When we wake up in the morning many of us go straight for the coffee. That warm smooth taste, not to mention the caffeine, is what gets us going. But, do you know the history behind that delicious wake-up call? It involves mystical people of the Middle East, a revolution in France and so much more.
A surprising use for the Instant Pot: Disinfect your face mask
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If you’ve been spending as much time indoors as we have, you’ve probably wanted to try your hand at some cooking. It’s a great way to pass the hours, and it’s a critical skill that everyone should learn. Plus, it’s fun to do and makes your home smell delicious.
Naturally, when it comes to cooking at home, you can’t go wrong with adding some kitchen tech like the critically acclaimed Instant Pot to your life. Tap or click here to buy it, along with 24 other must-have kitchen gadgets.
As fun and flexible as the Instant Pot can be for any home kitchen, this top-selling item holds a little-known secret: It’s perfect for sanitizing the face masks you wear. Finally, there’s a proven way to keep your masks germ-free using a handy kitchen tool that millions of Americans already have. Here’s how.
How to clean your masks using your Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that uses steam and pressure to give your meals heat without skimping on flavor. With one of these gadgets, it’s easy to make tasty veggie plates, fall-off-the-bone meats and mouthwatering stews in minutes.
But the way that Instant Pot cooks is also perfect for eliminating germs on face masks like the N95, which is one of the safest and most popular masks you can buy.
A team from the University of Illinois found that pressure cookers, which are capable of maintaining a high temperature for long periods of time, are able to decontaminate multiple N95 masks at once from the inside out. This is especially important considering that UV light has been the preferred option, with other methods usually destroying the masks.
This video illustrates how it can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Pretty cool right? Well, believe it or not, there’s quite a bit of science behind this unusual discovery.
By maintaining a temperature of around 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes, Instant Pot kills four different classes of viruses (including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19). The fact that you can clean multiple masks at once also means that it’s more effective than UV-light treatment.
What’s more, the respirators were able to keep their filtration capacity too! The masks are still good to filter out 95% of particles and keep their fit without warping even after 20 cycles in the pressure cooker.
Google just announced $350 loaded phone to take on the iPhone
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If you’re in the market for a new phone, you don’t have to break the bank to get a model with a high-powered camera, fast processor and extra goodies like fingerprint sensors.
In fact, budget smartphone models are starting to make a comeback in a major way. Between a shrinking economy and cheaper parts, device manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have recently delivered quality phones for well under the $1,000 mark. Tap or click here to see our favorite budget smartphone picks.
How to apply for new work from home job that's in high demand
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Working from home became the go-to mode of labor for much of the job market during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, as the pandemic shifts in new directions, many are wondering whether this remote work trend is here to stay.
T-Mobile's new Scam Shield helps you fight annoying robocalls
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The war against robocalls has been an unforgiving one. Just as it seems like consumers take one step forward, it’s two steps back as the people behind the calls switch up their tactics and figure out new ways to clog up our inboxes.
7 pro tips to speed up your old computer
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There’s nothing better than getting more for your money — especially when it comes to tech. And with the rapid evolution of technology and marketing practices, it’s easy to believe newer is always better.
While many fall for this notion and shell out cash for the newest devices, some remain steadfast and invest a bit of time and effort, along with a few bucks (if needed), into their existing equipment. Got some antiquated gadgets? Tap or click to see what old tech in your house right now is worth big bucks.
Hulu won't work on these streaming devices soon
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One of the saddest things about following tech is how transient everything is. Today’s hot commodity can become yesterday’s garbage in a matter of weeks, and the cycle is inevitable for any kind of device once enough time has passed.
This 'Pro' series Android tablet is only $99
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When tablets were first introduced to the market they were bulky, expensive devices that were hard to justify purchasing. But it didn’t take long for tablets to come along that are cheaper and more powerful than ever.
Kill the germs on your phone with this UV light case
Your phone frequently touches your face and hands. Keep it clean with this UV Sanitizer that bathes your smartphone in UV-C light, which actually breaks down the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Now, more than ever, it's time to protect your home
SimpliSafe
Like millions of Americans, the coronavirus pandemic most likely has you practicing social distancing. With all the uncertainty in the world, feeling safe at home has never been more important.
That’s why we want to talk to you about home security. SimpliSafe has made it easy to get protection for your entire home, without a technician or salesperson coming to your house.
Bill Gates predicted the coronavirus 5 years ago - watch the video
Bill Gates knows a thing or two when it comes to diseases. His Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the top financial backers in the world for vaccine development. And his global initiatives have expanded health opportunities for developing nations around the globe.
The one video about coronavirus everyone needs to watch and share right now
In the war against the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, science and healthcare measures are our strongest weapons. But despite the unprecedented scientific data being uncovered about the virus and the disease it causes, misinformation is still widespread.
The 5 best free streaming sites for movies & shows
Everyday life has changed amid the coronavirus crisis, and it can be pretty boring being on lockdown. If you don’t have access to any streaming services because money is tight, or you’ve watched everything worth seeing on the platform you do have, don’t miss this. In this Komando DIY, we have the five best free, legitimate streaming sites for you to check out. You can thank us later.
Stuck at home? Make sure your vacation property is safe without having to travel
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Do you own a second home? It’s pretty common to own a vacation home or rental property. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 7.5 million Americans do.
With coronavirus (COVID-19) fears and travel restrictions ramping up, you might not be able to take that trip you were planning anytime soon. These are strange times and you might be worried about your other property if you can’t travel there.
SimpliSafe protects your whole house in under an hour
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You’ve probably heard how easy it is to protect your family, home and valuables these days. It’s nothing like the hassle it used to be.
Technology has changed everything — and simplified it, too. That’s because wireless technology has made installing home security an afternoon project, rather than the all-day nightmare it was when techs had to drill holes in your walls, cut wires and mount a system that worked just OK.
Video doorbell company is making a major privacy change you should know about
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Living in a digital world makes it ridiculously difficult to protect our privacy. Cybercriminals do their best to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over sensitive information all the time, not to mention hackers who just steal it.
3 critical features that make a home security system great
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Protect your home from intruders and other elemental hazards with help from our sponsor, SimpliSafe’s, complete home security system.
It’s easy to install, with no drilling involved — you can do it yourself in less than 15 minutes! Their service does not require contracts, and it offers 24/7 professional alarm monitoring for less than 50 cents a day.
9 ways to save money on streaming services
The streaming market is more crowded than ever — and every one of them wants your money. If you subscribe to Netlflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV or some combination of these, your monthly bill might be enough to make you rethink all these options. That’s why you need to look at the bottom line. In this Digital Life Hack, Kim has 9 insider tips to help you save big money and still get all the content you want.
Hello, 2020 resolutions! 5 life-changing wellness gadgets
StackCommerce
New Year’s resolutions: Remember them? We are a ways into 2020, after all. If you’re still determined to improve yourself in this brand new decade, help is on the way.
The tech world has come up with some innovative ways to enhance your wellness in recent years, and you’re raring to try them but. But where should you start?
This handy kit lets you test your vision with your smartphone
StackCommerce
Considering how essential our eyesight is, it’s surprising how often we neglect it. Anyone with a halfway decent dental plan gets their teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis, but our eyes? The only time they get to see an optometrist is when we drag ourselves in for a new eyeglass prescription.