Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 180)

Woman pruning hydrangea
Lawn & Garden

Is the size of your snowball bush snowballing out of control? We can give you tips on how to cut it back without eliminating its blooms.

dad and son use mosquito spray.Spraying insect repellent on skin outdoor.
Pest Control

Reluctant to expose yourself and your family to chemicals found in commercial bug sprays? Mix up an effective but nontoxic homemade alternative.

AC Unit Fan Not Spinning
Heating & Cooling

Keeping cool when it’s hot outside requires a properly working AC unit. If your AC unit fan isn’t spinning, here are some ways to troubleshoot this common issue.

Potted plant with yellow and red flowers.
Gardening

It may be getting cold outside, but wintertime is showtime for some houseplants. These indoor winter plants are sure to invigorate your interior—and your soul—with beautiful blooms while you hibernate until spring.

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies Options
Home Services

Are your carpets dirty and need to be refreshed? The best carpet cleaning companies remove dirt, allergens, and stains while sanitizing and deodorizing.

A group of the best sharpening stone options laid out together on a dark surface.
Appliances & Cookware

Bring a fine edge to that set of dull blades with one of these top sharpening stones.

The package of the North Spore Mushroom Kit on a kitchen counter.
Reviews

I tested this mushroom growing kit to see if its ease of use and cost make it worth the purchase.

A person cutting the root ball of a plant using the Truly Gardnen hori hori knife.
Reviews

This knife is the digging tool of choice for gardeners who value versatility.

The Bisseell SpinWave floor scrubber on a wood floor with included scrubbing pads and cleaning solution.
Reviews

The Bissell SpinWave promises to clean hard floors without hands-and-knees scrubbing, so we put it to the test. Here’s what we loved—and what could be better.

The Chilipad Sleep System and remote sitting on a carpeted floor next to a bed.
Reviews

The Chilipad Cube uses temperature-controlled water to help you chill or heat your way to better sleep. But how well does it work?

A person removing the battery from the Ego Power+ 650.
Reviews

When it comes to battery blower performance, this is one of the toughest competitors.

Painting Tools
Painting & Finishing

It takes the right paint applicators to get the biggest payback from your investment in high-quality paint.

Woman kneeling on the floor of a living room holding a paint brush and preparing to paint the walls.
Paints & Finishes

One day? Two? How many coats? We answer all these questions and more in this guide on how long it takes to paint a room.

Christmas lights in trash
Holidays & Celebrations

Have you bought new string lights for the holidays, and don’t know what to do with the tangled-up old strings you have? Learn how to recycle Christmas lights the right way—and give them a chance at a new life.

Ring Doorbell Cost
Exterior

As one of the most recognizable names in the doorbell camera market, Ring is the first brand many people reach for when starting their home security plan. A Ring doorbell costs between $64.99 and $349.99, with an average cost of $99.99.

The 20 Weirdest Things You Can Do With Duct Tape
Easy DIY Projects

More than simply a quick fix for leaky pipes, cracked windows, or torn fabric, duct tape can also lend its versatility and durability to your original DIY creations. Add to that, today's duct tape is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it the perfect low-cost material for creating decor, furniture, fashion, and storage accents around the house. Click through for a selection of practical, playful, and penny-wise DIY projects that you might have never guessed were made with humble duct tape.

8 Bright Ideas to Boost Natural Light
Lighting & Electrical

Bringing natural light into your home is both economical and enjoyable. Here are seven ways to let the sun shine in throughout your house.

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing
Buying

When it comes to downsizing your home, less can be more. Less debt, less maintenance, and less to clean translates into more cash flow and more free time. If you're planning to downsize, whether now or in the future, there are a few things you should know.

15 Ways Winter Weather Damages Your Home
Lawn & Garden

Fierce winds, low temps, and heavy snow spells trouble for your house. Learn how winter weather negatively impacts your home and what you can do to minimize the damage.

How to Help Your Houseplants Survive the Winter
House Plants

Though houseplants are kept indoors, they are still affected by changes in temperature and season. Learn how tweaks to your care routine can help your indoor plants weather the cold.