Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 188)

Retailers You Never Knew Will Recycle Your Old Stuff
Repurposing

13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff

These retailers will reward you for giving them your unwanted electronics, furniture, and housewares. 

Visual 1 - Home Security - Blink Camera Subscription Cost - Cost Range + Average - November 2023
Exterior

Blink Camera Subscription Cost: Is It Worth It?

A Blink camera subscription costs between $3 and $10 per month, so customers looking for DIY-installed and self-monitored security systems can afford to protect their homes.

Couple decorating potted living Christmas tree.
Design

The Most Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree of All? A Living One

Love the look of a natural Christmas tree, but hate the idea of cutting it down? Learn how to pick out a live tree that you can plant after the holidays.

A natural gas meter on the exterior of a home with grey siding.
Building & Installing

How to Turn Off the Gas to Your House

Don’t be left searching the deepest recesses of your home during a gas emergency. Now’s the time to know where your main gas line is and how to shut it off—and how to shut off individual appliances.

The best central-vacuum system (the canister and long hose with cleaning head) mounted on a white wall.
Cleaning Supplies

The Best Central Vacuum System for a Whole-House Clean

A central-vacuum system makes it easier to vacuum the entire house without lugging around extra equipment.

standard door size
Doors

Standard Door Size 101: Important Measurements All Homeowners Should Know

Which types of doors are easiest to install, and easiest on the wallet? When should you order custom, rather than buying off the shelf? Here's what to know before your next DIY door project.

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

How to Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent: 6 Easy, Effective Recipes

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

Solved! Why Is My AC Unit Fan Not Spinning?

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

Beyond Poinsettias: 23 Houseplants That Bloom in Winter

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

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies, Vetted

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

Testing the Best Sharpening Stones for Knives and Tools

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

We Tested the North Spore Mushroom Kit To See if We Could Grow Mushrooms At Home

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

One Tool to Do It All: Truly Garden Hori Hori Knife Review

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

Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested

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

Reviewing the Chilipad Sleep System: Great When Hot, Otherwise Not?

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

Tested: Is the Ego 765 Leaf Blower Really the World’s Most Powerful?

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

Painting Tools
Painting & Finishing

Brush vs. Roller vs. Sprayer: How to Choose the Right Painting Tool

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

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

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

Don’t Throw Your Old Christmas Lights in the Trash—Do This Instead

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.

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing
Buying

This is What No One Tells You About Downsizing

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.