How to Use a Laser Level for Perfectly Straight Lines

Avoid crooked or slanted edges on your next renovation project. There are several types of laser levels available, depending on the job. Getty Images / andreygonchar What Is a Laser Level? Credit:Getty Images / andreygonchar A laser level is a equipment that emits a visible green or red laser in a completely straight line. A self-leveling laser level uses a pendulum system and an internal magnet to ensure a level reading....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 136 words · Helen Dominguez

How to Use a Mandoline Slicer (and Keep All Your Fingers!)

What Is a Kitchen Mandoline, and What Is a Mandoline Used For? For a professional-level mandoline slicer, try a model like this upscale OXO mandoline. Or use your mandoline slicer for side dishes like potatoes au gratin or ratatouille. Credit: Andy Lyons Then keep it handy for dessert! You’ll never want to make anOld-Fashioned Apple Piewithout this cool tool again. Credit: Jason Donnelly

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 63 words · Richard Bowman

How to Use a Palm Sander

For a versatile, easy-to-use sanding tool, look to a palm sander. This simple power tool makes short work of a painstaking task. Luckily, there’s a cost-effective solution. Use one for small- or medium-sized projects, such as resurfacing furniture or removing paint from plywood. Typically, you start with coarse grit and work your way up to finer papers. You’ll need to examine the state of the wood to decide what grit is best....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 183 words · Diana Wood

How to Use a Toaster Oven to Roast, Toast, Bake, and More

It basically combines the countertop convenience of a toaster with all of the cooking functions of an oven. For most functions, you’ve got the option to treat them almost exactly like a mini oven. you’re free to even enlist them to helpprepare your Thanksgiving meal. Credit:Katelin Kinney / Getty Images you might also use them to easily reheat leftovers. Then, plug the toaster oven into an outlet. Technically, you’re able to skip preheating if youre justreheating leftoversor toasting a few slices of bread....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · Robin Hughes

How to Use a Wire Stripper

Utilize a wire stripper when tackling electrical projects like swapping light fixtures and wiring outlets. Getty Images / zilli Learning to use a wire stripper is critical for any electrical wiring project. This is a necessary step in wiring electrical systems, as the insulative material prevents proper conduction. Credit:Getty Images / zilli What Is a Wire Stripper? Safety Considerations The use of wire strippers naturally involves working around electrical wires....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 194 words · Christopher Murray

How to Use Ice Melt to Safely Clear Your Home's Walkways

Driveways, walkways, and porches can get slippery during the winter. Learn how to use ice melt to get rid of icy surfaces. Warm temperatures during the day can cause a light thaw, melting the top layers of snow. Credit:Getty Images / Douglas Sacha What Is Ice Melt and How Does It Work? Ice melt is essentially a jot down of chemical compound designed to melt ice. confirm to read and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are using the product correctly....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 166 words · Claire Gibson

How to Use Indirect Heat on Your Gas Grill for Low-and-Slow Flavor

Use our refresher on indirect grilling, then discover how to grill indirectly using gas as your fuel. Our guide for indirect heat gas grilling works no matter how large or small your gas grill is. Yes, even if you have a slim two-burner model, it’s all the same. Credit:(L)golubovy, (R) Con Poulos (L)golubovy, (R) Con Poulos What Is Indirect Grilling? Indirect grilling involves cooking food via hot air circulating around the food, much like a convection oven....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 165 words · Belinda Hamilton

How to Use Irish Butter and Why

What makes Irish butter different from regular sticks? We turned to BHG Test Kitchen experts for all their best Irish butter tips and tricks. What Is Irish Butter? Credit: Blaine Moats you could find both salted and unsalted Irish butter in the grocery store. Irish Butter vs. ## Why Is Kerrygold Butter Having a Moment? Kerrygold, first produced in 1962, is the most well-known brand of Irish butter. It’s most commonly available in 8-ounce and 16-ounce blocks rather than 4-ounce sticks....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 135 words · Sharon Wheeler MD

How to Use Lemon Zest to Make Super-Flavorful Lemonade

Lemon zest is a simple addition to lemonade, but it packs a flavorful punch. There’s nothing quite like cooling off with a refreshing glass of lemonadebonus points if it’s homemade. The longer the two ingredients are massaged, the more the lemon peel oils release into the sugar. Credit: Blaine Moats She then serves it over water, ice, and a few lemon slices. Rub them together until the mixture is fragrant....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 144 words · Kenneth Vargas

How to Use Natural Food Coloring for Frosting of Every Hue

But many of us are seeking ways to reduce the artificial ingredients in our diets. However, they’re really just like makeup for food. They allow us to dress up something that’s perfectly beautiful as is. Credit: Andy Lyons We get it, though. Ahead, the best of the best natural frosting coloring ideas for every color in the rainbow. Use as much produce as it takes to get 1 cup of strained liquid....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 161 words · Michael Harrison

How to Use Paint Cleaners and Additives for Walls That Look Brand New

Use these paint additives and expert painting tricks to ensure a successful job. A major room remodel can be stressful, but painting your space should be the least of your worries. What Is TSP? Credit: Blaine Moats Dip a sponge into the TSP solution and use it to wipe down walls. Rinse the surface with clean water and let dry before painting. If you don’t, the new paint won’t adhere properly....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 106 words · John Castillo

How to Use the Self-Cleaning Oven Function Correctly

The self-cleaning function of an oven offers convenience but has some drawbacks. Self-cleaning ovens, introduced by General Electric in 1963, are standard in most American kitchens. While convenient, the oven’s self-cleaning function has drawbacks. Credit:Getty Images / Jevtic This guide explains the self-cleaning option of an oven and how it works. Getty Images / Jevtic What Is the Self-Cleaning Option of an Oven? Self-cleaning mechanisms that employ steam work at lower temperatures than pyrolytic cleaning and dont produce a burning smell....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 130 words · Victor Terry

How to Wash a Winter Coat

Washing coats twice a season is ideal. Zip or button any closures before washing. Step 2: Treat Stains If there are visible stains, treat them with anappropriate stain remover. Credit:Marty Baldwin Also note any products, such as bleach or fabric softener, that should be avoided. In general, machine-washable winter coats can be washed using cold water and the washer’s regular cycle. Avoid the use of fabric softener and chlorine bleach to keep these fabrics in good condition....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 133 words · Kevin Moore