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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Do your dress pants get creased when hanging in your closet? A pool noodle can help by providing a larger, rounder surface for them to hang on. First, cut your noodle slightly shorter than the length of the hanger’s pants bar. Then, cut a slit lengthwise down your newly shortened noodle, slip the pants bar inside, and you’re done. With the pool noodle’s help, your pants won’t crease like they do when hanging over the thin bar on most hangers.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Want to ruin all that beautiful seasoning you worked so hard to build on your cast-iron pan? Just run it through a dishwasher one time. Harsh detergents and prolonged exposure to water will not only strip away the much-needed oil layers but also could cause the pan to rust. Crystal is simply too delicate for the dishwasher. Beyond the hot temperatures, harsh cleaning agents and powerful water jets inside the appliance can cause the crystal to chip, crack, or dull.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Most flying insects rely on ultraviolet (UV) light and short wavelengths of visible light, such as blue and white, for navigation. Traditional white incandescent, halogen, and many cool white LED bulbs emit a spectrum that includes these blue tones and often some UV, essentially acting as a beacon for bugs. Yellow light, on the other hand, contains longer wavelengths that are much less attractive to insects.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
But removing corn husks and silks, especially if you’re cooking for a large group of people, can be a real pain. That’s where this ultra-easy hack comes in. It not only saves a lot of time but also spares you the effort of cleaning up corn silks (and inevitably finding them in random places in your kitchen for the next week). You can use this hack to fully cook your corn, or simply to remove the husks if you want to finish cooking it another way, such as grilling or sauteing.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Fortunately, there’s an easy and inexpensive hack to turn your feeder into a hummingbird magnet. If you don’t yet have a hummingbird feeder, you can get a good one for next to nothing at Dollar Tree or on Amazon. While you’re shopping, grab some bendable wire — the kind typically used for crafting. That’s all you’ll need to create a comfy place for the birds to sit while they sip.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
You can keep birds away without resorting to harsh chemicals by using an inexpensive item you probably already have in your kitchen drawer: aluminum foil. Adding strips of foil to your trees or garden beds is a fast, easy way to keep birds from pillaging your plants. Birds are usually drawn to fruits and seeds. To deter them, tear some foil into strips, then attach the strips to the trees and plants that see the most damage — the wind and sun will do the rest.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Before squeezing the inserts into the covers, toss them in the dryer for 20 minutes. This will make them extra fluffy and help you achieve a fuller look. While it’s not necessary, you can also add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer along with the inserts to help break up any clumps and spread the filling out evenly. Just be sure to set the temperature to low- or no-heat for pillows stuffed with polyfill or other synthetic materials.
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3 days ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Laundry expert Patric Richardson, also known as The Laundry Evangelist, revealed on HuffPost’s Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast that the best laundry setting to use is “express.” This fast wash cycle may also be labeled “quick wash,” “speed wash,” or “rapid wash,” depending on the machine. True to its name, it’s a short wash that cleans clothes quickly. And less time circling the drum means less wear and tear on your favorite items.
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1 week ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
Before buying anything, consider how you want to use your outdoor area. Is it a peaceful spot to relax while reading, or will it be a lively hub for entertaining guests? Your answer will determine the type of furniture you’ll need, as well as the layout. “If you want to create a little pocket of sanctuary outside, you can opt for two small lounge chairs and an end table, which invites relaxation versus a table and chairs,” interior designer Gala Magriñá says. Less is more when space is limited.
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1 week ago | 
houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison
While your home doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect, it does need to be practical. That’s where repurposing comes in. By giving common household items a second life, you can turn what might otherwise be trash into useful treasures. Read on for tips from professional organizer Hannah Goetz that are not only affordable, but free. Before you begin organizing, first take stock of what you already own. Often, the issue isn’t a lack of storage — the problem is owning too much stuff.
