Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 255)

iStock-1124732648 Forbidden New Years Chore Relaxing on a winter day.jpg
Interior

Don’t Do This Chore on New Year’s Day If You’re Superstitious

Superstitious folks, take note: There’s one household chore that is almost universally avoided on New Year’s Day because of the bad luck it supposedly brings.

types of succulents
House Plants

25 Types of Succulents That Make Great Houseplants

Whether you need to fill a low-lit corner or a sunny sill, there’s a stunning—and perhaps, quirky—succulent that’s perfect for your space.

unrecognizable woman pouring water into teacup
DIY

How to Descale a Kettle

Say goodbye to stubborn limescale deposits in your tea kettle with these low-cost DIY solutions.

how to get rid of mole crickets - bug climbing soil
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets

Mole crickets can cause serious damage to turf grass. Learn how to get rid of these pests before they ruin your lawn.

mig vs. tig welding - welding sparks
DIY

MIG vs. TIG Welding: What All DIYers Should Know

MIG and TIG are far and away the most popular types of welding. In this article, we clarify the pros and cons of each process.

iStock-1408292846 annual flowers woman planting annuals in a pot.jpg
Lawn & Garden

23 Annual Flowers That Add a Pop of Personality to Any Home Landscape

Annual flowers bring color, texture, fragrance, and beauty to gardens by blooming all summer. Complementing perennials—and each other—they add interest and delightful variety.

Things You Can Use When You Don't Have an Ice Scraper - frozen windshield
Exterior

5 Things You Can Use When You Don’t Have an Ice Scraper

Don’t let a misplaced or broken ice scraper stop you from clearing off your windshield. Chances are you have several items lying around the house that can substitute.

iStock-589430918 Winter Snow Water Reserves melting snow on mountains.jpg
Lawn & Garden

How to Turn Snow Into Useful Water Reserves

Prepare for a drought and save money by harvesting wintertime snow to use for household chores in drier months.

Basement Flooring
Basements

Basement Flooring 101

A surprising number of materials are suitable for basement flooring. This basic tutorial will help you evaluate your basement's challenges and weigh each material's pros and cons—even those prone to dampness.

iStock-1432589248 Garden Gift on Christmas Tree Couple paying for Christmas Tree at Nursery.jpg
Design

The Surprising Garden Gift on Your Christmas Tree

Take a closer look at that fresh-cut Christmas tree and you may find something unexpected.

The Best Furniture Polish Options
Reviews

The Best Cleaning Products Tested in 2022

Clean spaces feel better. We tested cleaners in every category to find the best for any mess.

how to remove snow from a driveway without a shovel - light snow on driveway
Exterior

How to Remove Snow From a Driveway Without a Shovel: 7 Solutions That Work

If you’re without a snow shovel and stressing about snow building up on the driveway and sidewalk, you can still keep them clear with these helpful tips.

What is blood meal?
Lawn & Garden

What Is Blood Meal and How Can I Use It in My Garden?

Often thought of as a fertilizer, blood meal is actually an organic soil amendment that provides slow-release nitrogen for better plant growth.

man upset sitting on floor next to foamy dishwasher
Interior

13 Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Appliances

The way you use your appliances today has a big impact on whether they'll work tomorrow. Help your appliances last longer by nixing these bad habits.

The Best Foundation Repair Companies Options
Reviews

The Best Foundation Repair Companies

Falling to pieces over a crumbling or cracking foundation? Hold it together by hiring one of the best foundation repair companies.

5 Things to Know When Removing Carpet from Stairs
Flooring

5 Things to Know When Removing Carpet from Stairs

Keep these tips in mind before giving your carpeted stairs a makeover.

Types Of Wood Fences
Curb Appeal

10 Types of Fencing Materials All Homeowners Should Know

Whether you're enclosing your property because you want to keep prying eyes out or animals in, there's a fencing material to suit your style and budget.

how to clean a memory foam mattress - hand on mattress
Interior

How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Properly

Banish odors, create an optimal sleeping environment, and maximize the lifespan of your memory foam mattress with a regular cleaning and maintenance routine.

Butcher Block Countertops Pros and Cons
Countertops

Butcher Block Countertops: Pros and Cons to Consider Before Installation 

Are butcher block countertops durable? Are they expensive? Here are some good reasons to consider butcher block for your kitchen, and a few downsides that may make you think twice.

Potted poinsettia in bloom on a window sill in winter
Design

11 Christmas Plants That Will Enliven Your Holiday Decor

Include nature in your holidays by decorating with live Christmas plants. Fresh and fragrant flowers and foliage offer a welcoming natural element and picturesque focal point to your holiday design.