Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Best oscillating fans group
Reviews

We Put 10 Oscillating Fans Through 7 Tests Over 2 Months to Find the Best Ones

Circulate air throughout spaces large and small with these moving fans.

Rescue fly trap outside
Reviews

We Tried 6 Top-Rated Fly Traps—Here’s What Actually Worked

Don’t let summer fly by. Get out and enjoy it without pesky flies ruining your outings or meals by using these DIY fly traps.

Multiple pressure washer surface cleaners lined up on a concrete slab
Tools & Materials

Yes, Your Pressure Washer Needs a Surface Cleaner Attachment—These Are the Best, According to Our Tests

Those streaks on your walkway or driveway just won’t do. Say goodbye to the dirt and grime with one of our favorite pressure washer surface cleaners based on our hands-on testing.

How to Set a Light Timer
Home Security

5 Mistakes You’re Making When Setting a Light Timer Before Vacation

Understanding how to set a light timer can keep your home protected while you’re on vacation, but don’t fall victim to these common mistakes.

A painter primes the wooden slats of a natural wood fence.
Interior

8 Times You Should Never Skip Paint Primer

How important is it to prime before you paint? In these cases, this step can make or break the outcome of your painting project.

Best Toilet Paper For Septic Options
Plumbing Supplies

We Researched Dozens of Options to Find The Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks

The best toilet paper for septic tanks is comfortable to use and readily dissolvable to keep you and your septic system happy.

A group photo of tested mops
Reviews

After 10 Hours of Hands-On Testing, These Are Our Best Electric Mops of 2025

These electric mops make cleaning the floor quicker and more efficient, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable home.

Close up of a person pressing the reset button on the underside of a garbage disposal.
Interior

How Long Do Garbage Disposals Last?

Garbage disposals are durable appliances, but they don’t last forever. Replacing a failing unit will help keep kitchen drains clear of debris and prevent costly leaks.

The Best Staple Gun Options
Power Tools

7 Staple Guns That Won’t Jam or Damage Delicate Materials

We’ve tested and tacked down a group of the top staple guns on the market for home and professional use.

Bob Vila writer holding Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer during battery trimmer testing.
Power Tools

We Spent Over 20 Hours Testing the Best Battery Trimmers to Find the 9 Best Options

Cordless string trimmers are quieter and more eco-friendly than their gas-guzzling cousins. We tested today’s top models to find out how they fared.

Woman painting dark paint swatches on a white wall.
Paints & Finishes

Dark Interior Paint Colors Are Back—Here’s Why the Trend Is Not for Me

I chose lighter, brighter neutrals for the walls in my home...and I'd do it again.

Wooden sign that reads "Caution: Poison Ivy" with poison ivy growing in the background.
Lawn Care & Gardening

3 Things You’ll Want to Waste No Time Cleaning After a Run-In With Poison Ivy

Prevent an itchy disaster by getting ahead of the spread.

Close up of woman's hand holding a dry scrub brush to a fluffy carpet.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Get Mold Out of Carpet

Have you experienced flooding in the home, and have a moldy carpet to show for it? Here's how to salvage it—and how to know if it's beyond salvaging.

Score a Free Metabo circular saw at Lowe's During August 2025 Deals
Deals

Score a Free Metabo Circular Saw at Lowe’s

Score a free Metabo HPT circular saw kit when you buy one of these high-performance pneumatic nailers at Lowe’s.

Swiffer Sweep & Mop Deluxe 2-in-1 Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit
Reviews

This Upgraded Swiffer Is My New Favorite Floor Cleaner and It’s On Sale for Under $20

The Swiffer 2-in-1 was a part of my routine for years but I’ve found that the new version is even better than the original. For a limited time, it's on sale for $17.

The Best Window Fan Options
HVAC

We Tested 7 Window Fans—Our Favorite Made Warm Days More Bearable

Chill out while keeping energy bills in check with the right window fan for your space and budget.

A squirrel climbs a wooden picket fence.
Garden Pests

8 Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels on Your Property Without Harming Them

The cute acrobats are fun to watch—that is, until they dig through your flower beds, damage your tree trunks, or nest in your attic. Here's what you can do to get rid of squirrels on your property without harming them.

white fans for noise group
Reviews

After 14 Nights of Restful Sleep, These Are the Best Fans for White Noise

Drown out those loud neighbors and give yourself a great night’s sleep with these fans for white noise.

Ripe red tomatoes hanging on a tomato plant.
Gardening

11 Common Tomato Plant Problems and How to Fix Them

Blossom end rot, wilted leaves, and other tomato troubles: This guide explains the causes and solutions of problems that plague tomato plants.

Home Depot Ryobi Jigsaw Deal
Deals

For a Limited Time, This Ryobi Tool Is 46% Off During Home Depot Power Tool Sales

Includes two lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and a powerful jigsaw—perfect for DIYers, woodworkers, or anyone looking to upgrade their setup for less.