As we look ahead to 2025, design trends are evolving to reflect a deeper connection between our living spaces and our personal expression.
23.09.2024 - 21:29 / thespruce.com / Sheila Kim
If you spot a bit of rust on the tine of a fork in your flatware drawer, it might not be anything to fret over—but it could also be a sign that your flatware is coming to the end of its lifespan. We talked to flatware and cutlery experts to find out signs it's time to replace flatware, as well as situations when you might be able to hold onto them a bit longer.
One of the most obvious signs you need to replace flatware is rusting or discoloration. Despite popular belief, even stainless steel, one of the most common materials used in flatware today, can rust given the right conditions.
But before you trash what appears to be a rusted piece, try removing the discoloration using a baking soda paste (a simple thick mixture of two or three parts baking soda to one part water) or Bar Keepers Friend with gentle but persistent scrubbing, says Joanna Rosenberg, Chief Marketing Officer of Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
These methods will remove most discoloration such as tarnish and superficial rust. If the discoloration remains after trying one of these solutions, it’s likely time to replace your flatware.
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A piece that is bent out of shape is another typical reason you might consider replacing your flatware. But if you want to keep your current flatware to save money, you can always attempt to fix bent pieces. Try straightening the bend out using flat-nose nylon jaw pliers. You don't need to worry about further damage as the nylon tips will help protect a metallic piece’s finish from scratches.
You’re bound to see scratches accompanied by a lack of luster on flatware that you use daily, but not all is lost. If
As we look ahead to 2025, design trends are evolving to reflect a deeper connection between our living spaces and our personal expression.
Butterfly bushes are hugely popular in the South for many reasons. They’re easy to grow and bloom all summer long in shades of pink, purple, white, and magenta. Of course, they also provide nectar-rich food for butterflies, which visit these pretty shrubs all season long. Since they bloom in the summer, some may think you should prune them in the fall, but the best time to prune butterfly bushes is actually in late winter to early spring.
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With autumn in full bloom, we are finally starting to see the fall foliage we have all been waiting for. Colors are changing on trees and leaves are beginning to fall onto our beloved lawns and gardens we have worked all summer long for.
There’s more to doing laundry correctly than just choosing the right wash cycle or incorporating the right laundry hacks. After clothes come out of the washer, you then must choose how to dry them. Air drying certain items (either by laying them flat or hanging them up to dry on the best drying rack) is crucial to maintaining their longevity. These include obvious articles of clothing like those made of delicate material—think silk blouses or lace pantyhose.
To cut or not to cut? That is the perennial question—pardon the pun—when it comes to cutting back plants in fall. With perennials, there is no one perfect time to cut back plants as a group. Some perennial plants should be pruned in fall, while others benefit from waiting until spring. This guide will help take the guess work out of autumn clean-up and provide insight into why you should prune the perennials on this list in fall.
Having an all-in-one cleaning product on hand in your home can prove extremely helpful when trying to address a wide variety of issues all at once. Many people turn to all-purpose cleaner Mr. Clean when tackling their walls, doors, bathtubs, and more, but is it a safe product to use on wooden floors?
When most people picture the perfect kitchen, a few things might come to mind. From beautiful appliances to ample counter space to perfectly organized walk-in pantries, everyone has different musts on their list.
Bay leaf is a rich, aromatic herb popular in cuisines across the world. Replete with medicinal properties, it can be used dried, fresh in your food, or even in socks. You read that right! This natural remedy offers many benefits for many ailments, and here’s why you should keep bay leaf in socks!
You've worked hard planting your favorite flowers or greenery shrubs, but have you thought of taking your garden design to the next level? Garden edging serves several purposes from suppressing weeds, to keeping your flower beds in check to simply sprucing up the design of your garden. While there are several of options to choose from for building in this outdoor aesthetic, the good news is that it doesn't have to break the bank. Here are 8 inexpensive garden edging ideas to steal to enhance the look of your blooms and create a defined garden space. Once you find your favorite, head to your nearest hardware store to find the materials you need so you can quickly build the garden of your dreams!
If you watch the viral videos online of people cleaning their homes every Sunday, you may feel as though you need to level up your weekly routine a bit. It seems as though everyone is always turning their home or apartment upside down in order to address every corner and ensure that no area is left less than sparkling.
We're all guilty of it—when we're not sure what to do with something, it's off to the closet it goes, where it transforms into a problem for future you to tackle.