Miffed that your 2-gallon humidifier does not hold 2-gallons of water in the tank?  That's no mistake - the 2-gallon capacity does not refer to the water tank size, but to the moisture output in a 24 hour period.

Find more fast facts on humidifiers

Know the difference between a hygrometer and humidistat?

Controlling Moisture and Keeping a Proper Humidity Balance

Tip of the Week: Humidifier Capacity Mystery originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 07:59:23.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Downsizing laundry appliances for some is not an option - it can mean the difference between having a washer and dryer at home or making late night laundromat visits - something very few relish.  While most compact washers today can accommodate average loads, there are some that are designed for light loads and that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Doing a couple of washloads every evening while you do other chores, or in between driving the kids to their practice, may actually reduce the amount time you have to spend doing laundry on the weekend - that means more time for other, more enjoyable things.  And with many being on time-of-use electricity rates, you'll save in energy by washing or drying later in the evening.  There are a few options when downsizing laundry appliances is a must.  Find the one that works for your home and alter your laundry routine to suit your lifestyle.

About HE Washers | Top-Load vs Front-Load Washers | Washer Buying Tips

Laundry - Downsizing Options originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 07:09:57.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

I like to recycle certain jars, especially canning jars, and occasionally those that have good storage potential. But removing the sticky labels takes a long time with certain jars and this task often goes beyond soaking in hot soapy water. This video shows you how easy this unpleasant task can be and how the right approach can save you time at the sink. Learn how to Remove Sticky Labels From Jars and create storage containers for crafts, food and other odds and ends.

Photo © About.com

Gadgets & Kitchen Tools | Silicone Kitchen Tools | Food Storage

Removing Sticky Labels originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 07:28:26.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

There's two reasons to keep a waste basket handy in the laundry room. One is to make it easy for you to check the laundry and discard pocket debris so it doesn't clog up your washer, and the other is to keep your dryer safe and efficient. And this little dryer lint filter maintenance can even save you money. Read how in Cleaning the Dryer Lint Filter Can Save You Money.

Need a little refresher on doing laundry? Read laundry tips in Laundry Basics - From Sorting to Drying.

Photo © Mifflin

Washer Buying Tips | Need an Appliance? Check My Buying Tips | About Laundry Appliances

Why Keep a Waste Basket Handy? originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 20:56:34.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

A pastry blender has other uses besides cutting shortening into flour.  Use it to quickly chop boiled eggs for egg salad or to mix the topping ingredients for fruit crumble.

Learn More Quick Kitchen Tips:

Drop Muffin Batter With a Spring Scoop

Quick Cracker Crumbs With Nothing to Clean

Improve Table Reach With a Turntable

Tip of the Week: Pastry Blender Use originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 07:03:12.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Getting more mileage in the kitchen than in the home office, this P-touch hand labeler has become an essential tool.  It's ideal for adding dates, as well as name labels to canning and food storage containers. Ever find that common spice name labels that come with a storage rack, never quite match all your favorites? With a labeler, you can add your own labels to those uncommon but delightful spices and herbs.   I used to trust dry food content identification to memory after repackaging bulk goods, but that went out the window when I inadvertently used baking soda instead of baking powder in a biscuit recipe.  Those who ate (or tried to) were not impressed.   To memory no longer, now I label - immediately.  You'll be amazed at how versatile a labeler can be in several areas of the home, including the electrical panel box.   Learn more about this handy labeler in my Brother PT-80 P-Touch Labeler Review.

Photo © Mifflin

Canning & Preserving | Plastic Drawer Storage Units | Food Storage Options

A Labeler Does Kitchen Duty originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 07:32:11.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

They've become very popular and you can brew gourmet coffee (cheaper) in the comfort of your own home - no rush, mess or traffic to face - sound good?  Sure does and you can't beat the convenience, not to mention the great coffee flavor.  But before you start shopping for a single serve brewer, there might be a few things you'll want to consider.  They cost more than regular coffee makers, so be informed before you go out the door.  Then, shop and enjoy that gourmet taste!

Read Coffee Maker Reviews | Burr vs Blade Coffee Grinder | About Keurig K-Cups

Before You Buy a Single Serve Brewer originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 07:38:48.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Not that making this tasty treat is difficult,  just challenging when it comes to holding everything together to the end process.  Progressive makes this neat little gadget called a Microwave SMores Maker to keep the graham cracker, marshmallow and chocolate neatly bundled during the heating process in the microwave.  And those that have tried it, like it.

You can make two treats in 30 seconds and everything heats  properly, keeping the cracker crisp and the rest heated evenly.  You can't make this gadget any simpler to operate - just fill the reservoir with water, clamp down the treats and away you go.   And cleaning is quick too - this  7.5" x 6.5 "x 4" treat maker is dishwasher safe.  A fun, innovative and affordable family treat maker.

Compare prices

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Bakeware Tips, Resources | Kitchen Gadgets - What's Your Favorite? | Silicone Tools

Making S'mores Just Got Easier originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 07:24:35.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

It may sound like some far-fetched process or way-out language term, but nano-silver is small but mighty and has some very real health benefits. When included in certain appliances, it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and that makes it an important germ fighting feature.

Read More About Air Quality Appliances:

Air Cleaner Buying Tips

What's an Ionizer?

Whole House vs Portable Humidifier

Tip of the Week: Nano-Silver - Know What it is? originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 07:19:53.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Several new high-efficiency washers are sporting a steam feature these days, but should we sit up and take notice or are they just blowing a lot of hot air?   While steam sounds like a good feature to have, you should know what it can do to justify the extra cost for a steam washer.  There are benefits to using steam in a washer, one that might be noticeable while the other is more of a trust issue.   And while the very first steam washer was out of reach for many, there's now several models to choose from and prices are more competitive.  Learn what the steam feature on a washer can do for you in Washer Steam - What Does it Do, then you can decide if this a feature you want.

Top-Load vs Front-Load Washers | How a Mesh Laundry Bag Protects | Washer Buying Tips

Washer Steam - Just a Lot of Hot Air? originally appeared on About.com Housewares / Appliances on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 07:33:57.

Permalink | Comment | Email this