Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 290)

Toro Leaf Vacuum
Tools & Materials

Toro UltraPlus Leaf Vacuum Review: Does it Work?

We tested Toro’s compact, lightweight leaf blower/vacuum and found it to be a top-notch tool for keeping a small property tidy.

Bosch Laser Level
Tools & Materials

The Feature-Rich Bosch GLL3-330GC Laser Level Comes With a Hefty Price Tag. Is It Worth It?

Bosch is a longtime leader in the laser level game, but is this high-end, feature-rich model worth the investment?

Thinking About Buying an Old House? Be Prepared to Live with These Quirks
Buying

Buying an Old House? Be Prepared to Live With These 12 Quirks

Old houses are rife with peculiarities that are cute, quaint—and sometimes problematic.

how to stop a washing machine from shaking
Appliances

How to Stop a Washing Machine From Shaking

Prevent excessive noise and potential damage by taking these steps to stop a shaking washing machine.

do you tip a plumber
Plumbing

Solved! Do You Tip a Plumber?

Find out whether it’s ever appropriate to tip a plumber and, if so, how much of a tip is suitable for an exceptional job.

nerve plant care 101 - how to grow nerve plant indoors
House Plants

This Guide to Nerve Plant Care will Yield Flashy Foliage for Your Living Decor Collection

Add a little splash of color to your home with this compact, easy-care houseplant.

hornet vs wasp
Garden Pests

What’s the Difference? Hornet vs. Wasp

We take a look at how to tell a hornet from a wasp, and whether either insect poses a threat to your property or personal safety.

Man from waist down using a pump sprayer to apply herbicide to a yard.
Lawn Care

When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide to Prevent Weeds in Your Lawn

Stop weeds before they get a foothold in your lawn by applying a pre-emergent herbicide at just the right time.

15 Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Every Fall
Cleaning

15 Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Every Fall

Getting the house shipshape isn’t just something that’s done every spring. Ready your abode for cozy indoor activities this fall and winter with these cleaning tasks.

The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall
Lawn Care

The Best Things You Can Do for Your Yard This Fall

You may think of spring as the season to really get going on the garden, but professional landscapers know that fall is actually the best time to work in the yard! Great growing conditions make fall ideal for laying the groundwork for a year of blooming flowers and bright-green leaves ahead, and the typically mild weather makes it pleasant to tackle bigger outdoor projects. Plus, it's important during these autumn months to prep your yard for winter before icy conditions set in. Don't waste this all-important season! Get moving on these 13 things that landscapers do to their yards every fall.

How Long Does a Water Heater Last
Water Heaters

Solved! This is How Long a Water Heater Actually Lasts

Enjoy lower energy bills—as well as uninterrupted access to hot showers—by keeping tabs on your hot water heater's age and condition so you'll know when to replace it. 

annuals vs perennials
Gardening

Annuals vs. Perennials: 8 Important Considerations Every Home Gardener Should Know

When choosing annuals vs. perennials, know that annuals live for only one growing season while perennials return for several years. Find out the advantages of growing both.

Side by side image of a cultivator and a tiller.
Gardening

Cultivator vs. Tiller: Which Is Best for Your Garden?

If you dig gardens, it's important to get the machine that's right for the job.

slime mold - how to get rid of dog vomit slime mold
Mold & Mildew

How to Get Rid of Dog Vomit Slime Mold

Learn the necessary steps and tools you’ll need to clear your yard of “dog vomit fungus” and other slime molds.

steam cleaner uses
Cleaning & Organizing

11 Things You Didn’t Know Your Steam Cleaner Could Sanitize

Steam cleaners are versatile appliances for sprucing up many surfaces throughout the home, indoors and out. Here are just a few little-known uses for this handy gadget.

How to Choose a Place to Live
Moving

Relocating? 10 Factors to Consider as You Choose a New Place to Live

Thinking of moving, but can't decide where to start anew? These 10 considerations will help you decide on the right town for you and your family.

outdoor fireplace ideas
Outdoor Living

10 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas You’ll Want to Copy in Your Backyard

Warm up to one of these fireplace inspirations—in a range of styles, sizes, shapes, and materials—and perfect the centerpiece of your outside entertaining area.

Black mold growing on wall in the basement.
Mold & Mildew

How to Get Rid of Mold in the Basement ASAP

Free the dampest space in your home of mold and mildew with these straightforward steps.

bird of paradise plant care 101 - how to grow bird of paradise indoors
Wildlife

Master Indoor Bird of Paradise Plant Care and Your Green Thumb Will Soar

Although it boasts exotic “fine-feathered” blooms, you’ll need to learn the tricks of growing the often-obstinate bird of paradise plant to avoid it becoming Paradise Lost!

top of fridge storage
Kitchen & Dining

12 Things You Should Never Store on Top of the Refrigerator

That dead space above your fridge seems like an excellent spot for storage, but keeping the wrong items in this area can have unintended, and sometimes hazardous, consequences.