Unlocking Home Harmony: The Role and Benefits of Professional Organizers

How Professional Organizers Can Transform Your Living Spaces

Ever found yourself staring at a cluttered room, overwhelmed by the thought of organizing it? Enter the Home Organizer—a professional wizard of order and functionality. These experts aren't just tidying up; they're transforming spaces, whether it's a chaotic closet or an entire home in disarray. But how do they work their magic? And more importantly, how can they turn your stress and clutter into serene, organized bliss? Let's delve into the world of Home Organizers and discover how they can bring peace and clarity back into your life.

What is a Home Organizer? 

A professional organizer is someone that is trained to help get the physical spaces in your life organized. This might be a specific room like a craft room or a guest room, or you could hire them to help with your entire home. A professional organizer will talk with you to figure out what you need and what will work with your home and value in order to create a strategy that fits you. You might also see them advertised as clutter coaches or home organizers.

The best home organizers will take into consideration what matters to you, how much space you have, and what will best utilize this space. But I'll also look at how much clutter you have in comparison to the amount of space you have. Their job is to come into your home and get the space that you requested their help for organized in a short period of time. This helps you avoid burnout and decision fatigue, which many of us end up with when trying to organize ourselves.

Is it regulated? Or is it just a thing people do? 

It's a little bit of both. There is the National Association of Professional Organizers. However, you don't have to be certified to become a professional organizer. This means that while the (NAPO) boasts 32 chapters and 4,000 members, that number is most likely much higher than the number of people who actually do the work of a professional organizer.

How does a Home Organizer benefit me? 

Do any of the following sound like something you struggle with?
You struggle to keep your home tidy and clean. No matter how much you work at it, you just can’t keep everything organized.

You feel overwhelmed by all of the stuff. Your house would be clean, but there’s just so much to be done! 

You’re busy! You’ve got a career and a family, and keeping the house neat and tidy is just too much to expect on top of it.

You’re moving or remodeling already. In the middle of trying to move houses or doing remodeling work, things go EVERYWHERE, and trying to find or keep track of it all is next to impossible. 

You feel like you can’t get anything done because your life is chaotic and stressful. And because your brain is chaotic and stressful, you can’t get anything done. It’s a vicious cycle that never ceases and it drives you mad. 

You’re tired and need a major change in your home. You’re tired of the clutter and chaos and want to make a clean break. 

You’re going into a new stage of life. Whether that’s moving in with someone, having a new baby, getting married, moving to a new state, or downsizing, life changes are a great time to change up your home. 

If any of these had you nodding along, then a Home Organizer would be of help.  All of these are good examples of times when they can help you get your home back into shape or into shape for the first time in a long while. 

How does a Home Organizer work? 

To start with a Home Organizer will schedule an in-home consultation with you. This way they can see the space you want them to work with and, more importantly, get an idea of what your vision of the space is. They’ll ask you questions about your day to day life, your pain points, the things that frustrat you, and what your core goals are for the space and your home in general. 

From there, they’ll help you figure out how how they can best work with you and your budget. Some home organizers might suggest work on an hourly basis or on a per-project basis. Another option you might discuss is a DIY model. If you can’t quite figure things out but you don’t want someone going through everything for you, this might be for you. Some Home Organizers will offer a roadmap plan that you can implement rather than going through it all with you. 

This is also the stage to discuss what your goals are and what milestones would be for the project. Is this something they think will only take a few hours? A few days? Or will it take more time than that? If so, what can they point to that will help you see the progress? You’ll also want to ask questions about exactly how involved you’ll be in the process. Will it be during the decluttering stage only? Or will they expect you to be there every step of the way? Every Home Organizer will work differently, so it’s an important thing to bring up before you start the work. 

Courtesy of Liza Summers

Many Home Organizers mention that their clients are nervous about bringing someone in without having cleaned beforehand. Don’t be. They’ve seen all sorts of homes, from ultra sparse homes with nothing to organize, to hoarders who can’t tell the difference between clutter and sentimental items.  They’re not here to judge you, they’re here to help. That’s part of what you get by enlisting professional help; no more than a doctor would judge you for having a broken bone.

Here’s one thing Home Organizers won’t do, though: Clean your house. That’s just not what they’re there for. They might help with the decluttering process, but that’s about sorting through ‘things I have to keep because they hold sentimental value or use” vs. “I never use this, but I MIGHT, someday” sorts of things. 

If you do opt to look for a Home Organizer, here are the three things that you absolutely want, and three that you need to avoid.  You want to look for someone who has credibility and experience and is able to show it. You also want someone who is able to communicate with you exactly what they see as the starting place and how they’re going to help you. Finally, you want someone who is flexible and puts making you comfortable first. 

These are the three things that you need to avoid, however. You don’t want someone who claims to have a ‘magic’ system. If they’re saying that it’s ‘magic,’ it’s likely they aren’t going to be willing to explain just how that system works. At that point, what good does it do for yo, if you don’t know how that system works?  Next up, avoid anyone who wants to do the work without you being part of the process. It won’t help you to have a system in place if you don’t understand why it is there or how it’s supposed to work. Finally, decluttering is just as important as organizing. If there isn’t any space to organize, how can you organize what you own? All of these are things that you want to avoid when you’re searching for a Home Organizer to help you. 

As you embark on your journey to a more organized and harmonious home, remember that professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you're tackling a single cluttered space or transforming your entire living environment, a Home Organizer can bring clarity and peace of mind. For more tips and insights, join the conversation on our Facebook page, where we discuss all things related to maintaining and enhancing your home. And if you ever find yourself in need of expert care for your major home appliances, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your home runs smoothly, from organizing solutions to reliable appliance repair and maintenance. We’re here to help you get your home running smoothly again. 

Website
Call ((214) 599-0055)

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Why Mice Invade Your Home and How to Stop Them

Protecting Your Home and Appliances from Mouse Damage

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of scurrying feet. You turn on the light, only to catch a glimpse of a tiny, furry invader darting behind your appliances. Mice can be more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your home and appliances. So, how do these pesky rodents find their way inside? What draws them in, and most importantly, how can you get rid of them for good? In this guide, we’ll delve into the sneaky ways mice infiltrate your home, where they like to hide, why they’re attracted to your space, and effective strategies to evict them once and for all.

Where Do Mice Enter Your Home?

Answer our first question, is in short, anywhere there's a hole. Mice can compress their bodies down to get through anything that is the size of a dime or larger. So this means holes and cracks in walls, floors, and foundations. They can also come in through gaps in your windows, or through drainage pipes. They have even been known to get in via entry holes around gas lines or electric lines that haven't been sealed properly. The worst case scenario in our opinion is when they get in from climbing up a tree and onto your roof. Because that is much harder for you as the homeowner to spot.

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Common Hiding Spots: Where Mice Nest Indoors

Most of the time, mice come into your home during fall and winter. Sometimes though such as if you have a nice piece of land with lots of growing things, they'll start coming in as early as late spring when they have found plenty to eat and now they need places to nest and have all of their horrible little children. 

Once a colony enters your home and finds it safe, they aren't going back outside. They will raid anything and everything they can get their teeth into as food or bedding. This can of course lead to horrifying numbers of mice inside your home without you even being aware of it.

So where do you look? Where can you observe to try and confirm whether or not you have my spot yourself? 

Behind anything large such as kitchen cabinets, appliances, furniture that's not used all the time. These are great places to hide a mouse line, the past that they'll scurry along while moving from place to place. In addicts, basements, and crawl spaces are great places for nests when they're dry and warm. And so are around closets and fireplaces. 

Why Mice Invade Your House

Courtesy of domeckopol

You might have noticed right now that my son are much like you or I. They come looking for three things food, and a cozy place to sleep. 

Food left on counters or on the floor is a draw for mice. Whether this is in open containers, or cardboard boxes, or pet kibble bags, if it is left out you can bet that mice will be interested.  

Courtesy of Roland Kuck

Another reason mice come in is because unintentionally, you've left away in. This might be holes in your foundation or siding, all of the beautiful plants that are pressed up tight to the side of your house. Holes in Windows, or the frame of your doors, or in your attic. All of these are options that given half a chance they will take because inside your house there is a significantly smaller chance of them running into an owl or snake or just a particularly large and aggressive rat.

 
Effective Strategies to Get Rid of Mice

Now that we know where they're coming from, and why they're in your house, let's tackle the real question. How do you get rid of them? 

 The good news is that you can get rid of them. The bad news is that it's not easy. The problem is that there are so many mouse repellents and deterrence on the market not to mention myths perpetuated online, that it's hard to say what will and won't work without a lot of testing. 

Let's start off by tackling the things that won't work, and then we'll move into what should give you some hope.

DIY Methods That Don’t Work

Does soap keep mice away? 

No. As lovely as Irish springs soap May smell it's not going to kill the mice. Now a core ingredient in many soaps is animal fat and if they were to eat a large quantity of that the mice would die. The problem is that unless they are starving, mice won't eat enough of it to die. They will stop once they start feeling ill and they certainly aren't going to take it back to feed their colony in the extent that it would get rid of all of them.

 chow down on enough soap to be harmed.

Does bleach repel mice?

Does it repel mice? Yes, just like you, the strong smell of bleach is not pleasant for mice. And if you could somehow guarantee that the mouse would consume it, it wouldn in fact kill it. The problem is that the amount of bleach that you have to leave out it would be harmful to you and any children or pets within your home. So while this one would work, we don't advise as the risks outweigh the benefits.

What color do mice hate?

We are rather confused as to why this idea came about. Mice are colorblind, so it doesn't matter what color you paint your baseboards, it won't stop them. 

Does peppermint oil repel mice?

Peppermint oils and sprays are lovely if you want to make your home smell nice. Even at strong concentrations, they won't linger long enough to deter rodents.

Do mothballs keep mice away?

Mothballs are for moths, as they contain naphthalene. In large concentrations this can repel mice, but the amount needed a) hasn't been tested and b) would reach a level that would make your home inhospitable to you long before it made the rodents leave.  

If you’re trying to prevent rats or mice from entering your home or trying to get rid of a current rodent infestation, there are lots of suggestions for DIY and home remedies. However, many of these DIY rodent control treatments aren’t based on factual evidence.

Natural Mouse Repellents: What Really Works?

There are a variety of scents that mice hate, and can be useful for keeping mice out of your home. 

Some smells that mice hate include:

Pepper

Cinnamon

Citrus

Vinegar

While the list above contains some of the most effective scents that mice hate, there are many other scents that may also work. If you're looking for an at-home way to deter mice, you can try using one of these scents. Keep in mind that these may work for repelling mice before they get into your home, but there is no sign that they will help after you already have an infestation.

Do dryer sheets repel mice and keep them away?

Dryer sheets are like the list of strong scents. They provide a temporary deterrent, but they're only going to keep rodents from coming in, they won't drive them out. 

Setting Traps and Bait: Best Practices

If you want to catch and actually remove mice from your home, traps and bait are a place to start. Many professionals suggest setting traps and bait stations as a sort of ‘diagnostic’ throughout the year. This will let you know that they are finding a way in.  You can use any variety of traps you want, from catch-and-release traps to glue traps to bait stations. We will advise against poison traps indoors or out as indoors can be dangerous if you have children or pets and also lead to the mice dying inside the walls of your home, and outdoors can poison far more than just the mice you intend. 

Sealing Entry Points to Keep Mice Out

As we mentioned further up, mice and rats can compress their bodies to fit through a hole no larger than a dime. This means that it’s ridiculously easy for them to find entry points into your home through walls, your roof, even crawl spaces underneath. These tiny holes can be easy to miss, and require going over your home with a fine-toothed comb. Once you find them though, covering them over is relatively easy. Wire mesh or steel wool are good for covering the hole, and then you cover that with caulking or cement. (Don’t use expanding foam though, as they can and will chew through it.)  You will also want to carefully go over doors and windows, for any cracks and fill those as well. 

Landscaping Tips: Trim Shrubs and Bushes to Deter Mice

While lovely thick bushes and flowers are amazing to look at and add character to your home, they’re also a mouse’s best friend. They act as a protective pathway into your home, and cover from predators. You don’t need to get rid of them though, just keep them properly trimmed. 

Dealing with a mouse infestation can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can reclaim your home from these unwelcome guests. Remember, sealing entry points, maintaining a clean environment, and using effective traps are key steps to keeping mice at bay. While Appliance Rescue Service doesn't handle mouse removal, we understand the frustration and damage these pests can cause. If your appliances have suffered from a mouse invasion, don’t worry—we’re here to repair and restore them to perfect working order. Reach out to Appliance Rescue Service for all your appliance repair needs and let us help you get your home back to normal.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

 

Additional Reading

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

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Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Texas Home for Summer

Essential Tasks to Keep Your Home Running Smoothly When the Heat Hits

Can you feel the warmth in the air? It's a sign that summer is already on its way! But before you start planning your vacation trip and weekend barbecues, your home needs to be prepared for the season too. There are plenty of tasks that you can do around the house to keep it cool and running smoothly during the hot months. Don't worry, though, we've got you covered. We'll guide you through each step so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer season without any worries.

We've sorted the tasks by inside the home and outside the home; so that you can do each task as the weather allows.

Inside the House

Ceiling Fan Rotation

Make sure to change your ceiling fan rotation Courtesy of eak_kkk

This one is relatively simple. As the year changes, you can benefit from changing the rotational direction of your fan. During the summer, it's best to have your fan turning counterclockwise. This pushes the cool air down towards the floor and helps you stay cool.

Plumbing Checks 

Check Valves And Hoses

The valves and hoses for your washing machine, and your interior and exterior faucets all have connection points that can become loose and even break. As we are heading into summer and you're doing more you want to go ahead and check on these this way you catch any trouble before it starts. You will almost certainly need a professional to make any major changes, but just checking and finding trouble spots is something you can absolutely do on your own.

Inspect Your Pipes

As we all know, summer in Texas is ridiculously hot and dry. Unfortunately, that heat and lack of moisture can cause your pipes to deteriorate and crack. That can then cause the pipes to leak or, in a worst-case scenario, burst. So before you start forcing hundreds of gallons of water through your pipes, it's better to check on any and all of them that you can get to and catch any problems beforehand.

Insulate Your Home 

The amount of work insulation usually requires Courtesy of justynkalp

Your home's insulation is essential for keeping you comfortable in both hot and cold weather. However, if you are unsure about the quality of insulation in your home or wish to enhance the existing insulation, several options are available. Checking the insulation in your attic and walls is crucial for ensuring your home is properly insulated. However, most of us hesitate to pull down sheetrock to check the insulation. Fortunately, there are alternative options available. One of the best options is an additive that can be mixed with paint and applied to roofs, interior, and exterior walls. Although it does not replace the need for proper insulation, it has proven to make a significant difference in energy efficiency, according to testing.

Swap Out Shades For Curtains 

If you haven't already done it, we highly advise swapping out your winter shades for lighter summer curtains. Whether this means lighter in just color, or lighter in color and material is up to you. Being able to open your windows and let the breeze pour in is helpful for lowering your electric bill.

Fridge

The seasons are turning, which means it is the next time you need to clean out behind your fridge. It might not be the most glamorous task, but your fridge will most certainly appreciate being able to breathe properly. As always, make sure that you tend to the coils and any built-up dust or debris, and move your fridge back into proper alignment so that airflow can circulate around it. 

Make sure that you're using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. You don't want to use water back here as that can damage electrical components, and then you will have a very pretty and oversized box rather than a fridge.

Now that you've tended to the outside of your fridge let's check out the inside. You'll want to closely examine the seals on your refrigerator door all the way around, first by eye and then by hand. You want to ensure that there aren't any spots that are damaged and that the seal doesn't need to be replaced. Once you've checked that out, the next step is to grab a washcloth, some warm water, and soap so that you can clean out any stickiness or debris from the seal. Making sure that your doors can close and seal properly ensures that the fridge can maintain its temperature accurately. Taking care of your fridge like this ensures a much longer and happier life on the part of your appliance.

Washer And Dryer 

Your washer and dryer need to have the seals checked, just like we did with your refrigerator. Again, you want to check by eye and then by hand for any signs of debris damage or, in the case of your washer, mold. For your dryer, you want to make sure that there isn't any accumulated lint in and around the seal. 

Since the air is already warm during summer, you will want to address the settings on your dryer for summertime. It is not uncommon for dryers to catch fire from being turned up too high. While you're at it, you should also have the filters checked and cleaned by a professional to get rid of any built-up lint. At the same time, having someone look at your washing machine filters and drains would be a good step to roll into the same call.

Now that we've done the inside of the home, let's head outside and see what we can find.

Outside the House 

Clean Gutters 

It's been a while since we pointed it out, but having your gutters cleaned at least twice a year is extremely important. If your gutters are still jammed full from winter leaves, you can easily have cracks and leaks begin to form under and around them. With time those will begin to damage your home. 

Repair Siding 

If you have wood siding or shingles, now is a great time to check for post-winter rot. You can also check for dirt or mold that might have built up during the spring and winter rains.You can also look for and repair any damaged areas, faded stain, or chipped paint.

Inspect the Roof

A roof that has become damaged over time due to winter rot. Courtesy of congerdesign

Now, we're not suggesting that you do any roof repair yourself. Between the potential for a fall and the heat, we don't think many of us would want to go up. Instead, grab your binoculars and head across the street to take a look around at your roof. You will be looking for any cracked, curling, or missing shingles on your roof. And while you're at it, you want to make sure that there isn't any damaged or missing flashing. Keep a close look on your chimneys, your pipes or any skylights that you have. Just like with the valves and hoses, if you already know where to point a professional, then youve already solved part of the problem. 

Clean The Grill 

When you've got a cooler day, you might as well open up the grill and give it a good cleaning. Most of us love cooking on the grill during the summer, whether it's for family events or just regular weeknight dinners, grills are a uniquely summertime tool. To that end, make sure you go over everything. Not just to clean it, but to make sure that the connections are still in one piece. If there are any wires or pipes, check to see that nothing has been chewed on, or destroyed by the elements. Essentially, you want to go over any piece that could break and make sure it's functioning properly and then go over any piece that can be dirty and clean it before you light your grill for the first time. 

Summer heat and way too hot in Frisco texas by Stux

As summer approaches, it's time to get your home ready for the heat and outdoor fun. From ceiling fan adjustments to grill cleanings, we've got you covered with these essential tips to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all season long. But if you ever find yourself in need of professional assistance with your appliances, Appliance Rescue Service is just a call away. Whether it's a malfunctioning refrigerator or a faulty dryer, our team is here to help keep your home running smoothly. Don't hesitate to reach out for expert maintenance and repair services. Enjoy your summer worry-free with Appliance Rescue Service by your side.

Call: (214) 599-0055
Website 

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Kitchen Safety 101: Protecting Your Little Ones at Home

Beyond Baby Gates: Safeguarding Every Corner of Your Kitchen

Babies are chaotic. When they start learning how to move their limbs, they will grab everything they possibly can and kick everything within reach. Once they gain mobility, it is an all-out war between you and the baby. No matter how much you love them, trying to keep them safe is difficult because safety is not a concept they understand. Therefore, your job is to baby-proof your entire home against anything they can get up to. That's where this week's article comes in. We are taking a look at your kitchen and the mischief your baby can find, whether you're looking or not.

Baby chewing on a utensil - Courtesy of Yan Krukau

Let's start when your baby is still non-mobile. At this point, you have to carry them everywhere. Unfortunately, they can still get hurt in your kitchen. All it takes is a kick or a flailing hand that grabs hold of a spoon and both you and the child are covered in something. If you're lucky, it's something that's cool or room temperature. If you're unlucky, it's something boiling, and you now have a burned baby.

You can prevent this by making sure pot handles, and utensils are turned towards the inside of your stove if you are working at the stove while holding your little one. You can also look for clips that will clip to the side of a pot and hold a spoon or spatula in place to keep little hands from grabbing and pulling. 

Another major issue is stove knobs. They click, they turn, and they push! To a baby, it's the best thing in the world whether they're in arms or crawling and standing on their own. To keep little ones from lighting themselves or anything on top of the stove on fire, there are a couple of different methods you can use. If it is a temporary issue, you can just remove the stove knobs. Most stove knobs will pop off of a central rod very easily for cleaning. Toss them all in a dish outside of baby reach, and you're good to go. Some families are perfectly happy doing this as a measure until the child is big enough to be left on their own; others aren't. Use it at your discretion. The next option is a cover. There are knob covers that will clip over the top of the knob and can be very easily opened when you need them, but they are a little more complicated than most babies can figure out.

And other than pulling at paper towel rolls or any hanging things, that's about it if your baby is in your arms.  But like all things, babies grow. 

Once your baby is mobile, you need to do more than just make it so they cannot push or pull things. Now, you need to be concerned with everything.  

Baby climbing over a baby gate Courtesy of Jep Gambardella

Most people will start with the straightforward baby gate. If a baby can't get into the kitchen, they can't cause problems. You also don't have to baby-proof anything else within the kitchen. However, your blogger would like to point out a number of children in her acquaintance who figured out how to climb over baby gates at a far more rapid pace than is usually thought possible. So, in the interest of keeping your particular small human safe, we advise considering further steps. The baby gate should be the first line of defense but not the only line.

What about cabinets and drawers? As your child starts to explore, like we mentioned, they'll want to pull on things. At first it might be simply a matter of pulling as they figure out how to get up and things accidentally coming open. But very quickly, that turns into repeating to see if they can do it a second time. And once they've figured out the precise mechanism of it, they'll want to keep doing it because there are things hidden behind the door or drawer. There are latches that can be attached to your drawers and your cabinets. These are great for keeping small children out. Some varieties have clips, some varieties have magnets, some varieties are the DIY version, and just have a rubber band. Take your pick. Our point here is just to keep your child out of pots, pans, food boxes, and cleaning supplies that might be on their level. These latches can also work on your refrigerator. The model you have will inform you how best to apply them. 

As a side note, if you have the space, we advise moving your cleaning supplies entirely out of reach of small children. While many of us store our cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink, even cabinet latches are capable of failing. Given the poisonous nature of most cleaning supplies better to keep them entirely out of reach.

Baby getting into a drawer Courtesy of PNW Production

The next thing to consider is the oven door. Whether you have a stove and oven combo or an oven that stands on its own, the door handle for an oven is a great place for little hands to reach and grab and then use it to lever themselves up into a standing position. Once again, the latches that we mentioned earlier are a great way to keep the oven from being opened. However many of them still have a small amount of give to them. While this is acceptable for a cabinet, an oven that is on can easily lead to burns if little fingers get in between. Another option to double up protection is to put high-backed chairs in front of the oven. If they can't get to the oven, they can't open it. 

Finally, understand that no amount of baby-proofing will stop the force of nature that is a baby. The best thing that you can do is to prevent what you can and stay aware of your child or make sure that somebody is paying attention once they gain mobility. If this isn't an option, consider setting up a separate area enclosed within the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on your little one without them getting out.

As we conclude this guide to baby-proofing your kitchen, we hope you've found valuable insights to create a safer environment for your little ones. Remember, a secure home is a happy home.

If you have additional baby-proofing tips or want to share your experiences, join the conversation on our Facebook page.

It's essential to recognize that malfunctioning kitchen appliances pose a threat not only to babies but to everyone in the household. Vigilance and regular maintenance are key to preventing accidents.

At Appliance Rescue Service, we understand the importance of a functional and safe kitchen. For all your major appliance repair needs, reach out to us at (214) 599-0055 or visit our website. We're here to ensure your appliances are in top-notch condition, promoting a secure and comfortable home for you and your loved ones.

Thank you for entrusting us with your appliance care. Stay safe and secure!

Additional Reading

10 Kitchen Hazards to Avoid this Holiday Season

Why Does My Oven Keep Flipping the Circuit Breaker? 

Bugs of Summer: Fleas, Lice, Ticks and Bed Bugs

The Kitchen Gift-Giving Guide: From Laughs to Lessons, What Not to Wrap

From Melting Splatter Guards to Rubbery Eggs—Avoiding Disastrous Presents

Welcome, fellow gift-givers and kitchen explorers! This guide is your ticket to steering clear of kitchen gift disasters. We'll navigate through the treacherous terrain of poorly designed gadgets, criminally single-use wonders, and items that should come with a "Handle with Extreme Caution" label. Get ready to dodge the banana slicers as we delve into the world of ill-advised kitchen presents!

Poor Choices

Our first category looks at some of the gifts that are just poor choices. Either because they’re poorly designed, or they don’t match the needs of the recipient, these gifts just don’t work. 

Frywall 10

Courtesy of Amazon & Frywall Store

     Starting us off strong, let’s look at a Frywall 10. It might have been seen on Shark Tank, but the production of this invention leaves much to be desired. Even if you remove the splatter guard when you aren’t at the pan, it still melts after a few uses, as one giftee notes. “The idea is great, and it certainly kept grease from splattering, but after two uses, holes started to form, and now it seems to be completely breaking down.” If the gift you want to give somebody is known for breaking down after only two uses it's not worth the money you paid for it. Read the reviews to make sure that you aren't getting scammed, and your giftee isn't either.

Pots/Pans/ Knives 

Just, don’t. For the sake of the home chef in your life, don’t gift it to them, except under 1 very specific instance. If they have been talking constantly about wanting a particular knife or pot set. Then and only then should you try this one. Chefs and cooks alike are just like any other artist. They find tools they like, and they don’t want to shift away from them. They don’t want to try something new, or the latest invention because they know what they have and how it works. Save yourself the heartache, and offer to get them a subscription box they love instead. 

Margaritaville Mixer 

Although we love a good margarita or other mixed drink, it doesn't work unless the giftee regularly throws parties or is training to be a bartender. These mixers can make a ton of margaritas, and with a bit of tinkering, you can use them for other drinks. But you can't use them for literally anything else. If you want to get something similar, try out a NutriBullet or a top-tier blender that can handle ice and various other kitchen jobs like pureeing fruits and vegetables. This way, you're not inciting somebody to alcoholism.

3 Pot Crockpot Buffet

Make sure you know how much space your giftee has. This is one where the idea can be very sweet, but if you’re giving it to someone who doesn’t cook, doesn’t host parties, or doesn’t have a ton of space? We can guarantee it’s not going to get much use. 

Sodastream

Everyone wants to be healthy. Most of us even know that drinking soda all of the time isn't great for us. The market’s trend toward flavored waters over the past 2 to 3 years shows just how much money there is to be made in this arena. And Sodastream is one of the first contenders to try and let you make your own drinks and flavors at home. Unfortunately, people have a lot to say about it.

Courtesy of SodaStream & Pepsi Co

“At first I thought this would be great. Less aluminum, less storage space and just the right amount of fizz. My first bottle lasted the required time for the amount of fizz I wanted. The second and third bottle, not so much. The second and third bottle require three times as many pumps and sometimes four times. I used to push it five times for a 1/2 second, now I am up 10-15 times for about a second each. Maybe my math isn't that good, but I know I am not getting the value out of the machine that I expected. After this bottle, I will return to the aluminum cans and add the cans to the recycling bin.”

One Use (If That) 

Our second category are those gifts you see in stores marked “As Seen on Tv!” and have exactly ONE (1) use, if they’re lucky. They languish in drawers and cabinets, never being used because they take too much time, space, or attention when you can do better with less. 

Microwave Egg Cooker

Courtesy of HSN

You’ve probably seen some variations of these that claim to make a perfectly delicious egg in half the time it would take in a pan on TV. Except they don’t. Not really. The egg leaks, or (as is most often) it tastes rubbery and gross. Unless you’re gifting it to someone with no sense of taste, we don’t advise this one. 

“All In One Breakfast Sandwich Maker” 

Another tool that claims to make it all in one, we all know what breakfast sandwich this is trying to knock off. As shiny as it looks though a) it only allows for one type of sandwich, and b) it comes with numerous flaws. As one user pointed out,

 “The point of it is to place the top and bottom of the English muffin in the machine to get toasted, then crack the egg into the centre area with a "removable floor" so that the egg drops down onto the lower bun once it's cooked. The problem is (a) that I don't want to automatically drop the egg, because I want to butter the ******* english muffins and (b) there is too much of a gap between the walls of the egg section and the removable floor, so the egg partially runs out and drops raw onto the lower half of the english muffin, or down the sides and makes a mess.”

Cleaver Cutter Scissor 

Picture a set of scissors with a very very small cutting board attached. Ideally you are going to use this to slice paper thin pieces of vegetable, or your herbs as you're prepping dinner. In reality? You're lucky if you don't cut yourself.

People consistently cite that not only is it dull on arrival, but additionally that it doesn’t work worth a damn, and that you’re better off spending the same amount of money on a knife. 

Mr. Sneezy Egg Separator

We're not sure if you've seen this one. It looks simultaneously hilarious and disgusting when you see it in person or in action. You have a head of a man with a large head that is primarily made up of nose. You crack the egg inside the cup and the egg white drip out through his nose.

We understand the concept. We understand why it exists. There are dozens if not hundreds of recipes that ask for you to separate your yolks from your whites. But this? This is just unsanitary. Not only does it only have one use, but it is extraordinarily difficult to get every nook and cranny inside of that deformed head properly clean. You're better off watching a 2-minute YouTube video on how to separate your yolks and your whites by hand then using this. So unless you want to chance giving someone a bacterial infection under the guise of offering a funny gift, you better avoid this one.

Pizza Scissors

As usual our description first. Unfortunately this name pretty much describes it. This is very similar to the supposed vegetable cutters we mentioned before, and is a triangular plate attached to a pair of scissors. In theory this is meant to help you cut a slice of pizza more easily. In reality no matter which type of pizza is your favorite, this is just insulting.

Banana Slicer 

Courtesy of Amazon

Our final woefully useless tool for this section Is the banana slicer. This one is flat out useless. Most bananas don't even fit this mold perfectly so you end up having to cut them with a knife and by the time you've done that you might as well use the same knife to cut the rest of the banana. Additionally why would you gift anyone this? We've seen reports of people getting these as gifts, and they weren't toddlers. This is just a very large go jump off a cliff if you give this to somebody as a gift because you obviously do not like them.

Flat Out Dangerous

Our final category is fortunately very small. These are gifts that are dangerous due to poor design. They’re gifts that can and have hurt people, even when using them properly. 

Easy Bake Ovens

Courtesy of Hasbro

Every child who loves to bake has for at least a moment clamored for an easy bake oven. Your blogger certainly did. And if you didn't, then you knew somebody who did have one. Did you know the number of people who have gotten hurt using one though? Or adults for that matter? The numbers have been high enough that the maker Hasbro has had to recall them at least once and has completely redesigned them from the ground up at least twice during the lifetime of the toy. 

And the problem isn't people not paying attention or not following instructions. It's always been a matter of design and fingers getting caught where they shouldn't trying to put the little pans in or pull them out.

Mortar and Pestle Made of Fragile Materials like Ceramic or Glass

In theory this could be one of the better gifts on this list. You want to spoil somebody you love by getting them a tool that they need for making the best sauces and grinding their own spices. You want to show them how much you love them by getting them something beautiful. Unfortunately for you, glass and ceramic and other fragile materials no matter how beautiful do not belong in this case. A mortar and pestle is meant to crush and grind herbs and spice. Do you know what glass on ceramic are remarkably bad at over time? Grinding and crushing things! Glass and ceramic will look pretty but as soon as they're put to the test they begin to chip and break and will eventually shatter which means somebody is getting an ER visit if they're lucky.

Grandma’s Hand Mixer From The Dark Ages

“This  was used by your great-grandmother to make her famous gingerbread!” 

How many times have you heard that? It's great when it's a recipe that's passed down. What's less great is when you hand over a 30-plus-year-old piece of electronics that hasn't been properly tested or insured that it's still works safely. Please do not give old electronics unless you know that a it's going to have sentimental value to the person your gifting it to and b it's not going to light their kitchen on fire.

Fondoodler

Our last one is one that checks all of the boxes. It's a difficult tool. It wasn't properly thought out during the design process. And worst of all it is definitely dangerous. Do you like fondue? Do you like drawing with your food? How about combining those things into this epic nightmare called the fondoodler. Rather than paraphrasing what somebody else has said though, we're going to share this hilarious and horrifying tale from user vengefultacos over on Reddit.

  “ My wife got me a fondoodler. Want a quick snack

Cut up some cheese (has to be exactly the right type to get the correct consistency)

Stuff said cheese into the barrel of the fondoodler. The barrel is round. You cut your cheese into a round tube, right? No? OK, it's square peg in round hole time

Wait a while for the thing to heat up and melt some cheese.

Courtesy of Dot Brand

Finally, you can squirt out molten cheese which may or may not stick to the cracker, and may or may not push the cracker around. If you decide to hold the cracker steady, recall that the tip of the Fondoodler is REALLY *******HOT.

After a few minutes of squirting cheese, you're done. Now go clean the congealed cheese out of the tube and tip.”

And there you have it, folks! Remember, while we've had a good laugh (and perhaps a cringe or two) exploring these ill-fated kitchen gifts, the lessons extend beyond these specific items. These tips, dripping with sarcasm and genuine advice, serve as your survival guide for gift-giving in the kitchen realm. So, next time you're eyeing that questionable kitchen gadget, think twice, and consider the recipient's needs and the practicality of the gift.

Got some horror stories of kitchen gift-giving gone wrong? Let's chat about it on our Facebook page! Share your tales of disastrous gifts and join the conversation on what not to give this holiday season.

Before you dive into the holidays headfirst, we'd like to throw in a friendly reminder: when it comes to your major appliances, before, during, and after the festive chaos, Appliance Rescue Service has your back! From reviving misbehaving ovens to saving fridges on the fritz, we’re here for you. So, while you're out there conquering your holiday shopping, remember, that there's always a lifeline for your appliances!

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