| How to Love Your Home Posted: 05 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST If you're feeling a bit bored or tired of your home, you're not alone—with the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many people are seeing much more of their homes and much less of the outside world. Thankfully, there are a bunch of small, easy changes you can make around your home that can really get your spirits up, and remind you what you loved about your home to begin with. Take a peek at this list and see if any of these ideas strike your fancy! [Edit]Make your bed each morning. - Take a few minutes to tuck in your sheets and fluff up your pillows. Between unwinding and sleeping, you probably spend a good chunk of time in your bedroom. When you first wake up, smooth out your sheets, tuck in your blankets, and get everything looking fresh and nice. Sliding into a neat, clean bed every night is a great way to reconnect and fall in love with your home again![1]
- You can also switch things up by tossing some new throw blankets over the bedspread, or by tossing a couple new throw pillows onto your bed.
- This is a great way to feel more productive and comfortable if you work or study remotely from home.
[Edit]Fill your home with a nice scent. - Set up a diffuser or scented candles around your living space. Pick out a scent that you love, which will help the space really feel like home. A few quick spritzes of an all-purpose spray can also freshen things up.[2]
- For instance, you can spray your bed sheets with a fresh linen spray, or set up a relaxing lavender candle in your kitchen.
[Edit]Toss out anything you don't want. - Go through your old things and decide what you really need. Going through your old memorabilia can be intimidating, especially if there's a lot of clutter stacked up around your home. Start by picking out 10 things that you don't want—then, you can toss them in the trash or donate them to charity.[3]
- Clutter can be really distracting; plus, it makes your home feel a lot more restrictive and disorganized. By getting rid of clutter, you'll probably enjoy spending more time at home.
[Edit]Give your messy rooms a deep clean. - Treat your living space to a little elbow grease. Grab your broom, mop, or cleaning spray, and go to town on any part of your home that's looking a little worse for wear. Once you're done, you'll probably want to spend more time in your clean living space![4]
- A little cleaning can go a long way! Dusting the shelves or sweeping the floor can make a big difference in a messy room.
- You don't have to dedicate a whole day to cleaning—just an hour can make a big difference. If you tidy up your home on a regular basis, you can save yourself some extra cleaning time in the long run.
[Edit]Enjoy your meals at home. - Set aside some time to enjoy food at home. If you have a busy schedule, your home might be a place where you just sleep and shower. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, take a few minutes to enjoy it at home.[5]
- If you have a kitchen or dining room table, sit there to enjoy your meals.
- Instead of eating out, order take-out and enjoy it at home!
- Come up with creative ways to store your odds and ends. Visit your local home goods store and pick out some bins and trays to help you sort and organize your clutter. Stacking your items can also save you a lot of closet and cupboard space.[6]
- For instance, you can set your towels in large canvas trays, which you can slide into a closet.
[Edit]Freshen up your space with flowers. - Pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers from the florist. Set them in a vase of water, and place them somewhere you can admire them. A simple vase of flowers can really jazz up your living space and make you feel like you're staying at a fancy hotel.[7]
- Fake flowers are another great way to jazz up your living space—plus, they never go bad![8]
- You can also jazz up your home with live flowers, too! Jade plants, philodendrons, and succulents are great, low-maintenance options to consider.[9]
[Edit]Let some natural light in. - Pull back the curtains and let some warm light into your home. Sunlight can really help your home feel more warm and open. If your living space tends to be dark, hang up a few mirrors in some corners of your home that don't get as much light.[10]
- If you live really close to your neighbors, sheer curtains can offer some privacy while still letting some light in.
[Edit]Pull your furniture away from the wall. - Rearrange your furniture slightly to change up your room. Ask a friend or family member to help you move any sofas, armchairs, or other furniture away from the wall. This can give you a little more wiggle room, and make your space feel bigger than it actually is.[11]
- Changing up your layout can help give your home a positive lift.
[Edit]Upcycle a piece of furniture. - Refresh an old piece of furniture in your home. Add a fresh coat of paint to an older fixture in your home, or move it to a different section of your home. Giving some new life to your furniture may help give some new life to your home, as well![12]
- For instance, you can paint over an old cupboard with milk paint to give it a rustic vibe.
- You might move a bookshelf from your living room to your bedroom to change things up.
- You can reupholster your furniture with new materials, or slide on a cover with a cute design.
[Edit]Spruce up the walls with art. - Pick out some art pieces to liven up your home. Colorful art can really brighten up the place and make you enjoy spending time at home. Add a more personalized touch with family photos or portraits so your home is filled with warm, happy memories.[13]
- Cut out pictures from old calendars as a quick, easy decoration.
- Movie or TV posters are also great decor options.
[Edit]Splurge on a couple nice things. - Buy a couple of really nice things for your home that you've been eyeing. Think about something high-end that you'd love to have in your home, whether it's a fancy rug or a nice bar luxury soap. If you have the money in your household budget, splurge and get it! [14]
- For instance, you might buy a nice lamp for your living room, or upgrade your sofa to a nice leather couch.
[Edit]Invite friends and family over. - Make new memories with your loved ones. A great way to love your home is to love the people you're spending time with. Invite your loved ones over for get-togethers at your place, so you can associate tons of positive memories with your home.[15]
- For instance, you can invite a few friends over for a game night, or host a happy hour.
- During COVID-19, you might not be able to physically hang out with your loved ones. If you live in an area with a lot of restrictions, have fun with your friends and relatives instead.[16]
- Thrift stores are a great way to find inexpensive decor for your home.[17]
- Don't be afraid to throw stuff out! If you're on the fence about whether you should keep something, then you probably don't need it.[18]
- Put your collections on display in your home! Looking at something you love can really help you to love your living space.[19]
- Accent your room with yellow! This bright and cheerful color can add a lot of happiness and cheer to your home.[20]
[Edit]References |
| How to Cover Your Face with a Bandana Posted: 05 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is a scary and stressful time, so you're probably doing everything you can to stay safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing a mask when you're in public so you can avoid spreading or catching the virus.[1] Even though medical-grade N95 masks offer you the best protection, a bandana makes a stylish alternative if you don't have one. We'll walk the easiest and most effective ways to wear your bandana so you keep yourself and others safe. [Edit]Simple Tied Mask - Fold your bandana diagonally in half. Choose a bandana that's at least so it's large enough to wrap around your head. Lay the bandana flat in front of you so one of the corners points toward your body. Fold the top corner over and bring it toward the bottom. Your bandana will look like a triangle with the longest side facing away from you.[2]
- Hold your bandana up to a light source and check if you can see any light coming through it. If you notice some light shining through, then the material won't be effective.[3]
- Bring the bottom corner up so it touches the top edge. Lift the corner that's pointing toward you and fold it up. Align the corner with the long folded edge at the top of your bandana. Your bandana should look like an upside-down trapezoid.[4]
- This ensures that your bandana has 2–3 layers of protection so particles are less likely to get through the fabric.
- Fold the top third of the bandana down to the center. Take the top edge of your bandana and fold it down toward the middle, keeping it parallel to the bottom. Make sure the corner you folded in the last step stays tucked in so your mask doesn't fall down or feel loose. Crease the fold so it stays in place easier.[5]
- Try to keep your bandana as flat as you can so the folds don't come undone.
- Pull the bandana tight around your nose and mouth. Carefully pick up the ends of the bandana in each hand so it stays folded. Put all of the folds against your face so the flat side faces out. Keep the mask as tight as you can without restricting your breathing or causing any pain.[6]
- If the bandana doesn't cover your nose, mouth, and chin completely, move the edge you just folded up a little higher to make the mask taller.
- Tie the ends of the bandana behind your head. Pull the ends tightly behind your head so your mask sits snugly over your nose and mouth. Use an overhand knot to secure the bandana to your head. Check your bandana in a mirror to make sure it doesn't sag down or expose your nose.[7]
- If you have a ponytail, you can choose to tie the bandana above or below it.
[Edit]Face Mask with Ear Loops - Fold your bandana in half lengthwise. Pick a bandana that's or larger so it completely covers your nose, mouth, and chin. Put the bandana flat on a table so one of the edges faces you. Grab the top 2 corners of the bandana and fold them down so they align with the bottom corners. Your bandana will look like a rectangle with the longest edge facing you.[8]
- A lot of bandanas have one side with vibrant colors and another side with duller colors. Keep the vibrant side face down when you start so it's on the exterior of your mask.
- Bring the top and bottom thirds of the bandana to the middle. Take the top edge of the bandana and fold it down a third of the way. Then, smooth out the fabric so it lies flat. Bring the bottom third up so it overlaps the top fold you just made. Your bandana should look like a long, narrow rectangle.[9]
- This ensures that there are multiple layers of fabric covering your face so you're less at risk to catch or transmit any viruses.
- Slide hair ties onto the bandana so they're apart. You can use any elastic hair tie for your bandana mask, so choose whichever ones you have lying around. Feed the ends of the bandana through the hair ties and slide them toward the center. Leave at least between the hair ties so you can cover your face with the middle of the bandana.[10]
- If you don't have hair ties, use rubber bands instead.
- Fold the sides in toward the center. Hold the hair ties in place so they don't slide or move around. Fold the left side of the bandana in toward the middle so it traps the hair tie in place. Do the same for the right side. That way, you add more layers to your mask and keep the hair ties on the outer edges.[11]
- Loop the hair ties around your ears to wear your mask. Press the folded side of your mask against your face so it completely covers your nose, mouth, and chin. Stretch the hair ties over your ears so they hold the mask tightly on your face. Adjust the edges of your bandana until it feels comfortable to wear.[12]
- Avoid leaving your nose uncovered since it will make your mask ineffective.
- If your bandana fits so tightly that it causes pain or makes it hard to breathe, take it off and unfold the sides. Slide the hair ties closer to the edges before folding them back in and putting your mask back on. However, your masks will be more effective if it fits snugly than if it was loose.
- Opt for fabrics that are tightly woven and don't let light pass through them.[13]
- Try to make your bandana as tight against your face as possible so it's the most effective at protecting you.[14]
- Wash your bandana after each time you wear it to kill any residual viruses or bacteria.[15]
[Edit]Warnings - Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after you wear a mask to get rid of any contamination.[16]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Face Mask with Ear Loops [Edit]References |
| How to Clean a Burnt Pan Posted: 05 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST Burn stains can make your best cookware look old and worn out, no matter how much you scrub. Don't panic! You don't need an expensive new set of pans. Some simple household items can lift off even the toughest burn marks. You can also combine most of these methods to really cut through tough stains.
[Edit]Soak the pan with water and dish soap to loosen the gunk. - This is simple, but it might be all you need for minor burns. Just fill the pan with warm water and squeeze a few drops of dish soap in. Then let the pan soak for a few hours and wash it normally with a sponge after. The stains should come off much more easily.[1]
- For more stain-fighting power, add equal parts vinegar and water to this soaking solution. This breaks down caked-on stains.
- This will work on any type of pan, so don't worry about damaging anything.
[Edit]Boil water to lift up the char. - This can help with stains that don't go away after a good soak. Just fill the pan with water and place it on your stovetop. Then turn the heat on high and bring the water to a boil. Let the water boil for 2-3 minutes to really loosen up the stains and gunk. Then turn the heat off and let the pan cool before washing it normally.[2]
- Like with soaking, you can also add some vinegar to this solution to dissolve the stains further. Just be prepared—your kitchen will smell like vinegar while the water boils.
- This will also work for any type of pan, but don't add vinegar to a cast iron or copper one.
- Don't try to wash the pan before it's cool enough! You could get a nasty burn.
[Edit]Add lemons to boiling water to dissolve stains. - The acids should help lift stains off steel and enamel. Quarter up 2-3 lemons and put them in the pan, then cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop and leave the water to boil for 5-10 minutes. Then let the water cool and wash the pan normally.[3]
- As a bonus, this will add a nice citrus smell to your kitchen!
- Acids could corrode cast iron and copper, so this isn't a good option for these types of pans.[4]
[Edit]Scrub the char with vinegar and baking soda. - A bit of acid can really cut through stains on steel or enamel. Pour enough white vinegar into the pan to cover all the stained areas. Then add 1 cup (230 g) of baking soda and let the mixture fizz. When the fizzing stops, pour the liquid out and wash the pan with a sponge to get rid of any leftover stains.[5]
- Make sure you keep the pan in the sink when you add the baking soda, just in case it overflows.
- Don't use this method for cast iron or copper. Vinegar is only safe for these pans if it's heavily diluted.[6]
[Edit]Use salt or baking soda as abrasive cleaners. - These can work like sandpaper and lift up tough gunk. Sprinkle salt or baking soda into the pan, then add water and dish soap. Scrub the pan with a sponge to cut through those tough spots.[7]
- If you're using salt, larger crystals are more abrasive and will clean better.
- Salt is better to use on cast iron, if you're worried about damaging the pan with acids like vinegar.[8]
- This isn't a good method for nonstick or Teflon pans. The rubbing could scratch the finish.
[Edit]Pour carbonated water into the pan for light stains. - The bubbles from carbonated drinks can lift off gunk and stains. Instead of plain tap water, pour cheap carbonated water into the pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub the pan with a sponge.[9]
- Try adding some vinegar to the pan to help dissolve tougher stains.
- This is a gentle method that won't damage any type of cookware.
[Edit]Rub burnt spots with a dishwasher tablet. - Dish soap is already designed to fight stains, so take advantage of that. Simply line the bottom of the pan with warm water to start. Then use a normal dishwasher tablet and scrub it over all the stained parts. Wash the pan with an abrasive sponge to remove those stains for good.[10]
- If the pan was only mildly burnt, then you might not even have to use a sponge—the stains may lift right off on their own.
- This will also work on any type of pan.
[Edit]Try ketchup on copper pans. - Copper pans tend to oxidize when they burn. Amazingly, ketchup can get rid of that. Slather some ketchup on burnt or darkened spots and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wash the ketchup off.[11]
- Ketchup is acidic, so this isn't a good choice to use on cast iron.
[Edit]Rub stainless steel with a ball of foil. - This is for real, heavy-duty stain-fighting power. If the stains just won't come out, ball up a piece of foil and rub all the stained spots. This should grind them right off.[12]
- Don't use this trick on coated or Teflon pans. It could scratch them. Only use it for stainless steel.
[Edit]Fight very tough stains with a store-bought abrasive cleaner. - These cleaners include Bar Keepers Friend and Carbon Off. If nothing else works, they might do the trick. Wet the pan and sprinkle some cleaner onto the stained spots. Then scrub with a sponge to lift burn stains.[13]
- These cleaners can be harsh on skin, so wear rubber gloves while you're using them.
- These products might have specific instructions, so always read and follow them.
[Edit]Related wikiHows - Use the rough side of your sponge whenever you're cleaning your pans to get rid of stains and gunk.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't use rough sponges or steel wool on nonstick pans. These will scratch the finish.[14]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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