sleepovers.

While a folding bed is more expensive than an air mattress — you’re looking at around $300 for a mattress and frame, plus bedding and an optional mattress topper — it’s significantly cheaper than installing a Murphy bed. Plus, it’s a good investment to earn your title as the host with the most. Older guests will especially appreciate the softer landing, though keep in mind that folding bed frames are typically much lower to the ground compared to a traditional bed.

Advertisement

When it comes time to wave goodbye to your guests, the bed frame and mattress are just as easy to disassemble. Once folded, store the items in a closet, basement, or under your bed.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Komut/ Shutterstock | Updated  Nov 26, 2024 |
Advertisement
Food & Drink 3m read
0

Holiday Cookies Are Only Minutes Away With This Time-Saving Hack

What’s the holiday season without a fresh batch (OK, several fresh batches) of homemade cookies? There’s just one problem: Making cookies from scratch requires a lot of prep time, which can take away from other festivities. Whether you have an instant craving for your grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe or are looking for ways to save time on cookie baking for friends and family, this ingenious time-saving hack will change the way you bake for the holidays and beyond.

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’s the holiday season without a fresh batch (OK, several fresh batches) of homemade cookies? There’s just one problem: Making cookies from scratch requires a lot of prep time, which can take away from other festivities. Whether you have an instant craving for your grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe or are looking for ways to save…

When making cookie dough, recipes often yield tons of cookies. Prep cookies as if you’re going to bake them, then freeze them instead. That way, you have fresh cookie dough ready for baking whenever cravings — or holiday gatherings — require them.

To save time when making cookies, follow these steps.

From a family recipe to a Pinterest find, there are so many delicious holiday cookie recipes out there. Start by selecting your favorite cookie recipe and follow the instructions for making the dough.

Related: This Potato-Peeling Hack Is a Holiday Time-Saver

Once your dough is ready, prepare it as if you plan to bake it. This could mean rolling the dough into balls, dispensing dough with a cookie scooper, or cutting out different shapes with cookie cutters. Place your prepared dough on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.

Advertisement

3. Freeze Dough

When your dough is prepped and ready to go, stick the baking sheet in the freezer overnight or until your unbaked cookies are frozen all the way through. It’s best to cover your baking sheet with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Space-Saving Tip

If you’re short on freezer space, use a gallon-sized freezer bag lined with parchment paper. Carefully arrange the cookie dough balls on the parchment paper, leaving about an inch between them. Place the bag on a flat surface inside your freezer to prevent the dough balls from rolling around.

4. Store Dough in Freezer Bags

Note: You can skip this step if you followed our space-saving tip. After the dough is fully frozen, place the prepared dough balls into a freezer bag — no parchment paper is needed in this case — and keep them frozen until you’re ready to bake and eat. If you cut shapes out of your dough, you might want to opt for a Tupperware container instead so that they can lay flat.

With this hack, you can have cookie dough ready for baking at all times, whether you’re craving a single snickerdoodle or feeding a crowd. While it’s perfectly fine to bake from frozen, be sure to add a few minutes to your timer so they cook all the way through.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  Nicole Michalou/ Pexels | Updated  Nov 26, 2024 |
Advertisement
Cleaning 3m read
0

Garbage Disposal Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work

When you’re doing the dishes, it’s all too easy to shove food scraps down the garbage disposal and forget to flip the switch. For several days, you remain blissfully unaware of the shredded rotisserie chicken quietly decomposing just below the splash guard. That is, until a putrid smell emerges from the drain, seeping into the air … and your wrinkled nose.

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

When you’re doing the dishes, it’s all too easy to shove food scraps down the garbage disposal and forget to flip the switch. For several days, you remain blissfully unaware of the shredded rotisserie chicken quietly decomposing just below the splash guard. That is, until a putrid smell emerges from the drain, seeping into the…

Horrified, you turn on the garbage disposal to grind the spoiled chicken to smithereens. But chances are, there’s a buildup of sticky, smelly residue on the walls of the upper chamber — which means it’s time to give your garbage disposal a much-needed deep clean.

Goodbye, Garbage Disposal Smell

You don’t have to buy a special cleaning product to freshen up the garbage disposal. Your kitchen is probably already equipped with all of the supplies you need. Try one — or all — of these proven cleaning methods to banish bad odors.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Add a quarter cup of baking soda to the disposal, followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar. Leave it for five to 10 minutes and rinse with cold water. Together, these pantry staples kill odor-causing bacteria and clean mineral deposits in the drain.

Advertisement

Salt and Ice

Place a few ice cubes and a handful of salt into the disposal. Turn it on to grind the ice and salt together. The salt neutralizes odors as the ice removes stuck food particles.

Related: A Simple Way To Restore Scratched Dinner Plates

Citrus Peels

Peel the citrus of your choice and run the peels through the disposal. The citrus oils kill bacteria and fungi and neutralize odors, leaving a refreshing citrus scent. Note: Use this cleaning method in moderation as too much citric acid can corrode pipes. Afterward, thoroughly rinse the disposal with cold water.

Safety First

As a reminder, never stick your fingers or hands down the garbage disposal without disabling it first. Checking to see whether the switch is in the off position is not enough; locate the circuit breaker and turn off the power to the garbage disposal to avoid any accidents.

Advertisement
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.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
Affiliate Disclaimer 
|
Financial Disclaimer
Featured Image Credit:  mariakray/ Shutterstock | Updated  Nov 26, 2024 |