Home Cleaning

Open-plan living area with a gray sofa, dining table, white staircase, and bar stool on wooden flooring.
Neat Freaks Might Just Be Superior Humans, According to Science
Do you have cleaning wipes at the ready at all times? Does sweeping make you feel Zen? Have you been taking flak from your friends for years for being a quote-unquote neat freak? Well then do we have some good news for you. People who like to clean are supposedly happier, according to research recently conducted by The Clorox Company (who, of course, it deserves to be noted might have a vested interest).
Julie Sprankles
May 3, 2019
Why I’ll Always Keep “Alvin Corn” in My Cleaning Kit
I love inexpensive, simple DIY household cleaners with one giant caveat: they have to work. One of my very favorite homemade cleaners is Alvin Corn. I’ve mixed one up for every bathroom in the house and one for common areas and it’s one cleaning solution I’ll never replace. Alvin Corn is a homemade glass cleaner that actually works — and works so very well. I first found out about it years ago on Crunchy Betty when she tested several homemade glass cleaners.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
One Dirty Thing You Should Wash with Your Regular Laundry
We’ve all been there. After several loads of laundry, the measuring-cap-slash-lid on your detergent can get pretty grimy with gunky buildup. But thanks to a clever tip from Redditor bluechris11, we now know a solid way to quickly clean your gross detergent caps. Believe it or not, you can simply toss your dirty detergent cap in with your next load of laundry to give it a good wash.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
You’re Probably Not Washing Your Throw Blanket Enough
If you’re anything like me, then you love cuddling up with plush throw blankets when you’re in bed (and on the sofa). But with all that close-knit nightly snuggling, it can be hard to figure out the right time to let go of your favorite throw and toss it in the wash. Luckily, we have laundry experts John Mahdessian, founder of Madame Paulette, and Kim Duk Won, owner of Manhattan’s Nordic Cleaners to call upon for help.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
If You Ever Spill While Cooking, You Should Stash Some Chalk in Your Kitchen
You know how weightlifters and gymnasts use chalk powder to keep their sweaty hands dry? The same principle carries over with all kinds of grease (dry shampoo, anyone?). Next time you find yourself with an oil splatter or greasy stain on your favorite top, trade in your stain stick and try pre-treating with a little chalk instead. Like baby powder, chalk is ultra-absorbent, making it a must-have to keep on hand for bacon grease splatters and lipstick marks alike.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Fridge Always a Mess? This Common Reason May Be the Cause
My problem isn’t the physical act of cleaning my fridge out; I do that every now and then without trouble. The real issue is keeping my fridge organized and functional for more than a week or two at a time. The whole beautiful array of fresh veggies and lined up condiments will slowly turn into a jumbled clutter that hides almost-expired products and allows dishes of leftovers to grow their own ecosystems in the back.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Why You Should Spray Vinegar Around Your Windows
We’re eager for that moment to throw our windows open to fresh spring breezes — and it seems that the things outside our homes are awaiting the opportunity, too (but for different motives). If it’s not the pollen blowing inside, it’s the bugs that somehow make it through the tiniest nooks and crannies you don’t see (even if you have screens).
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Does Sun Bleaching Really Work? We Tried It
Nothing compares to the smell of fresh laundry that’s been hanging outside to dry. Not only is it a fresh and efficient way to do laundry, it’s also oft-touted as a way to brighten whites without having to use special detergents or harsh chemicals. All you need is plenty of time and sunshine. First, wash your clothing as usual, adding up to ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash for an extra boost. (You can also add lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray directly on tough stains.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
9 Under-Appreciated Ways to Use Aspirin Around the House
Aspirin is a staple in just about everybody’s medicine cabinets. But beyond its medicinal purposes, aspirin comes in handy for many uses at home, with applications ranging from laundry aid to dandruff treatment. Especially if your aspirin tends to expire before you see the bottom of the bottle, these household uses will allow your go-to pain reliever to do more than just that.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
People Who Basically Never Wash Their Jeans Are Actually The Best Kind of People
There are a few conversation topics that remain off limits today. Polite company (if they want to remain polite) might not touch politics. Coworkers often avoid talking about their salaries. And unless you’re very close friends, you probably don’t ever feel brave enough to reveal how truly filthy you actually are at home. Thankfully you don’t have to.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
30 Home-Refreshing Ideas You Can Tackle in 5 Minutes or Less
We’re on a mission to do something good for our homes each weekend. Sometimes we have to roll up our sleeves and tackle a dreadful, somewhat thankless task that simply must get done. Other weekends, we do something that feeds the soul for the week ahead. This weekend, rather than a deep-dive in one particular area, we’re going to blitz around our homes and attack a handful of 5-minute tasks. Turns out you can get a lot done in five (or 10, or 15) minutes.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Here’s How I Tripled My Storage Space This Weekend for Less than 20 Bucks
For someone who lives in the scorching-hot-nine-months-out-of-the-year South, I have a surprisingly large amount of blankets and over-sized sweatshirts. The blanket collection has been growing ever since I left home, with quilts my mother has gifted me, vintage afghan blankets I’ve found while thrifting, and a glut of cheap throws I always buy any time I spot one on sale at TJ Maxx or Target.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
On Team “No Top Sheet”? Here Are 3 Things You Need to Know
Amidst vociferous feelings on both sides of the debate, many millennials are famously abandoning top sheets. But along with traditionalists and Xennials like me (I’d never do it), the bedding industry mostly hasn’t caught up with this probably-here-to-stay trend, because top sheets do serve an important purpose as part of a sheet set.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
You’re Definitely Not Washing Your Bath Towels Enough
On National Laundry Day (April 15, if you’re curious), GE conducted a poll about the public’s laundry habits. Pertaining to bath towels, “50% of those polled live by the philosophy that ‘I’m clean when I use it’ because they all admit to using their bath towel at least five times before throwing it in the washer. An additional 14 percent use their bath towels more than eight times before it hits the laundry basket.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
You Should Keep Toothpaste in Your Laundry Basket—Here’s Why
Laundry isn’t just about washing dirty clothes so you have clean ones to wear. It’s about cleaning and maintaining your wearables and textiles so that they always look their best, whether that means making jewelry sparkle, getting stains out of the lining of a purse, or keeping shoes looking their sharpest. And there’s a simple way to have all those things: A tube of non-gel toothpaste.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
The Best Thing I Ever Did (By Accident!) for My Cast Iron Skillet
When I make pie, I use my grandmother’s pastry blender and rolling pin, but one thing she did not pass down was her cast iron skillet slick with a history of family feasts. Instead, I received my cast iron pan five years ago—a new Lodge pan, fresh with the factory seasoning. Even with a factory fresh seasoning, the surface never felt smooth; it always had a pebbly texture. I’ve worked with enough cast iron pans that I knew the pan was supposed to be slick enough to fry an egg.
Patty Catalano
May 3, 2019
One Secretly Filthy Thing You Should Clean This Weekend
When my children were little, they had small security blankets. I learned after my first child that a light color (hers was pink) was a really, really bad idea. She took it everywhere with her, and within a few months, despite regular washings, it was a dingy pinkish gray. I’d jokingly refer to it as a biohazard. These days, most adults’ cell phones go with them even more places than a baby takes her security blanket.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
What Your Bed-Making Style Reveals About Your Personality
There are a lot of ways to make—or not make—a bed. And although even the most habit-oriented among us changes up our technique every once in a while, it’s safe to say we all settle into a regular rhythm when it comes to the way we manage our sleeping abode. But what, exactly, do our sheet-folding, pillow-piling, comforter-crumpling tendencies say about the ins and outs of our lives (and our personalities) as a whole? Well, kind of a lot.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
A Quick Curb Appeal Refresh that Anyone Can Do This Weekend
Our front doors are the portals between the outside world and the sanctity of our homes. Whether your front door is the actual entrance you use to get into your house, or you go through the back or garage door and only formal guests pass through it, this gateway deserves some attention. This weekend, no matter how plain or grand they are, we’re going to make our front doors the gleaming, stately entrances they want to be.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
This Weekend, Get A Brand New Living Room for Zero Dollars
As much as we love our homes, sometimes even rooms that are “done” can feel a little tired. Or maybe we’re feeling in a bit of a slump and could use the pick-me-up that an updated space could provide. As much as we wish we could plunk down the cash for that couch that’s been on our wish list or finally switch out the wall-to-wall carpet for hardwoods, there are room fixes that aren’t just budget friendly, but entirely free.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
3 Different Ways You Can Decide to Spring Clean Your Windows
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
It’s Time to Give Some Love to a Humble, Hardworking Part of Your Kitchen
The kitchen backsplash is often the accent of your kitchen, the design choice (whether your own or someone else’s) that gives your kitchen its personality and color scheme. Even if your backsplash is humble, it sets your kitchen’s tone. But backsplashes are not just for looks; they work hard, catching splatters, smoke, and dirt that we rarely notice. This weekend, we’re going to give this enduring and often-overlooked surface of your kitchen some care and attention.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
12 Things You’ll Want to Spring Clean in the Kitchen This Weekend
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
This Common Laundry Mistake Could Ruin Your Clothes One Day
Even if you know all about sorting lights and darks, how to wash and dry different fabric types, and you remember to use the mysterious but very useful permanent press setting, there’s still an easily overlooked laundry mistake that could ruin your clothes and, in rare instances, your washer. Here’s the quick task you need to add to your laundry routine: Make sure your zippers are zipped before you do laundry.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
A Minimalist’s Favorite Cleaning and Organizing Products
Christine Platt is a writer and the Managing Director of The Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. And as you saw from her recent house tour, she also embraces many tenets of minimalism. But it’s not the empty, barely-own-anything minimalism you may be familiar with. It’s her own beautiful, bold, colorful brand that you can see on full display on her Instagram account, The Afro Minimalist.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
10 Organizing Tools Every Home Should Have
There’s no better time to get organized than moving in a new house. You have a blank slate to work with—but you also have that box full of clutter you were too overwhelmed to purge while moving. While it can be daunting to know where to even begin corralling stacks of papers or organizing the household junk drawer, there is at least an organization baseline everyone can start at. What is this mysterious model I speak of?
Lambeth Hochwald
May 3, 2019
6 Solid Downsizing Tips from Tiny Home Dwellers
When going from a 2,200-square-foot traditional home to a 300-square-foot renovated RV, my family and I ended up getting rid of 80 percent of our belongings. Downsizing is an experience that I recommend to anyone—no matter the size of your home. While living in a tiny vehicle might not be for everyone, I believe that getting rid of all that overwhelming “stuff” can help you live simpler and sometimes even happier.
Brynn Burger
May 3, 2019
Busy Philipps’ Pantry Transformation Is Majorly Therapeutic
There are few things more inspirational than seeing an impressive before-and-after that takes place in the home. From the smaller spaces like this shoe storage area to the larger projects like this incredible kitchen reno (for under $400!), these jaw-dropping transformations can get you vamped up and ready to organize. To put it plainly, we just can’t get enough of these refreshes—part of the reason why we’re currently swooning over Busy Philipps’ pantry.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
One Good Reason Not to Throw Out Those Mesh Produce Bags
Repurposing your household items doesn’t just reduce waste—it saves money, too. That’s the good news. The great news is: You don’t have to be super crafty to reap the benefits of creative reuse. If you think you’ve got the chops (read: literally five minutes) for a super quick, easy, and clever home project, we’ve got just the kitchen DIY for you.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
20 Doable Ways to Deep Clean Your Home This Weekend
My personal cleaning schedule builds in one day a week to do a deep cleaning task that needs to be done monthly. Honestly, though, I’m rarely on-schedule enough that these monthly projects aren’t bumped out to catch up on skipped weekly chores. Whether a deep cleaning project is a catch-up task for you or it gets you ahead of the game, this weekend we’re going to pick something to clean deeply.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
These Incredibly Easy Storage Solutions Are Beauty Blogger-Approved
If the bathroom drawers are overflowing, the bedroom dresser is buried under a pile of bottles and jars, and your closet door unable to shut because its so stuffed, it may be time to rethink your current beauty supply storage setup. But don’t be under the impression that this kind of organization undertaking has to be expensive. The very easy and affordable storage ideas in this beauty blogger’s home could be be just the solution you need to tame your products and accessories!
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
How Spending $10 at IKEA Helped Me Solve a Clutter Crisis
Many of us are familiar with the floor/chair/bed-covered-in-clothes issue that can strike one’s bedroom at any time (or, all the time). Whether it’s the clothes you plan on wearing the next day, the clothes you wore that day, or the product of a flurry of outfit changes until hitting on just the right look—you can’t have a bedroom that’s a sanctuary if you’re swimming in articles of clothing.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
How to Hide 5 Unsightly Things Around Your Home
We’ve all been there. After decorating our dream living room/bedroom/kitchen, etc., we discover all kinds of unexpected eyesores—a.k.a. unsightly cords, wall outlets, radiators, etc.—that definitely weren’t a part of our design vision. So what to do when faced with unattractive (but oh-so-necessary) visual clutter? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Read ahead for a handful of ways to conceal (and sometimes incorporate) five common eyesores around your home.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
There’s A Psychological Reason You Want to ‘Nest’
My house has never looked better than it did in the third trimester of my pregnancy. My kitchen cabinets and bedroom closet were organized, my carpets and counters were clean, and my living spaces were decked out with the latest mid-century pieces from Target and CB2. As I deep-cleaned and primped my home prior to the baby’s arrival, I knew exactly what was happening: I was nesting. (And then the baby came, and all bets for a clean or well-designed home were off.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
4 Things You Should Never, Ever (and Actually Can’t) Donate
As the holidays approach, you’re probably beginning to haul your seasonal decorations and wrapping paper out from storage. Surprise! Your storage space is brimming with things you totally forgot about, too. But don’t be dismayed by all the crap you forgot—it’s actually great that you’re noticing it during a season when giving back is top of mind. Think of the holidays as your yearly reminder to donate your old, outgrown, and gently used items.
Rebekah Hall
May 3, 2019
There’s One Cleaning Tool You’re Probably Not Using Enough—Here’s How to Put it to Work
Vacuuming isn’t on many people’s lists of most-hated chores. In fact, I’ve seen it pop up multiple times as people’s favorite cleaning “guilty pleasures.” I get it, for sure. It’s a quick way to make a room look much cleaner and the rewards for your effort are instantly apparent. No matter how much you love to vacuum and how often you do it, though, you’re probably not taking full advantage of everything your vacuum cleaner can do.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
The Smartest Small Space Storage Ideas We Saw in 2018
There’s no doubt about it: As well as being cozy and adorable, stylish small spaces also hold a TON of smart storage ideas. The ones below are some of the best solutions we saw in small house tours this year. No matter your home’s size, you’ll find inspiration for how to store more stylishly in 2019. When a professional organizer lives in a tiny studio apartment, expect great ideas, like these floating wall-mounted IKEA cabinets that were hung close to the ceiling.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
12 Etsy Finds For A More Organized, Stylish Home, Picked Out By Their Trend Expert
If you’ve just done a Marie Kondo-inspired purge or are midway through our January Cure, why not reward yourself for your newly-immaculate space with something beautiful and useful. We asked Etsy’s head of trends, Dayna Isom Johnson, to pick out her personal favorite organization buys from their marketplace. Ahead, twelve pieces for every part of your home, for a more organized, stylish 2019. “Never misplace your keys again when opting for these color-coordinated keychains.
Marshall Bright
May 3, 2019
Dear Taylor Swift, Let’s Talk About How You Just Discovered Command Tape
Taylor Swift is approaching a milestone birthday this year—the big 3-0. And while she still has a couple of months to go (her birthday is December 13), she penned a piece for ELLE, “30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30,” in advance of the occasion. Turning 30 can be a milestone year that gets you reflecting on the rights and wrongs that have happened within your 10,950 days of life.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
This Germ-Busting Spring Cleaning Task Is Equal Parts Smart and Satisfying
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
The “Upper Third” Never Gets Enough Cleaning Attention—Here’s What to Do
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
A Little Bit of Cleaning Today Will Save You From Big Money Repairs and Ruined Laundry
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
You Should Save Your Hard-Boiled Egg Water—for Your Plants!
Whether you’re dyeing eggs for Easter, or you’re just really into packing hard-boiled eggs with your lunch lately, here’s a smart tip you can use soon: Save your egg water for your plants. Plants love calcium. When it’s present in a plant’s soil, calcium helps to keep the pH in check—a neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 provides plants with the ideal environment to soak up all the nutrients they need. You know what naturally contains calcium? Eggshells.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Here’s How to Spring Clean the Most Dusty, Germy Things in Your Home
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
3 Ways to Give Your Bed a Much-Needed Spring Refresh
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
3 Simple Ways to Make Sure You’re on Top of Your Home Maintenance and Safety Routine
With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Your Knife Block Is Full of Mold—Here’s How to Clean It
Here’s the thing about knife blocks: We don’t really recommend them. They can dull the blades of your knives as you drag them in and out of their holders, they’re often sold as an expensive set with knives that you really don’t need, and they can harbor some serious mold (and maybe even bacteria) in those dark, hard-to-reach slots.
geraldinemcampbell
May 3, 2019
How To Get Your Outdoor Grill Clean & Ready for Summer
It’s time to take advantage of those warmer weekends by spending time on your home’s exterior, and prepping your grill for the season is a great project to get you started. You could always start with cleaning your gutters —but grilled veggies and BBQ chicken just seem like a much better reward for completely the task.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019
Make This Handy Housekeeping Helmet for Superior Spring Cleaning
When you don’t have all your cleaners in one place, you wind up spending more time running around the house than you do actually scrubbing it. Save yourself time and headaches with an all-in-one housekeeping helmet that keeps supplies at your fingertips. When one bottle is empty, seamlessly transition to the bottle on the other side and keep on going! Hard Hat 2 Cup Holders Vinyl Tubing Vinyl Tubing Coupler Brass Fasteners (or chewing gum) Drill with drill bits Empty spray bottle 1.
Dabney Frake
Apr 30, 2019
The Thanksgiving Host’s Complete Cleaning Checklist: 3 Weeks to Go
Thanksgiving, probably more than any other holiday, is all about the food and warmth of togetherness. If you’re hosting, though, the combination of having overnight guests, getting the house ready for them and for meal preparations, and then doing all the cooking can be overwhelming. Here’s how to plan ahead so you can enjoy the festivities too. By this point, you’re likely to know how many overnight guests you can expect.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 30, 2019
Take it From the Top: Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Ceiling Fans and Fixtures
I have to fess up: our end goal, with this spring cleaning plan, isn’t a totally spotless home, top to bottom. We’re all here to tackle our seasonal cleaning slowly—20 minutes at a time—over the course of 20 days. So, you know, life is going to happen in between.
Taryn Williford
Apr 30, 2019
7 Things You Should be Recycling (But Probably Aren’t)
Most of us probably keep our recycling bins near the kitchen and are pretty good about tossing things like empty cans, bottles, and cereal boxes inside. But we dispose of lots of other items around the house that we may not realize can be recycled, too. Here are some things that you can transform from trash to recycling, just by knowing you can. Note that not all of these items can go into your curbside pickup bin.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 30, 2019
Make This DIY Toilet Spray for the Stinkiest Seat in the House
Walking out of a stinky bathroom has got to be on everyone’s top 5 list of cringe-worthy moments. Lighting matches or using spray aerosol are common remedies to mask the smell. Matches are great, but you can’t use them in airplane bathrooms. And aerosol? Don’t get me started – that stuff is poison. A new-ish product growing in popularity (which might seem like an April Fools joke) is Poo-Pouuri Before-You-Go toilet spray.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 30, 2019
Cleaning Rules I Want to Pass Down to My Children
There’s a well-meaning mommy meme out there about sticky floors and happy children. But here’s how that would work in our house: Sticky floors mean an unhappy mama and when mama ain’t happy… well, we all know the rest of that one. I have learned to let a lot of things go and I’m conscious about not missing opportunities for connection by constantly cleaning or organizing.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 25, 2019
Do You Really Need Both Dish Soap and Hand Soap in the Kitchen?
In the age of trendy multitaskers like concentrated cleaners, staying eco-friendly and saving money are, understandably, top priorities. If you can have one product that does a lot of things well, why spend your whole paycheck only to waste plastic and take up hard-fought storage space? Which begs the question: Do we really need both dish soap and hand soap in the kitchen if just one could do the trick?
Ashley Abramson
Apr 17, 2019
How To Make a Wasp Trap from a Soda Bottle
Wasps can be helpful little creatures- they’re to thank in part for keeping the pest population in check- but they can also be quite the nuisance. Picnics and other outdoor summer activities are a bit difficult to enjoy when wasps are swarming overhead, so try to keep things under control with a DIY wasp trap. 2-liter soda bottle Honey or sugar water Utility knife Stapler or clothespins 1.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 14, 2019
11 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With Soda
Traditional cleaning solutions are great, but your pantry is full of everyday items you can put to work when you clean. You already know about keeping blackboard chalk around for treating stains and using cream of tartar to clean your brick fireplace facade. So what’s the deal with using cola to clean? Before you whip out your 12-pack of Diet Coke and go to town on your kitchen, keep in mind that certain sodas work better cleaning specific surfaces.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 11, 2019
Organize the Fridge, Support Your Plants, and 8 Other Things You Can Do with Free Chopsticks
Chopsticks are wildly useful little tools to keep handy. And while most of us save our spare ones, or buy a more permanent pair, there are all sorts of clever ways to use chopsticks around the house. From cleaning crevices to stirring paint, read ahead for 10 genius things you can do with an extra set of chopsticks. Searching for a foolproof way to deep clean tough to reach nooks and crannies?
Caroline Biggs
Apr 9, 2019
The Excuse-Proof Way to Vacuum the Spots Most People Skip
I get it. You’re proud of yourself if you manage to even vacuum as many times as it says to on your cleaning schedule. Me too. My personal goal is a quick vacuum with my cordless in the kitchen every night, a thorough vacuuming of common areas twice a week, and vacuuming the bedrooms once a week. But all of this rarely happens. And you know what’s even more impossible to achieve? Vacuuming areas of the floor that the vacuum cleaner can’t get to easily.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 7, 2019
Two Smart Reasons You Should Throw Your Dish Rack in the Dishwasher
I’ve been reading a bit about birth order and one thing I learned about myself is that the reason I’m so committed to doing everything “the right way” could be because I’m a first-born rule-follower. There are ways things should be done in my house, and especially my kitchen. But I try to remind myself all the time: There are other ways of doing things that could be just as fine as your way—could be *better* even.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 6, 2019
25 New Ways to Reuse Your Old Pill Bottles
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from finding solutions to problems that use things you already have on hand. I’m still very proud of myself for MacGyver-ing a broken pop-up shade canopy with a hair tie and a plastic bag—it’s silly, but it made me feel like I might just have made it in the pioneer days. Taking things you already have and making them more useful isn’t just self-congratulatory, it’s also frugal and earth-friendly.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 3, 2019
8 Superhero Cleaning Brushes That Save Time (and Effort!) All Over Your Home
Still using the same basic brushes to clean all the nooks and crannies of your apartment? You should know there’s a whole world of superhero brushes and scrubbers with all kinds of special features that will help cut your cleaning time in two. From soap dispensing dish brushes to a rechargeable spinning scrubber, here are eight cleaning brushes that will put your current basics to shame: Consider this soap-dispensing sink brush the Cadillac of dish brushes.
Caroline Biggs
Mar 30, 2019
6 Common Things That Make Your Kitchen Look Messier than It Is
Whether you’re sprucing up for company or just trying to maintain a tidy home on the reg, there are several things that can hinder your efforts. Kitchens are a notoriously tough room; no matter how often you scrub, sweep, and organize, if you do any of these six things, it will still look messy. This one may be obvious, but too much stuff on your countertops is a total no-no.
Alyssa Longobucco
Mar 26, 2019
Here’s Another Study That Will Validate (or Shame) Your Bed-Making Habits
Do you feel like you can’t officially start your morning until you make your bed? Well, it turns out that there’s more anecdotal evidence that this simple task could contribute to your productivity. In a survey of 1,000 people, the company Best Mattress Brand determined how bed-making affects productivity and health.
Megan Johnson
Mar 25, 2019
This Instagram Account Wants to Add ‘Cleaning Brand Designer’ to Your Resume
NBD wants to be the next big cleaning brand. But right now, NBD is literally no big deal—because it doesn’t exist yet. If you search this startup cleaning brand’s name, the first page is all unrelated results like one from Urban Dictionary that defines the internet acronym NBD as “no big deal.
Taryn Williford
Mar 13, 2019
Tips for Keeping a Clutter-Free Kitchen
With the rise in open space floorplans, having a neat and tidy kitchen has become increasingly important. If not kept in check, kitchen clutter can soon take over the entire space. And a cluttered kitchen is a sure fire path to frequent take-out ordering. Here are tips for keeping your kitchen clutter-free and ready for meal prep.• Keep the countertops clear – Coffee maker, toaster, mixer, blender … so many little appliances, so little space.
Jason Loper
Mar 12, 2019
The Laziest Way to Dust Around Your Decor (Without Moving All Your Knick-Knacks)
Some people enjoy cleaning, and for various reasons. It could be the feeling of accomplishment or being able to exert a small but tangible amount of control over their environment. Or it might be something as simple as catching a thrill from vacuum lines in the carpet. I’ve never heard of anyone who likes dusting, though. Dusting, of course, is essential to any well-thought-out cleaning regimen. And when left undone, it’s not only unsightly, but can lead to allergy attacks.
Shifrah Combiths
Mar 12, 2019
How Do I Remove Permanent Marker From a Laptop Screen?
Sent by AngelaEditor: First try using a pink eraser to remove the mark. If the marker stain proves stubborn, a mixture of 1 part isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water (you make have to tweak this proportions) can also remove the stain.Ironically, using a black dry erase marker over the permanent marker can also help remove Sharpies marks, due to the solvent in the formula!Leave any additional suggestions for Angela in the comments below.
Gregory Han
Mar 11, 2019
5 Tips for Cutting Down On Dirty Dishes
As hard as one might try to piece together the perfect kitchen, if you find yourself with an uncontrollable mound of dishes, that perfect kitchen ends up looking like a pile of mess. But is every spoon, fork, cup and plate in the sink absolutely essential? Can you really cut down the amount of dishes you do every day, without using disposables? Yes! Here are five places to start. 1. Own fewer dishes.
Alison Gerber
Mar 9, 2019
Solutions for Headboard Stains from Oily Hair?
Q: A few years ago I DIYed an upholstered headboard for our queen-sized bed. Since then, we’ve moved into our own house and are looking at finally upgrading to a California king, as my partner is 6’5″ and has never slept on a bed that his feet didn’t dangle off of. In looking for a new mattress, we’ve also started considering a new headboard.
Tess Wilson
Mar 9, 2019
The Mystery of the Smelly Old Floor
Q: My house—over 150 years old—has one room that is different than the others…my living room has an “old” smell. The kitchen on the same level has no odor. There is NO crawlspace for these rooms. Back when the house was built, they used white oak logs to support a room added-on. We’ve had a lot of rain lately, and no, we do not have gutters.
Tess Wilson
Mar 9, 2019
How To Clean Hunter Boots
If you’ve been playing in the garden and find your Hunter boots covered in all the offerings of spring, they may be lookin’ worse for wear. Keeping them clean and tidy may seem as easy as jumping in a puddle, but high quality rubber requires just a bit more attention than your basic rain galoshes.
Ashley Poskin
Mar 9, 2019