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Hier — 27 mars 2024Lifehacker

10 Garden Upgrades You Can DIY for Less Than $100

As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to get your garden set up for planting and consider anything you can do to make the most of your space. That said, new garden features and updates can quickly get expensive. If you’re not aiming for a total landscaping redo, there are plenty of DIY garden upgrades you can undertake for less than $100.

Direct your climbing plants with an expandable lattice

To train climbing plants along a fence line, the edge of a porch, or along the side of a pergola, you can use an expandable lattice ($36.98/ 13 by 78 inch section) to fit your lattice to your desired space. An expandable lattice can also be hung vertically along a post to train vines upwards. The lattice will shrink to a narrower, three or four foot section if you have a smaller stretch with no cutting necessary.

Build an arched trellis

To build a dreamy arched trellis for your climbing plants, you can use galvanized welded fencing ($50.52 for a 3 foot by 50 foot section) attached to t-posts ($6.98/each). Drive the t-posts into the ground, three feet apart, on either side of your intended arch, then unroll your galvanized fencing over the posts, creating an arch connecting the two sides. Use the built-in metal clips or some wire ($5.93/250 feet) to attach the fencing to your posts.

Make a hula hoop trellis

You can also make a climbing trellis using hula hoops ($21.99/10), a garden stake ($26.99/25), and some twine ($4.99/400 feet). By tying the hula hoops to the garden stakes using twine, you can suspend them in the air. The hula hoops are adjustable, so you can create a graduated trellis for climbing plants by arranging them with the smallest hoops at the top and the largest at the bottom. You can also arrange the hoops vertically by hanging them from a stake, post, or fence to make a circle trellis for climbing flowers.

Use pavers to build your raised beds

One of the cheapest and most popular ways to make raised beds is by using concrete patio pavers ($.48/each for a seven-inch by three-and-a-half inch by one-and-three-quarter-inch paver). You can stack the pavers in rows like bricks around the area of your bed to create an edge, then fill it with your own compost. The advantage of a paver-bordered garden bed versus a traditional box is that you can shape it however you like, or account for an existing slope in your garden.

Make a stock tank raised bed

Stock tank raised beds ($49.99 for one five-foot by three-foot by one-foot bed) are a popular choice for DIY raised beds because they’re durable and simple to install. Using a metal raised bed is a lighter and leaner alternative to wooden framed beds, but they can be susceptible to heat, so keep that in mind when choosing what to plant in them.

Make raised beds with cedar boards

A raised bed is simple to build using cedar boards ($9.25/each for a three-quarter inch by eight-foot by four-inch board), “l” brackets ($3.48 each), ¾ inch screws ($6.87/box), and 1 ⅝ inch screws ($10.97/box). Cut your boards to the desired length for each side of your bed, then screw the ends onto the sides of the bed using the 1 ⅝ inch screws. Use the ¾ inch screws to add “l” brackets to the inside of each corner to reinforce the joints. If you want a taller bed, use a piece of board cut to the desired height at each corner to join the boards vertically.

Make a mobile planter using a cart

You can use a metal cart ($37.02) and some flower pots ($13.99/three) to make a rolling planter/plant stand for your porch or patio. You can also use a thrifted piece of furniture and add your own castors ($11.99/four) to create a cart. A rolling planter can make it easier to water and maintain your plants, and ensure they get the right amount of sunlight.

Use a mold to make a pathway

If you want an cheaper concrete pathway, you can use a paver mold ($25.29/two) and some concrete mix ($21.88/ten pounds) to pour your own pavers. Using a mold allows you to create a path in the shape you want and save some money doing it. You’ll need some basic concrete tools ($14.99) for this project if you don’t already have some.

Make a path with mulch

To make a mulch pathway, first, define your path by staking some landscape fabric over the intended area using landscaping staples ($9.99/50). Once you have your path laid out, you can either lay down store-bought mulch ($4.97/two cubic feet), or you can use free mulch from Chip Drop. (Just be aware that Chip Drop will leave your mulch in a parking space or driveway and it will be up to you to move it to your desired pathway area.)

Plant a container garden

To create some different layers, you can try a container garden. You can use almost any type of container, but something like this stainless steel tub ($54.99), this terracotta pot ($21.44), or this concrete planter ($38.41) will be durable outdoors. SOme gardeners have success upcycling old cooking pots, tool boxes, and paint cans into containers for garden plants as well. Really anything that will hold some dirt and stand up to the elements is a good candidate for a low cost planter.

À partir d’avant-hierLifehacker

These Are Some of the Best Furniture and Decor Items With Hidden Storage

If you live in a small space or simply have a lot of stuff, storage can be a nightmare. To stay organized and tidy, you absolutely must utilize storage boxes and spaces, but as someone who lives in a small apartment, I’ll be the first to admit it’s difficult to find places to keep bins, let alone keep all my stuff organized within them. That’s why I’m a big proponent of "storage as decoration"—items that double as both storage and furniture. 

Best hidden storage furniture and decor

We’re going to start off with my current favorite thing: A full-length storage mirror. I have this one from Vlsrka ($129.99), which is a lighted mirror that swings open to reveal another lighted mirror, plus earring, necklace, and bracelet hooks, bins for makeup brushes, pockets, shelves, and a ring holder. This one can be hung on the wall, but there are others that are free-standing, like this one from Songmics ($209.98) that hides not only internal storage, but a few external shelves in the back. I love mine because the inner and outer mirror are so handy and my jewelry and makeup are out of the way until I need them. 

Vlsrka 63" x 18"  Silver Full Length Floor Mirror
Vlsrka 63" x 18"  Silver Full Length Floor Mirror

By far one of the most convenient and inconspicuous hidden storage solutions is the faithful hollow ottoman. This one from Storagebud ($42.97) can fold flat when not in use, plus has smaller storage bins inside so you can keep everything you toss in there a little more organized. There are also small “foot rest” versions for much cheaper, like the Songmics cube ($19.40). 

If you have a green thumb and a small place, you don’t have to choose between plants and storage. Sdstone makes a flower pot with a hidden safe in the bottom ($13.99). It’s meant for valuables, but you can toss whatever small items you want in there. As a bonus, it comes with a fireproof pouch for money and extra-important items. 

The bench by your front door isn’t pulling its weight if you can’t stash stuff inside it. The Hoobro shoe storage bench ($75.95) hinges open at the top to allow you to store things under the seat, plus has exterior shelving that you can face toward the wall, so no one will ever know you have anything in there. 

Shelves are great for extra storage, but shelves with hidden compartments inside are double great—and stop the top part from getting too cluttered. The Ikoppoi hidden storage wall shelf ($33.99) allows you to display some decorations while hiding other items away within its secret drawer. For example, think about displaying candles on the visible shelf, then hiding matches or a lighter inside.

Store larger items right in your living room with the Cozy Castle coffee table ($119.99), which not only has LED lighting and a high-gloss finish, but two big storage drawers hidden on the sides. It’s great for big blankets, the kids’ toys, or whatever else is cluttering up your space. 

If you feel like doing a little DIY around the house, try the Fox Hollow Furnishings recessed medicine cabinet ($329.99), which looks like a regular picture frame on the outside, but contains four rows of shelving on the inside. You do have to install it inside your wall, so it’s not as convenient as the other options here, but if you have anything sensitive or valuable to store, an innocuous “picture frame” is the perfect thing to put it all behind. Check out this video demo to see how it looks.

Finally, go old-school with a two pack of decorative “book” boxes ($23.95). On the outside, these look like classic old books and will blend in on your bookshelf easily. Inside, you’ll find storage space big enough for small items. 

Other sneaky storage ideas

One hack I’ve developed over years of living in small apartments is to store my winter coats in my luggage. When I travel, I just take them out and lay them on the couch. It doesn’t matter; I’m not home to see the mess anyway. This saves a bunch of space in my closet, which is dominated by the suitcases as it is. 

I also have shelving units all along my walls to make up for a lack of closet space. (I do have closets, but I just really like clothes.) The clothes I put on these can look kind of sloppy, so I use fabric storage cubes to create “drawers” on the shelves. When not in use, they fold up flat, but when they’re popped open, they give the illusion that the shelves are much more organized than they really are. Try a six pack from Amazon Basics ($19.68). 

Finally, I swapped out my hamper for a rolling cart last year. The cart is still bulky and ugly, so I keep it in the closet, but it’s less cumbersome than the hamper I had and it makes laundry day much easier, as I can just wheel the dirty laundry straight out the door and into the laundromat. Unfortunately for me, I have some tacky, fruit-patterned abomination from the dollar store, but fortunately for you, there’s a much prettier version from Songmics on Amazon for $49.79.

9 Types of Outlets You Might Find in Your House (and What They’re Supposed to Power)

Every time you plug something into a wall receptacle, you’re leveraging the awesome power of the electron to power your video games and chill your beverages—which makes knowing something about those outlets an important aspect of home ownership. Plugging an appliance into the wrong receptacle or replacing one with an incorrect choice is an easy way to destroy your property and injure yourself, after all—so here are 9 receptacles you might encounter in your house that you should know about.

Outlets, receptacles, amps, and volts

Everyone knows what you mean when you say you’re going to plug something into an outlet, but technically the outlet is a location where you have access to wiring. The spot where you install a light fixture is an outlet. A receptacle is where a plug is inserted. In practice, people use them pretty interchangeably.

Power receptacles are described in terms of amperage (amps) and voltage (volts). You don’t really need to know too much about this in your role as Person Who Wants Their Toaster to Stop Tripping the Circuit Breaker, but it matters because your appliances and devices all need specific amps and volts to operate correctly and safely. You can think of volts as the “strength” of the electricity, kind of like water pressure—the force that’s pushing the power along—and amps as the “speed” or volume of the electricity. Some appliances need a lot of electricity very fast, some need less at a slower rate. Plugging them into the wrong receptacle can be exciting! But also very dangerous.

Ungrounded

ungrounded, two-prong outlet
Credit: Adurable Creations / Shutterstock.com

If you have power outlets in your home with just two prongs, your home’s electric infrastructure is old and needs some attention. These plugs lack a grounding prong and they’re pretty dangerous because any kind of short circuit can send electricity flowing into you if you touch it, and can even cause fires if they spark. They stopped being standard in the 1960s and were prohibited outright in the early 1970s, so even if yours have been working perfectly for years, you should seriously consider replacing them.

15 amps, 110/120 volts

three-pronged receptacle
Credit: studio23 / Shutterstock.com

This three-pronged receptacle is the most common one you’ll find in your house, providing 110 or 120 volts of power with a maximum current of 15 amps to a long list of standard devices and small appliances like phone chargers, computers, toasters, and lamps. The bottom prong is the ground, which is what prevents electricity from leaping out of your power receptacle. And if you see a face here, it’s a phenomenon called pareidolia.

20 amps, 120/125 volts

receptacle for 20 amps, 120/125 volts
Credit: ZikG / Shutterstock.com

These outlets have a top left prong that looks like a letter “T” on its side. They provide slightly zippier amperage for appliances that draw more power than most, like your microwave oven. The amp and voltage ratings are top ends, though, so you can also plug in devices that need less power.

20 amps, 240/250 volts

receptacle for 20 amps, 240/250 volts
Credit: ZikG / Shutterstock.com

Larger appliances (like an electric stove) that need more power to operate will plug into one of these. You can tell a 250-volt 20-amp plug from a 125-volt plug by the right prong, which is sideways. That means you can’t plug smaller things into this receptacle because of the higher voltage.

30 amps, 240/250 volts

receptacle for 30 amps, 240/250 volts
Credit: gunawand3570 / Shutterstock.com

The 30-amp, 240/250-volt receptacle (third from the left on top in the image above) has two sideways prongs. It’s intended for appliances that need a lot of power. You’ll often find one installed near the windows in your home because they’re used for large window-mounted air conditioners.

30 amps, 125/250 volts

This receptacle (top line, far right in image above) has two slanted prongs and one prong that resembles a letter “L.” You’ll see these referred to as “appliance outlets” because they’re used by washers, driers, and other larger appliances in the home.

50 amps, 125/250 volts

receptacle for 50 amps, 125/250 volts
Credit: Corosis_Varanus / Shutterstock.com

This is an industrial-strength power receptacle rarely found in a residence—there’s just really no need for it in the house. You might find one in the garage, or if the house has a dedicated workshop of some sort, especially if a previous owner had some serious hobbies, like welding. Chances are if you have one you won’t have a use for it.

GFCI and AFCI

GFCI and AFCI receptacle
Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Shutterstock.com

Available in a range of amperage and voltage, these receptacles look very similar and offer similar functionality, and can be identified by the reset buttons on the front of the receptacle. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles are designed to detect when the current has gone somewhere it shouldn’t (for example, into your body) and will shut down. They’re required in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms to prevent water from shorting out the receptacle. Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) don’t prevent electrical shocks, they prevent electrical fires by detecting power leaks and shutting down accordingly.

USB Outlet

USB Outlet
Credit: yakiniku / Shutterstock.com

If your house is fairly new or recently had the wiring updated, you might find a USB receptacle. This is pretty straightforward: It’s a 15- or 20-amp, 120- or 125-volt receptacle that has USB connections in addition to or instead of a three-prong plug. This can be handy if you have a lot of devices that need charging.

Seven Ways to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Dining Space (for Less Than $100 Each)

As the weather gets warmer, many of us are ready to get outside and grill. Elevating the al fresco dining experience by having an outdoor place to eat is a great addition for entertaining, but creating one can be expensive. If you don’t have the budget for a total patio renovation, here are some budget ideas for creating an outdoor cooking and dining experience that can boost your BBQ hosting game.

Create some counter space

Adding an island or a counter for your grilling space can make cooking outdoors that much easier. You can upcycle a rolling cart ($37.99) into a work table or counter space by adding some countertop material to the top. You can usually get discounted scraps of countertop from cabinet or building supply outlets. You can also opt to use a finished kitchen cart ($85.49) or a thrifted set of shelves and then add some more robust casters ($25.19) for outdoor use. Having your countertop on wheels allows you to move it easily indoors for seasonal storage as well as double your work surface as a dining surface if you have a smaller space.

Add a mini fridge

A small fridge can up your outdoor cooking game by giving you a place to keep food chilled while you do prep or keep a few cold beverages on hand. You can add a truly tiny fridge ($46.27) that accommodates up to 15 12oz cans or you could opt for a slightly larger, 1.6 cubic foot fridge ($98.00). Make sure you have an outdoor outlet nearby to keep your fridge plugged in.

Add an ice bucket

If you don’t have an outlet for an outdoor fridge, you can still serve up some frosty beverages with an ice bucket to keep them cool. You can add a pair of simple, four-gallon ice buckets ($25.98) or you can choose to use a drop in tub ($37.50) that you can add a cutout for in an existing countertop or table. You can also opt for an ice bucket that doubles as a side table ($54.99) for some extra table space along with your cold drinks.

Shed some light

Adding lighting both for food prep and ambiance can help you to upgrade your outdoor space from a plain old cookout location to an outdoor kitchen. You can add some wired outdoor industrial sconces ($29.99/two) if you already have power in your outdoor area. If not, you can opt for solar sconces ($29.99) as long as you have a place to hang them with sun exposure. For ambiance, you can add a solar pendant light ($22.95), or some lanterns (29.99/two) to your seating or dining area to brighten it up.

Turn a shelf into a bar

You can add a shelf to the side of your house or shed by hanging a 12-inch board ($14.22) with some shelf brackets ($69.99 for four) or fold-down brackets ($13.99 for two) to create a surface for drinks and plates without taking up a ton of space or blowing your budget. You can also choose to upcycle a thrifted console table, shelf, or desk into a bar space by adding some good quality exterior paint ($28.04/quart) to protect it from the elements and make it easier to clean. Adding some bar stools ($61.99/set of four) can help to give your outdoor bar a more finished feel.

Add color to your table

Adding textiles like an outdoor table runner ($5.90) or a new table cloth ($29.99) can give your old table a whole new look and make your outdoor dining space that much more inviting. If you have a table that’s showing some wear, you can choose to update the surface by giving it a good sand and some paint ($15.96) as well. If the surface is great, you can also freshen up an old piece by painting the legs instead.

Use planters or benches to delineate your space

In order to define your outdoor kitchen as well as give people somewhere to sit, using benches ($54.99), planters ($35.99), or a combination of both to outline your space can be very effective. Planning out the shape of your outdoor kitchen can be crucial to keeping the space feeling inviting as well as functional. If you’re handy, you can build some benches from cedar boards ($9.25 each for a ¾ inch by 4 inch by 8 inch board) supported by some wooden planter boxes ($60.99/set of two). Make sure that your bench seat has some support every two feet or so, to keep it sturdy.

The Best Sales on Home Improvement Tools During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Upgrade your garage workshop, lawn care, and DIY game with these deals from Amazon's ongoing Big Spring Sale, which we've been keeping our eyes on this week. If you have a project you’ve been eyeing around the house, these deals on home improvement tools can help you get it done for less.

Cordless tool sets

Cordless tool combo sets are a good way to build a new kit if you don’t already have one, or upgrade if you have older, corded tools. Bosch has a 12-volt drill and driver combo kit that comes with two batteries, and charger, and a case that is on sale for $106.99, 40% off its usual price. This set is good for small projects and repairs around the house, but isn’t suited for larger projects like decking.

Dewalt has a heavier duty 20-volt drill and driver combo kit that comes with 2 20 volt batteries, a charger, and a case along with the drill and driver for $139, 42% off its regular price. You can upgrade the kit and get a bundle that also comes with an impact bit set for $156.49, 40% off the regular price.

For a more comprehensive kit, you can find the DeWalt five-tool combo kit that comes with a drill, impact driver, oscillating tool, reciprocating saw, circular saw, two batteries, a charger, and a tool bag for $449.00, 30% off its regular price.

Tool batteries

Since batteries and chargers can be an expensive part of a cordless tools system, getting a deal on new batteries can be a game changer. DeWalt has some deep discounts on its tools, including a set of two 20 volt, 2AH MAX batteries for $129, 46% off the regular price. For larger batteries, the two pack of 20-volt, 6AH MAX batteries from DeWalt are on sale for $178.76, 38% off their usual price.

Bench tools

If you’re doing wood or metal working (or if your DIY projects just need a sturdy clamp), vises, bench mounted tools, and accessories can help keep you fingers safe and your parts steady while you work. The Craftsman 15-amp benchtop planer is on sale for $299, 36% off its regular price. It can accommodate boards up to 12.5 inches wide and can adjust to cut as thick as 6 inches.

The Wilton utility bench vise with a 4-inch opening and 4.5-inch jaws is on sale for $101.57, 58% off its regular price. The utility vise also has a small anvil work surface for metal working.

For larger projects and more versatility, the Wilton reversible bench vise has 6.5-inch wide jaws and can open to 12.75 inches when reversed. It also has pipe jaws that can accommodate up to a 3-inch pipe and two anvil surfaces for metal working. The reversible vise is on sale for $257.80, 56% off its usual price.

Hand tools

Adding to your hand tool collection can up your repair and DIY game. Luckily, there are some deals that can help you expand your set for less. The Craftsman socket extension and adapter set is on sale for $49.98, 36% off its normal price. It comes with several extension adapters as well as an angle adapter for tight spots and quarter, three-eights, and half-inch drive sockets.

The Craftsman quarter-inch drive extension set is also on sale for $9.98, 56% off its usual price. This set comes with one driver handle and three sizes of driver extensions for getting into tight spots.

The Sunex three-eighths inch drive imperial socket set is on sale for $31.30, 62% off its usual price, and has 13 deep sockets and a keeper.

The General Tools pipe cutter is on sale for $13.90, 35% off its regular price.

Measuring tools

Measuring and marking accurately can make all the difference on your next DIY job, so a few tool deals to help you build with accuracy are vital. If you can get past the obnoxious "gadgets for men" descriptor on Amazon, the General Tools contour gauge for tracing tile, flooring, and molding cuts is on sale for $10.04, 56% off its regular price. The General Tools depth and angle gauge is on sale for $4.56, 79% off its regular price.

Extension cords and electrical tools

Having the power you need when working in the shop or outdoors is indispensable, but cords and tools can get expensive. Here are some deals to up your electrical game. The Southwire 50-foot outdoor extension cord is on sale for $29.60, 33% off its regular price.

The Woods 25-foot, multiple outlet outdoor extension cord is on sale for $23.80, 30% off its normal price.

The Woods one-to-three splitter is on sale for $20.30, 32% off its usual price. It can spread as far as 20 feet between ends, and each cord measures approximately 13 feet.

The Kasa outdoor dimmable smart plug is on sale for $17.99, 40% off its regular price. It’s compatible with Google assistant, Alexa, and SmartThings.

The Astro Multimeter for testing continuity, voltage, and resistance in electrical wiring and components is on sale for $26.98, 37% off its regular price.

The Best Deals on Coffee Makers and Accessories During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Attention, coffee (and tea) drinkers: Whether you love the simple pleasure of picking up your java on the way to work or you take brewing at home very seriously, you should pay attention to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. There’s quite a bit of discounted stuff for you there. Here are some of the best deals for casual sippers and connoisseurs alike that I've found so far.

Best Big Spring Sale deals on at-home coffee goods

If it’s time to upgrade your brew setup or drinkware, give these a shot. 

  • If you like to grind your own beans, the Shardor electric burr grinder is marked down to $33.99 (originally $39.99). A bit of advice: Before you pick one of these up, make sure you’re familiar with how to clean it so your coffee doesn’t start to taste bad. 

  • Keurig is having a lot of deals during this sale, like the K-Express single-serve coffee maker, which is on sale for $69.99 (originally$89.99). This is also the kind of machine you'll want to know how to clean regularly, because they can get pretty gross.

  • The Mueller drip coffee maker is on sale for $23.78 compared to the typical price of $34.99. This one lacks some higher-end features, like the ability to schedule batches for the following morning, but it's a cheap, solid pick if you need something simple.

  • This bag of Four Sigmatic coffee is an organic, half-caf blend that's usually a little spendy at $17.09. During the sale, it's down to $14.52, but be aware that it comes pre-ground. Given the lower caffeine amount, it might be a good bag to have on hand when you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, but still want to be able to get some sleep that night.

Best Big Spring Sales for coffee on the go

Busy bees, you are not forgotten. Whether brewing at home and taking a cup for the road or stopping by your local cafe, here are some deals on items you can use.

  • Grab a 20-ounce vacuum insulated travel cup for $9.62 instead of $13.99 so your coffee stays hot (or cold, depending on your preferences) while you're out and about. Reviewers say it holds more than the usual to-go mug and maintains temperature well. It also comes with a metal straw and a cleaning brush for when the aforementioned straw inevitably gets gross. 

  • CamelBak’s popular 16-ounce Horizon tumbler is also on sale, down to $17.26 from $22. Reviewers have been praising this camping mug for years.

  • If you prefer your coffee cold and like a fashionable but sustainable option to drink it from, Simple Modern’s insulated tumbler with lid and straw is $20.79 instead of $25.99. It’s chic and comes in multiple colors, but not all of them are included in the Big Spring Sale, so double-check the prices before you buy.

  • If you like a hefty cup of java, pick up a Seven Sparta car cup holder expander for $19.99 instead of $24.99. To see it in action, check out this review, which concludes that it’s a quality product that solves a very specific—but annoying—problem.

  • The JavaPresse manual coffee grinder is discounted from $46.99 to $27.98. This grinder is small and uses a manual crank, which makes it ideal for someone who’s particular about their coffee, even when they’re camping—or simply can’t stand the thought of skipping a cuppa during a power outage.

10 Ways to Update Your Porch or Patio on a Budget

Spring is upon those of us in the Northern hemisphere (even if it doesn't feel like it), and if we're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, we're probably thinking about sprucing it up. But whether you want to make your porch or patio more comfortable, or just give it a fresh new look to usher in the season, updates can be pricey. Luckily, there are a few things you can do, even if you don’t have the budget for a total overhaul, to spruce up the place and make your yard, deck, etc. that much better.

Add some lighting

If you have outdoor outlets or fixtures already, it’s simple to add some string lights ($35.99) or you can update your outdoor wall sconce ($42.65) with a new one. If you don’t have outdoor outlets, solar options will allow you to give your porch or patio a glow up. Adding a solar lantern (two for $23.99) or a set of fairy lights ($9.99) is as simple as finding a sunny spot in your outdoor area to set them up.

Lay down a rug

To make your space more comfortable for morning coffee or after-sprinkler lemonade in your bare feet, an outdoor rug ($28.95 for a 3-foot by 5-foot rug) is just the thing. You can also use a larger rug ($59.49 for an 8-foot by 10-foot rug) to delineate space for outdoor furniture and entertaining space. A good outdoor rug is waterproof and can be cleaned with a hose for convenience.

Hang shades or curtains

Hanging some curtains can help to create some shade and to make your space feel more dressed up. You can add weatherproof curtain panels ($13.29 per panel) by hanging some outdoor curtain rods ($17.99 for an expandable 66- to 120-inch rod). You can also choose to use roll-up shades ($49.98 for a 7-foot by 6-foot-tall panel) instead of a stiffer sun shade. Shades can also help to cut wind a little bit for a more comfortable outdoor dining experience.

Add a planter

Adding a large planter ($49.99) that you can plant a porch-sized tree ($44.00) in can give you a focal point and add some greenery to your patio or porch. Remember that if you plant a tree, you will either need one that’s suited to your local climate or one that can come indoors for winter. An alternative to one large planter is a few smaller ones (set of three for $58.03) to scatter some greenery ($9.99 each) or flowers ($19.47 each) through your space.

Make your furniture cozier

Porch furniture is a must for warm spring days, but to keep cozy when the weather is still a little chilly, you'll need reinforcements. Using some outdoor blankets ($15.99) along with some cushions ($49.99 for two) and pillows ($18.99 for four) can make your time outdoors in the spring a little warmer as well as prettier. If you have an uncovered patio, even if your textiles are waterproof, using a tarp or bringing pillows and blankets indoors when it rains will keep your furniture more comfortable without needing to wait for dry time.

Give your furniture a fresh coat

Outdoor furniture gets a lot of abuse. It’s exposed to sun, moisture, and lots of barbecue guests (if you’re lucky). If your furniture is solid but starting to show some wear, you can use paint to give it some new life. Painting metal furniture with spray paint ($6.19) is a fairly simple DIY, but you’ll likely need a drop cloth ($9.99) to contain overspray and a wire brush ($3.47) to prep the surface. If you have wooden furniture, you can also use acrylic paint ($34.98/gallon) to give it some protection as well. If you don’t want to paint your whole piece, you can opt for a color dipping treatment using acrylic or latex, or you can paint some accents instead.

Paint your floor

To freshen up a concrete floor or some old deck boards, a coat of paint can really do the trick. Using a stencil ($15.99) and some paint ($18.99), you can give your old concrete floor a pattern. For decking, you can opt for a paint color ($17.49) with added no-slip grip ($9.24) to make your porch safer as well as more colorful.

Get a bar cart

Whether it’s coffee or spirits you prefer, a little outdoor bar can go a long way to making your outdoor space more comfortable. Consider this bar cart ($39.99) for serving cocktails or lemonade, to elevate the porch or patio experience.

Include a fire feature

I love a fire feature for outdoor entertaining. You can choose to add even a small, pedestal-style fire feature ($99.99) for a little warm glow, or you can opt for a table-sized fire feature ($156.99). Remember that a fire feature needs to be kept at least three feet from flammable objects and you should observe all safety information from the manufacturer.

Or maybe a heater

When the mornings and evenings are still cooler, a patio heater is a great way to get your outdoor space going in spring. You can choose to use a small infrared heater ($55.99) that uses electricity for efficient energy use, or you can opt for a propane burning heater ($99.99). Make sure to follow all manufacturer safety instructions to avoid any possibility of fire.

These Robot Vacuums Are up to 48% Off During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Amazon's "Big Spring Sale" is not as good or as big as Prime Day, but we've been combing through the sale and highlighting a few of our favorite deals that are actually pretty good. If you like a clean place but don't like cleaning, there are some great robot vacuum deals going for up to 48% off.

You won't find Roombas on this list, mainly because its deals aren't great but also because iRobot has been falling behind other companies, like Roborock and Ecovacs. The Big Spring Sale includes deals on both brands, which I've listed below.

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus

The Deebot N10 Plus is the most budget-friendly robot vacuum from this list at $349.99 (originally $649.99). Like the rest of these vacuums, this is a vacuum and mop combo with a self-emptying home base that holds up to 60 days' worth of debris. It has 3800Pa of suction power, can run for 330 minutes before needing to recharge, and has smart mapping of your home that you can control within the app. It uses sensors and LIDAR to navigate your home and avoid obstacles.

The Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni

I've had the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni for some months now, and it was my first robot vacuum outside of the iRobot world. I was impressed with how much better it cleans and the features it has. The two main features that set it apart are the hot water mopping and hot air drying. This vacuum also automatically lifts 9 mm when passing your carpets to avoid getting them wet while mopping (no need to set "no mopping zones"). The mopping actually feels like a good clean with its two spinning mops that use pressure to get stains out. It has all the other features that the N10 Plus has, plus voice assistance and 6,000Pa suction power. You can get the Deebot T20 Omni for $649.99 (originally $1,099.99) after applying the $50 on-page discount.

The Ecovac Deebot T10 Omni

The Deebot T10 Omni has a little less suction power than the T20 with 5,000Pa, no hot water (it uses cold water instead), and no auto-mop lifting, but it has a camera with AI technology that it uses to avoid and recognize obstacles. You can also use the camera to monitor where the vacuum goes on a live video stream that also has two-way audio so you can spy on and freak out your pets when you're not home (as if pets needed any more reasons to hate a vacuum). You can get the Deebot T10 Omni for $629.99 (originally $1,199.99).

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Roborock is another robot vacuum brand that has been impressing lately. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum is its best vacuum, and it's very similar to the Deebot T20 Omni. It has the same suction power, auto-drying, lifts 5mm to avoid carpet, has obstacle avoidance, self-refills water, and self-empties its debris. The mopping is what sets this one apart from the rest, with 3,000 scrubs per minute and six newtons of pressure on every swipe. It gets up to 180 minutes of runtime before it needs to recharge. You can get the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra for $999.99 (originally $1,599.99).

My Favorite Kitchen Essentials From Amazon's Spring Sale

Stocking a kitchen with the appropriate tools and appliances doesn’t happen overnight. There are always one or two things on my I’ll get it later-list, and by the time “later” rolls around, I need to replace something else. If you've been meaning to someday get around to stocking your kitchen with a few tools and appliances, Amazon's ongoing spring sale is a good chance to grab a few essentials for a lower price.

ThermoPro probe meat thermometer

This is one of those gadgets that will absolutely change your cooking. Put an end to the days where you’re cooking steak and prodding at the thumb muscle of your palm, or cutting into chicken to see if it’s pink or not.

ThermoPro is a reliable food industry brand and this instant-read probe thermometer will take the guess-work out of cooking—from candy making to grilling.

Cuisinart waffle iron 

Waffle irons aren’t just for making waffles. I like to think of “waffle” as a verb. You can use a waffle iron to waffle a universe of foods that have never before had any business being inside one. Waffle instant mashed potatoes, croissants, cheese, a whole sandwich, or even birthday cake batter. The food writers here at Lifehacker have a long history of adoring this humble machine, so once you buy this affordable one from Cuisinart you can feel confident that we’ll always have unusual recipes for you to try.

Dishers

Dishers, sometimes called ice cream scoops, are one of my favorite low-tech kitchen tools. I identify dishers differently from classic ice cream scoops because they have a little release trigger that helps scoop out the material inside. Like the waffle iron, these rounded scoops are much more than they seem. Dishers are excellent portioning tools, they’re easy to use, and most of all, they can keep your cooking process tidy. I have a set of three sizes, similar to this one on sale, and I use them for things like scooping cookie dough, ice cream, meatballs, or dolloping ricotta along a casserole dish before I flatten it out. 

KitchenAid Digital Scale

You don’t have to bake bread every week to benefit from a kitchen scale (but it’ll definitely help you with that). A simple digital kitchen scale will help you reproduce recipes perfectly every time, and can be a valuable tool for strict diets. It can also give you insight if you’ve never really weighed your ingredients before (two ounces of dry pasta is disappointingly meager). Furthermore, using the tare feature on a scale allows you to easily measure multiple ingredients into one bowl. This scale from KitchenAid offers two platforms, one for larger measurements and one for precise measurements (think: grams of salt).

Nesting mixing bowls

I don’t need to go on about what mixing bowls do, they’re self-explanatory, but I will go on about the importance of having multiple mixing bowls of various sizes. Sometimes you need a huge one for all the large cuts of veggies going into your stew, and other times you need two small ones for measuring out chopped nuts and chocolate chips. I like these Wildone mixing bowls because they’re stainless steel with non-slip bottoms, but most of all because each size comes with a tight-fitting lid. 

Cuisinart air fryer

Every kitchen, from a dorm to a palace, can use an air fryer. (I haven’t been in a palace kitchen, but I bet they have air fryers.) These tabletop electronic convection ovens are safe, easy to use, and make quick work of innumerable items, from cheesecake to roasted peppers. This highly rated air fryer from Cuisinart offers multi-rack cooking and is big enough to bake a 12-inch pizza.

Philips automatic espresso machine 

Technically this is more of a splurge, but it’s also essential because that’s how I feel about coffee. Consider finally taking the leap and getting this fully automatic espresso machine from Philips. It grinds, it brews, it froths, it apparently makes “perfect coffee for your mood” (at least someone understands me). With its extensive capabilities, this machine has no problem making your doppio cappuccino and quickly pivoting to make your partner’s iced coffee.

The Best Vacuums in Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Vacuums are one of the best items to snatch up during a big sale because you while always need a good one, a "good one" is generally pretty expensive. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale starts today and runs through March 25, and it's a solid opportunity to pick up a vacuum that can suck its way right through your spring cleaning schedule. Here are some of the best ones on sale. 

Best vacuums in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

  • The Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ is $69.99, down from $94.99. The big selling point is the extension wand and hose, which you actually don’t see too often anymore on fancy new vacuums. The old-school approach is perfect for getting into tight spaces or underneath furniture. 

  • Personally, I’m a Bissell fan, so the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright being marked down to $98.44 from $118.44 is exciting to me. The footprint is a little bigger than the small vacuums that are all the rage right now, but that’s because this one has a big swivel in the middle that helps it get around furniture. (My go-to vacuum, the Bissell Featherweight Stick, isn’t in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, but it is only $33.95 and I can’t recommend it enough for its surprisingly powerful suction and convenient ability to transform from stick to handheld vacuum in seconds.)

  • If you’re looking for a sleek, small, and lightweight vacuum without a hefty price tag, try the Homeika 28Kpa cordless, which is $109.98 for the sale, compared to its usual price of $129.99. To see it in action, check out this video where a reviewer says it’s “absolutely awesome.”

  • Maybe this is the season to upgrade to a really heavy-duty vacuum. Instead of paying the $659.99 regular price for the Roborock Dyad Pro, you can pay $459.98 during the big sale. This is a combo wet/dry vac that comes with a variety of cleaning attachments and reviewers point to its ability to vacuum while it mops as a strong selling point. 

  • Specialty vacuums are also on sale, which means you can pick up the Jigoo bed vacuum for $139.99 instead of $179.97. It has a user display that lets you know how dirty your mattress really even is and how many allergens, mites, and bits of dead skin you’re really sucking up from your sleeping area. Gross, but maybe good to know. 

  • LG is a leader in appliances and the Big Spring Sale is an opportunity for you to pick up one of their highly-rated vacuums, the CordZero A931KWM, which is $398 compared to its usual price of $599.99. It comes with a charging dock that triggers it to empty automatically, but you won’t have to do that too often since the machine also utilizes the LG Kompressor, which compresses dirt and dust as you use it, keeping the bin available. 

  • Don’t forget robot vacuums! The Roborock Q5+ is down to $379.99 from $699.99. This one has a ton of features, too: It self-empties at its charging dock, has 2700Pa of suction, can run for 180 minutes before recharging, and is compatible with Alexa, so your home can be extra smart and clean. TikTok reviewers call it a “dream” and “powerful.”

The Hidden Benefits of a Robotic Lawn Mower

If you hate yard work, you might have dreamt of getting a robot to mow your lawn for you, saving you the hassle of once or twice per week mowing during the height of your lawn’s growing season. While the prospect of a robotic lawnmower might seem too good to be true, there are new models out that can mow your lawn—saving you time and, if you have a larger lawn and/or need to mow frequently, money in fuel costs over the long term.

How do robotic mowers work?

The basic premise of a robotic lawn mower is that it will do to your grass what a Roomba does indoors to your floors. While some models operate using a perimeter wire and are set to travel until they come into contact with it and then turn, eventually covering the whole lawn, newer models like Husqvarna Automower (currently $1,499.99) use GPS and sensors to operate the mower on a planned path for your yard. Mowers that use a programmable path for optimal efficiency are more likely to save money in the long run.

Save short-term on fuel

The main savings from using a robotic mower over a traditional mower is in the cost of fuel. Because robotic mowers run on batteries that are recharged with household electricity, they use much less fuel than riding mowers or walk-behind models. In a study commissioned by Stihl, robotic lawnmowers performed better than their traditional counterparts when mowing took place twice a week. According to the study, a traditional mower uses about $25 in fuel to mow once per week for a growing season and $50 to mow twice per week for a growing season; a robotic mower uses about $41 in fuel for a twice weekly mow per season.

Save on labor costs

If you’re deciding between using a robotic mower or a lawn care service, the robotic mower is the more cost effective option, hands down. To hire a service to mow your lawn, it costs between $50 and $200 per acre. A robotic lawn mower can mow an acre for an entire cutting season for just $41—a significant savings.

Save on lifetime costs for fuel and maintenance

Overall, the long-term savings associated with using a robotic mower are the real draw. While a good robotic mower for a residential lawn can cost between $1,000 and $1,500 to buy, a battery-powered push mower comes in at around $380. So the initial cost difference is substantial. But in a study from the International Journal of Sustainable Engineering that compared the total cost to operate over 10 years of several types of mowers, the programmable robotic mower that had an optimal path designed for it was less than half the cost of its closest competitor, the gas-powered riding mower. The total lifetime operating costs for 10 years of use for the robotic mower were about $6000, while the gas-powered riding mower came in at about $14,000. Importantly, the random-walk style of robotic lawnmower with no optimal path set was the most expensive mower, costing about $23,000 to operate for 10 years.

Other advantages of robotic mowers

Robotic mowers are cheaper over time than regular mowers if you need to mow frequently. In addition to being cheaper, a robotic mower will save you time (if you normally mow your grass yourself). Robot lawn mowers are designed to mulch grass clippings back into your yard automatically, making your grass healthier as well as eliminating clipping waste. Since they don’t burn fossil fuels, robotic mowers produce fewer emissions than their traditional counterparts. They’re also significantly quieter than regular mowers since the blades are smaller and they don’t have internal combustion engines.

Disadvantages of robotic mowers

Robotic mowers are a big upfront cost and for folks who don’t need to mow frequently, they might not be cost-saving. In addition to the cost, they need a charger to be plugged in outdoors where the mower can dock, so having a place in your yard to secure the mower and charger when you’re not home is key. If you live in an area where yard equipment can be a target for thieves, your mowing robot will need an enclosure of some kind with an outlet to keep it secure. Robotic mowers often have a limit to the slope they can operate on, so they won’t work in some yards that have hills or uneven terrain.

Future prospects

While robotic mowers aren’t ideal for everyone now because of their price and terrain limitations, as the technology develops, the price will likely fall, and the more efficient optimal path mowers will likely become more affordable. Also, the development of better sensors and better travel equipment will likely allow robotic mowers to move over increasingly uneven yards. As battery technology improves, the rechargeable batteries that robotic mowers use will likely become more efficient and cheaper as well.

The Six Ways You Need to Maintain Your Chimney

Chimneys are one of those parts of the house that are so prevalent they’re invisible—you see them all the time, and probably rarely think about them. Even if you have one in your own home, if you don’t have a fireplace you might assume that your chimney is a useless artifact poking up out of your house—but that old chimney might still be serving a purpose. Even without a fireplace, your chimney is very likely serving as ventilation for the house, letting dangerous gases from your furnace, water heater, or other infrastructure escape the house instead of killing you.

Whether that old chimney on your roof is in use or not, it’s a huge mistake to ignore it. Like everything else in your house, your chimney needs to be properly maintained, even if it’s no longer in use. There’s one obvious reason why: The cost to remove or replace a chimney is steep: About $4,100 on average, and sometimes more than $6,000. Rebuilding instead of removing will still run you anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on its size and condition. Ignoring your chimney is an easy way to damage your roof and other areas of your house—sometimes disastrously.

Inspect it

Unless you’re a chimney expert yourself, you should have your chimney inspected on a regular basis—annually, if you can. You’ll want to hire someone certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), who will check out the structural integrity of your chimney, check to see if it’s clogged with debris or flammable residue like creosote, and ensure that it’s still performing its functions properly.

Sweep it

If the words “chimney sweep” conjures up visions of Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, you might be surprised to learn it is very much still a thriving profession. “Sweeping” a chimney is basically cleaning it out—over time, every chimney gets clogged up with ash, debris, and other substances. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, your chimney can become clogged up over time, and probably needs a good cleanout.

If you schedule an annual inspection of your chimney, the company probably includes a sweeping service, or offers it at a small additional cost.

Cap it

Whether your chimney is in constant use or you were recently surprised to discover you have one, it should be capped. A chimney cap is a cover that is attached to the top of your chimney to prevent rain and snow from pouring down into it, damaging the interior. Some also have mesh screens incorporated to prevent animals and birds from building nests in there or migrating down into your walls. They’re not particularly expensive—this one from Master Flow is less than $60—but they can save you a ton of money and stress in the long run. If you’re somewhat handy and follow proper safety precautions when working on a roof, installing a chimney cap is a fairly straightforward DIY job.

Seal it

Your chimney pops up out of your roof, so it gets hit with all the weather and rain. Over time, water penetrating the brick and mortar will inflict some serious damage, so it’s a good idea to seal it against water intrusion using a penetrating water repellent product. This is an easy and cheap job that can help preserve your chimney structure so it doesn’t crumble and magically transform into an expensive repair.

Line it

A chimney liner is fitted inside your chimney, made of metal, clay, or a concrete-like mixture that’s poured into the chimney to set in place. It can serve two vital purposes: protecting the interior of your chimney from corrosion and damage, and making your chimney more efficient. If your chimney is too large (older chimneys sized for old-school furnaces or fireplaces can be way too big for a modern, more efficient furnace, for example), the gas outflow can cause condensation and moisture inside the chimney, which can damage masonry and other materials. A liner can “resize” the chimney so that doesn’t happen, while also protecting those materials.

Close it

If you are absolutely sure you don’t use that chimney for anything—furnace outgassing, ventilation, etc.—but you don’t want to go through the trouble and expense of removing it, you might consider closing it up entirely. This involves sealing it up at the top and bottom so that there’s no chance of water intrusion or other problems. Keep in mind you’ll still need to maintain the structure of your chimney with inspections, capping, and water sealing if you choose to do this.

The Best Gadgets to Make Spring Cleaning Actually Kind of Fun

It’s spring cleaning time, which is fun for some and miserable for others. If you’re in the "miserable" camp, why not use some products that can amp up the excitement—or at least make the whole endeavor a little easier? These tools and gadgets are whimsical or efficient and sometimes both, which is bound to help you bring in the warmer weather with a tidy home and good attitude. 

Spring cleaning tools for the kitchen

The kitchen can be daunting because not cleaning it can have real effects on your health, but that doesn’t mean doing it has to be a slog. There are some really creative tools out there that will whip your kitchen into shape in no time. 

  • Start with a robot vacuum/mop combo that will handle your hard floors, rugs, and carpet while you do other things. The Tikom G8000 (on sale for $127.99) is inexpensive and innovative, as it charges itself and cleans in straight rows instead of zig-zagging around like its competitors. For something heavier duty, try the Roomba J9+ ($1,399), which is super easy to set up, avoids wires and messes like a champ, and simply cleans “really well.”

  • The Topist Angry Mama microwave cleaner ($8.99) is a fun device that steams your microwave for you. Just fill it with vinegar and water and nuke it for seven minutes to let it do the dirty work for you. 

  • To feel futuristic, try the EyeVac Home touchless stationary vacuum ($149), which is like a dust pan, but way cooler. You sweep all your crumbs, dirt, debris, and junk over to the suction device and it just hoovers it up with 1,000 watts of power. Check out this video for a review and to see it in action, but keep in mind that you do need to clean the filters pretty regularly.

  • To use that, you’ll need a good broom, but you should get a cool, multifunction one, like TikTok-famous, fan-favorite Broombi ($34.95), a long-handled squeegee that makes quick work of pet hair, dust, and grime in a way traditional bristles can’t.

Spring cleaning tools for the bathroom

The bathroom is where things really get dirty, so it’s also where you’ll really need to get creative. No worries. There are plenty of cool tools out there to help you get this done. 

  • This year, stop breaking your back by hand-scrubbing everything. You have better options. For one, you can get a 20-pack of drill brush attachments from Holikme ($17.95), which attach directly to your electric drill and can buff, brush, scour, and polish using its power.

  • Or, try the Voweek electric spin scrubber ($54.99), a long-handled scrubber that is always going viral on TikTok for its ease of use in getting the grime out of grout, tile, and more. . 

  • Another popular tool on TikTok is the robot window-cleaning vacuum, which sticks to windows and mirrors and mimics the motions of a human hand, meaning you don’t actually have to wipe them down at all. Your shower doors, mirrors, and windows all around the house will thank you. Try the FMART T8SE ($125.99) as a cheap gateway to the world of robot glass cleaning, but know you may eventually love it so much you level up to more expensive ones, like the EVOVACS Winbot W1 Pro ($299.99), which has quick cleaning, deep cleaning, and spot-stain removal modes. 

  • Make cleaning your toilet quicker and, if you can believe it, cuter with the Zenuta toilet stamper set ($9.99 for 72 gel stamps). Stick a flower-shaped stamp to the side of the toilet bowl and every time you flush, it’ll clean a little bit and release a nice scent. You can even put stamps in your sinks to keep them smelling fresh, too.

Spring cleaning tools for the living room

Cleaning the living room might be the most fulfilling, since you get to chill there and enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward. Double that fulfillment by making it fun with these tools. 

  • The FURemover pet hair broom ($12.99) is described by its fans as a “life changer” and if you watch some demos, you’ll see why: It acts like an indoor rake, easily pulling pet fur and human hair out of carpets and upholstery so you can finally get rid of it.

  • To quickly clean hard floors and have some fun doing it (or at least more fun than you do with your regular mop), try mopping slippers ($13.59 for 10 sets) that allow you to glide or shuffle around, using the microfiber soles to scrub and dry your floor as you go. 

  • Your kids can get in on the action (and stay distracted while you clean) with the KIDSCLEANCAR ($199.99), a little go-kart that uses paper towels to mop or dry as kids scoot around. In demos, reviewers call it “genius.”

  • To tackle your window blinds, grab the Hiware duster brush ($6.49), a zany-looking device that uses multiple prongs and specially-designed microfiber covers to get into all the cracks that normally take forever to clear out by hand. 

Five Surprising Ways You Can Use Plasti Dip Around the House

Plasti Dip is a rubbery coating made to bond to most surfaces, and is commonly used on handles for tools. It’s meant to stand up to outdoor applications and extreme temperatures, and it can extend the life of metal surfaces by protecting them from moisture. In addition to adding some color, there are lots of other practical uses for Plasti dip. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tool handles

By far the most common application for Plasti Dip is tool handles. For this application, using the traditional dip container of Plasti Dip to coat tool handles is the best approach. In addition to adding color, Plasti Dip is an insulator against electricity and heat, making metal tools safer and more comfortable to use. For a smooth finish, you should set up a way to hold your tools in place while the handles dry. For this step, you can use a clamp or even a clothesline with some clips.

Knobs

Knobs on equipment like adjustable-height tables, tool accessories, and clamps can all be coated with Plasti Dip to make them more comfortable to use. You can also use Plasti Dip on knobs for cabinet hardware, doorknobs, and drawer pulls to give an older knob some new life or to make them easier to grip. For best results, take the handles completely off and dip them without submerging the hardware that attaches them to your furniture or equipment. Steer clear of applying Plasti Dip to any moving parts or to the surfaces of screws and bolts.

Car parts

To use Plasti Dip successfully on car parts, you will need the rattle can, spray-on type to cover the areas you want to target. You can also choose to use a paint sprayer with the type of Plasti Dip meant for sprayers for larger areas, although applying this type of paint does take some practice to get it right. For smaller areas, like splash guards inside your wheel well or rims, you can use a spray can after cleaning the surface thoroughly with soapy water and masking off the surrounding areas that you don’t want to get paint on. Plasti Dip can help to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle from rust, and it can also improve the look of your rims. For a more professional-looking finish, you can choose an automotive kit that comes with a specialized spray nozzle and a glossy finish spray.

Rugs

To give the bottom of your carpet a non-slip coating, you can use super grip Plasti Dip spray. Prep the surface by vacuuming the rug and use a drop cloth outdoors to apply the coating. Make sure to tape off the edges of your rug as well as any tassels to avoid accidentally spraying them. Once the coating is dry, your rug will no longer slide about, preventing tripping and slipping accidents.

Safety glass

For use on almost any type of glass, from jelly jars to windows, clear Plasti Dip can be applied for a safety coating. In addition to providing a little bit of resistance to breakage for glass bottles, a Plasti Dip coating will hold shards of glass together in the event the glass is broken, reducing the danger. Applying Plasti Dip to glass needs proper ventilation and masking, but you should also make sure that the glass can dry in a fairly low wind environment to get the best possible finish. Be aware that using Plasti Dip to coat glass, even if it’s clear, will at least partially obscure the glass—it isn’t a fully transparent layer.

The Easiest Ways to Make Your Home Network More Secure

While there’s no foolproof method for keeping everything on a wireless network completely secure, there are some things you can do to make it safer. In addition to setting up devices that don’t depend on a wireless network, you can use a few other tools to discourage hacking and keep your wireless network more private. Taking a few practical steps can give you some peace of mind when using your home security system or your wifi network.

Use a wired connection to prevent jammers

Wireless cameras for home security are convenient and cost-effective, but it’s a good idea to include some devices that don’t depend on a wireless network—just in case. Because any wireless network is vulnerable to jammers, using devices that don't use a wireless signal is a good backup measure to take. These can be as simple as window alarms, or can be as extensive as a wired security camera system that records to a DVR. For most people, one or two wired cameras at key entry points like the front and back doors or focused on a garage entrance is sufficient.

In addition to hardwired security devices, you can also choose to use an ethernet internet connection with a firewall to prevent sensitive information on your home computer from being accessed without physically connecting to your network. Ethernet is a wired internet option that is often faster and less glitchy than a wireless connection, and it has the added benefit of being resistant to jamming and hacking as well.

Change your frequency frequently to prevent jammers

Wifi jammers work by interrupting a particular signal frequency. Changing the frequency that your network operates at can help to prevent jammers from latching onto your signal. Frequency-hopping spread spectrum devices are an option that will automatically change the frequency of your wifi signal, making it more difficult to use an RF jammer to disrupt the wifi connection to your home security devices. While FHSS is considered an older, outdated technology for many wifi devices because more modern wifi protections are geared to data protection, it's useful for preventing jamming attacks. Consumer Reports tested several home security systems for jamming resistance, and there are a few devices that tested well for resistance to frequency jamming including the Honeywell Smart Home Security System. If you're considering a home security upgrade, you should look for devices that use FHSS technology or a similar frequency changing feature to deter jamming attempts.

Create unique passwords

When you set up your home wireless network, your router likely comes with a password for initial access. Additionally, the administrative password is also generated by the manufacturer as a way to access the settings on your router. These passwords are notoriously easy to discover and are not intended to be a long term solution for network security. Create a password that’s different from the one that came with your device and that also doesn’t contain things like birthdays, addresses, or important dates that could be easily discoverable to strangers.

Create a new name for your network

When you install a new wireless networking device, it likely has a name it was given by the manufacturer. This is a placeholder so that you can set up your network, but you should come up with your own name that isn’t associated with your name or address once you activate it. This will help make it more difficult to find and break into your wireless network.

Turn off remote access controls

Most routers have the option to change settings remotely, allowing you to manage device permissions and settings from a computer not hardwired to the device. In addition, many routers also offer universal plug and play, letting any device that’s plugged into the router access its settings without using a password and WPS (wifi protected setup), allowing you to press a button on your modem for instant connection without entering a password. While all of these features can be convenient, they’re also great ways for someone looking for valuable data or access to security devices to access your network without your knowledge. Disabling these features can help make your wireless network more secure.

Use encryption

Encrypting your network is as simple on newer routers as selecting WPA 3 personal or WPA 2 personal on your network settings. Older routers don’t have these options and are much less secure than newer ones as a result. Using an outdated router makes your network less secure because they aren’t capable of higher level encryption.

Don’t stay logged in

While it’s convenient to stay logged in to your wifi administrator account, you should log out once you’re done setting it up. That’s because anyone who has access to your device—even remotely—can use the administrator account to change your wifi settings and access connected devices including your home security system. If you’re logged out, a would-be hacker needs your password to get into your wifi settings.

Use your firewall

One default setting that your router usually comes with is actually good to leave the way it is, and that’s the firewall. Most routers come with a firewall that’s already switched on to help protect your wi-fi network and connected devices. You should check to make sure it’s on to improve the security of your wireless network.

This Shark IQ Two-in-one Robot Vacuum Is 58% Off

Shark is well known for its stick vacuums, but it also makes robot vacuums that rival those from Roomba. One in particular, the Shark IQ 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, is currently at an all-time-low price of $188 (originally $449.99) after a 58% discount.

At this price point, the Shark IQ doesn't really have other competitors. Most robot vacuums from reputable brands with mopping, smart LIDAR mapping, voice control, and other features tend to run upwards of $350. The closest Roomba to this price point is the Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum, which you can get for $169.99 at the time of this writing. However, this Roomba has no mopping, smart mapping, and other features that you can get with the Shark IQ.

On bare floors, the Shark IQ can mop spills with about 100 swipes per minute. My experience with the Roombas that "mop" has been underwhelming, passing a moist rag once across the floor, thus unable to handle stains. Other features of the Shark IQ include no-go zones, so you can choose where you don't want the Shark to clean; pin-and-go navigation for cleaning a specific spot; a sonic mopping system; three-hour battery life; and LIDAR sensors so it can avoid obstacles.

The Shark IQ isn't perfect, though. It's prone to getting stuck under low-lying furniture. It also doesn't have a self-emptying home base, so you will have to empty the debris manually. It's also not the best at picking up pet hair from carpeting. But for $188, you won't find another robot vacuum that excels at those things anyway, much less one that has the features this Shark IQ has.

Your Home Might Need External Insulation, Too

A home that’s warm and cozy in the winter and cool in the summer is a place you can relax—a refuge. A home that’s too hot or too cold all the time will never be comfortable, and can be a drain on your pocketbook: Up to 70% of the energy you pay for in your home is used to heat or cool it, and heating your house likely accounts for about 30% of your utility bills.

How well your home is insulated has a huge impact on its energy efficiency, and on your monthly bills. Adding more insulation to your home can cut heating and cooling costs by an average of 15%, making it a no-brainer home improvement project. Typically homeowners focus on adding insulation inside the house (in the attic or inside the walls), but there’s another strategy to make your home even more energy efficient and comfortable: adding insulation to the exterior of your home.

Upping the R-value

Considering exterior insulation makes sense if you’re going to be removing or adding siding or cladding to the house; the exterior of the home will be exposed anyway, making it the ideal opportunity to improve your home’s overall insulation economically.

Exterior insulation is like putting a sweater on your house, creating an additional barrier to heat loss or gain. It’s a straightforward concept: Once your home’s exterior walls are exposed, you can affix a material like rigid foam insulation or mineral wool batts to the walls, seal it, then cover it with the siding or cladding of your choice. If your home is always chilly in winter or too warm in summer, adding this extra layer of insulation can potentially offer a dramatic improvement.

The benefits depend on the R-value you’re adding, and the climate zone you live in. If you live in Nebraska, for example, you’re in Climate Zone 5, and if your home has 2x6 exterior walls, you’re shooting for an R-value of 19-21. R-values are additive, so any insulation you add to the outside of your house will improve its overall R-value—and a single inch of foam insulation can increase the R-value of your home by 5. If your home already has an R-value of 20, that would represent a 20% increase.

What to consider

One huge benefit to adding insulation to the outside of your home is that you can avoid disruption inside the house. You won’t need to drill holes in your walls or remove the drywall entirely. All the mess and trouble stays outside while the interior of your home remains clean and undisturbed. If you are replacing your siding or cladding anyway, the project shouldn't add to the disruption at all.

There are a few things to consider before you jump into adding exterior insulation, however:

  • Cost. The cost of adding insulation to a siding project will depend on how much wall you need to insulate. For example, a 4x8 polyisocyanurate board from Johns Manville costs about $26, so you can measure the square footage of your exterior walls to get an idea of how much the materials will cost. But you also have to factor in complexities like windows, soffits, and other quirks that can add or subtract materials. And then there are the labor costs of installing it, which will vary greatly; you can expect to add a few thousand bucks to a siding project by including exterior insulation.

  • Thickness. Adding insulation means everything else gets bumped out by a few inches, which can have an impact on things like trim pieces around window wells or exterior outlet boxes. There are plenty of products that can compensate for these complications, but you’ll want to be sure that your contractor is aware of potential issues and has a plan to address them.

  • Moisture. Adding insulation between your siding and the framing of your home can improve the moisture infiltration, because it adds an extra gap between the surface and the interior. However, if you use a rigid foam board that has a vapor barrier of some kind on the outside, this can cause problems because you’ll be sandwiching the insulation between two vapor barriers, trapping moisture below the siding. That’s why it’s vital that you consult with an expert when choosing insulation materials for a project like this.

If you’re already going to be removing the siding or other cladding from your home, taking the opportunity to add some exterior insulation can make a big difference in the comfort level of your house—and the size of your utility bills, all without a lot of mess inside.

Build Your Own Tiny Backyard Wildlife Pond

Par : Emily Long

If you're looking for your next garden project and want something low maintenance that's also beneficial for the entire ecosystem, consider building a tiny wildlife pond.

Backyard ponds have a handful of ecological benefits, but even if you don't have space for a full-sized water feature, you can still increase the diversity of beneficial insects, amphibians, and native wildlife in your garden. Tiny ponds can attract and support dragonflies, damselflies, bees, frogs, birds, and more. They also don't require a pump, a filtration system, or complicated upkeep—the plants and wildlife just do their natural thing over time, ideally keeping everything in check on their own.

How to create a tiny wildlife pond

A mini wildlife pond requires only a few materials and very little maintenance. Here's what you'll need:

  • A watertight container, such as plastic liner, bin, or bucket, though you can also use a wash bin, barrel, or old sink

  • Gravel to line the bottom of the container

  • Bricks, pebbles, and stones to create surfaces at varying depths

  • Native pond plants

  • Aquatic pots

  • Rainwater

Note that when selecting plants for your pond, you'll need several types to keep your pond's ecosystem healthy and balanced. Submerged plants live at the bottom of the pond, emergent plants have their roots submerged in shallow water, and floating plants, well, float. Search for native pond or water plants specific to your area (do not just pick things from your yard or garden). Some emergent plants will do best in aquatic baskets, and loose submerged plants can be bundled, tied, and weighted to the bottom of your pond container.

Select a spot in your yard or garden that gets good light—it should not be full sun or full shade. You can either dig a hole and place your container in the ground or let it sit on the surface. Add gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the container, then place bricks and rocks of varying heights around the edges to create surfaces for plants to sit and birds and insects to land. If your container isn't in the ground, add a ramp on the outside so frogs and other wildlife can easily climb in and out. Next, fill your pond with rainwater and start planting. If you have to use tap water, wait several days before adding any plants so chemicals can dissipate.

For a visual demonstration, and some inspiration, Instagram user Martha @marfskitchengarden demonstrates how to build and maintain a tiny wildlife pond.

Once your pond has been planted, all you have to do is wait. The tiny ecosystem will develop on its own—you don't need to introduce frogs, fish, or other wildlife. Simply check on it regularly to top off the water (again, use collected rainwater), especially if you live in a dry climate, and remove excess debris. If winter brings freezing temperatures, you may need to bring the pond inside, but otherwise it can survive year-round.

The Best Tools for Surviving Allergy Season

Allergy season is right around the corner, and if you’re someone who’s affected by that, you likely don’t need to be told. There are some effective tools out there that can help you through it, though, so maybe this is the year you stock up and show pollen what you’re made of (or at least what you’re willing to buy to take it on).  

Best household products for allergy season

First, you need to get your home in order so you’re not suffering when you’re in your place of solitude. These should help. 

  • Humidifiers moisten the air and improve the health of your airways, which makes them a valuable source of comfort when your nose and throat are scratchy. The one I use is the Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier ($99.95), which is prettier than others on the market (my preference) but also has a radius of 500 square feet and a 1.54-liter capacity, meaning it’ll moisten up a big room. 

  • You’ll also need an air purifier. PC Mag recommends the Dyson Cool TP07 ($605). It’s pricey, but it’s also a Dyson, which signifies quality, and PC Mag highlights its air quality measurements, voice control support, and fully sealed HEPA 13 enclosure. I use a cheaper one, the GermGuardian ($79.99), and can confirm it’s quiet and, as far as I can tell, effective in its goal of yanking 99.97% of germs, dust, and pollen from the air. 

  • Grab some AllerEase pillow protectors ($13.28 for two), which are made of tightly woven fabric designed to stop household particles from collecting in your pillow—and making you sneeze and cough. Reviewers say it actually works.

  • Finally, you need a vacuum that can actually handle the kinds of particles that are affecting you. According to Health, the best vacuum for allergy sufferers is the Kenmore Pop-N-Go ($350) because of how effectively it sucks up debris and dog hair. 

Best personal use products for allergy season

Getting your home under control is one thing, but managing yourself is another. These tools will give some personal relief. 

  • Try a Vicks personal steam inhaler ($42.98) for fast, direct sinus relief when you’re stuffy. Hold it to your nose for a blast of warm mist designed to combat allergies. You can also use it with Vicks VapoPads for extra sinus-clearing power. 

  • Allergy sufferers and pros regularly compare tips on forums, and one thing that always crops up is nasal sprays. Flonase is a well-respected brand, and you can get a 60-spray device for $14.51. Looking for a non-medicated option? Amazon Basic Care has saline nasal moisturizing spray ($3.19) that can also help you clear out some gunk.

  • Itchy, watery eyes are also a major pain, but you can try a gel eye mask to relieve some orbital pressure and depuff those bad boys. Consider the Consgiji set ($11.99), which has one mask with eye holes and one without, so you can choose your coverage.

The Best Solar Generators You Can Buy Right Now

Whether you're hoping to ride out the next blackout in style and comfort, play video games in the middle of the woods, or live an off-the-grid lifestyle, a solar generator is becoming a modern must-have. They’re lighter and more mobile than gas generators, and you don’t need to keep a supply of degrading gasoline on hand to power them.

You have a lot of options for solar generators, and choosing the best one for you involves considering factors like capacity, weight, output and input options, and charging time and efficiency. But above all of those factors, your choice will come down to how you intend to use it. Whatever you buy, the solar generators on the market right now are generally better options than what was available just a few years ago—and the following are some of the best, based on different use cases.

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Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon

Jackery Explorer 1000

Great for: Flexible use

With a capacity of 1002 watt-hours and the potential to charge at 200 watts for relatively fast recharges, the Jackery Explorer 1000 has enough juice to be a great short-term backup generator for the house. It has three AC outlets, a DC outlet, two USB A and two USB C outlets, so it’s capable of powering up to eight things at once. That 1000-watt output means it could run your fridge for a day or so without needing to be re-charged (longer if it’s hooked up to solar panels simultaneously), so it’s a workable solution for getting through a blackout without spoiled food.

At the same time, the Explorer 1000 weighs just 25 pounds—which isn’t exactly light, but makes it portable enough that it’s also a good solution for outdoor uses like camping or just powering your patio. It’s got a durable (and fireproof) casing designed to take a little punishment, too, so this is a solar generator that can sit at home in case of emergencies or come with you on your next road trip. The interface isn’t exactly rich, however, providing just the bare minimum of information, and the lack of a DC input isn’t ideal.

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Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

Great for: Off-grid use

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X can charge at a 600-watt clip, and has a 1,500+ watt capacity, making it an ideal choice if you’re going to be far away from a wall outlet for a while. It can put out enough juice to run a camper, and if you invest in the panels to get that full input, it can recharge in just a few hours.

The 1500X is also equipped to integrate into your house so it can be a true home backup unit, and it can even charge off your car’s alternator, so you can top it off while you’re traveling without having to ziptie your solar panels to the roof. It’s also built with an incredibly tough exterior, making it a perfect choice if you’re going to be living in relatively rough conditions but want to be able to run a small army of gadgets and appliances while you’re out there.

It’s a little confusing to navigate the interface, but the availability of a smartphone app helps a little in that department. If you’re routinely off the grid, this is your best choice.

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Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon

EcoFlow Delta 2

Great for: Blackouts

If your main concern in this life is what happens when the power goes off, the EcoFow Delta is a great choice. With 1000 watt-hours of output (the Delta 2 Max model offers 2000), you’ll never need to break out the candles again, because you’ll have enough power to light up the house and run many of your appliances for the duration. And if the blackout lasts longer than expected, it can charge up in a few hours in full sun.

It’s heavy (about 50 pounds), so you’re not lugging this one around on your camping trips, but its power, fast charging time, and ease of hooking into your home’s electrical panel (if you have a transfer switch installed) make it ideal for those occasional emergencies. Plus, it’s easily expandable with batteries chained together, which can increase your power output to 3000 watt-hours if you need it.

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Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon

Bluetti AC200Max

Great for: House backup

If you’re thinking beyond blackouts and want a whole-house solution that can keep everything humming any time you lose the grid, the Bluetti AC200Max is an ideal choice. It can punch into a transfer switch, making it easy to jump over to battery power in a pinch without having to run extension cords all over the place, and it starts with 2200 watt-hours of power—but it’s expandable to a whopping 8000 watt-hours by chaining in some batteries. It’s pricey with all those batteries, but that kind of power means you can run your whole house off of the AC200Max for a couple of days.

The whole system is controllable via an app, and it offers 16 outlets so you won’t have to agonize over what gets powered during a storm. It can take a long time to charge up if you go for the full capacity, but you can use solar panels simultaneously with an outlet to get up to 1400 watt-hours of charge and cut the charging time down considerably.

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Credit: Product image courtesy of Amazon

Anker SOLIX C1000

Great for: Small spaces

Maybe you want a solar generator for emergencies, but you live in a shoebox-sized apartment, and many solar generators are big enough to be problematic for storage. The Anker SOLIX C1000 provides solid power (1000 watt-hours or so) in a very small footprint, which means it’s easy to store when not in use.

A great feature that makes it a good choice for a home generator is the LED light bar, which provides quick emergency lighting. If you’ve ever been surprised by a blackout and found yourself stumbling around in the dark, you know that having an easy source of light is a very good thing. It also charges up exceptionally quickly—the SOLIX C1000 can reach full capacity in an hour in strong sunlight or when plugged in. That means if your blackout situation lasts more than a day you should be able to charge the battery back up during the daylight hours without much trouble, making it a great choice for a small place.

Solar generators are getting more powerful, more sophisticated, and more necessary every day. Buy one of the best solar generators available and sleep easy tonight.

You Can Get a Lifetime Subscription to Plantum on Sale for $15 Right Now

You can get a lifetime subscription to Plantum on sale for $14.97 right now (reg. $60) until March 17. Plantum is an AI-powered plant identification and care app available for iOS devices with iOS 13 or higher. It helps identify, diagnose, and care for over 33,000 different plant species, and it's both an identification tool and a garden management app. It offers guidance on soil selection, watering schedules, fertilizing, and temperature conditions, as well as reminders for when to water a plant, rotate it, and run triage. Plantum also helps diagnose what's wrong with plants and recommends treatments.

You can get a lifetime subscription to Plantum on sale for $14.97 right now (reg. $60) until March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT, though prices can change at any time.

The Best Bread Box Is Your Freezer

Bread can be overtaken by moldy bits and staleness quickly, but storing it properly can largely prevent those problems altogether. I’m not talking about siloing away your loaf in one of those aesthetically cute wooden bread boxes. While those create helpful barriers if, say, you have a carb-loving cat like I do, they don’t do much to prevent mold colonies from forming. Countertop bread boxes are quaint, but truly, the best bread box is your freezer.

Keep it in shape

Fortunately, many foods keep well in the freezer. Unfortunately, that makes my freezer a bit like a clown car—there’s a befuddling and slightly alarming amount of stuff crammed in there, and yet there’s always room for more. In itself, that’s a good thing: the freezer holds its temperature and conserves energy, but it can spell trouble for the delicate shape of soft, fluffy bread. 

Since bread is made of many small, beautifully arranged air pockets, the shape is easily crushed. If you cram it in with the rest of the clowns, it’ll freeze solid in that smashed shape and stay that way even after thawing. For the bread’s sake, freeze it first, uncrushed, for 30 minutes before stashing. Put soft breads, like rolls, brioche buns, or biscuits on a sheet tray with nothing stacked on top of them. Once they’re solid, you can pack them into any place they’ll fit. Or even better…


Bread homes to consider:


Make a home for your bread

Anyone who likes to have a slice or two on a daily basis has graduated to Bread Spot status. You should make a defined Bread Spot in your freezer that only houses your precious loaves. While I don’t think the traditional, non-airtight countertop bread box is helpful, a freezer-safe container to sequester your breads from the other stuff works well. Just make sure you don’t forget about it in the back of the freezer.

For irregularly shaped artisan breads, like boules or batards, wrap tightly and place them in a wide plastic tub-like container that fits on the top shelf of the freezer. Something like this Komax storage bin would work well. Is it marketed as a freezer-safe pet food container? Yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it for pet food. For a household that fiends for sliced sandwich bread, you might consider a long tubular container constructed especially for the job.

Prevent freezer burn

To be clear, freezers are a boon to at-home food preservation and effectively reduce waste, but there is a trade-off to the wondrous machine: freezer burn. While your food is safe from humidity-induced mold growth, freezer burn can happen to anything you put in there as long as it contains moisture, including bread. 

You’ve probably seen it before. You discover a piece of chicken or steak that was lingering in the freezer, only to unwrap it and find an icy piece of foil and discolored, dried out meat inside. With bread, the slice looks pale and dry, while ice crystals have collected on the surface or inside the storage bag. This is the visual result of sublimation, when ice turns directly into water vapor. The freezer keeps a dry, cold environment and, as BBC Science Focus explains, “Ice sublimates in an effort to equilibrate with the [vapor] pressure of air in the freezer.”

Technically it’s safe to eat freezer burnt food, but the taste and texture can suffer, and to me that defeats the whole point of eating. To prevent freezer burn, minimize the food’s exposure to the dry, circulating air of the freezer. Foil wrappings or thin stretch plastics, the bread’s bag, and some zip top bags are porous or tear easily. Basically, they’re not actually airtight. 

If freezer burn seems to happen a lot to your food, invest in secure airtight containers, bags that are freezer-friendly (usually thicker than others), or try doubling up. It helps to eliminate air inside the container when possible too. While this isn’t feasible with rigid materials, you can do it with freezer bags. Keep sliced sandwich bread in the same bag it came in, squish all the air out (gently), tie it up, and slide it into one of those close-fitting storage tubes. This can be especially helpful if you’re likely to keep breads hanging around for months at a time. (It’s me. Guilty.) Once your bread is safely tucked away in its new frozen kingdom, you’ll be able to defrost and toast your carbs at will without worrying about moldy slices or stale biscuits ever again.

You Should Whip Some Honey

Honey is a fantastic sweetener option, one that offers its own unique flavor—but as versatile as honey is, it can be hard to work with, especially if you're trying to use it as a spread. One way of altering honey’s texture is to whip it, which turns it into a light, airy concoction that can be used in a number of ways, from spreading it on toast or pancakes or drizzling it on pastries to mixing it into yogurt.  

Whipped honey is not to be confused with creamed honey, which looks similar. As the company Browning’s Honey explains, whipped honey is made by introducing air by mechanical means, such as a stand mixer, while creamed honey is made by controlling the crystallization process to create very fine crystals. As a result, whipped honey is lighter than creamed honey, with a milder flavor. It also doesn’t store quite as well and is more susceptible to changes in temperature or humidity. That said, whipped honey retains its texture quite well, and lasts for a while at either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It's also easy to make, and is a good option if you want a texture that is similar to creamed honey.

Some of the uses for whipped honey include spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, drizzling on top of fresh fruit, using as a sweetener for tea, or adding as a finish to cakes or pastries. Whipped honey has the advantage of being easier to spread than regular honey, and it has a lighter, airier taste.  

How to make whipped honey 

1. Pour one cup of honey into a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, adding in spices as desired, such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamon, powdered ginger or cocoa. 

2. Blend the honey at medium speed for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and opaque. (Blending for a longer time will result in a slightly creamier texture.)

3. Once the mixture has achieved the right texture, remove it from the mixer, and pour into a clean jar. Whipped honey can either be stored in the fridge, where it will harden, or at room temperature, where it should retain its creamy texture. 

These Coway Air Purifiers Are up to 38% Off

Do you feel that? That's your springtime allergies. They are coming. No, air purifiers are by no means a cure for allergies, but they can certainly help to remove allergens as well as other harmful pollutants you may have at home, according to the EPA.

Right now, Coway is having a sale of air purifiers on Amazon that will last for the rest of March, some of which are going for up to 38% off. If you suffer from strong allergies, have pets at home, have a gas stove, or like to light candles or spray aerosols, an air purifier can help make your indoor air quality healthier.

Airmega AP-1512HH

I've had the Airmega AP-1512HH for four years, and it's still going strong. It is a simple yet effective air purifier. Like all air purifiers, it will require some minimal maintenance to keep it working at its best (regular cleaning and changing filters). Coway claims the AP-1512HH can purify 361 square feet in 12.5 minutes, 874 square feet in 30 minutes, and 1,748 square feet in 60 minutes. It has three filters, including a True HEPA filter, which catches 99.97% of fine particles in the air (including pollen), a deodorizing carbon filter for things like odors and harmful compounds, and a pre-filter to catch things like dust, pet hair, and mites. You can see more of its features on Coway's website.

Airmega 250

From here on out, the air purifiers are more costly because they have more filtration, which means covering more square footage in less time. They will also be quieter and might have some extra features that are not necessary but might help (like alerting you when each filter needs maintenance or more lights to indicate how clean the air is). Coway says the Airmega 250 can filter 930 square feet in 30 minutes and makes 22dB of noise, which is quiet. You can see more of its features on Coway's website.

Airmega 400

The Airmega 400 is a big step up from the Airmega 250, with two intake areas, leading to much faster air filtering. In 30 minutes, Coway says the Airmega 400 filters 1,550 square feet. It also has a sleep mode that automatically turns on when it detects darkness (it can also be turned on manually), rotating the fan slower and getting quieter (down to 22.8dB). I've had this air purifier for less than a month, mainly not to have to move my Airmega AP-1512HH around the house so much, and I have been impressed by how much more efficient this one is. It is also not much bigger than the Airmega AP-1512HH, but it's much stronger. If you want a single air purifier for a home or a large space, the Airmega 400 might be all you need. You can see more of its features on Coway's website.

Airmega ProX

The Airmega ProX might be overkill for most people's homes unless you live in a castle or own a hospital. The Airmega ProX filters 2,126 square feet every 30 minutes and can also capture smaller particle matter. It is also much heavier than the others at 51 lbs. You can see more of its features on Coway's website.

What to Do if the Police Seize Your Cash or Property

There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than being pulled over by a police car, or answering the door to find the police on your front porch. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong and have never broken a law in your life, interactions with suspicious law enforcement officers are incredibly stressful. You’re supposedly innocent until proven guilty, but in these situations, the cops don't always act like it.

But that stressful situation can become a real nightmare if the police seize your property. Whether it’s cash you’re bringing to the bank, your car, or other valuables you thought were safe on your person, it’s not uncommon for the police to seize your property during an encounter—even if you’re not ultiamtely charged with a crime. Worse, the cops can often legally keep your property and cash, again, even if you’re never charged with any crime, or are later found to be not guilty.

Civil asset forfeiture

In most of these encounters, the police rely on something called civil asset forfeiture. Initially designed as a tool to deprive drug dealers and organized crime figures of their ill-gotten gains, these laws empower the police to seize cash and property if they suspect it’s involved in a criminal enterprise—but because this is a civil action and not a criminal one, the burden of proof is much lower. In a weird twist of the law, it’s the property itself that is the subject of a lawsuit from the government—not a criminal charge against you. That’s how you can go free without being charged, but your property remains seized.

This is big business for many police departments—the Institute for Justice estimates that close to $70 billion has been seized by police in the last few decades. Laws governing civil asset forfeiture vary wildly across the country, but even when states have laws on the books that require convictions or limit seizures to values over a certain threshold, they often have too many loopholes to be truly effective. For example, New Jersey technically requires a criminal conviction for police to keep assets valued at or below $10,000, or less than $1,000 in cash. But this leaves innocent people stuck with having to prove their innocence in court as opposed to the state having to prove their guilt—and the police still have a huge incentive to seize property, because they can keep 100% of it if they secure a conviction.

Local police can also evade state laws in many cases by using a program called “Equitable Sharing,” which transfers the jurisdiction of the seizure to the federal government. This often causes delays for people trying to get their money back, as they have to figure out where to sue—delays that sometimes mean they miss legal filing deadlines. After a period of time, the federal government will return as much as 80% of the money to the local police department.

There are plenty of nightmare stories of people who had cash or property seized by police and spent years trying to get it back—and even when they win, they usually don’t get it back with interest, or their legal fees covered, despite being completely innocent of any crime. This is because federal law requires individuals to “substantially prevail” in court—i.e., win their lawsuit—to get legal fees covered. If it looks like you might actually win your case, the local government will often return the initially seized property in order to avoid that, leaving you with no interest and lots of legal bills for your troubles.

The Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that could change how civil forfeiture works in the U.S., but hasn’t yet rendered a decision. Until it does, the practice goes on.

What to do if police seize your property

So you were pulled over, or the police executed a warrant at your residence, and your cash or valuables were seized. You were not charged with a crime, but your property wasn’t immediately returned. What can you do? Be prepared for a long fight, because until the Supreme Court (maybe) takes action, the odds remain stacked against you.

But here’s what you need to do:

  • Take notes. Record as much information as you can at the moment of seizure. Take photos and video. Make a note of the names of the officers involved, along with badge numbers and the precise time that everything happens. Also ask the officers what their justification for the seizure is—they don’t need much, and just about everything you do can be considered a sign of illegal activity, including having a large amount of cash on you in the first place.

  • Get a receipt. No matter the circumstances behind the seizure, the police are obligated to provide you with a receipt that details the property and money seized from you. Make sure you get one before you part ways, and check that it’s accurate.

  • Don’t sign a waiver. The police often encourage or pressure you to “disavow” cash or other property by signing a waiver that states it isn’t yours and you don’t know anything about it, which eliminates your claim to it. Often people are presented with the choice between spending hours being searched and questioned, or signing a waiver and being released immediately. Don’t do it—signing a waiver like that might set you free in the short term, but it will complicate your efforts to get your property back later.

  • Act immediately. Once you’ve been released, don’t waste time. Contact the local county courthouse to find out how you can petition for the return of your property, and to determine who has jurisdiction over the seizure. You might consider seeking legal advice, but keep in mind that paying for a lawyer might mean getting your money back is a Pyrrhic victory at best.

Use This Checklist to Spring-Clean Your Kitchen

One of the trickiest things about cleaning is knowing where to start—and, once you've started, where to go from there. When spring cleaning your kitchen, that can be overwhelming, since there’s so much to clean and it’s all pretty important, seeing as the room is where you prepare your food and all. You need a handy checklist to make sure you’re getting after every nook and cranny.  

Kitchen cleaning tools checklist

Before you start cleaning, take a minute to make sure you have everything you need. Nothing saps your mojo quite like having to leave the house to buy supplies. Make sure you have all of the following:

Kitchen cleaning checklist 

Now it’s time to move on to the various things you need to actually clean. Start from the top and make your way down, so you clean all the dirt you’ve knocked to the floor at the very end. In general, here’s everything you need to take care of: 

  • Start by removing your oven racks and putting them in the bathtub with dish soap and water to clean them. They should be soaking while you do everything else.

  • Steam your microwave by nuking a quartered lemon in a bowl with a cup of water for three minutes. Since it has to sit in there for five minutes after that, move on to cleaning the exterior with a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water. Once the five minutes is up, wipe the steam from inside the microwave. 

  • Move on to the fridge. Remove all the food and wipe down your shelving and interior with soapy water, then make sure you dry it with paper towels or a clean rag. You can also pop your fridge shelves in the bathtub with the oven racks if they’re really dirty, but that may hold up part of your other cleaning efforts, since you’ll have food all over your counter while your shelves soak. Try to attempt this when you’re low on food, so you don’t have as much to deal with, or put your food back along the bottom of the fridge after you've wiped down the shelf-less interior with a mixture of one cup of baking soda and a gallon of water. 

  • Clean your upper kitchen cabinets, removing everything inside. And don’t forget to clean the tops of them, either, with a sponge and soapy water. 

  • Do the lower kitchen cabinets now, using the same methods: Pull everything out and clean inside with the crevice tool on the OXO brush set, then soapy water. 

  • While all the appliances are out on the counter, clean them one by one. There are detailed ways to clean everything from toasters to coffee machines and grinders to air fryers, so do each one before putting it away. Make sure the cupboards and appliances are all dry before putting anything back.

  • Next, move straight to the stovetop. Use baking soda to clean the burners by slowly adding some to a cup of water and mixing until it forms a paste you can coat the burners with. With your racks still in the bathtub, you can scrub the interior of your oven with oven cleaner. After 20 minutes, remove the baking soda paste from the burners with a damp cloth.

  • Once you've used the sink to clean your appliances, you have to clean the sink itself. If it's stainless steel, use an abrasive cleaner, like Bar Keepers Friend ($11.17 for a pack of two canisters) and a scouring pad. For anything else, a soft cloth and soapy water will work. (One extra step you can take is to polish your chrome fixtures with baby oil, which makes them look super sparkly.)

  • This is a good time to clean the walls between your cabinets and your back splash. Dish soap and water will work, as will the Magic Eraser, but if you have cooking grease splatters to deal with, try mixing one cup of vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of soap with three cups of water to create a degreasing spray, then wiping the mess with that.

  • You’ve cleared the countertops of the appliances from the cupboard and likely gotten crud from the stovetop all over them, so it’s time to tackle those now. Remove anything that might be on them, use the crevice tool to get crumbs out of the corners, and then go in with soap and water or all-purpose cleaner. If you have granite countertops, be extra careful: Use a non-scratch sponge or rag and soap and water, nothing else. 

  • By now, the floors are dirty, but that’s no problem: You’re almost done. First, get your oven racks and fridge shelves out of the bathtub and dry them well. Put them back where they belong. Once that’s done, corral any debris or crumbs on the floor with your broom and mop the whole thing with soapy water. Go relax in another room while it dries. 

You Should Make Rice Krispies Treats, but With Popcorn

Rice Krispies Treats are a classic snack, and for good reason: They’re easy-to-make, comforting to munch on, and can be customized in an endless number of ways. One such suggested variation on the treat, from Tiktok user @kerlovichkitchen, is to use popcorn as the base. Unlike traditional Rice Krispies Treats, where the cereal is simply a neutral vehicle to deliver the marshmallow mixture, popcorn adds in a contrasting flavor and texture, offsetting the sweetness with butter and salt, and offering a hefty crunch. 

In the past, we’ve suggested using plain potato chips in lieu of Rice Krispies, which is a combination that delivers a knockout punch of salty, sweet, crunchy deliciousness. This combination goes one step further, adding in the heft of a popcorn kernel for a snack that will satisfy just about every possible craving you might have.  

How to make Popcorn Rice Krispies

1. Pop the corn

Pop a standard bag of microwave popcorn, which makes about 10-12 cups; set it aside to cool.

2. Make the marshmallow sauce

Then, melt eight tablespoons of butter and a 16-ounce bag of marshmallows over low heat in a large pot, stirring until smooth. If you prefer a softer texture, add in half a cup of sweetened condensed milk.

3. Stir in the popcorn

Once the mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat, and add in the popcorn. Stir until the marshmallow mixture evenly coats the popcorn, then press it in a greased pan. 

At this point, you may be tempted to eat it straight out of the pan, still warm, which is always an acceptable option. If you prefer, you can also wait until the mixture is cool, at which point you can cut it into squares and enjoy. 

These Makita Tools Are on Sale for up to 70% Off Right Now

Beginning a cordless tool kit or updating your existing one can be pricey. Even if you've got a good set going, batteries tend to be expensive, and need to be replaced after a while to keep your tools running well. Getting good-quality tools is important, though—a cheap set won't last and will just end up costing you in the long run. Here are a few deals from Makita so building out your tool kit won’t break the bank.

Batteries and chargers

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery and Rapid Optimum Charger kit is on sale for $148.80 right now, 70% off its usual price. The set is a good deal if you need new batteries for your existing cordless set or if you want to update your existing set. It comes with a rapid charger that will charge batteries in 45 minutes, two 18 volt batteries and a tool bag.

Saws

For a good cordless tool kit, you’ll need a circular saw and a jigsaw. The Makita Rear Handle 7-1/4" Circular Saw is on sale right now for $121.42, 68% off its usual price. It’s a bare tool, so it doesn’t come with batteries or blades, but it’s a good deal if you already have a Makita battery set. The Makita cordless jigsaw is on sale for $114.95, 60% off its regular price. This is also a bare tool package, so you’ll need 18-volt Makita batteries for it to work.

Drills and drivers

A good quality drill and driver set is central to a cordless tool set. The Makita Sub Compact Impact Driver is on sale for $86.82, 57% off its normal price, and the Makita ⅜” 12 volt impact wrench is on sale for $57.99, 65% off its regular price. The sub compact impact driver is good for getting into tight spaces since it’s a little smaller than the regular impact driver. Both the driver and the impact wrench are bare-tool-only packages, so you’ll need batteries to use them. The Makita impact driver and drill kit is on sale for $347.69, 54% off its usual price. The kit comes with a drill, impact driver, charger, two batteries and a tool bag, so it’s a good deal for starting a cordless kit.

Bits and accessories

For adding to your kit, or for expendables like bits and blades that will need to be replaced over time, Makita has included some accessories in its sale. A two-pack of Impactx T27 Torx 2″ Power Bits is on sale for $3.49, 50% off its usual price. The bits are designed to drive torx screws with an impact driver, so keep that in mind. The Makita 14” contractor tool bag is on sale for $15.99, 66% off its usual price. It has a shoulder strap and a handy tape measure pocket. The Makita Outdoor Adventure LED flashlight is on sale for $43.90, 49% off its regular price, and it’s perfect for camping or for a vehicle emergency kit. The flashlight has a 160 lumen output with a rotating head so you can set it up as a lantern or use it as a handheld flashlight. The Makita ratchet and bit set comes with 46 bits and a hand held ratchet driver and it’s on sale for $24.20, 43% off its regular price.

These Are the Best Car Vacuums to Buy in 2024

While those little suction hoses at car washes and gas stations are fun to use, they’re not the best solution to keeping your car clean long term. What you really need is something dependable, accessible, and strong—in other words, your very own car vacuum. Here are some of the most well-rated and innovative ones on the market right now. 

The best heavy-duty car vacuums

First, let’s get into some of the big dogs, the ones you use in your garage or on the street to really get after major spills and crumbs. 

  • The Armor All AA255W wet/dry car and shop vac ($69.99) is compact and easy to move, with a handle on top and a long hose, but it also converts to a leaf blower, which is wildly convenient for your outdoor cleaning needs. It has 13 accessories, like extension wands, a crevice attachment, a detail brush, and various nozzles. One YouTube review says this thing does really well yanking the embedded debris from upholstery.

  • The Black + Decker dustbuster Advanced Clean ($49.99) is small and portable, but powerful—and popular, with 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 104,000 ratings. Reviewers call it “the most powerful” of dustbusters, herald its strong suction, and even talk about “the pleasure of using it.” Wirecutter, too, is into this one, saying it's not flashy, but does a solid job with finer dust and overall gets the job done well.

  • For a cheaper shop vac, consider the Koblenz WD-2L wet-dry vacuum ($37.98), with a two-gallon capacity and an attachment for cleaning carpet. 

Best small car vacuums

Sometimes, you need to bust dust or obliterate crumbs on the go, but a shop vac or heavy-duty beast doesn’t fit well in the car. Try these smaller options so you can be clean whenever, wherever. 

  • The Saker Mini 3 in 1 vacuum ($58.99) can suck or blow through its wide variety of attachments and recharges easily with an included charger. It’s ideal for crevices, seams along seats, and small messes and the nearly 2,000 people who’ve reviewed it agree: They say it removes pet hair and crumbs easily and is even powerful enough to handle carpets and mats. 

  • For something truly affordable, the NEXPOW car vacuum ($17.99) is a good bet, plus it’s super tiny. It’s just a little cylinder that packs a big punch and includes three nozzle attachments, so it can fit right under your car seat. Reviewers say it’s even powerful enough to suck up sawdust and the filter is surprisingly mighty. 

  • On the other hand, you could spend a little more and get major power from a tiny vacuum if you go with the Turbo Tube ($159). It also includes two attachments, a charger, and a storage bag, and PC Mag highlights not only its "whopping" 15,000 pascals of power, but its included flashlight, which is extra convenient for cleaning in the dark.

  • Finally, keep an ODISTAR desktop vacuum ($11.98) in the car. These things are super popular for home use, but are great for picking up small crumbs and dirt on your car seats, dashboard, or center console. They’re not much bigger than a computer mouse, either, so you can just pop yours right into the glove box. To see how they work, look at the endless amount of TikTok videos of people using them for everything from desk cleaning to sucking up acrylic nail dust.

Everything You Should Know About Solar-Powered Security Cameras

Choosing the right security camera can be tough. Most of the time, you have to choose between running wire to power them or make sure to charge the batteries regularly to keep them going. Solar-powered cameras, however, can combine ease of installation with dependable coverage by keeping the battery charged without ever needing to be plugged in.

Recharge batteries with sunlight

A solar-powered camera can be installed without running any wires and also without needing to be accessed for charging. With at least two full hours of sunlight per day, most solar-powered security cameras can keep running indefinitely, allowing you to “set and forget” your cameras. You can also stop climbing a ladder every few months to retrieve cameras for charging or battery exchange.

Wifi monitoring

Solar-powered cameras usually send security images and data via a secure wi-fi connection. They can also sometimes run on a cell network, like the new Eufy 4G solar cam, or they can sometimes use a local Bluetooth connection. Since solar security cameras use a wireless signal to transmit information to your phone or local smart home device, you don’t need to run cables for that part, either.

Continuous monitoring

Because solar powered cameras don’t need to go into standby mode to conserve battery life, they can record continuously instead of intermittently when they detect motion. Setting the scope of the motion detection on your battery-powered cameras to a large enough area for you to monitor pets or vehicles in a larger space can drain the batteries even faster. A solar-powered camera can allow you to take a look at what’s going on on your feed regardless of whether the motion sensor has been triggered without worrying about running out of power.

Choosing the right battery

In order for your solar-powered security camera to keep working on cloudy days, it will need to have a battery with enough storage to keep it working even under cloudy conditions. Look for a battery that will run for at least one day on one charge. If you live in an area with lots of cloudy days, you should look for a longer-lasting battery. When choosing a camera system that runs on solar power, make sure to confirm that your system’s battery capacity allows it to run for a minimum of 12 hours on a single charge.

Set your cameras up for success

To make sure that you have enough sunlight for continuous operation, using a solar charger that can be placed on the roof or on a south-facing wall is ideal. Getting the best sun exposure will keep the batteries on your camera charged for cloudy days and overnight. Cameras should be placed with the view you want, and high up enough so that they can’t be reached and removed by strangers. Since your solar-charged cameras don’t need to be retrieved to change or charge the batteries, placing them in a hard-to-reach spot won’t present as many difficulties down the road.

What to look for in a solar-powered security camera

To begin with, when choosing a wireless security camera, you should look for one that’s compatible with the smart home devices that you already use. Rather than installing multiple apps to access, choosing a camera that’s compatible with your existing system will allow you to integrate your cameras into the rest of your house. You should also choose a camera that has a high resolution—HD or better—so that the footage will be clear when you need to access it. The higher the wattage of your solar charger, the faster it will be able to charge your camera’s battery. Look for six watts or above for faster charging.

Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Coffee Grinder

Sometimes, out of laziness, I trick myself into believing that if an item has one function and only one kind of content ever goes into it, it doesn’t need to be cleaned very often because there’s no risk of contamination. This is not true. It’s delusion. Take coffee grinders, for example. Yes, you fill them with beans and ground them up into grinds and nothing else ever really goes on in there. It’s not wet, you never add anything other than beans, and you can put more beans on top of the grinds and keep the cycle going forever. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean it. In fact, you really, really should. Here’s how. 

Why clean a coffee grinder?

First, let’s make sense of why you should clean your coffee grinder. Though the beans may not strike you as wet or dirty, they can have some oils on the exterior that builds up in there, which can make your coffee taste bad eventually. If you use the machine every day, you should actually be cleaning it once every week or two. If you use it less often, try to clean it every time you use it, before you put it away. As a general rule, if your coffee starts tasting weird, just clean your grinder.

Here’s how to clean the two main kinds of grinders, blade and burr. Before doing so, give them a quick run to pulverize any last bits of beans that might be in there somewhere. 

How to clean a coffee grinder with a blade

If your grinder uses a blade, you need to focus on getting the oils off of it. To do this, you can use store-bought grinder cleaning tablets, like these from Urnex, which come in a set of three for $12.98. You can also use plain old rice. Either way, you’ll be adding the tablets or the rice (about a fourth-cup) into the hopper, then grinding them up into powder, like you would coffee beans. Unplug the machine, empty the powder into the trash, and make sure nothing is left behind before you wipe it out. You can just use plain water on a cloth or paper towel for this. Don’t try to put anything in the dishwasher, since it’s electrical. Instead, just use your plain water to remove anything inside and outside the machine, then let it air dry completely before plugging it back in or putting it away. 

How to clean a burr coffee grinder

For a burr grinder, take the machine apart and clean every component with a wet rag or soapy water. Don’t dampen any electrical parts. To clean the burr itself, refer to your owner’s manual to figure out how to remove it and don’t be surprised if this requires a screwdriver or some real labor. Brush any remaining beans and grounds from it, then wipe it down with a dry cloth to absorb the oil. Avoid putting water on the surface so it doesn’t rust, but if you have to, make sure you completely dry it with that same dry cloth. Air dry every component separately before reassembling. 

The Best Smart Locks to Secure Your Smart Home

About a year ago, I traveled home to see my mother and was met with a strange new addition to my childhood home: All of the doors now had smart locks on them (she quickly registered my fingerprint to them so I wouldn’t get locked out of my own bedroom). She said she got them because some of her friends were being nosy when they came over, but instead of interrogating her about the people with whom she chooses to spend her time, I looked into smart locks and found that they’re extremely useful—and pretty affordable.

With a smart lock, you no longer need to stress all day about remembering if you locked the door. You can quickly check your phone to see whether you remembered to lock up, which you can do from anywhere. Plus, there’s no concern about ever getting locked out, as long as your phone is charged or you know the right passcode. If you want to upgrade, here are some great options. 

The best smart-locking door handles with fingerprint technology

First up, these locks recognize your fingerprint, like iPhones used to do, and unlock when you touch the handle. It’s all very futuristic and, in my experience, convenient. 

  • The one I’ve used is by Gekrone ($69.99) and it has a bunch of features that justify the price point: In addition to using your fingerprint, you can also use a PIN (on a numerical pad that appears down the length of the door handle when prompted), an app, or an actual key (which is nice if the batteries die). 

  • For something less expensie, try the Aibocn smart door lock ($49.99) which has the same features and allows you to generate temporary passcodes for guests. 

The best smart locks for front doors

If you want something a little more robust than just a locking door handle, try these, which are hefty enough to secure your front door. 

  • The Hornbill keyless entry door lock ($58.49) is a deadbolt lock that still works with fingerprints, an app, a passcode, and mechanical keys. My mom set hers up to link with her Amazon Echos and can now command Alexa to lock her front door, which gives real Smart House vibes. 

  • If you’re just looking to bypass keys and don’t want anything too tech-y, try the TEEHO TE001 keyless entry lock ($32.78), which unlocks with a predetermined passcode. I’ve used ones like this before and have a word of warning: Keep the real key on you just in case, because if the battery dies, you’re screwed. 

  • The Eufy Security Smart Lock ($94.99) also packs a big punch, with an app that enables you to lock and unlock the door from anywhere, plus a keypad and physical key, Apple Watch connectivity, and Alexa/Google Voice Assistant functionality. It also pairs with Eufy doorbells within the brand’s app, so you can set routines and controls for both at once. (Eufy also sells a combination lock/video doorbell for $269.99 if you just want to bundle right off the bat.)

  • Schlage’s Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt ($211) has the dual honor of being recommended by both the New York Times and my mother, with the former heralding it as “easy-to-install” and “sharp-looking” and the latter calling it “great for the back door.” It comes in multiple sizes and finishes (so you can actually match it to your door), gives you the option to create up to 100 access codes for friends and family, and can be locked and unlocked from anywhere using your phone. Plus, of course, it works with your smart home devices, too. 

These Roombas Are Up to 38% Off

A Roomba can be a big time-saver when it comes to chores—as long as you understand they're not miracle workers. And right now, Amazon is having a sale of up to 38% off certain iRobot Roomba combos that can mop and vacuum your floor and carpets. Some of these Roombas are meeting or very close to the lowest price they've been, after using price-checking tools. Here are some of the best deals.

iRobot Roomba Combo i5 and i5+

If you want to keep things under $250 and want a vacuum and mop combo, the Roomba Combo i5 checks those boxes. This same Roomba but with the self-emptying base was recently on Best Buy's Drops for a record low price of $299.99, but it didn't last long before it sold out. Without the self-emptying base, this will be one of the best prices you will see. It has Smart Mapping, which allows the Roomba to learn the layout of your home and vacuum specific areas, such as living spaces, bathrooms, or hallways. It can also vacuum carpets and pick up pet hair, and it's compatible with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant-enabled devices.

If you would like to not have to empty your Roomba every time it fills up and instead empty the base once every two months (varies by use and how dirty your floor is), then the Roomba Combo i5+ might be worth it for you. The i5+ is the same exact Roomba as the i5 with the exception that it empties its own debris.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+

If you want to be able to do everything the i5+ does plus more, consider the iRobot Roomba Combo j5+. iRobot distinguishes "j" models from "i" by having better navigation and mapping features. The "j" has "PrecisionVision" for navigation, which gives it obstacle detection (think cords, pet accidents, etc.). The "j" also has a smart map that allows you to tell it where not to vacuum or mop, a feature the "i" doesn't have. If these seem like worthy upgrades for you, then consider the j5+; otherwise, the i5 ones are capable Roombas for much cheaper.

Roomba Combo j9+

For those looking to splurge on a high-end Roomba, consider the Roomba Combo j9+. The j9+ has twice as much suction power as the j5+, according to iRobot, and a retractable mop arm (instead of a bin you have to take on and off on the other Combo Roombas). It automatically avoids carpets when mopping (so you don't have to create "no mopping zones" on the map), it automatically refills solution from the home base, and it prioritizes rooms by how dirty they are. If you value these upgrades, consider the fancier j9+.

How to Turn Your Juliet Balcony Into Functional Space

In the hands of a skilled realtor, every confounding aspect of a home can be spun into something desirable. There’s no clearer example of this than the Juliet balcony—those narrow, not-really-a-balcony things bolted to the sides of buildings. (They're named for Romeo and Juliet, although Shakespeare didn’t actually refer to a balcony, making deception just one more crime these so-called balconies have perpetrated.) If you’ve ever gone to a real estate listing promising “private outdoor space” only to puzzle over a railing slapped over a tall window, you know the dark mystery of these “balconets.”

Any access to fresh air and more sunlight is a good thing, of course—but Juliet balconies are only marginally more effective than any old window when it comes to ventilation and natural light. So you wouldn’t be the first person to wonder how, exactly, you’re supposed to use your tiny scrap of outdoor space. Like a lot of modern “innovations” that don’t actually add much value, making a Juliet balcony work requires just a little creativity.

Garden

The most common way to make your Juliet balcony into something useful is to transform it into a garden. If you have a shallow floor to work with, some narrow planters with vertically-growing plants will work nicely, and some railing planters will add even more visual interest. If the railing has spokes, you could also consider a climbing vine to provide a natural privacy screen.

Your garden could be decorative, or you could put it to work as a vegetable garden, relying on dwarf fruit and vegetable plants (there’s even a tomato variety literally called the Patio Princess) to provide fresh food in addition to natural beauty. And if your Juliet balcony overlooks a busy city street, your lush balcony garden will hide the urban sprawl behind a much more peaceful wall of nature.

Dining area

If you enjoy eating out in the fresh air but your Juliet balcony is your only access to it, you can create a comfortable dining area with a folding rail table and some folding chairs (that can also be stored out on the balcony). Open the doors or windows to your balcony, fold out the table, and set out your meal (or coffee, or cocktails). When you’re done, everything folds up and you can close your doors or window until next time.

You could also turn your Juliet balcony into a nice little reading nook. A comfortable chair, a folding table for a beverage or a pile of books, and an arc reading lamp will make your Juliet balcony a cozy spot to catch up on your reading list while enjoying the breeze.

Outdoor kitchen

If you love to grill, having a Juliet balcony as your only “outdoor space” is disappointing. But don’t let a narrow space stop you—get yourself a rail-mounted grill and a folding rail-mounted table and you’ll be grilling up a storm in no time. Get a folding dining table and some chairs you can set up just inside, and you can serve a feast to a guest or two without smoking up your whole apartment.

If you’re not into cooking, a rail-mounted outdoor bar cabinet can transform your Juliet balcony into a great outdoor bar area for get-togethers or a quiet cocktail after dinner on your own.

Storage

If you’re living in a small space that’s bursting with stuff, a Juliet balcony might be more useful to you as a slice of extra storage. A vertical bicycle stand, for example, will allow you to store your bike on a Juliet balcony as long as there are a few inches of floor space out there. A narrow, water-resistant deck box will let you safely store a lot of stuff out there, freeing up valuable indoor storage or floor space.

Extend the balcony

If you really wish you had a real balcony but had to settle for a Juliet balcony, consider extending the balcony into your interior space. Get some wood deck tiles, start them out on the balcony, and extend them into the room a few feet. Add some container plants and a table and chairs and you have a full-size balcony and patio experience despite the fact that most of your patio space is located indoors. It's a little unconventional, but it works.

A Juliet balcony isn’t the most useful architectural feature you can have in your home—but with a little effort it can be a lot more useful.

What’s the Ideal Temperature for Your Refrigerator?

Have you noticed your milk getting frosty? Meat spoiling quickly? It’s likely your refrigerator is set to the wrong temperature. The FDA recommends keeping your refrigerator at or below 40° F (4° C), and your freezer at 0° F (-18° C) to keep your food fresh for longer and to prevent the growth of bacteria that could cause food-borne illnesses. Here are some more tips to help you ensure your perishables don’t perish.

The best temperature for a refrigerator

Avoid the "danger zone." If you want to ensure your food isn’t developing harmful bacteria that may make you sick, keep it out of the cold-but-not-cold-enough “danger zone” in which bacteria thrive. According to Good Housekeeping, the ideal fridge temp is between 35° F (1.6° C) and 38° F (3.3° C).

How to monitor your fridge's temperature

Get a thermometer for your fridge. “I never trust an appliance’s self-reporting temperature; I’ve had enough ovens with hot spots to always be wary,” advises a user on the food safety forum at Stack Exchange. “With our fridge, our crisper drawer regularly frosts and partially freezes our veggies, and with a thermometer I was able to determine why: it’s significantly colder down there than the 35° F the rest of the fridge is set on. By at least 5-8 degrees.” Move the thermometer around to check for cold and warm spots, and arrange your food accordingly.

Bulb thermometers, the kind with red liquid that moves up and down, are easy to read, reliable, and you don't need to change their batteries. If you don't have one, you can still check if your fridge is too cold. Place a container of water in the back of the fridge on a low shelf (usually the coldest part) for about 24 hours. If it freezes, then that's a sign you may want to raise the temperature a couple degrees.

Keep your refrigerator full

If you’re opening your refrigerator and freezer regularly, then keeping them stocked may help keep the temperature consistent. “With an empty fridge, every time you open and close the door you cycle most of the air in it, replacing the cooled air with warmer air, which has then to be cooled again,” say fridge enthusiasts on The Naked Scientists. “With a full fridge, there’s not only less air to be cycled and re-cooled, all the other items that have been cooled stay in the fridge. The presence of many items in the fridge may also reduce the airflow, meaning even less air is exchanged each time the door is opened and then closed.”

But don’t overstuff it

Keeping the fridge and freezer full is more efficient, yes—but packing it too tightly will restrict circulation and air flow, ultimately forcing it to work harder to keep things at the right temperature, according to Hunker. Another risk: jamming too much in the fridge can block air vents, leading to a host of temperature and moisture issues, and potentially causing some foods to spoil more quickly.

Check the air vents

To expand upon that last point: Air needs to pass unimpeded between the freezer and refrigerator in order to keep the temperature steady. If you’re seeing frost in your fridge, make sure there isn’t a wayward loaf of bread stuffed up against the air vent, preventing circulation. You should be able to find a guide for your particular refrigerator model online.

Know your fridge’s naturally coldest areas

“The temperature within your fridge can vary rather significantly with normal usage,” says Stack Exchange’s hobodave. “The coldest parts of your refrigerator are the back, and the bottom. The back because the cooling element is there, and the bottom because warm air rises. If items you don’t want frosty are getting frosty, then move them away from the back of the fridge.”

Don’t put spoil-prone items in the door

The fridge door is likely to be one of the warmest areas of the fridge, and a spot where the temperature fluctuates the most—so don’t store anything likely to spoil there. “The items in the door of your fridge can easily get as high as 59° F (15° C), and do so often,” says hobodave. “Putting milk and eggs in your door will significantly decrease their shelf life.” In fact, speaking to Well and Good, dietitian Lisa DeFazio recommends never storing milk, eggs, dairy or meat in the door. Instead, keep those items toward the rear of the fridge, where temperates are colder and more stable.

The Best Tools for Outdoor Spring Cleaning

It's just about time to usher winter out the door with our annual spring cleaning chores—and there's a good chance the outdoors will need a good spruce-up, too. Here are some tools to help you freshen up your patio, outdoor furniture, and gutters, and hide away unsightly garbage cans and AC units.

Tools for cleaning the patio

Let these tools do the hard work for you to get your patio guest-ready:

  • The Leebein electric spin scrubber ($45.99) is a heavy-duty scrubbing machine that comes with a variety of brush heads to tackle all the crevices and hard-to-reach areas on the deck, but is also remote-controlled and cordless, so you’ll never have to bend down, even to change the speed or settings. It adjusts to a number of lengths and angles, too. 

  • The Old City Unltd. Moss removal brush ($25) has long wire bristles in a thin line to help remove moss and weeds that grow between pavers.

  • If it’s time for a new scrub brush, try the AIR U+ floor scrub brush ($22.99) which is dual-sided and comes with a squeegee, too. 

Tools for everything else

Your deck is clean. Great. What about all the other outdoor stuff? 

  • CLR outdoor furniture cleaner ($12.29) is highly rated and safe to use on fabric, wood, wicker, PVC, plastic, and whatever else your outdoor furniture and decor might be made of. It’s non-abrasive and contains UV protectants so every time you clean, you also shield your items from the sun, keeping them nicer for longer. 

  • Power washers can get expensive, but the APIUEK electric washer ($109.99) splits the difference there, offering you four nozzles and a spray of up to 2.4 gallons per minute at a decent price point, so you can power wash everything and call it a day.

  • If you can’t clean it, hide it: Whether it’s an unsightly garbage can or an air conditioning unit, hide it behind a more aesthetically pleasing multi-purpose privacy fence ($114.99) to give the illusion of spotlessness. The fence comes with planters so you can create a garden vibe while hiding your unsightly necessities.

  • The power washer will help with your gutters, but if you need a little more help, try the CHOMP GutterSmop ($25.97) which attaches to the CHOMP handle ($39.97) to remove dirt from your siding and gutters and help scrub away any stains caused by the elements.

Consider Adding a Solar Water Heater to Your Home

You know how expensive energy can be—and it’s not getting any cheaper. Bills piling up is one reason why people look into solar energy solutions for their homes, but when people think solar they tend to focus exclusively on generating electricity and getting off their local grid. And while traditional solar panels are a great idea and can have a huge impact on your utility bills, there’s another option you shouldn’t sleep on: aolar water heaters.

Solar water heaters are exactly what they sound like: water heaters that use the sun’s energy. If you’ve ever left a beverage sitting out in the sun you know that it's very good at heating up liquids, and adding a solar water heater to your home is a simple, straightforward way to cut your energy bills. As an added bonus, using a solar water heater also has a positive impact on the environment, because you won’t be using traditional energy sources.

How solar water heaters work

Solar water heaters have two parts: a collector and a circulation system. The collector is mounted on the roof and stores and heats the water, and the circulation system transfers the water to your taps. The circulation system can be active, using pumps, or passive, relying on gravity or convection to move the water from one place to another.

Solar water heaters will work in any climate, but the type of collector and circulation system used is determined by the climatic conditions in your local area. For example, solar water heaters using an evacuated tube collector, which surrounds the water with a vacuum to prevent heat loss, can maintain water temperature even in very cold climates—but they’re typically the most expensive system to install. How much sun your roof gets, the likelihood of freezing temperatures, and other factors all affect which collector and circulation system is the best choice.

Benefits

Installing a solar water heater will run you anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on your location and the type of system being installed. Which ain’t cheap—but as with solar panels, the up-front cost is an investment that will pay off over time in three big ways:

  • Bills. About 18% of the energy you use in your home goes to heating up your water. A traditional electric water heater costs about $438 per year to operate, while a gas water heater costs about $224 annually on average. Going solar reduces those costs to about zero.

  • Tax break. Solar water heaters qualify for a 30% tax credit, so your cost of installation will be reduced significantly.

  • Environmental concerns. Whether your traditional water heater is gas or electric, it’s relying on some portion of fossil fuels and other polluting sources to heat up your water. A solar water heater removes about 4,000 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere every year.

If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight and you’re considering solar energy—or already have solar panels in place—a solar water heater is a great idea. Even if electricity and gas are relatively cheap where you are, that may not always be the case, and a solar water heater will save you some money in the long run no matter what. You can explore the models and available rebates in your area and other information using the government’s Energy Star website.

How Low-E Windows (or Coating) Can Save You Money

Your home’s windows can be a major source of heat loss in winter and can absorb heat from sunlight during the warmer months. While using shades and drapes can help cut down on heat transfer from your windows, there are times when you want to pull them open and let the light in. When you do, there’s a type of window and coating that can prevent heat transfer through your windows without obstructing the view: Low-E windows.

What are Low-E windows?

Low-E windows are made from glass that has a microscopic metallic coating on it that is barely visible. You likely won’t notice the coating because it doesn’t change the way your windows look very much, but it insulates windows from heat transfer by reflecting UV and infrared light. Low-E coating narrows the wavelength of light that can come through your windows, cutting down on the wavelengths of light that transfer the most heat through the glass. By preventing heat from being absorbed through the windows, Low-E glass can keep the inside of your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Windows with a Low-E coating can reduce heat transfer by 70%. That means that one of the biggest sources of energy expenditure on temperature control can be reduced by 70% with a low e coating. Low-E windows can save you 12% to 33% on energy by providing reflective insulation. Depending on where you live, this can amount to an annual saving of between $70 and $500. While the initial investment in Low-E windows can be 10% to 15% more than regular windows, the savings can be worth it if you live in an area with higher energy costs or where your HVAC is running year round.

Since Low-E coatings reflect UV light, having Low-E windows can prevent sun damage to carpets, artwork, and furniture. Cutting down on UV light can also help prevent bleaching on hardwood floors and woodwork. Some types of plastic can also be damaged by UV rays, so adding a Low-E coating can save you money on replacing or repairing furniture, flooring, and textiles by preventing that damage.

DIY Low-E coating versus new windows

Low-E windows can either come pre-coated from the manufacturer, or an e coating film can be applied on site by a homeowner. The DIY type of window film can be time consuming, and as with any window film, it can be tricky to get right. The upside to the DIY approach is that you can apply it to your existing windows for around $1.44/square foot or around $9 per window. The DIY type of Low-E window coating will last about 10 to 15 years if properly installed. While new windows with Low-E coating on them are significantly more expensive than the film, if you have older windows, they can be worth it for sealing up leaks and gaps that the film won’t fix.

Unlike other types of spectrally selective window coatings that can frost or tint windows, Low-E windows don’t need to have a visible tint. While in some cases, there can be a very slight tint, for the most part, the coating is invisible. That means you can have all the benefits of natural sunlight, plus a clear view while still keeping heat transfer to a minimum and reducing your home energy bill.

How (and Why) to Mark and Monitor Minor Cracks in Your Home

Most homes have a few imperfections or quirks that have been there for as long as you can remember: One replacement bathroom tile that doesn't quite match the others, an old doorknob that sticks, or perhaps a gouge in the wainscoting. There are also the minor defects that make you second guess your memory; more specifically, whether they're new, or they've always been there, but you've never noticed them before.

Hairline cracks in walls and ceilings often fall under the second category. It can be difficult to determine whether they're recent—and possibly a sign that something is amiss—have long gone unnoticed, or disappear and reappear seasonally based on temperature fluctuations. That's why it's a good idea to mark or document these cracks when you first see them, instead of relying solely on your memory.

How to mark and monitor cracks in your walls and ceilings

Living in a rented apartment on the top floor of a nearly century-old building, I've seen—and marked—my fair share of wall and ceiling cracks. Like many apartment buildings constructed at this time, mine has lath-and-plaster walls and ceilings. Often highlighted in marketing brochures of the era for their fire- and sound-resistant qualities, plaster walls and ceiling are also more prone to cracking than those made using drywall, which are more common today. Here's how I keep track of mine:

Mark the endpoints with a pencil

First, I put light pencil mark at each of the crack's endpoints, and write the date—including the year—next to one of them. Though I write directly on my walls using a pencil that I know erases well, that may not be an option for everyone.

crack on white wall with pencil marks on each end
Credit: Elizabeth Yuko

To avoid marking the wall or ceiling itself, Alexandra Cooper, an architect and interior designer at Planner 5D, suggests placing a piece of transparent tape over the crack first. "This can help prevent the crack from widening further, and also provide a clear surface for marking," she says.

In addition to marking cracks that you've noticed for the first time, you may also want to consider doing the same for those that you've been aware of for a while, in order to determine whether they grow or change over time.

Take photos

Next, I take well-lit photos of the crack standing directly in front of it, as well as from a few other angles and distances. Not only are the images helpful visual references for monitoring the crack, but they also provide another record of the date and time. This is especially handy if you're a short person with tall ceilings that you can only reach using the extra-tall ladder that you have to borrow from your building's maintenance person, for instance.

Check it periodically

If the crack appeared after some extreme weather, for example, you'll probably want to check it on a near daily basis—at least for the first week or so—to see whether there's any active movement or additional shifting resulting from the event. Once you're convinced that it's relatively stable, or if there wasn't a clear cause and you've just noticed what was probably an existing crack, check it every month or two. If you haven't observed any changes, you can probably cut back to every six months or year.

The key, at least for me, is to put reminders to check the crack in my calendar, immediately after marking and photographing it on the day I first notice one. Otherwise, if it's not somewhere directly in my line of vision, I will probably forget.

Document any changes

As soon as I notice that a crack now extends beyond its previous endpoints, I mark and date the new ones and take a few new photos showing the growth. I haven't seen much movement over the years, so this is the extent of what I do.

But if you are noticing changes (or just a fan of record-keeping) there are better ways of doing this. For example, Cooper recommends keeping a physical or digital document recording the crack's length and any other relevant measurements or observations, like the direction of the movement, whether it's also widening, and so on.

Also, if you notice that the crack is shifting fairly regularly, Cooper suggests making note of the temperature and humidity levels each time it moves to get an idea of whether the changes are seasonal.

When to be concerned about a crack

Though hairline cracks in walls and ceilings typically aren't cause for alarm, it's important to know how to spot the signs of a potential problem, including those that may require professional attention.

Changes in width

According to Korey Gregory, a licensed general contractor and the superintendent of ASAP Restoration, the most important thing to monitor is the width of the crack. "Think of cracks in a home like a windshield," he says. "You almost expect the crack in a windshield to grow in length, but if it started to widen out and let in air while driving, you’d be concerned. Cracks in the walls of your home work the same way."

When a crack grows in width, that means there's been substantial movement, which could be a sign of structural issues. "If a crack grows from more than a hairline fracture to an eighth of an inch or more, I would be concerned and call an expert right away to be safe," Gregory says.

Growth in length

Unlike its width, there isn't a specific length or amount of growth that clearly demarcates when a hairline crack has become a concern, but Cooper says that significant lengthening over a short period could indicate structural movement. As Gregory points out, cracks can get longer for a variety of reasons, including years of doors closing, people walking above that area, kids playing upstairs, or even heavy winds that move the home slightly. But unless these cracks are also growing in width, they're typically not cause for concern, he says.

Location of the changes

When you notice a crack is getting longer, pay attention to the direction of the growth. For instance, according to Gregory, a crack that continues up vertically through a doorway header could be the sign of a problem. Because doorway headers are thickened with supporting beams that tie into the foundation or slab, if you notice that the header is shifting, it means that "major issues are happening with the structural integrity of the home," he says.

Along the same lines, Cooper says that cracks near windows, the corners of a room, load-bearing walls, or where the wall and ceiling meet might also signal settlement or structural issue, and "should raise more concern."

Also make note of the direction of the crack's movement. "Vertical or diagonal cracks are typically less concerning than horizontal cracks, which could signify foundation or structural problems," Cooper says.

Cracks on the walls of the second floor (or above)

Additionally, if there are cracks in the walls of the second floor in a home, then it might be a sign that the builders didn’t follow the proper methods for securing the second story to the first and the foundation. With most two-story homes, the studs from the first floor extend upwards and become the studs of the second floor.

Occasionally, builders will sister in studs on the second floor which aren’t as structurally sound. In extreme weather situations, the studs connecting the first and second floor can act as a pivot point causing stress cracking. As with cracks on the first floor, and above doorways, if the width increases, you should have it professionally checked out.

The shape of the crack

According to Cooper, if what starts out as a single-line crack goes on to branch out or form a web-like pattern, it could be a sign of increasing stress on the structure.

Accompanying issues

When you first notice a crack, check to see whether there are any other new issues, like sticking doors or windows, uneven floors, or gaps between walls and floors, which Cooper says could be another sign of structural problems.

How to repair minor cracks

According to Gregory, the best way to fix elongating cracks that aren’t increasing in width is to use silicone caulking. "The reason for this is because silicone will stretch and shift with the crack, whereas drywall mud will eventually reveal the same crack again, especially if it is growing in width too," he says.

When to contact a professional

For cracks that are widening or growing in a concerning shape, location, or direction, your best bet is to bring in a professional for a thorough inspection of your home. If you're uncertain about the seriousness of the crack, or if it's rapidly changing, Cooper says that it's better to be cautious and consult an expert. Additionally, if you have an older home, or one with a history of structural issues, she says it's advisable to involve a professional as soon as you notice any potentially concerning cracks.

You Can Get This Löv HEPA Air Purifier on Sale for $105 Off Right Now

You can get this Löv HEPA Air Purifier on sale for $269.99 right now (reg. $350) with coupon code AIR10 until March 3. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air purifiers are made to remove around 99.97% of dust, allergens, mold, and other airborne particles according to the EPA, and this Löv HEPA Air Purifier offers that in a minimalist Scandinavian design that can be set up on legs or hung on the wall. It won the iF design award in 2022 and comes with a remote control, a triple filter, and everything you need to use as a freestanding unit or mounted to the wall. It's also lightweight at 7.7lbs, and it covers rooms up to 660 square feet. It's not sold on Amazon, and you won't find this price on direct brand sites.

You can get this Löv HEPA Air Purifier on sale for $269.99 right now (reg. $375) with coupon code AIR10 until March 3 at 11:59 pm PT, though prices can change at any time.

These Milwaukee Tool Sets Are Up to 55% Off at Home Depot

If you are looking to build out a cordless tool set, getting started can be tough. Buying the tools individually can cost more than buying a set, but buying set requires a lot of money all at once.

Right now, Home Depot is having a sale on tool sets that will make it easier to build out your own library. Here are a few of the best deals.

M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 9 tool combo kit

This 9 tool kit is $599 right now—50% off its regular price. The kit comes with a drill and an impact driver, as well as a high torque impact wrench for tackling larger nuts and bolts and driving lag bolts.

Also included are a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and an oscillating tool; these three are a good starting point for a home tool kit, as they will allow you to handle larger, longer cuts on flat surfaces like plywood, quick cuts with the sawzall, and a variety of smaller, more specialized cuts with the sawzall.

A cut-off grinder rounds out the kit's cutting capability; you can use it for making cuts to metal and grinding off nails and screws. There’s also a light, a blower, and a tool bag, as well as a battery charger and three 18 volt batteries.

M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 7 tool combo kit

The 7 tool kit is on sale for $499 (55% off) and comes with a drill and driver set as well as a reciprocating saw and a circular saw. It also has an oscillating tool, as well as a cut-off grinder for making a variety of cuts. A light and tool bag round out this set along with two 18 Volt batteries and a charger.

M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 tool combo kits

This 5 tool kit is $279 right now, 53% off its regular price. The kit has a drill and impact driver set as well as a circular saw. It also comes with an orbital sander that’s great for finishing work. Also included with the kit are a light, a tool bag, and two batteries with a charger.

Another 5 tool kit includes a different tool combination for $379, 53% off its normal price. This combo kit comes with a drill and driver set as well as an impact wrench. It also includes a cut-off grinder and a reciprocating saw. The light and carrying case finish out the set, which comes with two 18 volt batteries and a charger.

M18 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver

If you just need a drill, the Milwaukee drill set is on sale for $99, 50% off its regular price. The set comes with the drill, battery, charger, and tool bag. You can also opt for an impact driver set if you’re interested in expanding your kit or just looking for a good quality driver. The impact driver set comes with the driver, a battery, charger and tool bag and is also on sale for $99, 50% off its regular price.

How to Use an Instant Pot, Button by Button

The Instant Pot is user-friendly in so much as it is a safe, self-contained, all-in-one multi-cooker, but its user interface is not exactly intuitive. There are a lot of buttons, and trying to intuit what they do exactly can make one feel a little...pressured.

What is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is an electronic multi-tool, wonder-child kitchen appliance. It sautés, steams, and slow cooks. Most notably though, it's a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot brought pressure cooking back into the average home cook's skill set: What was once a separate bulky appliance infamous for being forgotten and then exploding on the stove, has now become electronic and notably safer. If you're looking for recipe ideas, here are the first things you should make with your Instant Pot, and a few surprising ones too.

Although there are now other brands that make similar "multi-cookers," the Instant brand popularized this appliance, so the term "instant pot" colloquially can refer to them all. The buttons referred to in this article are on an Instant brand Instant Pot.

The parts of an Instant Pot

Regardless of the model, all Instant Pots have the same basic components:

  • The base: This is the bulk of the machine. The navigation panel is here, along with the major electronics and heating element. A clear condensation collector is also located on the base, usually in the back where the lid hinges, which you can detach and empty after cooking.

  • The lid: It does what any lid is supposed to do with an important difference: the steam-release toggle. The steam release toggle, or valve, can be manually opened for a quicker, controlled steam release, or you can leave the pot to naturally depressurize, which takes a little longer. The release valve might also have a little plastic dot next to it. This is a float valve, a visual aid to remind you if the pot is currently pressurized. The float valve will push up when the pot is under pressure; it will go all the way down when it's not.

  • The inner pot: This is where all your fabulous ingredients go. It sits inside the cavity of the base.

  • Additional accessories: Many models come with measuring cups, utensils, trivets, and steam trays. While you can use your own measuring cups for recipes, the accessories are helpful because they fit the pot perfectly and are made with materials that don't scratch or damage the pot.

How to use an Instant Pot

I would say “read the manual,” but it’s honestly kind of confusing. (Also they just changed their manual as I was writing this, so I’m perturbed at the manual as a concept.) When you read about the “poultry” button, for example, the manual simply informs one that button is for “poultry dishes” and that you can adjust the cooking time depending on your “preference of texture and the amount of poultry you put into the pot.” This is a little vague for my taste—skin-on, bone-in thighs cook quite differently than skinless, boneless tenderloins—and I wanted some clarity, damn it. (Please note: There are many versions of the Instant Pot, with functionalities and your buttons may be slightly different than my buttons; consult your manual if there’s any confusion.)

The Basic Buttons

We’ll get to all those specific function buttons in a moment, but first let’s get cozy with the buttons you’ll be using most frequently: “manual,” “sauté,” “keep warm/cancel,” “pressure,” “+” and “-”, and “adjust”:

  • Manual: This is your basic pressure cooker setting with which you can cook most foods, save for yogurt or fermented glutinous rice. Once your food is situated in a sealed pot with the pressure release switched to “sealing,” you can use this function by pressing manual once, and then adjusting the time with the “+” and “-” buttons. Then you simply walk away, and let the Instant Pot do its thing. The default setting of the pressure cooker is “high” (with a pressure of 10.2-11.6 psi and a temperature of 239°F-244°F), but you can adjust it to a lower pressure and temperature (5.8-7.2 psi and 229-233°F) by pressing the “pressure” button (I have never used the low pressure setting, but I guess it’s nice to know it’s there.)

  • Sauté: This button keeps your meat from looking sad and pale, and is how you’re going to get those roasty, toasty, caramelized flavor into your food before you seal it up to be pressurized. It has three temperature ranges: “normal” (320-349°F), “more” (347-410°F), and “less” (275-302°F), which you can toggle between by pressing “adjust.” In addition to sautéing and searing, you can use the “sauté” function to simmer and thicken sauces after cooking; just be sure to stir frequently, as things get quite hot on the bottom of the insert. This should go without saying, but don’t sauté with the lid locked on.

  • Keep warm/cancel: This is button is for when you need to dramatically proclaim that “DINNER IS CANCELED” or simply stop the cooking program real quick because you just remembered you forgot to add thyme or some crap. Pressing this button puts the Instant Pot into “standby state,” which is a fancy way of saying “turned off.” Once it’s in the “standby state,” pressing it again puts the pot in “keep warm” mode, which keeps your food somewhere in the very broad temperature range of 145-172°F. Also, you don’t have to press “keep warm/cancel” to keep your food warm, as the Instant Pot will switch into that mode automatically at the end of your selected cooking program (for up to an insane 99 hours and 50 minutes).

  • Pressure: This button not only changes the pressure of the “manual” setting, but every single “function” besides “sauté,” “yogurt,” and “slow cook.”

  • + and -: These babies change the cooking time in “manual” program, but do not work if you are using one of the pre-programmed function buttons, such as “beans,” because having one button to control cook times would be too easy, and home cooks need to be challenged.

  • Adjust: This is the button you want to use when changing cook times for pre-programmed such as “beans,” except for rice. Want to change the cook time for rice? You can’t, you fool. Rice is “fully automatic.” It also lets you pick a yogurt program, which I honestly have not attempted yet, so overwhelming do I find the Instant Pot yogurt-making process.

Now that we’ve covered the basic buttons, let’s move onto those pre-programmed dudes.

The Fancy Function Buttons

I don’t use these, but that’s mainly because I don’t trust the one-size-fits-all approach to pressure cooking. According to the Instant Pot website, a very smart microchip controls how your food is cooked through the manipulation of “four parameters”: heating intensity, temperature, pressure and duration.


If you press the “soup” button, for instance, the Instant Pot is like “gee, no one is going to be stirring this soup, so we better not heat the bottom of this pot too much,” but if you press “steam,” it’s all “there ain’t no food even touching the insert; let’s crank it to ‘11.’” When you’re using the “multigrain” function, the pot soaks the grains at 140°F for 50 minutes (with no pressure), then ramps up both to around 248°F and a little less than 11 psi, respectively.

Though the nerds at Instant Pot don’t give a detailed description of each function in words, they do provide graphs, which is great, seeing that I only passed my thermodynamics class by promising Dr. Brucat I would never work in, speak of, or think about the topic if he just let me out of P-chem 1 with a “C.”

Anyway, let’s take a look at those graphs:

Bean/Chili Function

This 39-minute program starts out strong by ramping up both temperature and pressure, and holding them both around 230°F and 11 psi (so a “low” temperature with “high” pressure), respectively.

Soup Function

Okay, so this graph has some issues. Our y-axis reads “.00" and “.20" where it should say “100" and “120,” but other than that the soup program seems pretty straightforward. We’re doing 47 minutes at a middling pressure of a little less than 9 psi (lower than our “high” manual setting and higher than the “low”), and a temperature of 23o°F.

Multigrain Function

As we mentioned earlier, this function starts off with a 140-degree, 50-minute soak (with no pressure), then ramps up to around 248°F and a little less than 11 psi (high pressure), respectively, and holds it for about nine more minutes.

Meat/Stew Function

This 28-minute program mostly hangs out at a temperature of 230°F with a pressure of around 8.7 psi (which is low, but still higher than the manual “low” setting).

Congee Function

The “congee” function is very similar to the “meat/stew” function with a temperature profile that hangs out around 230°F, and a pressure that hovers around 8 psi.

With some of the newer Instant Pots, all of these functions can be manipulated by pressing their respective function button to change it from “normal” to “more” or “less.” As one would expect, picking “more” cooks the food more, and picking “less” cooks the food less. There are no graphs for these settings, and there are also no graphs for “cake,” “eggs,” “poultry,” “steam” or “sterilize.”

From what I’ve gathered on Reddit, you want to use “more” for cheesecake, which is the only cake you should be cooking in this thing anyway. For eggs, I’ve found the adjustable “steam” function produces perfectly cooked, peelable eggs. I am frustrated over the lack of a poultry graph but, according to Pressure Cooking Today, it translates to a 15 minute cook time at “high” pressure, which I think would be overkill for something like a boneless skinless chicken breast.

There is also no graph for rice, because rice is fully automatic and adjusts itself perfectly no matter how much rice you put it in, as long as you have the water ratio right, or so I have been led to believe; the vibe is very “Please stop asking about our magical rice function, we don’t have time to explain it to you.”

Other Fancy Buttons

In addition to the pre-programmed buttons that involve pressure cooking, there are also non-pressurized functions such as “slow cook,” “yogurt,” and “sauté.” We’ve already covered that last one, but let’s address the other two.

  • Slow cook: “Normal” will give you a temp of 190-200°F, with “less” and “more” clocking in at 180-190°F , and 200-210°F, respectively. If you have a certain brand of slow cooker you’re used to using, check its manual to see how the temperatures compare.

  • Yogurt: The yogurt function is not a “throw it all in there and open it up later” kind of deal. There are many steps, including taking the insert out of the Instant Pot, and it would behoove you to consult the manual, or this post from Team Yogurt, which dares to ask “is it worth it?”

All of these graphs and numbers may seem a little overwhelming at first, but the best thing to do is start cooking, try some recipes, starting with recipes written for the “manual function.” You could also make a cheesecake or two. Cheesecake always soothes me.

Your Tool Kit Needs a Magnetizer

If you’ve ever opened up an appliance, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of screws and small parts rolling away or falling inside an opened-up machine. And for working on cars, magnetic bits and wrenches can help you keep from dropping parts into your engine. If you’re thinking of tackling a repair project that has lots of small screws, a magnetizer might be for you.

How do magnetizers work?

A tool magnetizer uses a magnet with positive polarity to rearrange the electrons in the metal of a tool to align with the magnetic field of the tool magnetizer. This increases the strength of the magnetic field in the metal of the tool, thus “magnetizing” it. A demagnetizer uses a magnet with negative polarity to rearrange the electrons in the metal of a tool to align with the magnetic field of the demagnetizer. This decreases the strength of the magnetic field in the metal of the tool, thus “demagnetizing” it. A magnetizer can use either a built-in magnet, arranged so that the tools will be ideally positioned when placed in the slot or hole, or it can use electricity to generate a magnetic field in order to change the magnetic polarity of your tool. Magnetizer/demagnetizers only work on ferromagnetic metals like iron, cobalt, nickel, and some steel. A magnetizer won’t work on non-ferromagnetic metals like aluminum, copper, brass, or stainless steel.

What can you use a magnetizer for?

A magnetizer can be helpful when you’re dealing with small hardware like screws from an appliance or nuts and bolts under the hood of your car. Magnetizing your screwdriver or wrench can help you to keep from dropping parts while they’re being installed or removed. A magnetizer can also be used on bits for an impact driver or drill, allowing you to work with screws and nuts on a ladder without needing to hold onto hardware as much. You can also magnetize the ends of tweezers to hold onto really small parts. A magnetized tool can be used to help retrieve dropped parts, especially smaller parts that are hard to grab with your fingertips.

What can you use a demagnetizer for?

A tool demagnetizer can be useful to use on tools before you work on electronics that can be damaged by magnetic fields like hard disc drives, electronics with magnetic sensors like laptops, or older style monitors with cathode ray tubes. To avoid damaging your electronics, you can demagnetize your tool before using it on these items as well as around vintage media recordings on cassette or video tape.

How to use a tool magnetizer

A tool magnetizer will have slots or holes labeled either “magnetize” or “demagnetize.” You can also use a larger, plug-in model that will accommodate slightly larger tools if you plan to use your magnetizer on wrenches or other larger tools. Just put the tool through the slot with the label that corresponds with the function you’re trying to use. Once you pull the tool out, it will be properly set up for your task. You can reverse your magnetization when you’re done, if you don't want magnetic tools all the time.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Is $250 Off (but Hurry Up)

Best Buy Drops is Best Buy’s in-app feature that gets you access to popular products for low prices—but only for a limited time or until supply runs out. Today, Best Buy Drop has the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ available for $299.99 (originally $549.99), the lowest price it’s been over the last four months (according to price-checking tools). For reference, the robot vacuum has been at its previous lowest price of $349.99 sporadically since October 2023, but never going below it. (Note: You'll need the app to see the correct price; otherwise, the above Best Buy link will redirect you to the website, where the price is still $349.99.)

You need the app to get this deal

Screenshot of iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ on Best Buy Drop app.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Starting Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. ET, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+, is available to all shoppers who have the Best Buy app. As I explained in the Best Buy Drops post, you will need to create an account and navigate to the “Drops” tab to see the Roomba Combo i5+. Once you see it, click the "add to cart" button, which puts you in the queue to give you the chance to buy the Roomba. Depending on how popular the product is, waiting in line can take minutes to hours. The Roomba Combo i5+ is somewhat popular, but I've noticed that people love a good Roomba deal, so the wait could be long. These Drop deals are exclusive to those with the app, so don’t expect it to show up on the website or in stores.

The Roomba Combo i5+ is similar to the Roomba Combo j5+ in that they both mop and self-empty their debris with the base. There is one major difference between them, however, that could be a deal-breaker for some of you. iRobot distinguishes "j" models from "i" by having better navigation and mapping features. The "j" has "PrecisionVision" for navigation, which gives it obstacle detection (think cables, dog poop, etc.). The "j" also has areas of your smart map that you can tell it not to vacuum or mop, which the "i" can't do. If these are things you can live without, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ might be a great deal for you at its current price.

The Best Ways to Overcome Home Maintenance Anxiety

Home maintenance can feel like a lot. Repairs and even routine upkeep can seem daunting —and if you aren’t already handy, completely overwhelming. But putting off repairs can lead to bigger issues down the road (and cost even more money). Even if you don’t have much experience, or just need to understand how to request the right repair, have no fear. There are plenty of things you can do to get past your anxiety and approach fixing things around your home with confidence.

Where to find good home-maintenance advice

One of the biggest obstacles for folks who are new to doing maintenance and repairs is getting the right advice. On top of finding conflicting opinions on social media about how to deal with a particular issue, it can be intimidating to ask for help, especially if the help is coming from someone who has authority or is dismissive of your concerns or questions. While getting past this hurdle can be tough, there are a few good places you can look for friendly, non-judgmental advice on how to tackle a particular repair. 

One of my favorite sources of information on DIY and maintenance—especially for apartment dwellers—is Mercury Stardust. Her new podcast, Maintenance is a Drag, is a question-and-answer show that takes a few projects from the audience and helps walk them through a solution. For general tips, her TikTok also has a plethora of sound advice topped off with a healthy dose of reassurance—and some comedy, too. Feel free to ask her a question; she’ll often respond.

For instruction from a maintenance pro focused on empowering women to wield tools and tackle maintenance, See Jane Drill offers a variety of instructions for various projects, helpful tips and tricks, and instructions for how to operate particular tools. While her channel is geared toward women, anyone who wants to learn about maintenance can benefit from her helpful and approachable videos. You can also check out the See Jane Drill Website for articles as well as a tool database lookup and more, all geared towards beginners.

How to plan ahead for maintenance and repairs

Since some maintenance is routine, like switching out the filters in your HVAC or cleaning out your dryer vent, these things can be a part of a regular plan you set up to stay on top of home maintenance. You can begin a plan like this by taking note of your appliances and fixtures and recording the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Then, you can add annual and semi-annual tasks like clearing gutters or reversing your ceiling fans. Build these tasks into a calendar to make a schedule. Knowing what’s coming up can help reduce anxiety and keep your regular maintenance on track. There are apps like Home Keep that can help you build your calendar if you’re not sure where to start. The monthly subscription is $1.99/month.

When it comes to emergencies like storms or wildfires, it’s harder to predict exactly what you’ll need. However, beginning a maintenance fund, even if you only put a few dollars in it per month, can help you to prepare for emergencies and surprise repair costs. If you’re a homeowner, having a home warranty can also help to defray costs of repairs along with your homeowners insurance. For renters, getting to know the maintenance policy attached to your rental agreement can give you a sense of what your responsibilities are and what your landlord should be taking care of.

If you’re concerned about finding reputable pros to help with things you can’t do yourself, it’s worth asking friends and neighbors about their experiences. Starting with some information you trust before you need to call in a pro will make it easier to choose when you're in a stressful situation.

How to request maintenance

If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to request certain repairs from your building management or from your landlord. Repairs you shouldn’t do on your own include electrical work, leaky plumbing or water coming in from outside. These problems might require a phone call, but you should also make an official request for repairs in writing. That’s because as a renter, you are usually responsible for notifying your landlord of any problems. Once your landlord knows there’s a problem, it’s on them to fix it, so having an official correspondence is important. You can find a variety of free templates for requesting maintenance for your apartment from management if your building doesn’t have forms available.

If you have a house and you need a repair, you can check with your homeowner’s insurance about emergency-related repairs, and you can also check with your home warranty company before calling a repair professional to make sure your repairs will be covered. You should also check to see if your appliance or fixture is under warranty from the manufacturer or installer before paying out of pocket for repairs. These are some ways you can take advantage of the insurance and warranty coverage you’re likely already paying for to reduce the cost of repairs.

These DeWalt Tools Are on Sale for Up to 61% Off Right Now

DeWalt has a few good deals right now on Amazon on tools that can be a good addition to your existing DeWalt set, or the beginning of a new set if you’re looking to build one. From lights to saws, here’s a breakdown of some of the best DeWalt Tool deals happening right now on Amazon.

DeWalt Lights

For a work light, DeWalt has their 20 Volt MAX LED Work Light on sale for $49.99, 61% off its original price. The work light has a magnetic mount as well as a clip and movable tilt head for easy positioning. This deal doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to buy those separately. If you’re looking for a strong flashlight, the DeWalt 20 Volt MAX LED Flashlight is on sale right now for $36.90, 56% off its regular price. This tool has a hook and a tiltable head, but no magnetic base. It’s a tool-only package, so it doesn’t come with batteries. These lighting deals from DeWalt are likely the best deal for someone who already owns a DeWalt set and is looking to expand it.

Drivers and drills

If you’re looking to build a set, the DeWalt 20 Volt MAX Cordless Drill/Impact Driver set is on sale right now for $139, 42% off its normal price, and it comes with the impact driver, drill, two 20-volt batteries, and a charger. The kit also comes with a tool bag to carry it. Since it comes with the batteries and a charger, this is a good starter kit. If you want to expand your existing kit, the DeWalt 20 Volt MAX Impact Driver is on sale for $70.87 right now, 49% off of its usual price. This is a tool-only deal, so it’s not a great fit for a new kit unless you plan to buy other tools that come with batteries and chargers.

Batteries and chargers

To start a new tool kit, or keep up with the increasing demand of an existing one, you can never have too many batteries. The DeWalt 20 Volt MAX 2 Battery Charging Kit is on sale for $132, 61% off the original price. The kit comes with two 20-volt batteries and a charger, but keep in mind that these are not the new “power stack” batteries, meaning they have a larger profile than the newer style batteries do. For a slimmer, more powerful battery, the DeWalt 20 Volt MAX 1 Battery Starter Kit is on sale for $93.49, 68% off its normal price. This kit has one battery and one charger included.

Saws

The DeWalt 20 Volt MAX Cordless Jig Saw is on sale right now for $127, 47% off its base price. This jig saw has an LED light for precise cuts and dial- as well as trigger-controlled blade speed for multiple materials and types of cuts. This is a tool-only package, so it’s a better deal if you already have some DeWalt batteries and are looking to add to your set. For metalworking, the DeWalt 20 Volt MAX Cordless 1 ¾ inch Bandsaw can cut metal bar stock, bolts, screws, and more. It’s on sale for $185, 42% off its usual price. It comes with a 20-volt battery and charger as well as a 14/18 tpi blade and blade tracking wrench for adjusting the blade position. Since this tool comes with everything you need to operate it, it’s a good choice for someone building a cordless kit and getting into metalworking.

Orbital sander

The DeWalt 20 Volt MAX Cordless Sander is on sale for $134, 46% off its original price. The five-inch sander comes as a kit with a 20-volt battery and charger as well as a soft carrying case. This is a good tool for someone starting a kit because it comes with everything except the sandpaper.

Finish nailer

If you’re looking for a battery-operated finish nailer, DeWalt 20 Volt MAX 16 Gauge Finish Nailer is on sale right now for $329, 49% off its regular price. This is a tool-only package, but you don’t need a pneumatic air compressor or hoses to make it work.

The Best Gluten-free Grocery Store Frozen Pizzas

Gluten-free pizza has come a long way. Not too long ago, the most popular description of the wheatless crust was “tastes like cardboard.” Not exactly mouthwatering. But now there are multiple brands offering fully assembled frozen pizzas, and guess what? They’re freakin’ great. Seriously. 

Far from tasting like packing material, gluten-free pizza crusts can achieve a range of wheat-like crust qualities, like crispy, soft, chewy, thick, or thin. If you have gluten sensitivities, or you’re just looking for a new pizza to love, try one of these excellent gluten-free options available at supermarkets.

Best gluten free pizzas

I found this selection of frozen pizzas in my local ShopRite, and available for delivery from Amazon Fresh or the Whole Foods nearby. Since I was primarily targeting the flavor and texture of the gluten-free crust, I selected plain cheese pizzas when I could. If that was unavailable, then I chose one with toppings. All of the crust ingredients I mention were ascertained from the ingredient list on the packaging. The best pizzas are alphabetical, with a small section at the end for an honorable mention.

Banza

Box of Banza pizza.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

I first discovered Banza products as pasta (another traditional princess of wheat) but instead of using wheat, Banza uses beans. Chickpeas and tapioca, more specifically. The Banza pizza crust has a medium thickness and tastes fluffy and light. It’s actually one of the only crusts of the group that isn’t extremely thin. Since it’s garbanzo-based, I was expecting a bean-y flavor but there was nothing strange about it. The crust was crisp, and the entire pizza was flavorful and delicious.

California Pizza Kitchen

A box of California Pizza Kitchen pizza.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Another stellar choice is the gluten-free pizza from the ever-popular brand California Pizza Kitchen. I couldn’t find a plain cheese available near me, so I selected the uncured pepperoni, mushroom, and sausage. (Alas. How sad for me.) This crust is made primarily from cauliflower, which the front of the package makes very clear. The crust is ultra-thin, crispy with a few soft areas, and not chewy at all. Overall, a great frozen pizza. And the toppings don’t hurt either. 

Caulipower

A box of Caulipower pizza.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

I first had Caulipower's gluten-free crust on its own. They sell their crust in the freezer section as a make-your-own-pizza component, and it’s great. The sold-separately crust is very crisp, almost cracker-like. I was surprised that their complete frozen pizza presents a much softer crust. As you might have guessed, theirs is primarily cauliflower. Like Banza, I initially wondered if this meant the flavor would be “off” (farty)—after all, cruciferous veggies and legumes have a reputation. Caulipower plain cheese pizza has no weird flavors at all. The strength of the crust holds up well, and it’s ideal for a person who likes a crust that’s easy to bite through. There’s no chew, crunch, or fight in this base. I do suggest adding your own toppings or maybe choosing a variety they offer with vegetables or meats, as the plain was a tad bland.

Daiya

A box of Daiya pizza
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

This brand originally gained popularity as one of the best dairy-free cheese makers available, and they’ve since moved into gluten-free frozen pizzas. They did an excellent job with this one. This is the other pizza I had with toppings, since plain “cheese” wasn’t available. I must say, the toppings had a pleasant smokiness and added a lot to the flavor department.  

Anyway, back to the crust. This one is made from a mix of starches and flours including tapioca starch, rice flour, and potato starch. The mixture results in a thin, crispy crust, with the slightest chewy interior. Overall, this one was my favorite.

Feel Good Foods

A box of Feel Good Foods pizza
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

This one is the only Detroit-style, square pan pizza on the list. If you like deep dish crust pizza, this is one’s for you. Using primarily cornstarch, rice flour, and potato starch, this pizza has a thick and sturdy crust that tastes pretty good. Granted, it doesn’t exactly mimic a traditional, gluten-full Detroit-style pizza well enough to replace it if you don’t have gluten allergies—but for those who do, you will get the comforting feeling of a large, saucy, square slice. The crust isn’t chewy, but it tastes good and it’s a nice change from the other brands that tend to lean paper-thin with their crusts. 

Freschetta

A box of Freschetta pizza.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Freschetta’s gluten-free pizza was the first one I had that made an attempt at a chewy crust. It’s a quality I was resigned never to experience, since gluten-free flours tend to lack binding power that gluten provides. Freschetta uses tapioca starch and rice flour as components in their crust and these starches produce a very noticeable chewy texture. I liked it. At first I was unsure because it borders on gummy, however it also has the same texture as melted mozzarella. It’s kind of like you’re eating a cheese-stuffed crust.

Milton’s Craft Bakers

A box of Milton's pizza
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Cauliflower is probably the most popular crust ingredient for pizzas, and I understand the allure. The flavor is neutral, and you can achieve a decent gluten-free crust that holds together. Milton’s actually includes cheese in their crust, so unlike how Freschetta seems cheesy, this one actually uses cheese to create chewiness in their crust. The plain pizza did not skimp on the cheese, but Milton’s also offers a margherita and pepperoni flavor.

Udi’s

A box of Udi's pizza.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Udi’s gained popularity as a gluten-free bread loaf option, so it tracks that they would branch out to frozen pizzas. Unlike almost every other pizza on this list, I appreciated that Udi’s offers a big pizza. Mine was just shy of 12 inches across, while most on this list averaged 9 to 10. The pizza crust is crisp, light, and extremely thin. It includes brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and egg whites, which held up nicely and made for a crust that didn’t flop. Udi’s offers a pepperoni pie and a supreme pie which I look forward to tasting one day. 

Honorable Mention: Cappello’s

A box of Cappello's pizza
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

Cappello’s dabbles in several gluten-free products, including cookie dough and pasta. This is the only pizza that used eggs and almond flour as the leading ingredients. The crust had a soft, flaky texture to it, with a hint of crisp along the edges. Generally that was fine, especially if you like to fold your slice. Sadly, this pizza was the only one of the group to give me an “off” flavor. When I tasted the crust alone, it had a distinct saltiness to it. This isn’t a bad thing, and the pizza was anything but bad, but the unusual taste along with the salt was not for me. That said, you might find the flavor enjoyable and the flexibility of the crust a plus.

The Best Tools and Gadgets to Keep Your Bathroom Clean

Cleaning the bathroom is one of those things you’ll always have to do. It’s very Sisyphean, but the methods you use to do it don’t have to be ancient. Modern technology has produced some cool cleaning gadgets that will get your bathroom sparkling fast—and with less work from you. 

Tools for cleaning the bathroom floor

Cleaning the bathroom floor is a pain because you have to scrunch down and scrub in a tiny little space. Let these devices help you out. 

  • Swap your robot vacuum for a vacuum/mop combo that can help you keep your tile or vinyl floor nice and clean. The Eureka E10s ($599.99) is a pricier option that self-empties. The Tikom G8000 ($159.99) is more affordable and cleans in straight rows instead of the zig-zag pattern that other LiDAR-powered models use, which is just right for a small space. 

  • A silicone sweeper, like this one from Nodirz ($11.99) is super useful around the house, but especially in the bathroom, where it pulls dirt and debris from under cabinets and in between tiles more efficiently than standard bristles.

Gadgets and tools for cleaning everything else in the bathroom

From grout to water stains, the bathroom has all kinds of dirty things that need to be addressed. These tools can do that for you. 

  • The Holikme 20-pack of drill brush attachments ($17.95) takes the manual labor out of scrubbing by making it easy to stick different kinds of brushes right into your power drill. You get buffers, brushes, scouring pads, polishing pads, and an extension rod, so you can scrub quickly and easily. 

  • If you don’t have a drill, try the Voweek electric spin scrubber ($39.99), which is one of those viral cleaning machines you see all over social media. It has an extendable handle and four kinds of brushes so you can scrub tight corners, high ceilings, or even behind the toilet.

  • For smaller areas, you need a smaller electric brush, like the Rubbermaid Reveal power scrubber ($22.44), which is little enough to get behind faucets, into the gaps between tiles, and anywhere else one of those big guys won’t fit.

  • The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel ($19.95) is a major upgrade over the cheap drain snake you might have on hand now. It has a handle that allows it to rotate 360 degrees inside your pipe and measures 18 inches in length, plus it comes with five attachments.

  • A gap-cleaning brush, like this one from Rienar ($5.97), has an ergonomic handle and long bristles, so you can scrub tiny spaces, like those between your tiles, much easier and more comfortably than with an old toothbrush.

  • For your glass shower doors or mirrors, consider the cordless window vacuum from Sharper Image ($80), which you fill with water, stick to the glass, and let do the work for you. After spraying your glass, it even removes the water, then sorts it into a separate reservoir so the clean and dirty water never mix. 

  • The Rinseroo shower hose attachment ($26.95) is great for washing dogs and babies, yes, but also for washing the shower itself. It turns your showerhead into a six-foot hose so you can easily rinse around the whole basin.

  • To keep your toilet clean in between uses, try the Coway Bidetmega 400R ($370.43). It’s a two-for-one deal: a bidet that also works to keep the inner parts of the toilet clean and hygienic when not in use. 

10 of the Easiest DIY Bathroom Updates (for Less Than $100 Each)

If your bathroom is feeling dated, or if you just want to spruce it up, renovating can be a pricey prospect. With cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and plumbing to consider, a small redo can add up quickly. If you’re not ready to spend enough money for a total upgrade, there are some things you can do to update your bathroom on a much smaller budget. Here are the 10 things you can update in your bathroom, all for well under $100, to make it look more updated without breaking the bank.

1. Hang some low profile shelves

Bathroom storage can be tricky because there are so many little cosmetics and toiletries that need to be corralled, but generally, bathrooms are pretty small and there aren't many options. Adding some low-profile shelving ($38.99) to increase storage while not taking up too much space can add both practical and aesthetic value to your bathroom. Ledge shelves ($38.99), corner shelves ($16.99), or even a DIY custom wall shelf with brackets($18.99) can be an effective way to add some charm and functionality to your bathroom.

2. Make the ceiling stand out

Painting your ceiling a bold accent color ($51.61), using some wallpaper ($0.58/square foot, $5.59/roll) to the ceiling, or stenciling ($7.99) a pattern using flat paint ($64.99) as a base, and gloss paint ($25.33) as the pattern to give the illusion of texture are all ways you can create some impact with your ceiling.

3. Update metals with paint

It might seem like once your bathroom fixtures, cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and other metal accents have lost their luster that the only thing to do is replace them. But most metals can be painted to breathe new life into them, so long as the surface is properly prepped, and openings and moving parts are properly masked. You can use metallic spray paint ($10.48) on most metal surfaces after it’s been cleaned and lightly sanded or you can choose to use a color ($6.98) instead for a totally different look. To spray-paint metal, you should remove the hardware if possible to avoid overspray in the rest of the room. Remember to paint in a well ventilated area like outdoors. You will also need some tape ($4.98) to mask off areas like nozzles that you don’t want to paint.

4. Add some plants

Adding plants might be the simplest of all the upgrades you can do, plus choosing them is fun and plants are generally good for your wellbeing. Using smaller pots ($30.00) with little pops of green can work even if you don’t have much space, or you can choose a hanging ($24.99) variety to avoid taking up precious surface space.

5. Stencil the floor

If you have self stick tiles or vinyl flooring that hate (but aren’t ready to replace), you can paint ($54.95) your tile and stencil ($13.99) your own pattern on top with a bold color ($17.97) to give it a fresh look. A painted pattern won’t last as long as a new tile job, but at less than $100, it’s certainly worth the cost.

6. Add some trim

You might not think of putting wainscoting ($23.42/ 32” by 48” panel) or crown molding ($2.47/linear foot) in a bathroom, but adding a little trim will bring some texture in without spending a whole lot of money, and it can add some interest to a plain surface. Installing molding does require some tools, so if you’re very new to DIY, this shouldn’t be your first project. If you have some tools and measuring skills though, adding trim can be a completely DIY job. 

7. Update your lighting

Putting in a new light fixture can completely change the look of your space. You can swap out your vanity fixture with a new one ($87.99) for under $100, or you can opt to replace your overhead light ($24.99) instead. For swapping a light fixture, you’ll likely need a screwdriver, some wire nuts ($4.98), and you might need some wire strippers as well. Always remember to turn off the power to your fixture at the breaker box before doing any work on a light fixture.

8. Upgrade your towel holders

Towel bars, hook, and toilet paper holders don’t always stand up to the test of time. Because they’re simple to switch out, you can replace them yourself for a cost effective upgrade. You can get a set of modern towel hardware ($27.99) for under $30, or you can go with a more vintage inspired towel hanger ($39.99) for around $40.

9. Refurbish hinges and hardware

If you have older hinges or door handles in your bathroom that have been painted over one too many times, or have built up a layer of patina or tarnish, you can refurbish them yourself to breathe some new life into some old hardware. Removing metal hardware and placing it in boiling water to loosen up old paint and build-up on the metal and then using a wire brush ($7.98) to scrub away paint and tarnish is probably the cheapest bathroom upgrade you can do. Just don't scrub away at stainless steel so you don't damage its coating; if you have metal with a more delicate finish like that, it will be more difficult to remove paint without damaging the finish, so you might consider swapping it out or repainting it instead.

10. Use gloss enamel on an accent surface

If you need a pop of color, you don’t have to paint a whole wall to get a fresh new look. Repainting the frame of a mirror, drawer pulls, hooks, or handles, as well as any other little accents you choose with a high-gloss enamel can make older accents look new again and change the look of your space without spending much money. You can find high gloss enamel ($7.98) in almost any color for under $10.

A Modular System Can Give You a Green Roof for Less Money

Green roofs can diffuse heat that would otherwise be absorbed through your roof in warmer months and act as an added layer of insulation when it’s chilly outside. Often considered to be one of the most sustainable styles of roof for this reason—and also because a living roof can be a habitat for bees and other pollinators—green roofs can also be a charming addition to your home simply for the way they look. Installing a traditional green roof, however, can cost almost twice as much as a standard roof. Instead, consider modular options for a green roof, which makes the upgrade more affordable as well as friendlier for a DIY enthusiast.

What is a green roof?

A green or living roof is a roof that's surfaced with soil and plants instead of shingles or tiles. Systems for installing green roofs vary, but usually consist of creating a moisture barrier to keep water from getting inside and including some kind of barrier to prevent plants from growing down through the roof into your home. Then, soil, drainage medium, and plants can be added in layers or as modular units like those for a green roof. The whole system has to be compatible with the load capacity of your roof in mind, which is why you should always consult a roofing contractor or a structural engineer before trying a green roof.

Costs of a modular green roof compared to other roofing options

A modular green roof system costs between $10 and $30 per square foot, as compared to a built-in green roof, which averages between $20 and $35 per square foot. (The average cost to install a traditional roof is between $4.35 and $11 per square foot.) While modular systems can still be twice as expensive as a regular roof, they are a significant savings as compared to built-in-place alternatives.

Benefits of a green roof

A green roof can save as much as 25% on cooling costs during warmer months and in winter can reduce energy costs on the top floor of your home by up to 12%. Green roofs also reduce runoff water from your roof by around 65%, which can improve moisture conditions around your home and help to prevent water from collecting near your foundation. When planted with the right varieties of plants for your area, green roofs can also help improve biodiversity and attract pollinators.

Why modular green roofs are easier to install and maintain

Since modular green roofs come in smaller sections that snap together to form a grid on your roof, the system can be simpler to install than built-in systems that require lots of assembly on site. A simpler installation helps to lower the cost of a modular green roof as well as having some elements that are DIY-friendly. Although you’ll need help from a professional for prepping your roof for modular trays, the planting of the trays and some of the installation can be a DIY project.

A modular green roof also has the benefit of simpler maintenance, as most modular green roof systems allow sections to be removed and brought to the ground for maintenance or replanting, rather than requiring planting to take place on the roof. If you’re an ambitious DIYer and feel capable of getting the modules to and from the roof, you could do this type of maintenance yourself, but in general, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to perform maintenance including weeding about once per year.

Why you should hire a professional to install a green roof

Because green roofs add weight to your home, you need to make sure that a green roof can be supported by your home’s structure. In addition to the engineering portion, keeping your green roof in place over the long term means it needs to be properly attached, whether it’s modular or built in place. Prepping for the installation to ensure proper drainage, proper weight distribution, and irrigation if necessary are all considerations that make this a job best left to the professionals unless you’re very skilled and familiar with engineering schematics as well as permitting requirements.

Drawbacks of a modular green roof

Modular green roofing systems usually don’t work on a roof with a slope of more than 20 or 30%, so they aren’t a good fit for many peaked roofs. In addition to needing a gradually sloped or flat roof, modular roofing systems won’t likely last as long as their built-in counterparts. Although a built-in green roof might last as long as the building it’s attached to, a modular green roof will likely only last around 30 years. While there can be significant savings over the long term through longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and energy savings by installing a modular green roof, the upfront cost can be twice as much as a regular shingle roof.

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