Only Paper Towel Holders

How to Clean a Keurig Single Cup Coffee Maker

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:47:05 +0000

Did you get one of those cool Keurig single cup coffee makers this Christmas? If so, know that I am totally jealous! While cleaning my old-fashioned drip coffee maker this morning, I wondered if the k-cup coffee makers are very difficult to clean. The short answer – no. These guys are pretty maintenance free. Here’s the scoop on how to clean one:

Each day, see if any liquid has built up in the drip tray or the tray plate. If so, simply wipe it clean with a cloth or rinse it off. The drip tray and tray plate are NOT dishwasher-safe.

That’s pretty much all you have to do on a daily basis. However, you should periodically clean the other parts and descale the the brewer. Scaling just refers to calcium deposits that are left behind from the water you use so that the deposits don’t build up and slow your machine down. Keurig recommends descaling every 3-6 months. If you live in a hard-water area, you’ll probably want to descale a bit more often – at least every 3 months.

Before you descale, you may as well clean the rest of the machine. Simply pop out the k-cup holder and funnel (the little part you put your k-cups in each day) and either wash them by hand in soapy water or put them in the dishwasher (assuming you can wait that long for your next cup of coffee).

Wash the hot water tank in soapy water and set it aside to dry.

Reassemble the coffee maker, and it’s time to descale – which isn’t as bad as it sounds!

Fill the water tank with 8 ounces or so of white vinegar. Do not add a k-cup to the brewer (unless you’re experimenting with sour, acidic coffee). Place a ceramic cup on the drip tray (apparently a paper cup explodes, catches on fire, or otherwise wreaks major havoc), and press the button for large cup.

Turn off the maker as soon as the vinegar starts to dispense into the cup. Let the brewer sit for at least 30 minutes to give the vinegar time to eat away the calcium deposits.

Hit the brew button again to send the vinegar through the coffee maker and into the ceramic cup. Empty the ceramic cup unless you have a good use for hot vinegar.

Now you need to clear the vinegar taste from the coffee maker. Just brew at least 3 cups of clean water without adding a k-cup.

And now you are all set to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea. And trust me – after all that hard work, you deserve it!

Cleaning a Keurig Single Cup Coffee Maker Video

In case you’re a visual learner, here’s a quick 2.5 minute video on how to clean your Keurig brewer:

Your Turn:

Did you get a single cup coffee maker, or is still on your wish list? What’s your favorite flavor of coffee? Do you have any tips to get the most out of your coffee maker? If so, please leave a comment – I’d love to hear from you!

15 Great Uses for Paper Towels – And A Few New Ways to Use Your Iron

admin — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:27:53 +0000

What do you use your paper towels for? In my house, spills or wiping up messes are the most common ways we use paper towels. I just found these great new uses for paper towels in Joey Green’s Cleaning Magic book.

Preserve salad mix. If you’re a fan of those pre-bagged salad mixes, place a paper towel sheet in the open bag. The paper towel will absorb any moisture and prevent the lettuce from turning that yucky brown color. If you buy whole heads of lettuce, simply wrap a paper towel around the unused portion and save it in a ziploc bag.

Emergency coffee filter. In my house, anything coffee-related is top priority. If you’re out of coffee filters, simply use a paper towel. Much cheaper than making an emergency run to Starbucks!

Line fruit and vegetable bin. Place a few sheets of paper towels in your fruit and vegetable bin. The towels will absorb any excess moisture, and make the refrigerator much easier to clean.

Remove gum from wood furniture. Place a paper towel sheet over the gum and gently press the paper towel with a warm (not hot) iron. The heat will melt the gum onto the paper towel, and then you can gently pull the paper towel (and gum) off the furniture.

Cleaning broiler pans. Place the pan inside a trash bag then line the pan with several paper towels. Soak the paper towels with ammonia and seal the bag tightly. Let the bag sit overnight (outside or in a well-ventilated garage). In the morning, just remove the broiler pan and discard the trash bag with the messy paper towels inside it. Wash the pan with soapy water. Be sure to avoid breathing the ammonia fumes!

Re-season a cast-iron pan. Keep your cast-iron pans well seasoned by using a paper towel to run a dab of shortening all over the pan after each use.

Clean the microwave oven. Soak a sheet of paper towels with water, place it in the microwave, and heat on high for 4 minutes. This will steam off the gunk inside your microwave. Once the paper towel cools, use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave.

Clean stainless steel applicances. To clean the outside of a stainless steel appliance, polish it with just a drop of olive oil or baby oil. Buff it dry with paper towels, and your appliance will have a brilliant shine – right up until the kids run their grubby hands all over it.

Preserve wooden salad bowls. Keep your wooden salad bowl from drying and cracking. Wipe the bowl down with paper towels saturated with cooking oil.

Remove crayon stains from clothes. Place the stained item on top of a paper towel sheet and then cover the stain with a second paper towel. Gently press the top sheet with a warm iron to melt the crayon wax. The paper towel will absorb the wax.

Dry water-logged books. Did one of your books get left out in a rainstorm? Place a paper towel between each soggy page to absorb the water. Close the book, and put several heavy books on top of the soggy book to flatten everything out and let the whole shebang sit overnight. Remove the paper towels in the morning.

Prevent cat shedding. Dampen a paper towel and gently run it all over the cat. The damp towel will collect the cat hair, which is much better than the furniture collecting it.

Clean sewing machines. After you’ve oiled your sewing machine, simply stich a few rows onto a paper towel to absorb any extra oil.

Remove grease spots from walls. Place a paper towel over the grease spot and then press gently with a warm iron. Charge your kids an entertainment fee if they get to watch you iron the wall.

Remove crayon from walls. Lightly spray the stain with WD-40 and then use a paper towel to wipe off the oil. Them wash off the WD-40 with a soft soapy cloth. How you deal with the kids who got the crayon on the wall is up to you.

So there you go – some amazing new uses for the lowly paper towel – and a few interesting ideas for your iron as well!

Your Turn:

I’m always looking for great cleaning tips, or new ways to use paper towels and other household items. Do you have any interesting ways to use paper towels? If so, please leave a comment – I’d love to hear them!

Also leave a comment if you have any recommendations on how to handle kids who leave the crayon marks on the wall – not that we have issues with that in my house!

Decluttering Your Kitchen – Easy Ways to Reduce Countertop Clutter

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:54:31 +0000

Quick…take a look at your kitchen countertops. Be honest – what do you see?

Are your countertops in show-home condition? Maybe a few canisters, a decorative item or two. Or are they real-world condition, cluttered with mail, an old holiday decoration from six months ago?

Clutter builds up so easily on kitchen counters. Here are some simple steps that you can take to reduce countertop clutter (and no, getting rid of the kids – the main source of clutter – is not one of them).

Start at one end of your workspace and work your way all the way around the kitchen.

Be Ruthless

Be ruthless in deciding what stays on the counter. Ideally, you should only have items that you use on a daily basis out. Store any appliance that doesn’t get used every day in a cabinet.

If you haven’t used an appliance in a year, go ahead and give it to Goodwill or sell it at a garage sale. What’s really changed in your life in the past year that has freed up enough time for you to suddenly bake bread or make homemade pasta?

Think Vertically

Is there anything on your countertop that can be installed underneath a cabinet, on the wall, or hanging from the ceiling? You can install a wall mounted paper towel holder in about 10 minutes.

Do you have a fruit basket that’s taking up valuable counterspace? Hang a 3 tier hanging basket and keep those fruits and vegetables handy yet out of the way.

Microwaves can take up loads of counterspace. If possible, install an over-the-oven model. If that’s not an option, you could always hide your microwave in a cabinet. This post gives you some great tips on how to easily put your microwave in a cabinet.

Ditch the Paper

Open your mail directly over the trash can so that you can throw out whatever you don’t need. Then immediately place the mail where it is supposed to be stored (hint: not the kitchen counter). If you really must store your mail in the kitchen, then consider a wall-mounted letter holder with hooks that will store both your mail and your keys.

Hide Those Cords

Is your kitchen the place where everyone charges their cell phones, ipods, digital cameras and other electronics? If possible, try to choose another area of the house. If you can’t find another area, get a charging station valet to organize all those cords and electronics neatly.

All Done!

Congratulation – now it’s time to reward yourself with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Sit back with a magazine and relax for a few minutes – just be sure to clear the magazine off the countertop when your break is over!

Your Turn

What are your tips for reducing kitchen countertop clutter? Do you have some unique organization tricks? If so, please leave a comment – I’d love to hear from you!

How to Clean Bronze Sinks – 9 Cleaners to Avoid

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:03:25 +0000

Bronze offers old-world charm that is highly sought-after by today’s homeowners. You can finish your kitchen or bathroom with a variety of bronze accents, including sinks, faucets, bronze paper towel holders, door-knobs and hinges.

Bronze is considered a “living finish”, which means that the look of bronze alters over time, various elements alter the patina. Each bronze sink or fixture develops a unique color and hue, which is one of the most charming features of bronze.

As beautiful as bronze fixtures are, they will deteriorate quickly if you don’t clean them properly. Soap scum, toothpaste, and shaving creams can quickly tarnish the bronze finish. Here are a few tips for how to clean bronze sinks:

How to Clean Bronze Sinks

Wipe the sinks and faucets daily. Keep a soft, dry flannel cloth or microfiber cloth nearby to quickly remove any messes. Wiping the sink immediately after use will prevent buildup before it ever occurs.

Clean with mild soap and water. Use a small amount of mild dishwashing soap mixed with water. Rinse thoroughly with water, and then dry with a soft towel.
Polish periodically. This will help maintain the shine, or to restore the shine on an bronze fixture. Dip clean cloth in liquid wax (such as Johnson’s Paste Wax) and rub all over the fixture. Let the wax dry, then use a fresh cloth to buff to a handsome shine. You should do this once a month or once you notice that water no longer forms beads on the surface.

How to Remove Hard Water Spots: To get rid of spotting caused by hard water, dilute plain white vinegar with an equal amount of water. Wipe on with a soft cloth and allow to sit for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with fresh cloth. Wiping the sink dry after use will help prevent hard water spots.
Avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals on your bronze fixtures as they may erode the beautiful finish. Some things to avoid include:

Ajax
Brillo pads
Pumice products
Fruit acids
Sodium
Paint
Cosmetics
Bleach
Lime/Rust removal products

Bronze is a beautiful, ever-changing finish. With just a little bit of proper care, you’ll enjoy your bronze sink and fixtures for years to come.

Your Turn

What kind of finish do your sinks and faucets have? Do you have any advice or tips on maintaining bronze sinks? If so, please leave a comment – I’d love to hear from you!

iTouchless Paper Towel Holder

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:47:17 +0000

Ever wish you could wave your hand and a genie would magically appear to clean your kitchen for you? (Alright, that’s not the first thing I would ask a genie for either!) I can’t give you a magic genie, but with the iTouchless Paper Towel Holder, you can get a paper towel with just the wave of your hand.

The technical explanation is that it has an optical scanner which identifies where the perforation is on the paper towel roll and stops at just the right place for you to tear off just one sheet of paper towels. Want more than one towel? Just wave your hand twice for 2 towels, 3 times for 3 towels, and so on.

Although this would look great on your kitchen counter, you can also install it under your cabinet or turn it into a wall mounted paper towel holder(you have to purchase the mounting brackets separately). It takes 4 “C” batteries, which should last about 100 rolls (they estimate that to be a year’s worth; in my house I think it would be 2 months worth, max). You can also purchase an adaptor so that you don’t burn through batteries.

If silver is not your style, this comes in Pearl White or a very bright Candy Apple Red.

Price? The iTouchless paper towel holder starts at about $60 for the white model, and runs up to about $75 for the steel version. But if things get a little slow at your next party, you can always entertain your guests with it. So if you look at it as entertainment as well as a kitchen accessory, the price isn’t so bad…

iTouchless Paper Towel Holder Video Review

Want to see it in action? Check out this video:

Your Turn

Have you had any experience with the iTouchless products? How did they work for you? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of their products!

Lighthouse Paper Towel Holder

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:33:30 +0000

I’ve been dreaming about a beach vacation lately – I am so ready for winter to be done. I think that’s why I’m loving this nautical-themed lighthouse paper towel holder. Available in red, blue, and yellow, the hand-carved holder is a fun accent for any nautical themed kitchen (or deck).

It reminds me of sitting on the deck at my favorite bar/restaurant – Boss Oyster in Apalachicola, FL. I’ve spent hours of my life, just hanging out with an ice-cold beer and a plate of blue crabs or oysters. They always kept a roll of paper towels on the table for wiping your hands after all the mess of cracking those blue crabs.

I can’t remember exactly what kind of paper towel stand they used, but for some reason this lighthouse stand makes me wish I were sitting on that deck again!

If you’re ever in the Florida Panhandle, be sure to stop by Boss Oyster and have a cold one in my name! As for me, I think my best way to get blue crabs in landlocked Colorado is to order them freshly delivered from The Crab Place. The view won’t be the same, but I think it’s about as good as it’s going to get for me for a while.

simplehuman Quick Load Paper Towel Holder

admin — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:54:00 +0000

Stop fumbling around when you’re trying to replace the roll on your paper towel stand!

You know the drill: grab the stand, try to unscrew the top, jam the paper towels on the holder, look for the top (why do they always roll away from you?), screw on the top, and finally – your new roll of towels is ready!

That’s a lot of effort just to add a new roll. By the end of all that, you’ve probably forgotten what you needed the paper towel for in the first place!

simplehuman changes all that with their innnovative quick load paper towel holder.

simplehuman Paper Towel Stand: Reloads in Seconds

Reloading is a breeze: just press the quick release knob, add the new roll, and snap the knob back on. It takes about 3 seconds!

Want to move the paper towel holder? No problem – just grab the stand by the top and move it to the new location. The top won’t come off unless you deliberately press both buttons.

simplehuman Paper Towel Stand: What More Can You Ask From a Paper Towel Holder?

Ok, so reloading is a snap. But what about actually using the stand? simplehuman’s thought of just about everything you need in a paper towel holder. The weighted base keeps the stand from moving around when you’re grabbing a paper towel, so you can use just one hand.

The rim around the bottom keeps the towels from unrolling, so your kitchen always looks nice and tidy (well, the paper towels do, at any rate!). And any size paper towel roll will fit – even the jumbo rolls.

No worry about marring your countertops, either. simplehuman’s added a non-stick backing that keeps the stand steady and protects your surfaces.

And it looks great. The contemporary design of the handsome black and stainless steel paper towel holder matches today’s kitchens.

simplehuman Paper Towel Stand: Will It Improve Your Marriage?

No guarantees here! But my favorite comment from customer’s reviews of this stand is: “…even my husband commented on how much he liked it!” And a happy husband can only help your relationship!

What else have users said?

From the simplehuman web site:“elegant, works, and is totally functional and easy on the eyes”. Another comment: “This is the easiest papertowel holder ever”.

From Amazon users: “This paper towel holder has achieved perfection.” “Seriously impressed with this paper towel holder.” “Perfect, very attractive, and SOLID.”

From Cooking.com:“…would recommend it to anyone.” “It’s been the best I have had.”

simplehuman Quick Load Paper Towel Holder Details

• Stainless steel rod and base
• Colored band fits around base
• Quick release knob for easy loading
• Grooved edge keeps roll neat
• Heavy duty solid base with foam bottom to prevent slipping
• Color: Stainless Steel and Black
• Height: 14 1/4″

simplehuman Quick Load Paper Towel Holder Shipping Information

Most orders placed before 5 pm Eastern time will ship the same day. Expedited shipping is available. Shipping is free on orders over $25; a nominal shipping charge is added to orders under $25.

$24.99 at simplehuman

About simplehuman

simplehuman looks at everyday chores and daily tasks as design opportunities. Their ergonomic, high-quality products help improve performance – and look great while doing it.

Organize.com Coupons

admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:51 +0000

Organize.com is a one-stop shop for all of your home organization and storage needs. Now, you can save on your favorite products with these great coupons:

$2.00 Discount Coupon for all First Time Online Shoppers at Organize.com

OR

7% OFF $35 or more purchase (Coupon: A9849)

Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder: How to Install a Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:33:01 +0000

Reduce clutter on your kitchen counter – install a
wall mount paper towel holder. As long as you’re installing on a regular wall (as opposed to a tile backsplash), it’s simple and just takes about 10 minutes.

Here’s the easiest way:

Supplies Needed for Installing a Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder:

Paper towel holder

Level

Hammer

Pencil

2 screws

2 anchors

Screwdriver

Level

Drill

Steps to Installing a Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder

1. Position the holder: Find the perfect place to put your wall mounted paper towel holder. The best place is nearby the counter that you prepare your food. How often do you reach for a paper towel while cutting meats or vegetables, or when mixing up sauces or baked goods? Try to install your paper towel holder on the nearest cabinet.

Other good places are near the sink (especially if you use paper towels for drying your hands) and near the refrigerator or drink-pouring area.

Be sure that the towels are not too close to the oven or stove so that there’s less risk of fire.

2. Use a level and pencil to draw a straight line on the wall about the same length as your holder.

3. Place the wall mount paper towel holder on the line. Use a pencil to mark where the screw holes will need to be.

4. Drill holes on the walls for the anchors. Make the holes about the same size as the anchors. If in doubt, make the holes smaller – you can always make them bigger later on!

5. Now that you’ve got the holes in the wall, push the anchors into the wall, using the hammer if necessary.

6. Take the paper towel holder and hold it up to the wall with the screwholes in the holder matching the anchors in the wall. Screw the screws in until they’re tight.

7. Add your paper towels, and you’re all done!

Installing a Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder on Tile Backsplashes

If you have a tile backsplash, adding a paper towel holder is a bit trickier. You may want to hire a professional or install an under cabinet paper towel holder instead.

If you’re not familiar with drilling holes in tile, you may want to read these directions first.

Here’s a quick video on how to drill holes in tile:

Learn How to drill a hole in ceramic, porcelain, clay, or tile. For more Construction & Repair How-To Videos & Articles, visit WonderHowTo.

Have you had any experience installing a wall mount paper towel holder? Do you have any tips you can pass on?

Wrought Iron Pig Paper Towel Holder

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:15:11 +0000

Wrought Iron Pig Paper Towel Holder

Add a touch of rustic charm and beauty to your home with this clever Wrought Iron Pig Paper Towel Stand.

Manufactured in central New York by Village Wrought Iron, this durable paper towel holder will last a lifetime. The black powder coating is baked on to ensure that you will enjoy this wrought iron paper towel holder for years to come.

Wrought Iron Pig Paper Towel Holder Details:

Counter Top Paper Towel Stand
Made of Heavy Duty Wrought Iron
Dimensions: 6 ” W. x 14″ H. x 6″ D.
Silhouette Dimensions: 4 1/2″ W. x 2 3/4″ H.

Wrought Iron Pig Paper Towel Hold Shipping Info:

All Village Wrought Iron items are special order products. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

About Village Wrought Iron:

VWI carries an extensive line of products including giftware, lawn & garden designs, interior accessories, and candleware. All are guaranteed to add charm and beauty to your home & yard.

Village Wrought Iron, Inc. has been family owned and operated for over 35 years. We have worked to set a standard in wrought iron designs and reproduction pieces.

Pig Videos:

Shopping for paper towel holders shouldn’t be dull! Have a quick laugh with this funny pig video: