Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 344)

Bleach is handy and effective for disinfecting surfaces, but keep a few safety precautions in mind when handling this potent cleaner.

With our busy lives today, it’s no wonder everyone’s looking for ways to speed up—or eliminate—daily chores. Topping the list of time-saving tools is the robotic vacuum, an appliance that promises to clean the floor on its own without your ever having to lift a finger. We chatted with a number of people who own robot vacuums to learn what they really think about their smart little machines, and what they had to say might surprise you.

Return these notably low-maintenance plants to the peak of health with these tips and treatments.

When it comes to hiding valuables in your home, you don't need a massive safe bolted to the floor in the bedroom—you just need to stay one step ahead of would-be thieves. All it takes is a little clever thinking. Read on for 11 wow-worthy stash spots and get some inspiration for updating your own around-the-home hiding place.

Save yourself the time from scrubbing and sanitizing on your own—clean these 20 household items in your dishwasher.

Sure, you can do whatever you want at your house, but it doesn’t hurt to have the decency to think of your neighbors. Consider changing these 12 annoying habits to be a better neighbor.

Restore your lawn from the ugly effects of snow mold—and boost its resistance to further attacks.

Eschewing excess space and making the most of every inch, these functional but tiny houses prove that bigger is not always better.

You're probably all too well acquainted with some of the pests that can damage a house, but you might be surprised to learn about others that can wreak havoc, causing considerable harm before you even realize what’s going on. Click through to discover which pests do the most damage to your home and to find out how to get rid of them.

Itching for a home update? Here's an easy one: Frost a window or glass door for a luxe look and more privacy. There's more than one way to go about it, so choose your favorite approach.

Subject to wear and tear day in and day out, kitchen countertops must be updated eventually. With DIY countertops, homeowners enjoy not only savings, but one-of-a-kind results.

Feeling wishy-washy about painting around the shower? Take this advice about the best paint for bathrooms and send your worries down the drain.

Here's how to hang a picture with a one-hole approach. Bear in mind that although it seems so easy—and to an extent, it IS easy—proper care and attention are required.

Use a paint sprayer to revive your old cabinets with a glossy, smooth finish.

If you're in the market for a wood floor in a low-traffic room, don't ignore the rustic charm and extremely low cost of softwoods like pine.

Paint the stairs in your house to make the hum-drum trip between floors a journey worth remembering.

Unless you plan to sand many floors in your lifetime, your best choice of floor sander is the random orbital sander from one maker in particular.

Still on the fence about whether to replace your weathered, style-devoid gate? These DIY yard entrances will make your decision—and the process of building them—unbelievably easy!

Choosing and maintaining the best type of gardening soil—loamy soil—can give your plants an edge. Understand its importance in the scheme of your garden, then follow these tips to make it yourself and maintain it.

Create unique and useful effects in your home by magnetizing virtually any surface with a special type of primer.