Why Putting Salt In Your Toilet Is A Little-Known Tip From Plumbers

 

Tree roots seeking moisture can penetrate cracks in underground sewer pipes, causing slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and unpleasant odors. Flushing rock salt is a common DIY suggestion, but it is unreliable and can harm surrounding soil and plant life. Ignoring root intrusion can lead to expanding blockages, major pipe damage, and costly emergency plumbing repairs. Professional plumbers can inspect pipes with specialized equipment and safely eliminate root blockages before severe damage occurs.READ MORE BELOW

Who Is Most at Risk of Night Cramps?

 

Who Is Most at Risk of Night Cramps?
If you’ve ever been jolted awake in the middle of the night by a sudden, stabbing pain in your calf or foot, you know just how excruciating night cramps can be. These involuntary muscle contractions are not only painful but can also rob you of precious sleep. While almost anyone can experience them, research shows that certain groups of people are far more likely to suffer from nighttime cramps than others.

Let’s take a closer look at who’s most at risk, why

it happens, and what you can do about it.

1. Older Adults
Age is one of the biggest predictors of night cramps. In fact, about 1 in 3 people over 60 deal with them regularly.

Why it happens:

Muscles lose flexibility and elasticity with age.

Nerves become less efficient at sending signals.

Circulation slows down, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.

This combination makes seniors especially prone to nighttime spasms.

2. Pregnant Women
Leg cramps are a common complaint during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.

Contributing factors:

Extra weight places added pressure on leg muscles and veins.

Hormonal changes disrupt fluid balance and electrolytes.

Altered circulation makes muscles more sensitive to cramping.

For many expectant mothers, these cramps become one of the most frustrating sleep disturbances.

3. Athletes & Active Individuals
Surprisingly, even those in peak physical condition are not spared.

Why athletes get cramps:

Intense training causes muscle fatigue.

Heavy sweating depletes electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Insufficient stretching and recovery increase muscle tightness.

That’s why marathon runners, weightlifters, and even weekend warriors

may wake up mid-cramp.

4. People With Sedentary Lifestyles

4. People With Sedentary Lifestyles
On the flip side, a lack of movement also raises the risk.

Risk factors include:

Sitting for long periods (office jobs, long drives).

Standing in one position for hours (retail, service jobs).

Poor circulation due to inactivity.

Muscles that stay in one position for too long are more likely to spasm when you finally rest.

5. People With Underlying Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions make night cramps more likely:

Diabetes

Peripheral artery disease

Neurological disorders affecting

muscle control

Thyroid imbalances

Chronic kidney disease

In these cases, cramps are often a symptom of a larger issue that needs medical attention.

6. Medication Users
Some prescriptions can trigger night cramps as a side effect:

Diuretics (used for high blood pressure – increase fluid loss)

Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)

Birth control pills

Asthma medications

If you notice cramps after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

How to Reduce Night Cramps

Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Stretch your calves and hamstrings before bed.
Keep electrolytes balanced (magnesium, calcium,

potassium).
Avoid sitting or standing still for too long.
Wear supportive shoes during the day.

Final Thoughts
While night cramps are common, they’re not something you have to simply “live with.” By understanding who’s most at risk and why, you can take steps to lower your chances of being jolted awake in pain.

If cramps are frequent and severe, or if they come along with other symptoms, it’s always best to check in with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

A little prevention can go a long

way toward peaceful, cramp-free nights!

How to Choose the Sweetest Watermelon: Simple Signs to Check Before You Buy

 

Picking a watermelon can sometimes feel like a gamble. From the outside, several melons may look almost identical, yet one can be juicy, sweet, and perfectly ripe while another may be bland or underripe.

The good news is that you don’t have to cut open every watermelon at the store to improve your chances of choosing a good one. A few details on the outside—including the ground spot, rind color, stripes, shape, weight, and stem—can give you helpful clues.Take Economics Courses

Watermelon 1 — The Top Choice
The first watermelon

stands out with deep green skin, noticeable stripes, and a creamy yellow ground spot.

Its shape also looks fairly even, while the stem appears somewhat dry. Taken together, these characteristics make it the most appealing option of the four.

A well-developed yellow ground spot can be a useful indication that the watermelon spent enough time growing before harvest. The slightly dried stem can also provide another clue, although neither feature guarantees sweetness.

Verdict: If I had to choose just one, Watermelon 1 would be my pick.

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Watermelon 2 — A

Reasonable Alternative
The second watermelon has a large ground spot, which is encouraging, but the spot is lighter and less creamy in color.

The rind also appears somewhat paler compared with Watermelon 1. That doesn’t necessarily mean the fruit is poor quality, but when several watermelons are available, the darker, healthier-looking rind and stronger ground spot of Watermelon 1 make it the more appealing choice.

Verdict: A perfectly reasonable option, but not my first choice when better-looking melons are available.

Watermelon 3 — Probably Skip This One

The Meaning of a Purple Flag at the Beach

 

The Meaning of a Purple Flag at the Beach

Oh, my dear friend, I know that moment of curiosity when you arrive at the beach, ready to dip your toes into the refreshing water, and notice a purple flag fluttering in the breeze. It’s natural to wonder, “What does this mean? Should I be worried?”

At 73, living out here near the coast in my cozy farmhouse, I’ve learned that the ocean is both beautiful and powerful. Understanding its warning signs is one of the best ways to enjoy it

safely and confidently. I’ve also learned that staying informed about our health and paying attention to changes in our bodies can help us make thoughtful decisions about our well-being.

So, I put the kettle on, brewed a soothing cup of my favorite chamomile tea, and looked into the actual beach-safety science behind that purple flag.

Grab your favorite wide-brimmed

hat, and let’s explore what this colorful warning really means so you can enjoy the ocean with confidence and calm.

The Beach-Safety Reality: What Does a Purple Flag Mean?

First, take

a deep breath. A purple flag is not necessarily a reason to panic—it’s a warning that potentially dangerous marine life has been spotted in the water.

Here’s the practical truth:

Dangerous marine life: A purple flag generally indicates that potentially dangerous marine animals have been observed in the water or nearby.
Common culprits: Depending on the location, this may include jellyfish, stingrays, sea lice, or Portuguese man-of-war. Some can cause painful stings or other injuries.
It can fly alongside other flags: A purple flag may be displayed on its own

or together with other beach flags. Those additional flags communicate information about surf, currents, or general water conditions.

The Health Connection: Why Calm Awareness Matters

You might wonder what a beach flag has to do with physical health. To me, the connection is simple: being informed helps us make safer decisions without unnecessary fear.

When we understand what a warning flag means, we can respond thoughtfully instead of becoming overwhelmed. Rather than ignoring the warning or assuming the

worst, we can pause, assess the conditions, and listen to the people responsible for beach safety.

Knowledge is one of our greatest safety tools.

If you notice unexplained changes in your skin or other concerning symptoms, however, don’t assume they are related to stress or a day at the beach. Persistent or unexplained symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

My Simple Post-Beach Ritual

Since I have a strong personal preference for avocados and incorporate

 

Flag systems can vary somewhat by location, so always

every aspect of my life—even though my children absolutely do not share my enthusiasm, which simply means I get to enjoy the whole, glorious batch myself!—I like to have a little post-beach self-care ritual.

Whether I’ve had a peaceful swim or simply enjoyed watching the waves from the shore, I head to the kitchen and make my go-to avocado toast. It’s a simple, satisfying snack that helps me slow down after a day by the ocean.

Ingredients You’ll Need
½ large ripe avocado
1 slice of hearty whole-grain toast

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
A small pinch of flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

The Gentle Mash: Toast your bread until it’s wonderfully crisp. Mash the avocado with the fresh lemon juice and a small pinch of sea salt.

The Mindful Moment: As I enjoy my toast with a warm cup of tea, I take

 

five slow, deep breaths. I remind myself: I am safe, I am capable, and I am allowed to rest and enjoy this moment.

The Daily Habit: For me, simple rituals like this are

an enjoyable way to unwind and make room for a little calm at the end of the day.

My Farmhouse Tips for Beach Safety

Flight Attendant Reveals Why You Should Put a Bottle of Water Under Your Hotel Bed

Numerous horror movies have taught us to always check under the bed. However, there’s always the fear of coming face-to-face with an intruder or monster. Recently, a flight attendant shared how you can use a water bottle to check under the hotel bed inconspicuously.

Reminder to Check Under Hotel Bed

Although horror movies are a popular genre for entertainment, no one wants to live out those scenes in real life. However, movies like Taken with Liam Neeson highlight the dangers tourists are vulnerable to. Particularly when traveling to another country.

Luckily, seasoned travelers like airline crew share use their social media platforms to share hints for better or safer travel. For example, Esther Sturrus works for Dutch airline KLM and has a TikTok channel she uses to share her many adventures. Recently, she posted a part 2 video sharing tips for traveling, including putting a water bottle under the hotel bed. She explained that it’s a great way to ensure no one is under the bed without physically getting on the floor to look under the hotel bed.

Despite her

experience with traveling, followers felt that her idea was extreme.

“How many times have you found someone under your bed?” One user questioned, adding: “That seems crazy.” Meanwhile, another person joked: “Imagine u don’t throw hard enough, end up accumulating empty bottles below cuz u can reach it.”

Although it’s not likely, it can happen. Hence the reason for her warning.The flight attendant notes two important details regarding throwing a water bottle under the hotel bed. First, the bottle “has to come out on the other side.” Second, she

explains that if the bottle doesn’t return on the other side, it may not mean someone is under the bed as sometimes bed legs or storage can prevent the bottle from returning. Either way, it’s a good idea to use caution. Reminding travelers to check under the hotel bed is one of a few tips she shared in her part 2 video.

• Try hanging clothes in the bathroom and let the steam from your shower get out the wrinkles.
• Use a hair dryer to de-steam the bathroom mirror.
• Use a
• hotel glass to amplify the music on your phone like a speaker.

Esther Sturrus is a flight attendant whose TikTok has more than 200,000 followers. Before she shared the video regarding checking the hotel bed, she posted part 1, noting other hints that ensure safety and privacy, including:

• Put a shoe in the safe with other valuables and important documents to ensure they aren’t left behind.
• Try using a clothes hangar to clip the blinds or curtains shut.
• You can use your USB cable to charge your phone if
• the TV has a port.
• You can use the shower cap to keep your shoes in so they don’t get dirt and germs on your clothes.
• You can also use a shower curtain to put over the remote control or phone because those aren’t likely to be cleaned as regularly as the bedding or bathrooms.

Although most places worldwide are safe for tourists, there’s always a chance of encountering someone with questionable morals or intentions. As such, it’s important to exercise caution when traveling abroad.

Here are a few other

tips for ensuring safety that may seem less extreme than checking under the hotel bed for intruders with a water bottle

• Don’t Carry Too Much Cash at One Time.
• Avoid looking at maps or looking lost; otherwise, you’ll increase your risk of becoming a target.
• Contact Someone at Home. This includes regular communication so someone knows you’re safe and giving someone back home your travel plans so they can get it to authorities or the embassy if need be.
• Take Care with Documentation. Saving important documents like passports and prescriptions
• electronically will ensure you have an extra, safe, and secure copy, rather than a standard paper copy that’s subject to being lost or stolen.
• Last, consider traveler’s insurance, as it can help prevent unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs, costly delays or cancelations, and lost or stolen luggage.

Flight attendants, pilots, and those who travel for business are among the most well-informed people regarding travel. As such, taking their advice is sure to make traveling easier and more enjoyable. While some advice may seem like a bit much, it never hurts

to have peace of mind by checking under the hotel bed to ensure no intruders.

I poured white vinegar into my toilet tank and left it overnight for the first time in 15 years. This is what happened

 

For many homeowners, the bathroom is a place that demands cleanliness and maintenance. Yet, there are parts of it that often go unnoticed or are neglected over time. The toilet tank is one such area. Over the years, mineral deposits, limescale, and rust can accumulate inside the tank, potentially affecting the performance and hygiene of your toilet. After fifteen years of overlooking my toilet tank, I decided it was time to address the issue with a simple, natural solution: white vinegar.
White vinegar is renowned for its cleaning properties, particularly

when it comes to breaking down mineral deposits and disinfecting surfaces. I had heard of its effectiveness from various cleaning blogs and DIY enthusiasts, but I had never tried it myself. With a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, I decided to pour white vinegar into my toilet tank and leave it overnight to see what impact it could have after

such a long period of neglect.
1. Why I Finally Tried White Vinegar After 15 Years
For years, I had relied on commercial toilet cleaners, assuming they were the most

effective option. However, a recent surge in interest around natural cleaning solutions piqued my curiosity. The tipping point came when I noticed that despite regular cleaning, my toilet still had persistent stains and didn’t always flush as efficiently as it should. White vinegar seemed like an interesting and inexpensive alternative, known for its ability to dissolve deposits and sanitize.

After some research, I learned that white vinegar is an acetic acid solution, typically around 5% acidity, which makes it effective at breaking down mineral deposits such as limescale and rust.

Moreover, it is environmentally friendly and safe to use, unlike many harsh chemical cleaners. This combination of effectiveness and safety made it the perfect candidate for my long-overdue experiment.
2.What My Toilet Tank Really Looked Like Before
Before attempting the vinegar treatment, I took a good look inside my toilet tank. Unsurprisingly, it was not a pretty sight. The walls of the tank were lined with a thick, crusty layer of limescale and rust. The once-white surfaces had turned a murky brown and orange, with some areas feeling gritty

to the touch. The buildup was particularly thick around the water line and the mechanisms inside the tank, including the flapper and the fill valve. It was clear that fifteen years of mineral-rich water had left its mark.
3. How I Measured, Poured, And Left The Vinegar Overnight
To start the process, I first turned off the water supply to the toilet and flushed it to empty the tank as much as possible. This would allow the vinegar to have maximum contact with the surfaces inside the tank. I then

carefully measured out a gallon of white vinegar, which I had purchased specifically for this purpose. Pouring it slowly into the tank, I ensured that it covered the entire surface area, especially the parts with the most buildup.
After pouring in the vinegar, I decided to let it sit overnight to give it ample time to work its magic. I placed the lid back on the tank and went about my evening, eager to see what changes the morning would bring.

4. The Immediate Morning Surprise When I Lifted The

Lid
The next morning, I approached the toilet with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Lifting the lid, I was greeted with a surprising sight: the vinegar had turned a cloudy white, indicating that it had indeed reacted with the mineral deposits. The once thick and crusty buildup seemed to have diminished significantly. I could already see some areas where

the original surface of the tank was visible, something I hadn’t seen in years.
5. What Happened To The Limescale And Rust Stains
As I investigated further, I noticed that

the limescale deposits had softened considerably. A gentle scrub with a brush was enough to remove most of the remaining residue. The rust stains, which had been a persistent problem, appeared lighter and less pronounced. While not completely gone, the overall appearance of the tank was vastly improved, with the majority of the heavy buildup either dissolved or loosened.

6. The Unexpected Impact On Toilet Odors
One of the most surprising outcomes of the vinegar treatment was the noticeable reduction in toilet odors. Previously, there had been a slight, persistent

musty smell emanating from the tank, likely due to the buildup and stagnant water. After the vinegar treatment, the musty smell was gone, replaced by a faint but pleasant tangy

scent. This was an unexpected bonus, adding to the overall freshness of the bathroom.
7. Did It Actually Improve The Flush And Water Flow?
With the buildup significantly reduced, I was eager to see if the vinegar treatment would have any impact on the toilet’s performance. After turning the water supply back on and allowing the tank to refill, I

flushed the toilet. To my delight, the flush was noticeably more powerful and efficient. The water flow was smoother, and the toilet bowl filled and emptied more quickly than before. It seemed that removing the mineral deposits had indeed improved the functionality of the toilet.

8. What It Did To The Rubber Flapper And Tank Parts
One concern I had was whether the vinegar would have any adverse effects on the rubber components inside the tank, such as the flapper. Upon inspection, I found that the rubber parts were intact

and showed no signs of damage or degradation. In fact, they appeared cleaner and free of the slimy buildup that had previously coated them. It seems that the vinegar’s gentle acidity was enough to clean without causing harm.
9. The Mess (Or Lack Of It) When I Finally Flushed
I had half-expected a mess when it came time to flush away the vinegar and any loosened debris. However, there was no disaster to be found. The vinegar and dissolved deposits flushed away cleanly, leaving the tank looking much fresher. There

were no clogs or blockages, and the process was far less messy than I had feared. This made the whole experience feel like a hassle-free success.
10. Expert Plumber Opinions On The Vinegar Hack
Curious about the long-term effects and potential risks, I consulted a local plumber for their opinion on using vinegar in the toilet tank. The plumber confirmed

that vinegar is generally safe for occasional use in the tank, as long as it’s not left for excessively long periods, which could potentially affect metal components. They recommended this

method as an effective way to maintain cleanliness and prevent buildup when used periodically.
11. Would I Do It Again After 15 Years Of Buildup?
After witnessing the effects of white vinegar on my neglected toilet tank, I am convinced of its benefits as a cleaning solution. The simplicity and effectiveness of the process, combined with the low cost and environmental friendliness, make it an appealing option for regular maintenance. I plan to incorporate this method into my cleaning routine, ensuring that I don’t wait another fifteen years before addressing

the condition of my toilet tank again.

Residents Caught Off Guard as a Powerful Hailstorm Sweeps Through Town

 

Residents Caught Off Guard as a Powerful Hailstorm Sweeps Through Town

Atmospheric Science

A quiet Tuesday evening can feel completely ordinary—until the sky suddenly changes.

That is what residents experienced when a powerful hailstorm swept through town, bringing dark clouds, strong winds, thunder, lightning, and unusually large hailstones in a matter of minutes. What began as a routine evening quickly turned into a frantic rush indoors as chunks of ice slammed against rooftops, windows, vehicles, streets, and yards.

The sudden change in weather left many people stunned.

For some residents,

the most memorable part wasn’t even seeing the hail. It was hearing it.

The relentless pounding sounded less like rain and more like rocks striking the roofs and walls of homes.

And when the storm finally moved away, it left behind a town scattered with hail, fallen branches, debris, and signs of property damage.

A Quiet Evening Suddenly Turns Severe

The evening had started like any other.

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People were finishing dinner, returning from work, relaxing at home, or simply going about their normal routines. There was little

indication that the atmosphere was about to change so dramatically.

Then dark clouds began gathering overhead.

Thunder rolled across the area.

And suddenly, hail began falling.

At first, the ice was relatively small. But the hail quickly intensified, with some witnesses comparing the largest stones to golf balls and others saying a few appeared closer to baseball size.

That rapid escalation was what caught many people off guard.

One moment, residents were enjoying an ordinary evening. Minutes later, they were rushing indoors and watching the storm batter everything outside.

The

Sound of the Hail Was Impossible to Ignore

Weather

The Sound of the Hail Was Impossible to IgnoreAtmospheric Science

For people inside their homes, the noise was startling.

 

Hail repeatedly hammered rooftops and windows while powerful gusts moved through neighborhoods. Thunder added another layer of sound, creating an atmosphere that was both chaotic and intimidating.

 

One resident described it as sounding like rocks hitting the house.

 

That comparison helps explain just how different a serious hailstorm can feel from an ordinary rainstorm.

When hail becomes large and

is driven by strong winds, every impact can be surprisingly loud. The storm can sound as though the entire roof is being pelted simultaneously.

 

For several minutes, the town seemed to disappear beneath a constant barrage of ice.Weather

 

Hail Quickly Covered Roads, Lawns, and Yards

 

As the storm continued, hail accumulated across outdoor surfaces.

Lawns became covered with ice. Sidewalks and driveways were littered with hailstones, while roads collected a mixture of ice, leaves, branches, and other debris.

 

Trees swayed violently in the wind, and

branches and leaves were knocked down.

 

The scene outside changed remarkably quickly.

 

Places that had looked completely ordinary only minutes earlier suddenly looked as though they had experienced a winter storm.

Residents watching from windows could see hail bouncing across yards and streets while vehicles sat exposed to repeated impacts.

 

Local authorities urged residents to remain indoors while the worst conditions passed.Autos & Vehicles

 

Vehicles Were Among the Most Visible Casualties

 

Once the storm moved away, vehicle damage became one of the clearest signs

of how powerful the hail had been.Large hailstones can dent vehicle body panels, damage windows, and leave visible marks across exterior surfaces.

 

Cars parked outdoors had little protection from the barrage.

 

Residents who stepped outside afterward found vehicles that had looked perfectly normal earlier in the evening now covered with dents and impact marks.

 

Some windows were cracked, while other vehicles showed damage to exterior components.Weather

For motorists who happened to be on the road when the storm arrived, the situation could be especially stressful.

Finding appropriate shelter becomes difficult when visibility is reduced and hail is falling heavily.

 

The safest response during severe weather is generally to avoid unnecessary travel and seek appropriate shelter rather than attempting to drive through the worst conditions.

 

Homes May Have Suffered Damage Too

 

Vehicles weren’t the only property exposed to the storm.Atmospheric Science

 

Roofs, windows, siding, outdoor equipment, and other exterior surfaces can all be vulnerable when large hail falls with force.

 

One of the tricky things about hail damage is that

it isn’t always immediately obvious.

 

A roof might appear normal from the ground while shingles have actually been damaged. Problems may only become noticeable later when rain enters through compromised areas.

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That means homeowners should take a careful look at their property after a major hailstorm and arrange an appropriate inspection if damage is suspected.Autos & Vehicles

 

It’s also important not to put yourself in danger trying to inspect a roof immediately after severe weather.

 

Why Can Hail Become

So Large?

 

Hail develops inside strong thunderstorms.

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Powerful updrafts within a storm can carry water droplets high into the atmosphere, where they freeze. Additional layers of ice can accumulate as the developing hailstone moves through areas containing supercooled water.

Eventually, the hailstone becomes too heavy for the storm’s updraft to keep suspended.

It then falls toward the ground.

The stronger the storm’s updrafts, the greater the potential for hailstones to grow before they fall. That’s why powerful thunderstorms can sometimes produce hail

that is dramatically larger than the small pellets people may associate with ordinary hailstorms.Natural Disasters

Large hail can damage:

Vehicles
Roofs and shingles
Windows
Siding
Outdoor equipment
Trees and vegetation
Crops
Other exposed property

And when hail becomes particularly large, people caught outside can also face a genuine risk of injury.

Why Large Hail Should Be Taken Seriously

It’s tempting to watch hail from outside, especially when unusually large stones begin falling.

But that’s precisely when people should be thinking about getting indoors.Atmospheric Science

Large hail can fall

rapidly and unpredictably. Wind can also change the trajectory of the stones, making exposed areas even more hazardous.

Instead of standing outside to take photographs or examine the hail, residents should move inside and stay away from vulnerable windows when conditions are severe.

The same principle applies to children and pets. Once hail begins falling heavily, bringing everyone indoors is the safer choice.

What Should You Do When a Severe Hailstorm Arrives?

A sudden storm doesn’t always provide much time to prepare, which makes having a simple response plan useful.

1. Get Indoors

The first priority is getting yourself and your family into a sturdy building.

Don’t remain outside simply to watch the storm.Weather

2. Move Away From Windows

Hail can damage windows, particularly when large stones are being driven by strong winds.

Move toward an interior area when conditions become severe.

3. Bring Loose Outdoor Items Inside

If conditions are still safe enough to do so before the storm arrives, secure outdoor furniture, lightweight equipment, decorations, and other objects that could become damaged or displaced.

Once hail and

10 Things You Shouldn’t Be Storing on Your Kitchen Countertop

 

When I originally set up my kitchen my thought was that all the items belonged on the counter. It sounded right away, easy access to what I need? But I soon found they counter tops were in a mass of chaos, and even worse it was ruining my foods, and adding more clutter. If you are like me, and love to keep your kitchen clean and organized, read on, I have the right spot. Here are 10 items that should not be kept on your kitchen counter tops — and why!

store on  kitchen  counter
source: pixabay
Don’t Store  Bread on Kitchen Countertops
It may seem a good idea to put the disks of bread there, but that is a mistake. Bread in Troposphere air gets dry more readily or else can grow mold much quicker depending on the humidity. The thing to do is to put it away in a box, bread box, or biscuit box or in the refrigerator if you don’t mind its little more dense.

Kitchen design ideas

 

Knives
I used to keep my block of

knives on my counter, where in the world would they have been kept ? But those blocks take much valuable space and are not as sanitary. For a period of time crumbs and grease accumulates in the slots. I would make a suggestion more or less like this, of magnetic strips on the wall, or some sort of drawer place too keep your knives where they belong and out from the counters. Small Appliances Not Used Daily Toasters ,mixers, fryers, all those, if you do not employ use for them daily,

they should not stay on your counters. Stashing them in a cabinet makes your kitchen appear instantly improved. I leave my coffee maker on the counter because I use it every day. Everything else goes away.

 

 

 Continue Reading Next Page

Fruits and Vegetables that Spoil Easily
I know it can be tempting to make a Pinterest-worthy fruit and vegetable centerpiece in a basket, but many fruits and vegetables spoil more quickly when out at room temperature. Avocados ripen too quickly and potatoes will sprout in light. Keep  food

like this in a cool pantry or refrigerator, to display only bananas or apples that do well at room temperature.

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I am a spice aficionado and took for a long time to put all of the spices spices on the little rack on the  counter. But do you know that heat and sunshine will spoil the flavor of the spices? Therefore to keep full strength keep spices in a drawer or  cabinet, away from the stove.

 

Paperwork and Mail
Me too, my kitchen counter was

the catch-all for me, so they tell me, reports of all types, bills, and mail. But this creates visual clutter, and makes it difficult to find anything you need at the time you need it. Do better. Set up a mail catcher in another room or store this in a drawer set apart for mail.

 

Cutting Boards
Once I thought putting cutting boards in one corner, stacked, was practical. But this takes up space and looks amateurish. To keep cuting boards in a cabinet, store them upright or laid

into drawers flat.

Countertops

Pet Food and Bowls

source: pixabay
If you have pet friends, therefore you will keep its food immediately at hand. But pet food containers and pet food dishes will take up an inordinate space unless cleaned regularly and can attract vermin. Perhaps it would be better to keep the dog’s food in an airtight container in the pantry, and the dog’s dishes on a mat on the floor in a designated place.

 

Coffee pods or Beans in Glass Containers
I am a coffee addict, so

I once exhibited my beans and pods in cute glass jars on the window sill. But think of it: exposure to light and air spoils the freshness of coffee beans. Store beans in gray opaque coolers and keep pods in a drawer or cabinet.

Food

 

Don’t Keep Cookbooks on the Counters
store on kitchen counter cookbooks
source: pixabay
I love to enjoy cookbooks while I’m cooking, but allowing them to remain on the counter takes up counter space and allows for spillage. Therefore to keep cookbooks on a shelf

in close contact, or in a drawer perhaps. Or keep frequent recipes on your tablet, or take a snapshot in the meantime of those used frequently, and this will serve the purposes and keep dish space available.

 

If keeping off country countertops the above 10 items has helped me, I know that the product of such storage has really brightened my kitchen. The kitchen is cleaner, less chaotic, much more usable. And I can find the necessary items if and when necessary, without sifting through clutter. Look at your

counters now. Are there this same type of articles which can be transferred to the cabinet or decreed different home? Your future self will approve of it.

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