Carol Benton

Contributing Writer

About

Carol Benton is a retired college professor with lifelong enthusiasm and affinity for DIY, gardening, and home decor projects.

More from Carol Benton

A clothesline attached to a wall with clothing hanging from it
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Clotheslines of 2026 for Every Yard, Budget, and Laundry Load

By Carol Benton

A group of the best bird feeders hanging outside during testing
Wildlife

The Best Bird Feeders of 2026, Expert-Tested and Reviewed

By Debbie Wolfe, Additional research provided by Carol Benton

Best Ornament Storage
Holiday Decorations

The Best Ornament Storage for Perfectly Preserved Heirlooms—and Fewer Broken Bulbs

By Michelle Larson, Jasmine Harding, Carol Benton

8 of the Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines on wood floor in front of fireplace
Cleaning Supplies

After 20 Hours of Testing, the Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines Made Our Floors Look Like New

By Katie Barton, Carol Benton

The best quiet fans grouped together before testing.
Appliances & Cookware

The Best Quiet Fans to Keep You Cool and Comfortable, Tested

By Glenda Taylor, Additional research provided by Carol Benton

8 of the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners lined up on wood floor
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners Based on Our Tests

By Carol Benton, Katie Barton

The Best Wax Melts Options
Everyday Essentials

10 Wax Melts That Won’t Make You Miss Candles

By Carol Benton

The Best Place to Buy Outdoor Plants Online Options
Gardening

The 19 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Plants Online

By Carol Benton, Amanda Tarlton, Debbie Wolfe

The Best Kitchen Faucet Brands
Appliances & Cookware

The 16 Best Kitchen Faucet Brands of 2026

By Carol Benton, Bob Beacham

The Best Sofa Brands Option
Furniture & Decor

The 20 Best Sofa Brands of 2026

By Carol Benton, Deirdre Mundorf

The Best Cordless Glue Guns Options
Tools & Materials

After Hours of Crafting, We Have a Clear Favorite Cordless Glue Gun

By Michelle Larson, Carol Benton

Three of the Iris USA Holiday Ornament Wing-Lid Storage Boxes next to a tree and fireplace and full of red, silver, and gold ornaments.
Holiday Decorations

The 10 Best Ornament Storage Options to Protect and Organize Your Holiday Baubles – Editor Approved

By Jasmine Harding, Carol Benton

Two zero gravity chairs on grass near a river
Outdoor Furniture

The Best Zero-Gravity Chairs for Ultimate Relaxation, Tested

By Glenda Taylor, Beth Cranston, Stephanie Cronk, Michelle Larson, Paul Rankin, Carol Benton

A group of the Best Shower Tile Cleaners on a counter before testing.
Bath Fixtures & Fittings

The Best Shower Tile Cleaner for a Sparkling Shower, Tested

By Katie Barton, Additional research provided by Carol Benton

Nine all-purpose cleaners on a countertop in front of white subway tile
Cleaning Supplies

The Best All-Purpose Cleaners to Make Your Entire Home Sparkle, Tested

By Katie Barton, Jasmine Harding, Carol Benton

The Best Washing Machine Brands Options
Reviews

The Best Washing Machine Brands

By Carol Benton, Jasmine Harding

The Best Can Openers for Seniors Options
Reviews

The Best Can Openers for Seniors, Vetted and Reviewed

By Carol Benton

The Best Christmas Tree Stand Option supporting a decorated Christmas tree with a few presents around it.
Holiday Decorations

The Best Christmas Tree Stands to Show Off Your Holiday Spirit

By Carol Benton, Andreana Lefton, Tiffany Lewis

A person using the best vacuum for laminate floors to clean the transition between a laminate floor and an area rug.
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Vacuum for Cleaning Laminate Floors Throughout Your Home

By Carol Benton

Best Cutting Mats
Reviews

The Best Cutting Mats, Tested and Reviewed

By Carol Benton, Debbie Wolfe