winter

10 Home Hacks for You To Make the Most of Winter

Eva Niessner

10 Home Hacks for You To Make the Most of Winter

Winter here in Maryland can be a cold, icy and dark time. These days, it feels like the warmth might never return! But there are plenty of ways to stay cozy and keep the snow and ice from taking their toll. We've got 10 here.

1. Work the curtains!

During the daylight hours, keep the curtains open so as much sunlight as possible gets inside to warm your home. Once darkness falls, shut the curtains again so you can keep that ambient warmth trapped where you want it.

2. Cool down your shower

We know this one sounds totally counterproductive -- who doesn't love a hot shower? Well, unfortunately, hot water will dry out your skin during the winter months, while lukewarm ones are easier on your body. 

3. Don't let the pipes freeze

Planning to spend some time away from home while the weather is cold? Leave your faucets running, just at a trickle, to prevent freezing.

4. Keep some kitty litter in your trunk in case you're stuck in the snow

Spinning your wheels? Dump some kitty litter under your tires and you'll get some much-needed traction. Keep a container in your trunk so you'll be prepared for any slippery situation.

5. Put plastic bags on your car's side mirrors

Tie plastic bags around each of the mirrors the night before you leave for work, and you won't have to worry about ice and snow building up on them! Voila, instantly usable mirrors, no matter how chilly it is outside.

6. Sand your soles

Do you have work shoes that don't have much traction? Prevent a skid or a fall when you're walking to the office! Use a piece of sandpaper to rough up the soles a bit so they have more grip.

7. Run the dryer 

Don't have an electric blanket, or do you worry about how safe they are? No worries! Run your pillowcases and comforter through the dryer just before you plan to turn in for that toasy-warm feeling when you go to bed. 

8. Put coffee grounds on an icy sidewalk

This is great for anyone who wants to be a little kinder for the environment -- or any big coffee fan. Your grounds have acids in them that will break down ice, so you can sprinkle them on a walkway to help melt slippery spots.

9. Experiment with your hot cocoa

Who says you have to stick with what comes in the packet? Add caramel sauce, crushed candy canes, chocolate bars, or peanut butter to your hot chocolate for an added kick. Maybe you can add some spices to make it really wild, or an adult beverage if you're of legal age. Get creative!

10. Get baking!

Not only will you have some delicious treats to enjoy by the end of your bake session, you'll also have a warmer home. If you're not a natural baker, just grab some pre-cut sugar cookies to heat up. Now that's cozy!

Leave a reply

sort by date

Latest articles

Where'd That Maryland City Name Come From?

09/19/23

Where'd That Maryland City Name Come ...

  Some towns and cities have pretty obvious names. They're probably named after a geographic feature, or after the person who founded it. But what about the Maryland towns with...

read more
We Love Pumpkins! 6 Pumpkin Facts You Didn't Know

08/31/23

We Love Pumpkins! 6 Pumpkin Facts You...

    1. The largest pumpkin ever grown was over a ton in weight! That's right! An Italian man named Stefano Cutrupi grew a pumpkin in 2021 that was 2,702 pounds....

read more
COLLEGE SPORTS
Quiz: How Well Do You Know These Maryland College Teams?

08/31/23

Quiz: How Well Do You Know These Mary...

Now that football season is approaching, you're probably thinking about your alma mater's homecoming game. But how well do you actually know the teams here in Maryland? If you're an...

read more
HOROSCOPE
Madame Maryland's Horoscope: September 2023

08/31/23

Madame Maryland's Horoscope: Septembe...

Fall is in the air, Marylanders! Summer is waning, and we're finally getting some nice crisp mornings -- a sure sign that autumn will be here soon. What does the...

read more
DINOSAURS
Go Back In Time! What Was Prehistoric Maryland Like?

08/09/23

Go Back In Time! What Was Prehistoric...

You've probably seen some pictures or heard some stories about what Maryland was like before you lived here or before you were born. Maybe your grandparents showed you some snapshots...

read more
DORM HACK
10 Dorm Cooking Hacks

08/10/23

10 Dorm Cooking Hacks

  It's time to head back to school, Marylanders! If you're living in a dorm for the first (or second, or third) time, you may be wondering what you can...

read more
CALICO
5 Fun Facts About Maryland's Official Feline

08/10/23

5 Fun Facts About Maryland's Official...

  If you're a cat person, you know there's nothing cuter than a cuddly calico cat. These colorful kitties are so distinctive, and they make great pets. But here in...

read more

07/26/23

Smith Island Cake: The Local Legend

Maryland is well-known for a lot of savory things -- when we say Maryland food, you're probably thinking steamed crabs crusted with Old Bay, or fries eaten at the beach,...

read more
STATE PARKS
10 Things You Didn't Know About Maryland's State Parks

07/24/23

10 Things You Didn't Know About Maryl...

No matter what season it is here in Maryland, there's a state park waiting for you -- and Maryland has some pretty fantastic hidden gems deep in its woods! How...

read more