Tausi Insider

Photo : glebchik ( Shutterstock ) Ideally, you would have cleaned your fireplace thoroughly in the spring, after you used it for the final time of the season. But if that didn’t happen—or if you want to tidy it up before using it this fall and winter—now’s the time to do it. We’ve already talked about how to clean a gas fireplace , but what about wood-burning fireplaces? Here’s what to know. How to clean a fireplace As we’ve covered in previous articles, it’s important to make sure that your fireplace and chimney are in working order before the start of winter , in order to maximize the heat in your home, and minimize any drafts—and having a clean fireplace is key. Here’s how to clean your wood-burning fireplace : Prep work No matter what time of year you clean out your fireplace, wait at least 24 after your last fire to ensure that everything has cooled down. Also, things are going to get messy, so put down a drop cloth or two (or some old sheets), wear clothes you don’t mind g...

Photo : Pixel-Shot ( Shutterstock ) It’s easy to forget about our microwave when we’re not using it—especially since many models are compact, tucked into the corners of counters, or mounted above the stove. But, like other kitchen appliances, our microwaves need basic maintenance in order to keep running smoothly. Here are a few tips for keeping your microwave in working order. How to maintain your microwave According to most manufacturers , the lifespan of a microwave is roughly 10 years. Here’s how to ensure that you get the full decade out of your appliance: Cover your food The best way to keep your microwave clean is to prevent it from getting gross in the first place. Do this by covering your food when you cook it—just make sure that the lid or cover isn’t too tight (which ultimately can create even more of a mess). Not sure what to use? Read about the best ways to cover your food, here . Wipe up spills right away If food or liquids do spill (it happens), wipe it up immedi...

Photo : Rawpixel.com ( Shutterstock ) A clean home is a peaceful home— but what if the act of cleaning it could be peaceful, too? That’s the guiding principle behind the FlyLady cleaning method , popularized by organizational guru Marla Cilley. Let’s go over what the FlyL ady method is—and why you should employ it now. You won’t get instant results, but you’ll get long-lasting ones that will contribute more to your sense of overall cleanliness and peace. What’s is the FlyLady method of cleaning? Cilley’s method has been around for more than two decades, but it’s found new life on TikTok, where C leanT ok influencers have brought it to the digital masses. The goal of using this method is to be less overwhelmed by the prospect of cleaning—and maybe even start to enjoy it. You do this by changing how you approach cleaning altogether. On her website , Cilley instructs would-be method adherents to break their home up into “zones” and set aside just 15 minutes per day to clean throug...

Photo : EkaterinaSid ( Shutterstock ) Nothing beats the scent of a real Christmas tree in the living room. But what those pine tree needles could be used as a general cleaner? Pine disinfectant is a popular, old-timey DIY that’s perfect for the season. Here are a few ways to make it. The traditional method of making pine tree cleaner There are a couple of recipe recommendations out there, so we’ll start with the one that has the shortest prep time, but they all require those precious bits of pine. For the first recipe, you’ll need: Pine needles and/or sprigs 1 ½ cups of white distilled vinegar 1 ¼ cups of water ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol A big jar A spray bottle Per Gather and Grow , pack your needles into the glass jar, then pour the vinegar in there and put it in a sunny window for a week. When the week is up, strain out the plant material, put the remaining vinegar in your spray bottle, add the ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, and fill the remainder with water. Other methods ask that y...

Photo : Jason Finn ( Shutterstock ) More than almost anything else in your kitchen, the cabinets can make the room feel outdated—especially if you painted them a color that was trendy one year, but not as much after that. Fortunately, giving your kitchen an updated look doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace your cabinets completely. Instead, many people opt to give them a facelift using paint and some new hardware, including knobs and pulls. But how do you know when to use knobs, and when pulls would be the better option? Whether you’re giving your kitchen cabinet a refresh, or starting from scratch, here’s what to know about the difference between knobs and pulls. The difference between knobs and pulls Both knobs and pulls are types of hardware that can be used on cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, closets, other built-ins, and on furniture like dressers, vanities, and chests of drawers. The biggest difference between knobs and pulls comes down to how they’re attached to a...

Flipping a cake onto a wire rack is the easiest way to get it out of the pan, but it will come out upside down. That’s not that big of a deal, as you can flip it around with the clever use of a second wire rack. Remove the cake from the pan like you usually would—loosen the edges with a knife, cover the pan with a rack, then flip the whole thing over—then place a second rack over the exposed bottom of cake, and flip it over once more. https://www.tausiinsider.com/9-unexpected-ways-to-use-your-cooling-rack/?feed_id=325462&_unique_id=63f735c2d849e

Photo : Claire Lower Open up whatever drawer you keep your trivets and hot pads in and count them up . Count your trivets. Count your hot pads. How many do you have? I have four . Usually that is enough. Now count how many trivets and hot pads you have that would accommodate a very large, very heavy cooking vessel. I have none. In the past, I have often just set two trivets (or hot pads) side by side. B ut sometimes all four of my trivets/hot pads are in use. What’s a girl to do? “Just use some kitchen towels,” you might say. That’s a good way to scorch a kitchen towel. Instead of reaching for fabric, reach for something sturdy, something elevated, something made of metal. Reach for a muffin tin (then flip it over ). An upside down muffin tin makes an excellent trivet. It is designed to go in the oven (where it’s hot ), so you don’t have to worry about a hot casserole dish damaging it in any way. It’s also very sturdy, and can hold your heaviest enameled cast iron Dutch oven wi...

Photo : Claire Lower I love chicken. I’ve even found a way to enjoy a chicken breast ( beat it into submission ). When prepared and cooked correctly, chicken can be just as juicy and flavorful as any other bird. A good marinade always helps, and I think I’ve found my new favorite. Bathe your bird in a slurry of feta cheese and capers. It will look like the milkshake from hell, but it will make your chicken taste superb. You’ll only need two things for this marinade: Feta cheese (packed in brine) and a jar of capers (also packed in brine). Blend them together in a blender, either traditional or immersion, then smear the piquant mixture all over your meat. Then, you play the waiting game. I tasted this chicken after a few hours in the marinade, and then again after an overnight stay, and both were good. I wouldn’t go past the eight-hour mark, however, as the texture can go from tender to mushy if you take it too far. But anywhere in between one to eight hours will infuse your bird ...

Photo : Kostikova Natalia ( Shutterstock ) Pioneered by Becky Rapinchuk, the “Clean Mama” method helps you break down your cleaning into regimented, scheduled tasks. Some are daily and some are weekly, but the point is you have to get each done before moving on to the next one or anything else. Every day, you make your bed, check your floors, wipe your counters, take on clutter, and do laundry. Each day is also dedicated to a different, broader task, like cleaning the bathroom on Monday or dusting on Tuesday. Check out the guide here . https://www.tausiinsider.com/7-of-the-best-cleaning-methods-when-you-feel-overwhelmed/?feed_id=322494&_unique_id=63d8c4ec37ad6

Photo : Lulub ( Shutterstock ) You’re probably familiar with these unassuming gems from soup takeout, or watching The Bear, and maybe you’ve already discovered their many uses. The quart container is simple and effective for everything from holding long utensils upright to serving as an impromptu water glass. Quart containers rise above the other reusable containers, literally, because of their shape. Instead of getting wider to hold more material, they are tall and thin. You can stack leftover ribs in there, gravies, frostings, and tofu in water without concerning yourself with spillage, and maximizing the vertical space in your fridge. They’re especially useful for storing homemade stock, sauce, or broth in the freezer. https://www.tausiinsider.com/10-professional-kitchen-tools-i-use-in-my-home-kitchen/?feed_id=322422&_unique_id=63d8163535f63