Being a renter means that you will have to deal with your fair share of household annoyances. Whether it's a broken doorknob, a cluttered closet, a never-ending stream of dirty dishes, or those extra-stubborn stains in the shower, there are numerous household issues that tend to irk residents of all stripes, but some are worse than others.
The good news? There are a lot of tips and remedies to fix these common household annoyances. Read below to learn about the most irritating things you'll experience around your apartment and the best ways to alleviate your household stress.
1. Dishes Piled Up In the Sink
We get it: You've had a busy day at work, you've come home with groceries and still managed to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Then comes to not-so-fun part: washing the dishes. No one will notice if you just leave the dishes in the sink for one night, right? What harm could it do?
While sitting on the couch to catch up on Netflix after dinner might sound relaxing, in the long run, having a less messy kitchen in the morning is a lot less annoying. Taking the 10 to 15 minutes to get everything washed or loaded into the dishwasher can make a world of difference for your stress levels once the alarm sounds in the morning.
2. Reheating Fried Foods
It's safe to say that we've all been sad and disappointed when our takeout fries arrive less crispy than we would have hoped. Fried foods are glorious-- but when they become soggy, they can be downright unbearable to eat.
But fear not: Even if you've left your favorite fries in the fridge overnight, there's an easy way to crisp them up. Simply take your fries, wrap them in aluminum foil, set your oven to a high broil and leave them under the hot heat for a few minutes. According to Lifehacker, the top-down heat of the broiler is a match made in heaven for oil-soaked foods like fried chicken and french fries. You're welcome.
3. Stubborn Trash Bags
Does anyone really enjoy taking out the trash? Probably not, but it's one of those household annoyances that just has to be done. As if lifting the bag out of the trash can isn't gross enough, often the plastic container and bloated bag tend to get stuck together, requiring you to either have to use both hands to remove it or yank it out.
Save yourself the trouble by drilling a hole in the side of your trash can. This simple maneuver keeps air from getting trapped in the trash can, which can allow you to slip out your rubbish every time with ease.
4. A Serious Clutter Problem
Clutter can sneak up on you over time. Whether a passageway in your apartment is suddenly blocked or your pet's toys are piling up in a corner, storage is always your best solution to ending clutter.
Take a good look at your place: Is it welcoming and inviting? Is it a place you want to relax in? If the answers are no, then you might want to re-think your storage options or have an apartment "purge" to get rid of things you don't need. In fact, it's probably a good idea to have an annual event where you toss or donate items that are simply taking up too much space.
5. Relentless Shower Stains
There are few things more determined to hang out in your shower than soap scum. When those fancy shower cleaners don't work, it might be time to turn to the power of nature to remove them.
To remove stains, mix lemon and baking soda together to make a paste-- this will keep your shower smelling citrusy and fresh. Place the mixture on a cloth and apply to the stains. Allow it to sit for about 40 minutes, then rinse away (for extra stubborn stains, use a pumice stone). To keep stains from coming back, you can't go wrong with Borax, as it keeps mold and mildew from growing.