Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 352)

11 Handy Uses for Borax Around the House
Cleaning

11 Handy Uses for Borax Around the House

Follow these recipes to get extra mileage from a cleaning agent that’s been used for generations.

12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet
Kitchen & Dining

12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet

Adopt these 12 home-energy saving ideas and save money on utilities.

13 Creative Designs for Easy DIY Planters
Furniture & Design

13 Creative Designs for Easy DIY Planters

From vertically sprouting succulent gardens to converted colanders that bloom with living greens, these unconventional homemade planter projects require only a can-do spirit and a few basic supplies and tools to sow the seeds of style in your garden.

25 of the Best Household Chores for Kids of Every Age
Cleaning

25 of the Best Household Chores for Kids of Every Age

These age-appropriate tasks will build your kids’ confidence and expand their life skills.

10 Kitchen Updates You Can Do in a Day
Kitchen Design

10 Kitchen Updates You Can Do in a Day

If you're feeling a little stir-crazy in your kitchen, you don't have to take on a complete overhaul to free yourself from its confining style. Instead, try one of these attainable and inexpensive all-in-an-afternoon projects that will make a big change without a steep price tag.

10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor
Kitchen & Dining

10 Instant Cures for Any Kitchen Odor

In the kitchen, strong cooking smells come with the territory. Some odors are pleasant, while others leave you throwing open windows, turning on fans, or rushing out of the house. If you need to freshen the air fast, try one of these tips for eliminating those foul, stinky, and generally unpleasant aromas that (unfortunately) accompany food prep.

12 Painted Walls That Look Like Wallpaper
Painting & Finishing

12 Painted Walls That Look Like Wallpaper

The walls of your house should be sturdy, but they don’t have to be boring. Amp up the appeal of your interior walls with a little painter’s tape and some bright ideas.

These 30 Places Have the Worst Weather in America
People & Places

These 30 Places Have the Worst Weather in America

All cities experience extreme weather events every now and again, but some receive far more than their fair share. Get ready to learn which American cities have the most unbearable weather in the country, and find out exactly what kinds of unpleasant conditions earned them a spot on this list.

35 Ways to Use Ordinary Things in Extraordinary Ways
Repurposing

35 Ways to Use Ordinary Things in Extraordinary Ways

When used imaginatively, ordinary items can have practical magic. Here’s some inspiration for employing everyday household goods in unusual—and helpful—ways.

7 Pro Tips for Brightening Your Bathroom
Bathroom Design

7 Pro Tips for Brightening Your Bathroom

Add light and airiness to even the smallest bathroom space with these easy, affordable tips and tricks.

12 Common Types of Mold in Homes
Cleaning

The 12 Most Common Types of Mold in the Home

Even if you haven’t spotted it yet, mold is probably in your home right now. Read on to learn which species are most prevalent, where they grow, and when you have a problem.

The Pros and Cons of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Appliances

The Pros and Cons of Black Stainless Steel

Get the 411 on this trendy appliance finish to see if black stainless steel is the smart choice for your home.

Dishwasher Leaking? Try One of These 5 Fixes
Appliances

5 Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Leaking (and How to Repair It)

A faulty part on your hard-working appliance could lead to more headaches if left unchecked. Fortunately, these five fixes could stop water from pooling on your kitchen floor with every dishwasher cycle.

The Best Place to Buy Appliances, Solved
Appliances

Solved! The Best Places to Buy Appliances

Purchase home appliances at the outlet that suits your style, budget, installation, and warranty needs.

8 Tips for Safely Disinfecting with Bleach
Cleaning

8 Safety Tips for Disinfecting with Bleach

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

10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Bought a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Cleaning

10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Bought a Robotic Vacuum 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.

Why Are My Succulents Dying? Solved!
House Plants

Solved! Why Are My Succulents Dying?

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

The Most Cunning Secret Hiding Spots We’ve Ever Seen
Home Security

The Most Cunning Secret Hiding Spots We’ve Ever Seen

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.

Over a Dozen Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean in the Dishwasher
Appliances

Over a Dozen Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean in the Dishwasher

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

12 Things You Don’t Realize Are Annoying Your Neighbors
Real Estate

12 Things You Don’t Realize Are Annoying Your Neighbors

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.