Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 53)

How to Clean a Humidifier - On a Weekly Basis
Mold & Mildew

How to Clean a Humidifier

Just switching on a humidifier isn't enough to cure the season of dry air and respiratory illness—you have to clean it, too. Fortunately, this is one weekly routine that's easy enough to keep.

Using a broom to dust a popcorn ceiling.
Cleaning

How to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling

Dust and dinginess turning your a textured ceiling into an eyesore? Follow this simple cleaning routine for a brighter interior once more.

The Best Garbage Disposal Option
Reviews

Dispose of Kitchen Waste With This Powerful Kitchen Upgrade

To find the best garbage disposal for your kitchen and your needs, learn the ins and outs of this appliance type and get the details about the top picks on the market.

Woman uses mesh drywall tape to cover a hole in drywall.
Walls & Ceilings

How to Patch Drywall

Whether your hole is tiny or bigger than a breadbox, there's more than one effective way to patch the hole in your drywall.

A person unplugging a coffee maker in a kitchen.
Lighting & Electrical

Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity? Yes—and See the 8 Biggest Energy Hogs

Don’t let energy vampires suck power and increase your utility bills when you’re not even using them.

The Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options
Lighting

Our Kitchen Has Never Been More Functional Thanks to This Simple Product

Increase kitchen functionality at any hour with extra output from easy-to-install under-cabinet lighting.

A designer and contractor painting a wall beige and looking at paint fan deck.
Paints & Finishes

The 11 Best Beige Paint Colors for Any Room in Your Home

Bring warmth, versatility, and timeless appeal to your spaces with these designer-approved neutral beige paint colors.

A crack running through a white interior wall.
Home Technology

When Should You Worry About Cracks in Your Walls?

Find out what’s causing those unsightly squiggly lines that have marred your paint job—and learn how to remedy the situation.

A raccoon climbs a green roof.
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

There’s no one foolproof way to get raccoons to leave your property. Taking one or more of these humane measures, however, should keep the masked bandits at bay.

Purple Crap Myrtle tree on a sunny day.
Landscaping

13 Drought-Tolerant Trees to Consider Planting in Your Yard

Is drought leaving your landscape high and dry? Try planting trees that add beauty and character even in dry conditions.

Best freestanding hammocks group 3
Outdoor Furniture

Here Are the Best Freestanding Hammock Stands for All-Day Relaxation

Freestanding hammocks offer the perfect mix of comfort, durability, and ease of use—whether you want to create a solo backyard retreat or a cozy spot for two.

Architect talking to a woman about remodeling her kitchen and showing her the blueprints.
Appliances

Spots to Save—and Splurge—in Your Kitchen Remodel

Experts weigh in on the best investments for your new kitchen.

Rolux warehouse behind the scenes 1
Reviews

I Found the Perfect Lawn Mower to Cut Classic, Golf-Course Stripes

If golf greens inspire your lawn care routine, this new walk-behind reel mower will be a dream come true.

Woman nails the front of a birdhouse onto the rest of the structure.
Easy DIY Projects

How to Build a Birdhouse

Easy and inexpensive to make, a birdhouse can be a great woodworking project to undertake with the kids—and a boon for the avian population in your neighborhood.

A dry basement after cleaning up leaking walls.
Basements

Waterproofing Basement Walls: The Dos and Don’ts

Troubleshoot the causes and find the solutions to wet basement walls—and the sooner, the better, to maintain the integrity of your home.

Woman watching wild deer in her backyard through a window.
Wildlife

Love ‘em or Leave ‘em: What to Do When You Find Wildlife in Your Yard

Follow this expert advice when potentially problematic critters appear.

Mrs. Myers Must Haves
Reviews

Mrs. Meyer’s Spring Scents Made My House Smell Like a Garden

I spent a week with Mrs. Meyer’s seasonal scents and found a few new favorites. These limited-edition cleaners do more than smell good—they make spring cleaning downright enjoyable.

A white house with pillars has a front door painted with BEHR Adirondack Blue paint. The door is surrounded by plants.
Curb Appeal

What Is the Best Paint for Front Doors?

Painting a front door is an inexpensive, easy way to improve your home's curb appeal. Here's what to know about selecting the right kind of paint—and the right paint sheen—for your exterior doors.

Construction in front of house
Real Estate

Homeowners Are Panic-Buying This Home Addition—And It Costs at Least $20,000

More in today's news digest: the housing market stalls, starter homes reach an eye-popping price, and more.

Colorful flowers planted in dirt, a trowel stuck in alongside.
Cleaning & Organizing

Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for May

On our list of priorities for this month: Tidying the garage, opening the pool, and making sure our patio area is bug-free and ready for entertaining.