I’m an organizing expert – how to make flowers last twice as long using things you already have around the house

NOTHING makes a home come alive like bringing nature indoors.

Whether you collect succulents, have an affinity for orchids, or have come to think of your house plant as a pet—you’re doing something right.

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A DIY expert shared her tips for making your flowers live longer lives[/caption]

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Storing them in the fridge will keep them looking fresh and vibrant[/caption]

When it comes to flowers, however, the problem is that they tend to die on us within days.

A home organization expert named Caroline Solomon, who goes by @neat_caroline on TikTok, revealed how she ensures that her flowers last beyond the usual shelf life.

CUT ‘EM

Her first tip involved how you prep your bouquet before you stick it in a vase.

Rather than cutting the flower stems straight across to shorten them, she said to cut at an angle.

This increases the surface area of the stem and allows it to intake a greater amount of water.

SUGAR AND SPICE

For her next hack, she used two common ingredients you definitely have at home: sugar and vinegar.

“Before adding your flower to the vase, add two tablespoons or sugar and two tablespoons of vinegar to make your flowers last longer.”

This combination, along with warm water, will prevent bacteria from growing.

COOLING

The refrigerator will also come in handy as you prep.

“Keep your flowers in the fridge overnight, which keeps flowers looking crisp by slowing down water loss.”

LEAFY GREENS

Although you may be too lazy to remove all the leaves from the flower stems, you shouldn’t skip this step.

“Keep leaves out of the flower water as this encourages microbial growth.”

REPLACEMENT

After you’ve prepped your vase and the arrangement, you’re still not done yet.

Be sure to replace the flower water every couple of days to keep it fresh.

If you notice it looking cloudy earlier than expected, replace it then too.

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Her last trick is perhaps the most unexpected one.

“Place a penny at the bottom of your vase. Copper is a fungicide which prevents bacterial growth.”

Looks like it’s time to put that spare change to use.

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The copper on a penny is good for your floral bouquet[/caption]