CLEANING

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Dyson vs Shark: The Ultimate Cordless Vacuum Showdown
Cordless vacuums have come a long way in the past few years. Battery capacity and runtime have increased, and major m...
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The Future of Laundry: A Review of Tru Earth's Eco-Friendly Strips
Most laundry practices involve using liquid detergents or pods, leading to the discharge of chemicals and microfibers...
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How to Clean Discolored Enamel Cookware: 6 Surefire Solutions
Enamel cookware is prized for its versatility and durability. It’s made by fusing porcelain enamel to cast-iron cookw...
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Keep Your Sedan Shiny With the Best Pressure Washers for Cars
While automobile owners can absolutely use a garden hose and sprayer attachment to keep their cars clean, a pressure ...
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Product Recalls You Need to Know as of March 1, 2024
Keeping up-to-date with the latest product recalls is essential in keeping our homes safe. The U. S. Consumer Product...
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This Is the Best Way to Get Paint Off of Hardwood Floors
Whether you decided to paint the walls in your home yourself or chose to hire a professional, no one wants to find pa...
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How Much Does Solar Panel Cleaning Cost?
Highlights Solar panel cleaning costs typically average $150 to $630. The size and type of system, the number of pa...
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11 Ways That Sugar Can Help Your Home—and Your Health
Sugar is more than just a sweetener; it’s a versatile household product in your kitchen. Beyond sugar’s typical role ...
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20 Seriously Surprising Uses for Ziploc Bags
It’s been nearly 60 years since the invention of the Ziploc plastic storage bag, and our freezers, fridges, and even ...
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20 Uses for Coffee Filters You Have to See to Believe
We rely on coffee filters to deliver our daily cup (or cups!) of joe, but straining coffee grounds from your morning ...
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The Best Accounting Software for Cleaning Businesses of 2024
While cleaning-business owners might have all the cleaning under control, delivering high-quality services to satisfi...
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Dyson V15 Detect Review: Is This Cordless Stick Vacuum Worth It?
With four dogs, one cat, and a continual stream of family members going in and out, my house requires frequent vacuum...
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The Roborock Q Revo Vacuum and Mop Saves Me Hours Every Week
Robot vacuums promise to make cleaning the floor easier, but after testing several, I’ve found that not all live up t...
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We Tested The As Seen on TV TubShroom: Is It A Drain Saver or Gimmick?
Clogged drains are a universal nuisance, but the inconvenience reaches a whole new level when you find yourself ankle...
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Stains Were No Match for The Bissell ProHeat 2X Lift-Off Pet Carpet Cleaner During Our Tests
Pets enhance our lives in many ways—long walks with our dogs, cuddling with our cats—but furry family members can uni...
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How to Use a Bissell Little Green
New owners of Bissell’s Little Green carpet cleaning appliance might be a little apprehensive to get started—at least...
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Is Your House a Mess? Cluttercore to the Rescue
Forget minimalism, midcentury, and Japandi—2024 is the year of cluttercore. If you haven’t heard of the decorating te...
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How to Clean a Computer Screen the Right Way
We spend a lot of time looking at our desktop monitors and laptop displays. Unfortunately, computer screens attract a...
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How to Clean an Induction Cooktop Properly
Induction cooktops have become a staple in modern kitchens because of their sleek designs and efficient cooking abili...
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18 Genius WD-40 Uses You Haven't Tried Yet—But Should
WD-40 was produced in the 1950s by Rocket Chemical Company, which aimed to create a line of degreasers and rust-preve...
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Here's Why I Just Poured Dish Soap Into My Toilet (Hint: It Has Nothing to Do With Cleaning)
Dishwashing liquid is a surprisingly versatile product, and its effectiveness lies in a potent formula that incorpora...
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Is Mattress Removal Cost Worth Paying?
Highlights Most individuals pay between $75 and $100 for the average mattress removal cost. The size of the mattres...
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How to Use Vinegar in Laundry: 6 Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know
In the quest for a cleaner, greener laundry routine, one household staple can make a remarkable difference: vinegar. ...
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You’re Probably Washing Your Microfiber Towels Wrong—Here’s How to Do It Properly
Microfiber towels are versatile cleaning tools that can help remove dust, dirt, and grime from surfaces both inside a...
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This Is the Best (and Cheapest) Way to Flatten a New Area Rug
From vacuuming to carpet cleaning, keeping the rugs in your home looking their best can be a challenge. New rugs have...
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Shark HydroVac Review: Is This Vac/Mop as Good as a Bissell CrossWave?
I value a clean house, but as a working parent with three active kids, cleaning our floors at the end of a long day c...
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Why You Should Sprinkle Salt Onto Your Cutting Board—and Into Your Coffee
Salt, scientifically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is an integral part of every meal, from its use during cooking ...
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16 Best Surprising Uses for Household Items in 2023
The year 2023 has been busy for the Bob Vila team, and several of the articles we shared with our readers focused on ...
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How to Deep Clean Your House Room by Room
The prospect of deep cleaning a house can be a daunting one. While you could hire a professional to help you tackle t...
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25 Home Maintenance Problems That Only Take a Minute to Fix
Keeping your home in top-notch condition doesn’t mean spending all your free time on maintenance chores; some upkeep ...
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How to Get Crayon Off Walls: 4 Surefire Methods
Life with toddlers can be…interesting. One minute they’re sitting calmly and playing with their toys on the floor, th...
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How to Clean a Mousepad the Right Way
Whether you’re working from home or gaming on a computer or laptop, your mouse is likely getting a good workout. What...
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How to Strip Laundry the Right Way
Laundry stripping has hit the mainstream. It's a technique that removes buildup and residue embedded in your clothes ...
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The Ultimate Christmas Checklist: 30 Tasks to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays
The holidays are all about family, friends, fun, and creating fond memories to last a lifetime. Don’t let stress or w...
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The Truth About Scotchgard Fabric Protector: A Hands-On Review
Fabric protectors are designed to protect textiles of all types from spills, stains, and other potential damage. Thes...
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KitchenAid Full-Size Dish Rack Review: Sturdy, Spacious, and Durable
Many of us rely on a dish rack to dry all of our dishes or perhaps a select few that won’t fare well in the dishwashe...
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This is One of the Best Vacuums I've Ever Tested, and I've Tested Over 20
In most households, there are four areas that require constant attention: laundry, dishes, counters, and floors. Whil...
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The Best Handheld Pool Vacuums for Sparkling-Clean Water
No matter how well they’re covered, pools and spas are bound to collect dirt and debris—and few tools are as useful a...
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How to Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup Day
Whether you do it on Earth Day or any other day of the year, neighborhood cleanups not only help spruce up your stree...
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What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Cleaning Business?
Q: I’m interested in offering professional home-cleaning services to people in my local area. What licenses are neede...
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How to Get More Clients for a Cleaning Business
Starting a commercial cleaning business or a residential cleaning business is often an enticing opportunity for aspir...
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A Fresh Start: How to Start a Cleaning Business And Get Ahead
Starting a cleaning business can be a lucrative venture for aspiring entrepreneurs. In a world where cleanliness is i...
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Generac Generators and Frigidaire Cooktops: 30 Recalls You Need to Know for Fall 2023
Staying on top of product recalls is essential for consumers to ensure that our families stay safe. The Consumer Prod...
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Here's Exactly Who to Call for Dryer Vent Cleaning
Q: The past few times I’ve put a load of clothes through a drying cycle, I’ve noticed a burning smell. My clothes als...
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How Much Does Cleaning-Business Start-Up Cost?
Highlights The typical costs to start up a cleaning business range from $685 to $10,000, with an average of $3,500. ...
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Everything to Know About Central Vacuum System Cost
Highlights A central vacuum system cost averages $1,582, though a typical range for parts and labor is $1,098 to $3,...
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How Much Does a Cleaning-Business License Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range for a cleaning-business license is between $100 and $500. The main factors that w...
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How to Become a Successful House Cleaner in 9 Steps
Many people dread the thought of having to clean their house. But for those who do enjoy vacuuming, scrubbing, and wa...
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How Much Is the Average House-Cleaner Salary?
Highlights The typical salary range for a house cleaner is $22,520 to $42,720 per year, with a national average sala...
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7 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Walls More Often—and How to Do it Properly
Think about your cleaning routine. It likely includes chores like vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing the toilets, wiping d...
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Shop Bissell, Dyson, and Shark Cyber Monday Vacuum Deals—Starting at Just $78
Cyber Monday is finally here.  Popular brands including Bissell, Dyson, Shark, iRobot Roomba, and more have debuted p...
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Can The PowerSmith Ash Vacuum Tackle The Messiest Fireplaces?
It's tough to beat the radiant warmth and ambience of a real wood fire, but it can be tedious to clean up the inevita...
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Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested
My house is full of hard floors—hardwoods in the main living areas, luxury vinyl plank in the basement, and ceramic t...
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Tested: Is the Ego 765 Leaf Blower Really the World’s Most Powerful?
The Ego Power+ 765 cubic feet per minute (CFM) 56-volt (V) leaf blower has been out for a couple of years now, and I ...
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How to Clean Metal the Right Way
Metal objects and fixtures are everywhere in our homes, but not all metals are cleaned the same way. It's essential t...
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19 Surprising Alka-Seltzer Uses for the Home and Garden
That recognizable refrain of “plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is” can be applied to many problems that h...
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How to Get Your Bathroom Guest-Ready in 20 Minutes or Less
Your bathroom may be the smallest room in your house, but it’s probably also the grimiest. To keep this essential spa...
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Review: The Shark Rocket Pet Vacuum’s Cord Didn’t Trip Up Our Tests
You’ve heard it before and may have even said it before: “I’ll never buy a corded vacuum again. ” But not so fast! I ...
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Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Review: Eliminate Dirt and Grime With Superheated Steam
Steam cleaners dislodge dirt and sanitize, using only water. Some models work as mops or handheld units, while others...
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How to Design a Bathroom That's Easier to Clean
Most people would rather spend more time washing up than cleaning up in the bathroom. Scrubbing and scouring a bathro...
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It's Not Just for Pet Stains: A Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Review
The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro has garnered thousands of rave reviews from its users for the past few year...
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The Best Cheap Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2023
Keeping a full-size pool free of debris and grime can be a lot of work, which is why robotic pool cleaners have grown...
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The Best Pool Stabilizers of 2023
Chlorine is an essential disinfectant to keep swimming pool water clean and clear, but to get the most out of this ch...
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The Best Pool Tile Cleaners of 2023
Pool maintenance can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with a good pool tile cleaner. Even the cle...
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Solved! Why Are My Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving?
Q: We recently switched to dishwasher pods instead of using liquid detergent. However, I’ve noticed that they’re not ...
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17 Things You Can Do with Rice Other Than Eating It
Beyond its culinary use, rice offers an array of surprising yet practical applications. And the best part? Most of us...
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18 Spots in Your Home You Probably Never Clean—But Definitely Should
If you’re like 78 percent of the respondents in a 2022 survey conducted by OnePoll, an untidy home adversely affects ...
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October Prime Day Vacuum Deals: Score Big Savings on iRobot, Bissell, and More
There’s never been a better time to get a great deal on a vacuum!  During Amazon’s Prime Day 2, Big Deal Days, vacuum...
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11 Minimizing Methods to Help You Live With Less—and Why You Should
We spend our lives amassing things. From practical goods to impulse purchases, objects add up—taking up space physica...
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15 Handy Uses for Dryer Sheets Around the House
Few household products are as underrated as the dryer sheet: They're cheap, portable, and much more versatile around ...
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Why Are There No Spiders in Cobwebs? The Mystery Behind the Messy Corner Creepers
File this one under T for “Today I Learned…. ” Despite emitting from the same arachnid derrière, spider webs and cobw...
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How Much Does Fall Cleanup Cost?
Highlights The typical cost for fall yard cleanup ranges from $191 to $573, with a national average cost of $367. T...
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The Best Electric Mops Tested in 2023
Electric mops take the backbreaking work out of washing the floor, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it ...
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The Best Smart Toilets of 2023
When the smart-home invasion began some 10 to 15 years ago, who would’ve thought we’d start automating toilets? But t...
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How to Remove Paint From Everything
Revamping a room can be as easy as applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls, but the unfortunate by-products of pa...
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5 Trash Can Sizes Every Homeowner Should Know
Like them or not, trash cans are part of our everyday lives. We use them all the time, and every home has at least a ...
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How to Clean a Sand, DE, or Cartridge Pool Filter
True to its name, a pool filter catches and removes dirt, oils, and other debris out of the pool water. However, thes...
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Save $260 on Our Favorite Cordless Pool Cleaner This Labor Day
Pool time means playtime, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done. To keep a sunny disposition and de...
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13 Surprising Uses for Bleach Around the Home
 Bleach, aka sodium hypochlorite, has a variety of uses that extend far beyond cleaning clothes. You can use bleach f...
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14 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Windex
The familiar blue window cleaner that we all grew up using can do lots more than just clean windows. Windex might jus...
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How to Clean TV Screens the Right Way
Learning how to clean TV screens properly is important. Not only will it help keep your home tidy, but it will also e...
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16 Things to Clean in Your Home After You’ve Been Sick
When you or someone in your household falls ill, the first priority is getting back to good health. Once symptoms sub...
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10 Items It’s Time to Replace in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are where we go to clean ourselves, of course, but all that dirt, grime, germs, dead skin cells, makeup res...
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6 Household Chores That Create the Most Carbon Emissions
When you hear about carbon emissions, you probably think about gas-powered vehicles, burning of fossil fuels to heat ...
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How to Clean Blackstone Griddles
Just as it is important to clean your grill, it is equally as important to learn how to clean Blackstone griddle. Whe...
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The Best Vacuums Under $200 of 2023
If you need to clean up big messes on a small budget, one of the best vacuums under $200 can make it easier. The vacu...
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The Best Cheap Robot Vacuums of 2023
A cheap robot vacuum is an affordable and low-effort floor cleaning solution for anyone short on time. Robot vacuums ...
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The Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors of 2023
Cordless vacuums for hardwood floors offer the convenience of cleaning up quick messes alongside the suction power to...
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How to Remove Pet Hair From Clothes, Couches, Carpets and More
While pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, their furry coats can wreak havoc on our homes and our bodies. F...
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20 Ingenious Uses for Baking Soda Around the House
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and widely used household product. It has gained popularity as a n...
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Dawn Powerwash Recipe: How to DIY the Ultimate Dish Soap
If you’ve ever used Dawn Powerwash, you already know how much it can help with tackling burnt-on or greasy messes tha...
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Bissell Little Green Review: Can This Portable Carpet Cleaner Really Handle Anything?
Our house has wood floors in the main living areas and kitchen, but there’s carpet everywhere else. As outdoor lovers...
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This Wet/Dry Vac Has the One Feature You Didn't Know You Needed
Wet/dry vacs are the underappreciated heroes of any well-stocked workshop. They can handle messes like sawdust and di...
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Kiato Handheld Steam Cleaner Review: Can an Unknown Brand Beat a Bissell?
Steam cleaners heat water past the boiling point to create steam and release it through a nozzle to clean and refresh...
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10 OSHA-Approved Safety Tips to Practice at Home
Workplace health and safety standards are essential to protecting workers from hazards and preventing job-related ill...
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The Home Innovations We're Most Excited About This June
Month in and month out, the Bob Vila team reviews news products and keeps the pulse of the home and garden industry. ...
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How to Clean Headlights: 3 Popular Methods
You clean your car’s windows to help you see more clearly and keep your car in tip-top shape. But, what about the hea...
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How to Get Rid of Lice
Did you recently get the dreaded call from your child’s school about an outbreak of head lice? Getting rid of lice ca...
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How to Use a Magic Eraser Around the House: 17 Smart Applications
Magic Erasers certainly live up to their name. The ways they can “erase” stains and get rid of residues on various su...
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16 Tips for Your Cleanest Windows Ever
Are you tired of looking through smudged, streaky windows that you can never seem to get clean? While achieving that ...
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Safely Unclog Any Drain With These 9 Drano Alternatives
Clogged drains are a common, albeit annoying, occurrence in any home. While it may be tempting to pick up a container...
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I Tested a Popular Above-Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner: Is It Worth the Price?
Since 1983, Maytronics has been a leader in the pool industry, focusing on robotic pool cleaners and other accessorie...
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Better than O-Cedar? This Maneuverable Spin Mop Gave All My Floors a Streak-Free Clean
Hate or love it, mopping is a chore that many people have to complete every week. While there are many types of mops ...
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How to Clean a Canvas Painting Without Damaging It
Art is a beautiful form of self-expression that brings joy and color to our lives. Whether it's a piece of fine art o...
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8 Ways to Clean Your House With Citric Acid
Keeping your home clean can seem like a never-ending task, and having to switch between a wide variety of cleaners ca...
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Is an Electric Pressure Washer Powerful? I Tested a Ryobi Pressure Washer to Find out!
Nothing beats a good pressure washer for blasting dirt and mud from sidewalks, driveways, and dirty cars. I've used s...
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The Best Pool Skimmers of 2023
Pool skimmers are one of those tools no pool owner can do without. Even if the pool is regularly serviced by a mainte...
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Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner: Does it Do the Dirty Work for You?
Very few homeowners have a perfectly situated inground pool that’s open to both air and sunshine yet protected from t...
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The Best Hand Towels of 2023
Hand towels are an essential item in any home. As their name suggests, they’re primarily used to dry hands, but they ...
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Save $260 on One of Our Favorite Tested Robot Mops for Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how to make Mom’s life easier. And...
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10 Common Kitchen Appliance Mistakes Everyone Makes
We use our kitchen appliances on a daily basis, but are we actually using them to their full potential? Whether you'r...
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How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Carpet Cleaner?
Highlights Renting a carpet cleaner typically costs between $30 and $95 per day. The exact cost will depend on the ...
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How to Get Rid of Static Cling Once and for All
It’s unpleasant when clothing items cling to one another, and it’s even worse when a skirt, shirt, or pants refuse to...
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14 Things You Should Never Clean With a Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are invaluable tools for removing graffiti, dirt, and other stuck-on debris from surfaces, but there...
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How to Dispose of Bleach Safely
Q: I found a few old bottles of bleach while cleaning and organizing my laundry room. They’re all long since expired,...
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23 Surprising Hydrogen Peroxide Uses Everyone Should Know
As you might remember from chemistry class, hydrogen peroxide is water with an extra oxygen atom, hence the chemical ...
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I Tested the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum: Is It Worth the Price?
The Dyson brand is known for its sleek and powerful devices, and the V12 is no exception. The V12 Detect Slim cordles...
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How to Clean a Bathroom Fan
Keeping the bathroom exhaust fan clean is an important—yet often overlooked—home maintenance task. A layer of dust co...
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Renters: What to Clean Before Move-In Day
You’ve signed your lease, you have all of your moving essentials ready for the first week in your new place, and your...
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15 As-Seen-on-TV Products That Are Actually Worth Buying
Have you ever been tempted to buy one of those products you see advertised on TV infomercials? Sure, the spokesperson...
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The Best Samsung Dishwashers of 2023
The Samsung brand has been around for decades, and the company is well known for its electronics and appliances—but i...
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Editors' Picks: Our 5 Favorite New Products for the Home from March
March is an exciting month for many reasons. Not only did this calendar month bring the start of Spring, Pi Day, Slee...
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How Much Does Yard Cleanup Cost?
Highlights Yard cleaning has a typical cost range of $190 to $1,000 and a national average cost of $360. Several fa...
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8 Easy Tricks for Dirty Paws on Clean Floors
Rainy days call for staying inside and snuggling up under a blanket on the couch. Unless you’re a dog, that is. Wheth...
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10 Car Maintenance Tasks to Do Every Spring
Spring is the perfect time to give your car a little TLC to keep it running properly. With the cold and snow behind y...
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The Best Vinegar for Cleaning: 7 Types of Vinegar Every DIYer Should Know
While it isn’t an all-purpose cleaner, vinegar can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks around the house, and i...
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Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop Review: Should You Buy It?
Getting vinyl floors clean can be a challenge, but the Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop proves it doesn’t have ...
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Solved! How Long Does it Take for Carpet to Dry After Cleaning?
Q: My carpet is due for a cleaning, and I don’t want to move my furniture back onto it too early. Approximately how l...
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The Top Projects Bob Vila Editors Have Planned for 2023
If your home improvement project list is overwhelming, you’re not alone. Here at Bob Vila, we editors are right there...
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7 Ways to Clean Behind and Under Every Appliance
Keeping up with household cleaning tasks can be, well, a real chore. As if it weren’t enough that you occasionally ha...
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8 Ways to Clean Your Garden Tools for Spring Growing Season
Spring is nearly here, and it’s time to get your tools ready for this year’s gardening season. Before you start plant...
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9 Things You Should Never Vacuum
I Wouldn’t Vacuum That If I Were YouVacuums were a wonderful invention. They make it so much easier to keep a home fr...
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15 Home Electronics You Never Clean but Really Should
Home electronics occupy a prominent place in our daily lives. We touch them repeatedly, share them with other family ...
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5 Most Innovative Home Products We're Excited About This February
Nearly every week, manufacturers make headway on perfecting their craft. Buzzy new products roll out with upgraded te...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for March
With the change from winter to spring comes a new flurry of activity: The warm weather will undoubtedly draw the fami...
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Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
The Bissell PowerFresh Scrubbing & Sanitizing steam mop has a simple design that’s intuitive to use, works on mul...
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How to Clean a Nespresso Machine
A morning espresso is a boost that can help start the day off right, and, for many, a Nespresso machine is the magica...
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How Much Does Crawl Space Cleaning Cost?
Highlights Crawl space cleaning costs between $500 and $4,000 on average. The exact cost can vary depending on the ...
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How to Clean a Keyboard
A computer keyboard is one of those electronic devices that rarely gets cleaned. However, if you’ve taken a close loo...
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Doing These 10 Simple Tasks Around the House Can Improve Your Life, According to Experts
Want to find ways to improve your life yet you lack the motivation? You’re not the only one. Many people want to upgr...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for February
Though it’s the shortest month of the year, there’s still plenty to be done in February, including organizing the con...
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How to Use OxiClean Around the House
If you like to keep fabrics and various surfaces clean, it pays to know how to use OxiClean to its fullest potential....
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How to Clean an Air Fryer
If you love crispy fries or a speedy weeknight meal, then an air fryer provides a healthy, easy way to prepare food. ...
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How Much Does Attic Cleaning Cost?
Highlights The typical price range for attic cleaning is between $150 and $1,000, with a national average cost of $2...
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The Best Countertop Dishwashers of 2023
When space is limited, countertop dishwashers are a great alternative to bulky built-in models. The best models are q...
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The Best LG Dishwashers of 2023
A dishwasher is an indispensable appliance in busy kitchens. For those looking for a dependable machine, LG dishwashe...
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How To Get the Funk Out of Old Curtains and Rugs
Rugs, curtains, and other fabrics pose special challenges in the quest to keep your home smelling fresh. These textil...
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How Much Does Deep Cleaning a House Cost?
Highlights The average cost to deep clean a home ranges from $200 to $400. Some of the factors that affect the exac...
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The Best Washing Machine Brands of 2024
The purchase of a large home appliance represents a sizable investment, and shopping for a new washing machine can be...
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20 Most Expensive Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022
Bob Vila readers were busy in 2022, tackling DIY projects and finding ways to make their life simpler and their home ...
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15 Around-the-House Resolutions That Will Save You Money in 2023
Life is surprisingly expensive. You pay for food, clothing, electricity, gas, water, insurance, vehicles, fuel, repai...
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The Easiest Cleaning Resolutions You Can Make in 2023—and How to Keep Them
As we look forward to a new year, there’s no better time to evaluate the systems we use to keep our homes clean and t...
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How Much Does Upholstery Cleaning Cost?
Typical Range: $119 to $231 National Average: $172Upholstered furniture is comfortable and brings a cozy, relaxing...
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How to Clean a Blender
While there are a few things you should never put in a blender, overall, they’re valued as versatile kitchen timesave...
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How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost?
Highlights Move-out cleaning services typically cost between $110 and $650, with a  national average cost of $360. ...
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The Best Drain Cleaning Services
Most homeowners will deal with a clogged drain now and again. It’s an annoying problem that seems to come out of nowh...
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The 22 Most Useful Home Products Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022
Every year product experts at Bob Vila do thousands of hours of hands-on testing and online research. We carry out in...
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Don't Do This Chore on New Year's Day If You're Superstitious
Need a reason to be lazy on New Year’s Day—other than the time-honored excuse of a hangover, that is? We got you!Ever...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for January
January is the month to take stock, plan ahead, and start fresh: Our "Must Do" projects for this month include adopti...
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How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Properly
Memory foam mattresses have become the go-to construction for most of America’s bedding manufacturers due to memory’s...
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This Is the Best Way to Clean Leather Car Seats
Let’s face it, no one likes getting into a dirty car, whether it’s their own or someone else's. And if you’ve got nic...
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So Many Dyson Products Are Up to $200 Off Right Now
As far as cleaning technology goes, Dyson products are hands-down some of the best investments you can make for your ...
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How to Clean an Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oil diffusers can help set the right mood at home, depending on the scents you choose. If you enjoy diffusi...
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10 Uses for Peanut Butter Outside of the Kitchen
Think Outside the JarIf you have a jar of peanut butter in your pantry, you might be surprised to learn that you can ...
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Save $290 on a Roomba Vacuum for Cyber Monday While You Still Can
Cyber Monday might be your best chance to own one of the most popular robotic vacuums available: the iRobot Roomba j7...
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9 Ways to Organize a Combo Pantry and Laundry Room
Having sufficient space to take care of chores like food preparation and laundry is a priority. Yet some homes built ...
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11 Things You Shouldn't Do Without Gloves On
While donning a pair of gloves before cleaning or starting a DIY project might not be the quickest way to get started...
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The Best Dyson Cyber Monday Deals of 2022 Include Vacuums Under $300
Cyber Monday is here, continuing the string of deals and savings on big-ticket items like vacuums. Included in this m...
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Bob Vila's 10 "Must Do" Projects for December
December is all about friends, family, and food (there, we said it!), which is why this month's tasks focus on keepin...
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Target Is Selling Dyson’s Best Black Friday Deal Yet—a Vacuum for $279
Editor’s Note: This deal is no longer active, but there's another Dyson at Target for just $279 worth considering—the...
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8 Products That Can Kill RSV in Your Home
COVID and flu aren’t the only viruses to worry about this winter. You may have heard on the news that cases of RSV (r...
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The Best Roomba Black Friday Deals Start at $174
Black Friday is around the corner, and with it comes outstanding vacuum deals from top brands like iRobot, Dyson, Sha...
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The Best Dyson Black Friday Deals of 2022 Include Vacuums Under $300
Editor’s Note: We’re now actively scouting Cyber Monday sales, so this post is no longer being updated. For the lates...
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The Best Early Black Friday Deals at Target Are Up to 50% Off
At Target this year, Black Friday is more than just a single day of sales. The retailer has already started slashing ...
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Done DIYing? Here's How to Clean Up the Mess You Made
DIY projects often involve cutting or sanding wood, painting, staining, and other actions that can leave behind a big...
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These DIY Upholstery Cleaners Work as Well as Store-Bought Options
Even the most careful among us can get dirt and stains on our furniture upholstery, but store-bought chemicals aren’t...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for November
For many of us, November marks the beginning of a season filled with house guests, nonstop holiday cooking, and cozy ...
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The Best Amazon Prime Early Access Deals on Roomba Go Up to 50% Off
Here at Bob Vila, we love many of the Roomba vacuums from iRobot. Now, there’s plenty of chances to pick up one of th...
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How to Declutter Your Home Once and for All
No matter how hard we try to keep our homes tidy and organized, clutter inevitably creeps in over time. Not only is i...
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This Is the Absolute Best Way to Clean a Couch
Couches are designed as a comfortable spot to sit and relax day in, day out. Unfortunately, this means keeping a couc...
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Booking a Handyman in Under a Minute? It’s Possible Through Handy
Life gets busy quickly, and the small tasks around the house that don’t seem worth hiring someone to take care of bec...
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This is the Best Way to Clean Car Windows
Knowing the best way to clean car windows is important for safe driving. Improper cleaning can leave behind unsightly...
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The Best Roof Cleaning Services
Some people may find it odd to think about cleaning the roof. However, if mold, mildew, lichen, and moss are allowed ...
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The Best Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
Dryer vents play an important role in a dryer cycle, as they remove excess heat that could lead to fires or other pot...
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The Best Garage Cleaning Services
The garage is often the most neglected space for many households. It’s the storage place for yard equipment, tools, a...
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Solved! How Often Should I Really Clean My Gutters?
Q: I usually put off cleaning my gutters until late fall when I get my house ready for winter. But after a recent sto...
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Should You Use Oven Cleaner on Wood? Take a Closer Look at the Viral Furniture-Stripping Hack
Q: It seems that a lot of people are having success stripping wood with oven cleaner. Is it really as quick and easy ...
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I've Tried Dozens of Dyson Products—And These 5 Are Worth Every Dollar
As someone who prioritizes a clean home, I value the importance of utilizing products that keep my house looking and ...
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Target Circle Week Includes Up to 20% Off Bedding, Mattresses, and More
Target has a reputation for its everyday low prices, so a sale announcement only means one thing: even bigger savings...
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Samsung Is Holding a Major Sale on Appliances, Vacuums, TVs, and More
Samsung has long been one of our favorite appliance brands, particularly when they drop discounts. The manufacturer j...
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The Best GE Dishwashers of 2023
One of the leading appliance manufacturers in America today, GE continues to build on a reputation for excellence and...
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Everything to Know About Chimney Inspection Cost
Highlights The typical range for chimney inspection costs is $100 to $5,000, with a national average of $450. The m...
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We Tested the Popular Lava Soap for DIYers to Find Out if it Lives Up to It's Hype
When you’re a gardener and avid DIYer, having dirty hands on occasion is to be expected. However, I dislike using har...
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The Best Leaf Removal Services of 2023
While fall foliage is beautiful, removing fallen leaves from the lawn can be cumbersome. Many homeowners will have to...
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The Best KitchenAid Dishwashers of 2023
KitchenAid is one of the most trusted appliance brands on the market, and its current slate of dishwashers offer top-...
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The Best Automatic Soap Dispensers
Automatic soap dispensers offer a more hygienic way to wash your hands. With a completely touchless design, these dis...
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How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
Typical Range: $287 to $555 National Average: $409A small homestead may sound like a dream for many homeowners int...
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How to Clean a Faucet Aerator
There is a fitting known as a faucet aerator located on the end of most bathroom and kitchen faucets. This fitting mi...
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How to Clean a Lampshade
Keeping your home dust-free is sometimes easier said than done. Unfortunately, dust collects everywhere, not just on ...
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The Best Pressure Washer Soaps
It’s possible to clean driveways, siding, grills, or automobiles by hand, but a better option is to use a pressure wa...
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The Best Car Drying Towels
True car enthusiasts and home detailers take pride in every inch of their vehicles. They’re serious about cleaning th...
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The 15 Most Popular Cleaning Products on TikTok
Many cleaning products and tricks have gone viral thanks to mesmerizing videos on Tiktok (or #CleanTok, as this corne...
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Solved! Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water, and How Do I Fix It?
Q: I’ve been trying all day to do my laundry, but my washing machine is not filling with water. Is this something I c...
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How to Clean a Bird Bath the Right Way
If you want your yard to be a welcoming place for birds, there are a few things you should do, including make your wi...
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The Best Dishwasher Cleaners
Dishwasher cleaners power away grime, food residue, and mineral buildup from inside the machine. Keeping the dishwash...
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13 Items You Should Never Put in a Dumpster When Cleaning Out Your Home
Whether you’re spring cleaning, renovating, or moving, that big empty rental dumpster in the driveway might seem like...
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The Best Upholstery Cleaner Rental Brands
Home and car upholstery can start to look old and tired because of stains, pet hair, and normal wear and tear. If you...
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The Best Junk Removal Services
Whether downsizing for a move or decluttering a home, there are various reasons to eliminate unwanted junk. While DIY...
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The Best Vacuums
A vacuum cleaner is an essential appliance in nearly every home, but with so many types of vacuums available, it can ...
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The Best Dumpster Rental Companies
Hauling truckload after truckload to the local dump is no one’s idea of fun. Not only is it inconvenient, but it’s al...
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What a Washer Not Draining Means for Your Appliance—And Your Wallet
Q: I threw a load of clothes in the washer a while ago, and when I came back to put them in the dryer they were still...
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Solved! My Pressure Washer Won’t Start—How Do I Fix It?
Q: I’d like to get a head start on cleaning the exterior of my home, but my pressure washer won’t start. How do I fin...
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The Best Prime Day 2022 Deals on Home Goods from Sustainable Brands
Whether you’re looking for household essentials or gardening gear, there’s likely a sale on it right now, thanks to A...
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The Best Moth Repellents
While moths aren’t a dangerous creepy-crawly to find in a home, they can be destructive, so it’s worth preventing or ...
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How Much Does It Cost to Power Wash a Deck?
Typical Range: $90 to $770 National Average: $150Decks are the perfect outside area to entertain family and friend...
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The Best Move-Out Cleaning Services
Packing up belongings, loading furniture and boxes onto a moving truck, traveling, unloading, and unpacking at a new ...
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The Best Furniture Removal Services
The dilemma of what to do with old or outdated furniture is common when moving, redecorating, or decluttering. Gettin...
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50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do
While certain home repairs require a professional, many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own. Learning these basic skills will help you become a more self...
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The Great Debate: Is Sorting Laundry Really Necessary? 
To sort, or not to sort? That is the question. Many people have strong opinions about sorting laundry. Some see it as...
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The 5 Best Laundry Delivery Services of 2023
Doing laundry can be a complicated and time-consuming task. Apartment dwellers often have to rely on their building’s...
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Solved! How Much Water Does a Washing Machine Use?
Q: I’m shopping for a new washing machine and I am trying to decide if one of the energy-efficient models is really w...
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The Best Trash Can Cleaning Services of 2023
The trash can and recycling bin spend their days up against the side of a home, and they may not be high on a homeown...
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Fact or Fiction: Does This Viral TikTok Cleaning Trick Really Work?
It’s no secret that the TikTok algorithm gets to know your interests pretty well, and as an editor for BobVila. com t...
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How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?
Typical Range: $100 to $650 National Average: $296Houses look so fresh and clean when their siding is new, windows...
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How Much Does Junk Removal Cost?
Typical Range: $50 to $361 National Average: $233Most people have a spot in their home that they’d prefer to keep ...
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29 Handy Household Uses for Vinegar
If you think vinegar is just for salads, think again. This inexpensive kitchen multitasker repels insects, removes rust, and cleans everything from tile to silver.
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The Right Way to Wash Bath Mats
Bath mats absorb moisture by design, making them a potential breeding ground for bacteria if they’re not washed frequ...
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The Best Backpack Vacuums of 2023
Backpack vacuums are a great alternative to standard upright and stick vacuums. A more convenient choice for cleaning...
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How to Clean White Shoes So They Look as Good as New
White shoes can really help to pull an outfit together. However, when white shoes get scuffed up or dirty, it’s notic...
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Can Cold Water Effectively Clean Your Laundry?
The old rules of washing colors in cold water and whites in hot water are fading as consumers become more eco-conscio...
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The Best Suction Pool Cleaners of 2023
Although it is possible to use a brush and manual vacuum to clean your pool, it's not a task many pool owners have th...
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10 Areas of the Home You Should Never Steam Clean
Handheld steam cleaners are invaluable tools for sanitizing home appliances, sealed floors, bathrooms, and more. Thei...
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How to Clean Bird Feeders to Keep Your Feathered Friends Safe
Bird feeders can attract birds of all kinds to your home and feed them in cold seasons, when they may otherwise have ...
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This Is the Correct Way to Dust Your Home
Have you ever wondered what dust is made of? Skin cells, animal dander, pollen, and lint are some of the more commonl...
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The Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for Seniors of 2023
Many typical vacuum cleaner models are heavy, which can make them challenging for seniors to maneuver. However, plent...
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The Best Hardwood Floor Polishes
Most hardwood flooring endures a lot of wear and tear, not only from people walking on them, but also from kids and p...
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The Best Mattress Cleaning Services
It might seem improbable, but nearly a third of a person’s lifetime is spent in bed sleeping the night away. Those dr...
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How to Steam Clean an Oven: 3 Surefire Methods to Get Rid of Baked-On Gunk
While important, cleaning the oven is one of those tasks that many homeowners would rather put off. Being up to your ...
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The Best Ryobi Pressure Washers
The Ryobi brand has long been a trusted source in power tools and lawn equipment. In recent years, the company has br...
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The Best Couch Cleaning Services
The couch might be the most-used piece of furniture in a living room. It’s a source of comfort after a long day and a...
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17 Surprising Ways to Use Steel Wool Around the House
Steel Wool, Still Going StrongA tool that’s now commonplace in the modern home, steel wool came about somewhat by acc...
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17 Clever Household Uses for Rubbing Alcohol
The perfect elixir for your next DIY project or cleaning endeavor may already be in your medicine cabinet.
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20 Smart Spring Cleaning Tips for Sustainably Minded Homeowners
An incredible 92 percent of Americans are considering what they can do to make their spring cleaning practices friend...
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The Best Bosch Dishwashers of 2023
Dishwashers made by Bosch, a leading appliance brand, have premium features such as an innovative drying system and h...
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The Best Cleaning Services of 2023
Keeping a house clean and tidy is a constant struggle, especially in homes with children and pets where vacuuming can...
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The Best Pool Algaecides of 2023
Backyard pools are a great place to exercise, relax, and have fun with family and friends. However, algae can get in ...
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13 Mistakes People Make While Spring Cleaning
With spring comes the promise of new beginnings. For many of us, spring cleaning offers a great opportunity to clean ...
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The Best Laundry Detergents for Septic Systems
In some homes, the water from the washing machine drains into a septic system that treats the wastewater. A septic-sa...
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The 12 Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Under $15
Eco-friendly cleaning products are becoming a staple in many households as buyers become more aware of toxic chemical...
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The Best Home Services of 2024
Investing in high-quality home services is an important way for customers to take care of their properties. There are...
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The Best Dryer Vent Cleaning Kits of 2023
Dryer vent cleaning kits contain brushes, necks, or vacuum attachments that snake their way into the tight spaces of ...
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How to Pressure Wash a Deck for Annual Maintenance
Pressure washing is an effective method for cleaning off dirt, dust, and other debris, as well as stripping layers of...
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Bob Vila’s “Must Do” Projects for April
Spring is here, and with it comes a bouquet of seasonal responsibilities. It’s time to clean and repair outdoor eleme...
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The Best Window Cleaning Services
Few things can lift the mood quite like a ray of sunshine pouring through a beautifully clean window. But keeping tho...
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How Much Does Professional Carpet Cleaning Cost?
Highlights Professional carpet cleaning costs between $123 to $240, with a national average cost of $180. The main ...
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The Best Whirlpool Dishwashers
A Whirlpool dishwasher is a workhorse in the kitchen: load it with grimy dishes and the dishwasher spits them out gle...
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The Definitive Guide on How to Clean All Your Furniture
It might be nice to imagine a special potion that could magically clean and protect all your furniture, regardless of...
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The Best Maytag Washing Machines
Maytag washing machines are a popular choice for laundry rooms nationwide. With over a century of appliance-manufactu...
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13 Surprising Pantry Items That Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home
A Cleaner, More Natural HomeMore and more of us are turning away from traditional cleaning products and toward eco-fr...
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The Best Water Damage Restoration Services of 2023
One of the main reasons people construct homes is to have a place that is safeguarded against rain, snow, sleet, and ...
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The Best Carpet Cleaner Rental Services
It’s recommended to deep clean your carpeting at least once a year—and sometimes more if you have pets, a large famil...
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15 Spring Cleaning Must-Haves Under $15
When the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm up, it’s once again time to undertake major spring cleaning ...
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Never Cleaned Your SodaStream? Here’s Why You Should—and How to Do It
Soda makers like SodaStream offer a fun and economical way to make your own sparkling water and soda at home. As with...
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The 10 Best Products for Keeping Your Windows Clean
It doesn’t take much to get a window dirty. Dust, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks can attract the eye and make an ...
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The Best Air Duct Cleaning Services of 2023
Since most of the dust in your home’s ducts tends to stay in the ductwork, air duct cleaning isn’t required regular m...
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10 Things You Should Take Off Your Coffee Table to Declutter
If you’re like many, what started out as the coffee table in your living room may have turned into a cluttered, catch...
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The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Everyone needs laundry detergent, but with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know what ...
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The Best Chimney Cleaning Services of 2023
Chimney cleaning is an essential part of owning a fireplace and using a chimney, as failure to properly care for it c...
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The Best Car Vacuums
A car vacuum is invaluable for cleaning the interior of your car, SUV, or truck. No matter how careful you may be, di...
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6 in 10 People Can't Stand When This Surface Is Dirty
Cleaning is an unavoidable part of life, but homeowners differ when it comes to which housekeeping tasks they’re like...
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It’s Time to Oust These 17 Stressors Lurking in Your Home
Banish stress and restore a sense of calm in your home by making these simple changes to your living space.
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How to Clean a Shop Vac Filter After Dirty Work
Considering the abuse that most shop vacs see on a regular basis, they have a pretty tough life full of dirt, grime, ...
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How to Get Caulk Out of Clothes: 3 Effective Methods
Caulk works wonders to seal the edges around sinks and bathtubs. However, the same characteristics that make it fanta...
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The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies of 2024
Carpeting throughout the home can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it can also harbor allergens, dust, and ...
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How to Clean a Shower the Right Way
A clean shower is a healthy shower. After washing up, you leave behind dirt, water minerals, body oil, skin cells, so...
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How to Use a Shop Vac for Floods, Spills, and Other Liquid Messes
When a liquid mess occurs, such as a water main break, leak, or flood, there may be no more indispensable tool than a...
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The 21 Most Popular Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2021
Each year, Bob Vila’s experts conduct thousands of hours of hands-on testing and internet research. We vet a vast arr...
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The Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Septic tanks are underground tanks used to treat wastewater from a home, dissolving and consuming waste. To keep a se...
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How to Make Your House Smell Like You Don’t Have Pets
Show us a person with a pet—a freewheeling, fun-loving ferret, an adorable corgi, or a cuddly “chonker” of a cat—and ...
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13 Things Your House Sitter Needs to Know Before You Leave Town
Whether you’ll be traveling for work or taking a fun vacation, hiring a house sitter is a good idea. House sitters ca...
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How to Get Mold Out of Clothes
You left your favorite sweater in the hamper for too long, and now it’s getting moldy. Do you throw the sweater out, ...
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How to Move a Hot Tub
Whether planning to move a hot tub across the yard or pack it up to move across the country, the basic steps remain a...
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How to Drain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are often a treasured luxury for when you just want to take some time to rest and relax aching muscles, but ...
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The Best Roomba Deals We've Seen This Cyber Monday
Prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 11/29/2021. This Cyber Monday, snag a sale price on a robot ...
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The Cyber Monday Vacuum Deals of 2021 from Dyson, BISSELL, and More
Prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 11/29/2021. Clean-up around the holidays can feel endless, s...
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20 Reasons Why You'll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without The Pink Stuff
The Pink Stuff has recently become a social media sensation, making waves on TikTok as a purported miracle cleaner th...
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Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washer: Choosing the Right Cleaning Machine
A pressure washer is an indispensable tool for all kinds of cleaning tasks, both DIY and professional. Light-duty mod...
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I Tried the simplehuman Trash Can: Does the Functionality of the Justify Its High Price?
When looking for a trash can, some might believe that any old receptacle will do. But a trash can is something you’ll...
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The Best Roomba and Robot Vacuum Deals We've Seen This Black Friday
Prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 11/27/2021. Editor’s Note: These deals are no longer being u...
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The Ultimate House Cleaning Schedule: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly To-Dos All Homeowners Should Know
After a long day, week, or month, the last thing you want to do is clean your home. Unless you employ a house cleaner...
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12 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Cleaner Than It Really Is
Sometimes you have to fake it 'til you make it. Other times, you might not even care about making it—you’re perfectly...
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7 Ways to Keep Christmas Tree Needles from Taking Over Your Home
A real fir or balsam Christmas tree infuses the home with an incredible aroma during the holiday season, but these be...
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10 Simple Steps to a Zero-Waste Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the places that can generate the most waste in a house. Wh...
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Everything You Need to Know About Flooded Basement Cleanup
A flooded basement is one of the most dreaded home maintenance problems. Seeing standing water in the basement, wheth...
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10 Essential Products for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood
Whether the home takes on just a few inches of water or the entire basement is full, floods aren’t fun to deal with a...
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17 Products That Will Make Thanksgiving Dinner Cleanup Easier Than Ever
Whether you’re serving up a traditional turkey-and-all-the-trimmings meal that resembles Norman Rockwell meets Instag...
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The Best Steamers for Bed Bugs of 2023
Dealing with bed bugs can be incredibly stressful, but with some patience and a good plan, you can be rid of these bl...
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The Best Shower Tile Cleaners
A long, hot shower is one of life’s simple pleasures, and using an effective shower tile cleaner can contribute to th...
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How to Make Homemade Foaming Hand Soap
Did you know that we use about 10 percent less water when we wash our hands using foaming soap rather than liquid soa...
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The Best Robot Vacuums for Keeping Hardwood Floors Spotless, Tested
A quality robot vacuum for hard floors picks up dust and dirt from every corner of the room without scattering debris...
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14 Things You Absolutely Must Get Rid of if Your Home Floods
Some flood damage is immediately visible—cars, trash cans, and even trees swept away by strong currents. When the wat...
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11 Things You Didn’t Know Your Steam Cleaner Could Sanitize
Steam cleaners are among those interesting and oft-overlooked appliances that people have in a closet, but don’t nece...
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Everything You Need to Know About Hiring for Chimney Cleaning
While products like creosote logs help maintain a chimney, they’re no replacement for a chimney cleaning service. Chi...
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How to Clean Jewelry: 4 Methods to Try at Home
It’s easy to forget when you’re drooling over a glittering gold ring that you’ll need to know how to clean jewelry to...
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How to Clean Solar Panels: 9 Simple Steps to Maximize Solar Energy Production
Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a source of renewable energy. By absorbing sunlight, they create a c...
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How to Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
While you generally get what you pay for when it comes to apparel, a good pair of sneakers is probably going to cost ...
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How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
Highlights The typical range for chimney sweep costs is $130 to $380, with a national average of $255. Some of the ...
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Steamer vs. Iron: Which Laundry Tool Is Best for Your Household?
Iron vs. steamer is a very common debate. Most people know that both irons and steamers are heated tools that can hel...
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How To Clean Terra-Cotta Pots 
Literally meaning “baked earth,” terra-cotta is a reddish-brown unglazed clay that’s often used to create pots and pl...
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How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
Typical Range: $149 to $296 National Average: $213Whether you want to improve your home’s curb appeal or make the ...
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Roof Cleaning Costs: How To Budget for Roof Cleaning
Typical Range: $294 to $593 National Average: $433Depending on the type of roof you have, it will last anywhere be...
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Retiring? These 20 Essential Products Will Help You Take It Easy at Home
As you enter a new phase of life, make sure you’re equipped with items that will help keep you healthy, active, and ready for the next adventure.
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Bar Keepers Friend: This All-Purpose Cleaner Is the Secret to a Spotless Home
What was I thinking? When I replaced my brown porcelain kitchen sink with a white version, I had no idea that everyth...
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How To Clean a Dry Erase Board
Whiteboards have replaced blackboards in many classrooms and are also commonly used in workplaces and home offices. W...
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12 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Bar Keepers Friend
Though its effectiveness at cleaning pots and pans is widely celebrated, the multipurpose cleaning product is also handy in the garage, on the putting green, and ...
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How To Dry Clean at Home
While some items are best left to the professionals, there are plenty of items that are labeled as “dry clean only” t...
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How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?
Highlights The typical range for gutter cleaning costs is $119 to $228 with a national average of $163. The most si...
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The Best Pool Supplies
A backyard pool can be an invaluable asset, providing much-needed relief during those scorching months, but not if th...
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The 7 Best Fabric Protectors of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
High-quality furnishings can cost a pretty penny, so protecting your investment from everyday accidents is wise. Fabr...
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How To: Remove Hot Glue
A glue gun is a versatile tool that can bond just about any two items together. The adhesive strength is effective, b...
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How to Kill Fleas in Carpets and Area Rugs
Fleas are invasive, bloodsucking pests that, in addition to causing itchy sores on pets and people, can carry pathoge...
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The Best Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergents of 2023
Those with sensitive skin need a laundry detergent that does an excellent job without causing irritation. These days,...
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How Often Should You Get Your Septic Tank Pumped? The Answer, Explained
Q: I recently bought a new house, and it has a septic system. I don’t have any experience with septic tanks, and I’m ...
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5 Interior Car Detailing Tricks You Can Do at Home
Americans love to personalize cars. We give them names, decorate them, and even put eyelashes on them. In 2019, we sh...
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Clean Your Gutters a Cinch with The Gutter Cleaning Tool
When it comes to protecting your home’s foundation and keeping your basement dry, gutters play a vital role. Gutters ...
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Oh No! Here's How To Get Rid Of Cat Pee Smell In Your Home For A Freshly-Scented Sanctuary
All cat owners understand the struggle of maintaining a clean and fresh-scented home despite their furry ones sheddin...
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Solved! Why Is My Pool Green?
Q: I got home from work last night and couldn’t wait to get into my pool to soak away the day, but when I got to the ...
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The Best Roombas, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you’re looking to mop the floor or lift pet hair from the carpet, there are robot vacuum cleaners that help t...
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How To: Wash Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is popular for both bedsheets and clothing as well as home goods like outdoor cu...
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Solved! Can You Use Regular Liquid Dish Soap in a Dishwasher?
Q: I ran out of detergent pods for my dishwasher. Can I use dish soap in a dishwasher? A: This is a really good quest...
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Power Washing Services: Are They Worth Paying For?
Over time, the outside of your home can become weathered from outdoor elements, which can result in buildup of dirt, ...
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Is the Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Worth the Money?
I often wonder how I managed to clean stairs and corners with my bulky corded vacuum for so many years. Anyone who ha...
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I Tried the Popular Affresh Tablets to Clean My Smelly Washer—Do They Really Work?
A stinky washing machine can quickly put a damper on laundry day. Besides leaving a lingering smell on clothing, an o...
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The Best Central Vacuum System for a Whole-House Clean
Vacuuming an entire house is a completely different chore when compared to vacuuming an apartment. It can be a hassle...
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The Dos and Don'ts of French Drain Cleaning
A French drain can do wonders for a damp basement by keeping water from penetrating the foundation and soaking the sp...
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The Best Dishwashers Under $500 of 2023
A dishwasher is an excellent appliance to quickly and efficiently clean up after a big meal so that dirty dishes don’...
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How To: Wash a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets act as effective sleep aids, soothing anxiety, insomnia, and even some sensory disorders. In recent...
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Solved! What is Microban?
Q: Recently, I noticed that many products in the kitchen have the Microban symbol printed on the front or the back la...
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Chlorine Shortage Continues in 2022: What to Do Next
The Covid-19 pandemic made waves in the world of shipping and manufacturing, leading to shortages of appliances, lumb...
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Dishwasher vs. Hand Washing: When to Use Each Cleaning Method
When it comes to the debate between hand washing and using a dishwasher, it may surprise you to learn that there’s no...
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Amazon Prime Day 2021: The Dates and Deals You Need to Know
 Amazon is already known for its low prices, but the best deals of the year come on Prime Day, when the site drops pr...
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The Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Tested in 2023
When it comes to pressure-washing an area that’s exposed to foot and vehicle traffic, using a pressure washer wand ca...
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The Best Marble Sealers for a Smooth Finish
There’s nothing like the look of a marble shower in a bathroom or a marble countertop in a kitchen—unless, of course,...
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9 Handy Household Uses for Diatomaceous Earth
This naturally-occurring, affordable powder has a plethora of practical, eco-friendly uses.
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How To: Use a Swiffer to Clean Floors (and So Much More)
Swiffer Sweepers hit the market in 1999 and have become a staple in many homes around the world in the years since. W...
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The Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers to Protect Your Bed
Bed bug infestations are a pain in more ways than one. These pesky insects don’t just make your skin crawl; they feed...
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The Best Lint Rollers for Lint-Free Fabrics
Despite your efforts at vacuuming and dusting, it seems that lint, hair, and debris stubbornly cling to furniture, be...
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The Best Memorial Day Sales 2021: The Best Deals From The Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair and More That You Can Find Right Now
While many usually celebrate Memorial Day with a barbecue or parade, it’s also one of the best times to find deals on...
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8 Mistakes That are Marring Your Stainless Steel Appliances
Protect your stainless steel by avoiding these common cleaning missteps.
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The Best Above-Ground Pool Vacuums of 2023
Having a nice, cool pool to dive into on a hot day is a great benefit, but pool ownership comes with a list of mainte...
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11 Essential Cleaning Chores to Complete Before Showing Your House
Get your house looking its best before inviting potential buyers in for an open house or a private showing.
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The Best Cleaners for Glass Shower Doors
Soap scum, hard-water residue, and dirt can leave a layer of noticeable grime on glass shower doors, making it hard t...
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The Best Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine is commonly added to swimming pools and hot tubs to kill algae spores, bacteria, and small insects. Despite ...
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Boil Water Advisory 101: How to Safely Sanitize Water at Home During an Emergency
When a boil water advisory is announced, it can’t be ignored. These advisories mean that your local water source may ...
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The Best Natural Dishwasher Detergents for Streak-Free Dishes
Eco-friendly products are becoming more popular as consumers realize the damage that harsh chemicals can do to the en...
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The Best Fabric Shavers
The pilling starts, and suddenly, that perfect sweater looks perfect no more. Enter the fabric shaver, the rescuer ex...
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The Best Laundry Detergents for Odors and Musty Smells
Gym socks, work clothes, pet items—not to mention a pretty blouse after a stressful day—can hold on to odors, even af...
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The Best Car Waxes of 2022
There’s something eye-catching about a perfectly polished car or truck. The way the light hits the vehicle’s curves, ...
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The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners Tested in 2023
Steam cleaners use pressurized steam from heated water to clean both soft and hard surfaces. This method requires zer...
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The Best All-in-One Washer-Dryers for Your Home
If your home isn’t quite spacious enough to fit a separate washer and dryer or a stacked unit, an all-in-one washer-d...
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The Best Robot Vacuums for Carpet of 2023
For those that hate vacuuming carpets, let a robot vacuum help with this tedious chore. Robot vacuums automatically p...
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The Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners to Sanitize Your Home
Vacuuming and sweeping are important for keeping a home clean throughout a busy work week, but when you have the time...
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The Best Natural Laundry Detergents for Your Home
Making the switch to natural laundry detergent may be good for your health, your clothes, and the environment. The be...
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The Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet of 2023
Cozy shag carpets may look luxurious and feel soft on the feet, but their long and dense fibers are known for trappin...
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The Best Car Carpet Cleaners
Over time, the carpeting in your car collects dirt and dust and will likely suffer from unsightly stains. Having a ca...
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The Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets to Eliminate Odors and Stains, Tested
Carpet cleaners for pets are machines specially designed to clean those pesky stains and messes left by our furry fri...
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The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaner Machines for a Sparkling Home, Tested
Hardwood floors lend an aura of classic elegance to a home, adding to its real estate value. However, the job of keep...
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The Best Auto Glass Cleaners for Streak-Free Windows
Keeping your car windows crystal clear takes effort, but it does wonders for safety and style. Whether you’re attempt...
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The Best Dishwasher Detergents for Hard Water of 2023
Hard water has high mineral content that leaves a residue on appliances and surfaces. The same minerals that cause ha...
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The Best Dishwasher Rinse Aids
No matter how high-quality a dishwasher might be, the manufacturer usually recommends using a rinse aid. The best dis...
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The Best Laundry Detergents for Hard Water
Hard water can leave residue on laundry and make clothes, towels, and linens look dingy and feel rough to the touch. ...
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How To: Clean A Pizza Stone
A pizza stone turns homemade, ready-to-bake, and frozen pizzas into something special. A deliciously crisp crust—cook...
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7 Things to Know About Mattress Disposal
Today’s savvy consumers are replacing their mattresses more frequently, following industry guidance to buy a new matt...
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The Best Vacuum for Allergies of 2023
For indoor allergy sufferers, an effective vacuum is a key tool for managing symptoms. The best vacuum for allergies ...
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The Best Top-Loading Washing Machines of 2023
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine or dryer, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of differ...
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5 Chemicals You Can Cut from Your Cleaning Routine (and What to Use Instead)
When deep cleaning rises to the top of a chore list, a lot of potent products that haven’t been used in a while may b...
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A Cleaning Expert Debunks—or Validates—13 Myths Ahead of Your Spring Clean
The verdicts are in! Turns out, some of the most common cleaning and pest-control techniques simply don’t work.
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I Tried the Bissell CrossWave Wet/Dry Vacuum—Here’s the Dirt
Like so many others, I’ve spent a lot more time at home during the last year. To keep my space (and mind) free of clu...
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How to Get Oil Out of Clothes
When oil makes its way onto a favorite garment that isn’t possible to replace, you may feel desperate to find a clean...
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The Best Handheld Steam Cleaners Tested in 2023
A vacuum, mop, or broom works just fine for daily cleaning and upkeep, but handheld steam cleaners are more effective...
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Testing the 7 Best Vacuum Mop Combos for Spotless Floors
Cleaning floors is more than just sweeping or vacuuming. Experts recommend sweeping and mopping at least once a week ...
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How to Clean a Burnt Pot
Cleaning blackened, burned cookware doesn’t have to mean an arm-wearying afternoon of rigorous scouring. It doesn’t h...
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The Best Brooms to Keep Hardwood Floors Clean and Scratch-Free
Whether it’s an electric model or a traditional one, quick cleanup often starts (and ends) with a broom. Spilled crac...
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The Best Sponge Mops for Cleaning Your Floors
Unsightly dust, spills, and other messes can make home flooring dirty and unhygienic. For daily spills or weekly deep...
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The Best Washcloths for an All-Over Clean
Washcloths are taken for granted too often. These small squares of absorbent fabric stand ready to help bathe babies,...
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The Best Floor Scrubbers for Hard-To-Clean Messes, Tested
When a mop and bucket won’t cut it, consider a floor scrubber to get floors back to gleaming clean. The best floor sc...
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The Best Gas Pressure Washers of 2023
Gas pressure washer models can be much more effective than their electric counterparts on tough stains, cleaning larg...
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The Best Touchless Vacuums of 2023
The vacuum cleaner industry continues to introduce products that smooth the way to maintaining a neat and tidy space....
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The Best Mops for Laminate Floors of 2023
Regular cleaning can keep laminate floors clean and shining like new, but you’ll want to keep in mind an important ru...
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The Best Mops for Tile Floors, Tested and Reviewed
Mopping can be a tedious task, but the right mop can make the job easier. The best mop for tile floors gets floors cl...
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The Best Mops for Vinyl Floors Tested in 2023
Popular, budget-friendly vinyl flooring is attractive, comfortable underfoot, and holds up well to daily wear and tea...
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The Best Vacuum for Cleaning Laminate Floors Throughout Your Home
Laminate flooring is aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance, and strong. Regular vacuuming lifts dust, dirt, crumbs,...
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The Best Power Scrubbers Tested in 2023
Cleaning the bathroom, banishing grease and grime from car tires, and getting a heavily trafficked tile floor or ceme...
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The Best Vacuums for Thick Carpet of 2023
Thick carpets look luxurious and feel plush underfoot, but their long fibers can make them tough to clean. The wrong ...
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The Best Dustpan for Everyday Cleaning
Stray crumbs, pet hair, and other daily litter can leave floors a mess. To clean up dust and dry messes, reach for a ...
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The Best Laundry Pods for Efficient Cleaning
Laundry detergent pods can make washday less of a chore. These small, preportioned packs are simple to use, with no m...
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How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
Dirty windows or a streaky glass door are easy to notice and are easy to clean. Yet, cleaning windows and doors alway...
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Every Pet Parent Needs This $10 Cleaner
A dog's sense of smell is 40 times stronger than a human's. Cats do not smell as well as dogs, but it's still way mor...
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The Best Laundry Whiteners
Laundry whiteners, available in liquid, powder, or pod form, are a convenient add-on to the basic laundry routine. So...
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How To: Make a Homemade Deck Cleaner That Works Like a Charm
An outdoor deck sees lots of traffic. Muddy shoes, spilled food, and wet dogs can leave it dirty, stained, and smelly...
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The Best Lightweight Vacuums for Low-Effort Spotless Floors, Tested
A vacuum is a necessary household tool for cleaning hard floors and carpets, but many are heavy and difficult to mane...
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The Best Essential Oils for Cleaning Your Home
Essential oils, which are natural extracts that effectively capture the “essence” of a plant’s flavor or fragrance, o...
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The Best Flea Trap to Keep Your Home Pest Free
It's heartbreaking to watch your pets itch and scratch all day when they are infested with fleas. What’s even worse i...
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The Best Carpet Sweepers Tested in 2023
Before the vacuum cleaner was invented, people often used carpet sweepers. Though technology has rendered them almost...
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The Best Cat Litter Mat to Protect Your Floors
Having a cat can bring a lot of joy and companionship. And, unlike dogs, most cats take care of their business indoor...
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The Best Creosote Remover to Keep Your Chimney Clean
Creosote is a by-product of burning wood, coal, pellets, or oil, which create gases as they burn. These gases rise th...
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Got 10 Minutes? That’s All You Need to Tackle These 10 Decluttering Tasks
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but running short on time? Clear your space and your mind with these 10-minute decluttering tasks.
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9 Organizing Mistakes That Make Your House Messier
Sometimes organization can actually work against you. Here are nine common mistakes that turn “neat” into a problem.
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The Best Tile Cleaners to Keep Kitchens and Bathrooms Sparkling, Tested
Often found in kitchens and bathrooms, tile is waterproof, durable, relatively easy to clean, and attractive. Yes, yo...
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How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range for house cleaning is $90 to $600, with a national average of $170. House cleanin...
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The Best Bathroom Scrubber to Remove Tough Stains
Moisture, dirt, mildew, and soap residue can cause buildup and staining, making the bathroom one of the toughest room...
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Solved! What is Microfiber?
Q: Microfiber textiles have been growing in popularity, showing up in everything from cleaning cloths and mop heads t...
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The 5 Best Flea Foggers To Rid Your Home of Fleas
A flea fogger is a flea treatment that uses many active ingredients to create a lethal pesticide for the control of f...
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The Best All-Purpose Cleaners to Make Your Entire Home Sparkle, Tested
Versatile and effective, all-purpose cleaners save money by performing multiple cleaning functions. The best ones are...
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14 Handy Products That Help You Get By Without a Dishwasher
Turn dishwashing into relaxing downtime with the help of these useful products.
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10 Things You Can’t Clean With All-Purpose Cleaner
It turns out the term “all-purpose” is a bit deceptive.
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16 Must-Have Home Products for People with Allergies
Don’t suffer in silence; use these items to keep allergens at bay in your home.
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The Best Drain Hair Catches for Your Shower
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Most of that ...
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The Best Trash Bags for Your Waste Disposal Needs
Trash bags are one of those everyday items most people don’t notice—until they break, dumping trash on the kitchen fl...
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The Best Soap Dishes for Your Bar Soap
In an age of climate awareness, plastic-free products, from bamboo toothbrushes to simple bar soap, are increasingly ...
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10 Genius Inventions for Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever
While cleaning the bathroom may never become your favorite activity, these 10 ingenious products will make the chore a lot more tolerable.
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The Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair
Since the turn of this century, few household gadgets have advanced as quickly as the robot vacuum. These self-propel...
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The Best Dust Mops for Your Cleaning Routine
A quality dust mop is a household essential. Dust mops are traditionally made up of three parts: a metal handle, a pl...
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The Best Dyson Vacuums for High-Powered Home Cleaning
Since 1993, Dyson vacuums have been synonymous with cleaning power and effectiveness. Their innovation? Using centrif...
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10 Unusual Uses for Acetone at Home
It’s not just for nails; the acetone used in nail polish remover can effectively clean away many difficult-to-remove messes around your home.
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10 Things You Should Take Off Your Kitchen Countertops to Declutter
If you’re constantly struggling to find workspace on your countertops, it’s time to clear out!
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How To: Hand-Wash Clothes
Your washing machine can handle most of your dirty laundry, but there are times that call for doing the job by hand. ...
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The Best Rust Converters of 2023
Everything degrades over time; metal objects are usually the victims of rust. Fortunately, there are several ways to ...
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The Best Roof Cleaners
While most homeowners spend the majority of their time maintaining the ground-level features of their homes, the roof...
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10 Cleaning Chores You Should Be Doing Every Month
Feeling overwhelmed by housekeeping? The key to maintaining a neat and tidy house is to set—and keep to—a regular schedule. Taking care of these 10 chores every m...
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Why Every Home Needs at Least 1 Junk Drawer
There’s always that one drawer in the house that gets stuffed with items that don’t otherwise have a permanent home. ...
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The Best Bathtub Cleaners for Your Cleaning Caddy
Cleaning the bathroom is no fun. Perhaps most dreaded of all is the task of cleaning the bathtub. Straining over the ...
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The Best Screen Cleaners for Your Gadgets
Electronic screens get pretty grimy from day-to-day use. From greasy fingerprints to dust and dirt, our screens can c...
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The Best Ash Vacuums Tested in 2023
A crackling fire adds coziness and ambience, but the resulting ash cleanup is unpleasant. Traditional hearth cleaning...
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Buyer's Guide: The Best Kitchen Towels
Paper towels are among the most frequently used paper goods in North America. The Norwex Movement (an initiative led ...
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Testing the 7 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners for Spills and Stains
Vacuums might work well for removing dust and debris from rugs and carpets, but they won’t help with spills or stains...
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The Best Spin Mops Tested in 2023
Beyond traditional mops, spin mops are designed to take the “ick” factor out of wet mopping, eliminating the chore of...
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The Best Dishwashing Gloves for After-Dinner Cleanup
Dishwashing gloves are a lifesaver when it comes to after-dinner cleanup, especially when you want to protect your ha...
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The Best Dish Brushes for Cleanup
A hard-working and affordable dish brush is an essential addition to the kitchen. If you don’t have a regular or port...
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20 Household Items That Sold Out in 2020
At the beginning of the pandemic, it was essentials like hand sanitizer and toilet paper that sold out. But as the year progressed, unlikely items began flying of...
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The Best UV Light Sterilizers for Phones, Keys, and More
UV light sterilizers harness the power of UVC rays to kill microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. Portable U...
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The Best Dish Soap Dispensers for Any Kitchen Sink
A high-quality dish soap dispenser can make it easier to wash dishes and keep the kitchen sink area looking tidy. Whe...
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10 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed
It may seem like a great spot to keep items, but there are some things you should never store under your bed.
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The Best Window Squeegees of 2023
Windows seem to attract water spots, smudges, and smears, making the view outside look like a hazy mess. Immaculate w...
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The Best Vacuums for Stairs Tested in 2023
Vacuuming stairs regularly will help them look good while extending the lifespan of carpeting and runners. Between ri...
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The Best Wood Cleaners for Furniture, Floors, and More
The beauty of wood gives it a timeless appeal, and talented artisans produce both traditional and contemporary design...
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The Best Spray Bottles for Water, Cleaners, and More
Choosing the best spray bottle for household needs comes down to a few essential shopping considerations: the bottle'...
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The Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors of 2023
Your hardwood floors are an investment in your property, and it’s important to take care of them. Using the proper cl...
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The Best Brass Cleaners for Wiping Away Tarnish
The look and durability of brass has made it popular for generations. It’s in everything from jewelry and ornaments t...
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The Best Cordless Vacuums of 2023
Similar to the technological progression of printers, drills, and phones, the cordless revolution has pushed vacuum m...
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The Best Stovetop Cleaners
If you’ve ever cooked tomato sauce or fried chicken on your stovetop, then you’ve likely had to clean up the resultin...
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The Best HVAC Coil Cleaners for Yearly Maintenance
Your HVAC system helps keep you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For cooling, it uses two m...
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The Best Stainless Steel Cleaners, Tested and Reviewed
Stainless steel offers an attractive, durable surface that is resistant to both water damage and rust. But it can qui...
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The Best Mops for Wood Floors of 2023
Hardwood floors are a coveted classic for their diverse graining and beautiful colors that add richness and dimension...
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The Best Soap Scum Removers of 2023
When soap combines with hard water, it can leave a filmy, whitish residue in your tub, shower, and sink known as soap...
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Sweeping Success: The Best Vacuums for Tile Floors Tested in 2024
Tile floors are low maintenance, durable, and customizable. However, they can easily show dust and dirt, so finding t...
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The Best Paper Towels for Cleaning Up Your Messes
The Scott Paper Company introduced kitchen paper towels to the market in 1931, and they’ve since become an indispensa...
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The Best Steam Cleaners, Tested and Reviewed
Steam is a superior cleaning agent. It can be used on a variety of household surfaces, including carpets and upholste...
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The Best Carpet Shampoos for Deep Cleaning
Carpets can hold on to dirt and stains and become a hotbed for allergens and odors. Even if you vacuum weekly, over t...
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The Best Silver Polish for Restoring Shine
Don’t despair over those tarnished silver heirlooms you’ve discovered in your attic. A little silver polish is all yo...
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The Secret to Smudge-Free Glassware
Whether you’re having a couple of friends over for drinks or setting the table for a special family dinner, clean, sp...
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The Best Granite Sealers of 2023
Granite is an investment. It’s costly, and, in fact, it may be the most expensive feature in the kitchen or bathroom....
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The Best Floor Cleaners of 2023
Keeping hard floor surfaces looking their best is a matter of consistency. Whether it’s hardwood, vinyl, ceramic, sto...
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The Best Pet Stain Removers
Our dogs, cats, and other pets are part of the family, but they can make a mess on our floors or furniture. When they...
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The Best Concrete Cleaners
Some cleanup chores are tougher than others—and among the most challenging are oil stains on the driveway, paint spil...
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The Best Kitchen Cleaners of 2023
In the never-ending quest to keep kitchens clean and tidy, there’s a huge selection of cleansers on the market, inclu...
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The Best Carpet Deodorizers
Carpeting is soft, absorbent, and subjected to frequent use by adults, children, and even pets, so it's no wonder car...
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The Best Leather Cleaners of 2023
Leather is one of the most durable fabrics around, so it’s often found in both car interiors and home furnishings. Le...
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10 Cleaning Chores You Should Be Doing Every Week
Keep your home sparkling clean by putting these tasks on your weekly to-do list.
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12 Ways to Remove Odors from a Microwave
Microwaves are one of the most used kitchen appliances. From heating to cooking, they are a staple for people who don...
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The Best Litter Boxes for Cat Owners
When it comes to using the litter box, some cats are pickier than others. Finding the best litter box can be a challe...
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The Best Pool Pumps of 2023
A pool pump circulates chemicals through pool water and filters out impurities and cloudiness. With a quality pool pu...
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The Best Soap Dispensers for the Bathroom or Kitchen
Soap dispensers are containers designed to store and dispense liquid or foaming soaps using either a sensor function ...
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The Best Spray Mops for Cleaning the House
Spray mops provide the benefits of a traditional wet mop without the hassle. Because of their ease of use, they are t...
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The Best Microfiber Mops for Cleaning the House
Microfiber’s unique properties have changed the cleaning industry for the better, mops included. This fabric contains...
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The Best Dyson Black Friday Deals 2020: The Best Deals and Sales on Vacuums, Humidifiers, Hair Dryers, and More
Black Friday, which is just a couple of days away, traditionally marks the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, bu...
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The Best Dishwasher Black Friday Deals 2020: The Best Deals on Samsung, Maytag, Frigidaire, and More
With more people staying in and preparing meals at home, home kitchen appliances have gotten a workout during the COV...
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The Best Washer and Dryer Black Friday Deals 2020: The Best Deals and Sales on GE, LG, Samsung, and More
If you’re hoping to affordably upgrade your home before the end of the year, you’re in luck: Black Friday 2020 deals ...
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The Best Vacuum Black Friday Deals: The Best Deals and Sales on iRobot, Dyson, Shark, and More
While online Black Friday deals are exceptional year after year, 2020’s are bound to be out-of-this-world great: most...
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The Best Portable Dishwashers for the Kitchen
A portable dishwasher is a smaller, lighter, and more versatile unit than a full-size built-in dishwasher. While this...
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The Best Upright Vacuums, Tested and Reviewed
A quality vacuum cleaner keeps your house clean by removing dirt and debris from floors, furniture, and stairs. The l...
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Keep Hard-Water Stains at Bay With the 6 Best Shower Squeegees Tested in 2024
Fun to say and simple to use, squeegees are your shower’s best friend. By ridding your bathing area of excess moistur...
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31 Ways to Fake a Clean House
Use these 31 cleaning shortcuts to turn the grimiest estate into a prime estate in minutes.
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The Best Shark Vacuums Tested in 2023
When shopping for a new vacuum cleaner, the range of products from just one brand like Shark can be staggering, so we...
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The Best Drain Cleaners for Hair and Grime
With regular use, the drains in your home can become clogged with clumps of hair, causing drainage issues and unpleas...
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12 Surprising Things You Should Never Clean with Water
Wait! Before you fill up your cleaning bucket with good old H2O, think first about what you plan on cleaning. Though water may be your go-to for cleanup, it can d...
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The Best Electric Pressure Washers Tested in 2023
An electric pressure washer is an excellent piece of equipment because it produces dramatic cleaning results. It can ...
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11 Ultra Powerful Products That Cut Your Cleaning Time in Half
Save time without sacrificing cleanliness with these mighty cleaning products for the home. No stain, scum, or smell can handle the battle against them. As an add...
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The Best Laminate Floor Cleaners for Dirt, Spills, and Stains
Laminate flooring, a type of synthetic flooring crafted to simulate the look of wood or tile, has improved considerab...
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20 Crazy Cleaning Tips That Actually Work
You may have your allegiances to certain brands of cleaning products, but are they really getting the job done? If you have an especially tough cleaning problem t...
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10 Clever Ways to Use Baking Soda for Fresher Indoor Air
Erase odors the all-natural way, with these simple, effective recipes for freshening the air in every room of your home.
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The Best Vacuums to Remove Pet Hair From All Types of Surfaces
Many people who have pets enjoy the companionship but not the cleanup. It can be a challenge to rid your home of pet ...
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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 ta...
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The Best Gutter Cleaners Tested in 2023
If you don’t have gutter guards to prevent clogs from fallen leaves, cleaning your gutters is a necessary (and messy)...
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The Best Granite Cleaners for Spotless Countertops
As one of the most significant investments in a kitchen, a granite countertop is a critical part of regular home clea...
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The Best Laundry Baskets for the Home
If you’re loaded with laundry, you’re not alone. The typical American family does approximately 300 loads of laundry ...
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10 Homemade Carpet Cleaning Remedies
Pull out pesky stains with products you already have in the pantry, medicine cabinet, or cleaning closet.
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15 Things Every Pet Owner Needs for a Clean House
Keep your house stocked with these cleaning supplies and accessories to keep the pet hair and odors under control.
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Make Your Home Less Chaotic With These 12 Simple Changes
Don’t let clutter and disorganization take charge of your home. These easy tips will help you bring the chaos under control.
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The Best Shower Cleaners for a Squeaky-Clean Bathroom
A clean shower not only keeps your bathroom looking and smelling lovely, but it also helps you and other members of y...
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10 Genius Gadgets to Bring on Your Next Road Trip
Don't leave for your next road trip without these cool gadgets that you can plug into your car.
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10 Electric Leaf Blowers Work Great Without Gas
Leaf blowers make it a breeze to clean up fallen foliage and other small debris, eliminating the back-straining work ...
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The 10 Best Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers for Making Yard Work Easier
While the striking colors of turning leaves may look nice, after the leaves drop, they make a mess in your yard. Inst...
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The Best Mold Removers of 2023
Finding mold spores or growth in a dark, damp space for the first time can be harrowing, especially if you already kn...
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The Best Mattress Pads of 2023
Mattress pads are not a bedroom essential, but many people find these accessories very useful. Their primary purpose ...
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The Best Washing Machines for Your Dirty Laundry
A quality washing machine should last at least 10 years, but many things happen to a brand’s technology over the cour...
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The Best Hand Soaps for a Healthy Home
Hand-washing with soap and water is a basic daily routine for most. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC...
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The Best Pool Vacuums of 2023
Pool ownership is a popular dream, but pools can be tough to maintain. Fortunately, aquatics aficionados can keep the...
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15 Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro
It’s Saturday morning and you’re in a hurry to finish the cleaning chores so you can get on with your weekend. Pro cleaning techniques will help get your house sp...
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The Best Canister Vacuums of 2023
Vacuum cleaners are trading power and capacity for convenience. But if a small vacuum won’t cut it for house cleaning...
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The Best Expandable Hoses Tested in 2023
Expandable hoses are self-draining kink- and twist-resistant alternatives to standard garden hoses. They weigh far le...
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10 Housekeeping Habits of Happy People
Believe it or not, it’s possible to keep up with the cleaning and be a happy, balanced person. How do they do it? Here are 10 housekeeping habits that happy peopl...
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10 Mistakes to Avoid While Using Disinfectant
Banish viruses and bacteria while keeping your home and family safe from exposure to chemical hazards.
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Wipe Out Pet Hair With the Best Cordless Vacuums
Today’s cordless vacuums are lightweight, take up less storage space than traditional plug-in vacuums, and can clean ...
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The Best Dishwasher Detergents to Add Sparkle to Your Dishes
It’s important to not only thoroughly clean your dishes but to also protect your dishwasher. To do so, you want to ch...
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The Best Toilet Brushes for the Bathroom
Finding the best toilet brush can make cleaning a little easier. The best brushes also help make your bathroom a more...
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The Best Ironing Boards for Your Laundry Room
Whether you love to press clothes or not, an ironing board makes the chore much easier. Ironing directly onto a table...
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The Best Septic Tank Treatments of 2023
Septic tanks bring wastewater from the home into a tank, where active bacteria dissolves and consumes waste, effectiv...
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The 8 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for Easy Maintenance, Tested
Few people enjoy vacuuming their swimming pool, but it’s an important maintenance task that limits the growth of alga...
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The Best Leather Repair Kits of 2023
When your leather furniture gets damaged, instead of replacing it, you would probably prefer to repair it. You could ...
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The Best Moisture Meters Tested in 2023
Moisture meters can test the moisture content of many different materials, including drywall, paneling, and wood stud...
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The Best Mattress Protectors to Extend Your Bed’s Life
Mattresses are a major financial investment that can make sleep more comfortable, so you’ll want them to last for yea...
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9 Ways You’re Ruining Your Mattress
Quality mattresses don't come cheap. Follow these mattress care tips to make sure yours stays comfy for years to come.
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10 Things Sanitation Workers Wish You Knew
Their work shifts start in the wee hours of the morning, long before most people are awake, and their jobs are far from easy. Every day, sanitation workers have t...
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The Best Carpet Cleaners
Carpeting can hold a whopping four times its weight in dirt and even the best vacuum can only penetrate so far, leavi...
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11 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Kitchen Sponge
Is your trusty kitchen sponge doing more harm than good? Find out if it’s time to toss it.
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15 Things You Should Never, Ever Clean With Vinegar
Vinegar is an eco-friendly, nontoxic choice for many cleaning tasks, but can actually damage many things in the home. Keep vinegar far away from the following sur...
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The Best Steam Mops Tested in 2023
Many steam mop manufacturers promise their products will get floors squeaky clean, so we put them to the test. We spe...
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25 Things Your Local Thrift Store Doesn’t Want You to Donate
You have the best intentions, but just because you don't want these things anymore doesn't necessarily mean they should be donated to the thrift store. Find out w...
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The Best Sponges for Your Household
Sponges are an ancient solution to everyday cleaning and hygiene needs. The Greeks and Romans used sea sponges—real l...
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The Best Mops of 2023
Your flooring is the largest surface area in your home and, not least because it gets walked on every day, it's a sur...
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The Best Natural Cleaning Products, Tested and Reviewed
Going “all-natural” to protect your family while cleaning your home is a noble goal—one that’s not always easy to ach...
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12 Smart Dish Washing Hacks No One Ever Taught You
Follow these tips and tricks to speed through those dishes piling up in your sink.
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The Best Stain Remover for Dirty Laundry
Stain removers and laundry detergent aren’t the same thing, although they work hand in hand.  The best laundry deterg...
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Here Are The Best Rotary Tools We Tested for Drilling, Sanding, Cutting, and More
No workbench is complete without at least one rotary tool. These amazing devices are capable of drilling, sanding, cu...
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The Best Furniture Polish, Tested and Reviewed
Furniture polishes are substances you apply to wooden home accents and accessories ranging from chairs to dressers to...
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The Best Detergents for Laundry Day
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the selection of products claiming stain-removing, odor-busting, laundry-cleaning powe...
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12 Surprising Ways Spring Cleaning Can Backfire
Your spring cleaning list will only get longer if you make these all-too-common cleaning mistakes.
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30 Lazy Cleaning Tricks for a Spotless Home
Who knew that wearing silly slippers could keep your floors clean? With these fun and easy cleaning hacks, housework will take half the time it used to.
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The Best Carpet Stain Removers, Tested and Reviewed
Carpet lends comfort, warmth, and beauty to a home, but it can hold on to common spills and soils with more tenacity ...
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The Best Grill Brushes of 2023
When the weather is great and cookout fans are calling, the last thing you may want to worry about is whether your gr...
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Top Tips for Keeping Countertops Like New
Maintaining your countertops may require more than a simple cleaning. Here are top tips for maintaining every material.
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The Best Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning
With cleaning an ever-pressing priority for us all, how can we better protect ourselves from germs, pollen, dander, d...
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The 30 Easiest Organizing Tasks Ever
Don't let the idea of organizing the house overwhelm you. Clear clutter and tidy things up with these home organization ideas for every corner of the house.
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15 Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes
Believe it or not, there are right and wrong ways to clean the house. Check out what cleaning mistakes you might be making and how to fix them.
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The Best Grill Cleaners, Tested and Reviewed
When sunny skies and warm weather call for cookouts, your grill can quickly get gunked up with grease, fat, sauce, an...
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The Best Brooms for Household Chores
One of the most relied-upon household cleaning tools is also one of the simplest. The first brooms were nothing more ...
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5 Fixes for Mold in Hiding in Your Washing Machine
Over time, the moisture inside the washing machine can get trapped in hard to reach places and can easily become a gr...
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7 Natural Disinfectants You Probably Already Own
Try a few of these great alternatives to harsh, potentially toxic cleaning agents.
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12 Ways You're Accidentally Spreading Germs Around Your House
Even though you try to keep a clean house, you might be spreading germs around without even realizing it. Prevent germs from proliferating throughout your home by...
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Solved! The Shelf Life of Bleach
Q: I like to use a bleach mixture to clean and disinfect around my home, but lately I’ve noticed the unused portion i...
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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.
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The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting, Explained
There’s no better time than spring to clean a house from top to bottom. Clearing away the dust, dirt, and crumbs that...
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The Best Deck Cleaners Tested in 2023
Outdoor decks are favorite spots for entertaining and relaxing, but like all exterior surfaces, they eventually get d...
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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.
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12 Jobs to Do Around the House Instead of Going to the Gym
Get motivated and get moving with household tasks that burn calories, tone muscles, and boost mental health.
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How to Clean Windows
Even when the sun is shining, you may not get the maximum amount of natural light in your home if your windows are co...
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The 14 Surfaces You Should Be Sanitizing More Often
Scrubbing your hands with soap and water is the first line of defense against pathogens. But what about all the other surfaces in your home?
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The Best Grout Cleaners Tested in 2023
Grout isn’t something we usually notice until it becomes grimy, dark, or dingy. However, with the right cleaner, it’s...
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The Best Disinfectant Sprays of 2023
Harmful bacteria can multiply in the home at an alarming rate, which may place family members at a higher risk of ill...
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8 Things You Can Clean With a Pressure Washer
There are few things more satisfying than watching a pressure washer blast away built-up grime and debris from outdoor surfaces—in fact, it can be downright sooth...
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8 Safety Tips for Disinfecting with Bleach
Sodium hypochlorite—more commonly known as “chlorine bleach” or just “bleach”—is often used as a laundry additive for...
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The Best Robot Vacuums Tested in 2023
The advent of robot vacuums heralded a new era of more convenient carpet and hard floor cleaning. Robot vacuums have ...
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Why Is My House So Dusty? 8 Common Culprits–and What to Do About Them
Q: I pride myself on keeping a tidy home, but I can’t seem to get a handle on the dust. It seems like a layer of dust...
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The Best Leaf Vacuums Tested in 2023
Though broadly related to leaf blowers, leaf vacuums operate in the opposite direction. While leaf blowers disperse l...
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The Best Glass Cleaners, Tested and Reviewed
Cleaning glass is an easy housekeeping chore to skip—that is, until all you see are streaks of grime, islands of dust...
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The Best Pressure Washers Tested in 2023
Nothing says “clean” like a thorough pressure-washing. Decks, driveways, patio furniture, and window shutters—they al...
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15 Things You're Holding On To That You'll Probably Never Use
Kick these items to the curb to cut clutter and make way for new things you really need.
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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.
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The Best Rust Removers
When elbow grease fails to remove rust, it's time to reach for a rust remover. But with so many on the market, each w...
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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 ...
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The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Throne Tested and Approved
Upholding basic sanitary practices to ensure the health of your home calls for regular toilet bowl cleaning. While th...
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10 Times You Should Never Use a Clorox Wipe
Disinfecting surfaces doesn't get any easier than using one of these convenient wipes, read this first before you get carried away and accidentally damage a surface.
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12 Ways to Clean Your Home While You Sleep
When you’re trying to squeeze as many tasks as you can into a 24-hour period, cleaning can take a backseat. Get the most out of your time by trying these cleaning...
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The Best HEPA Vacuums of 2023
Anyone looking to reduce dust, pet dander, and other indoor allergens will want to consider using a vacuum equipped w...
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The Best Robot Mops for Effortlessly Clean Floors, Tested
Tired of making a mess and causing back strain by cleaning floors with a conventional mop and a bucket? Consider outs...
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The Top 10 Germiest Spots in Your Home, According to Science
You already take extra precautions to avoid germs in public, but what about at home? These 10 common areas in your house are secretly gross and need to be cleaned.
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The Best Handheld Vacuums, Tested and Reviewed
A handheld vacuum is often great to quickly clean up common messes like broken glass, pet hair, and cookie crumbs. Th...
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The Best Oven Cleaners of 2023
To keep a kitchen running smoothly, cleaning kitchen appliances like ovens is a vital chore. Trying to scrape away ro...
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Why Do We Clean in the Spring?
Open your windows and shake out the dust—but be careful not to sweep away good luck. Learn the reasons, rituals, and resolutions that underlie the tradition of sp...
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The Best Dusters to Clean Every Corner of Your Home
Getting rid of household dust—those pesky fine particles composed of plant pollen, human and animal dander, environme...
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Here's How Often You Should Launder Every Item in Your Home
You already have a routine for washing dirty clothes—just toss them in the hamper and run a load when enough have accumulated. You may not, however, have a routin...
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The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners for the Home Exterior
Vinyl often trumps siding types like wood, aluminum, or fiber cement for its low maintenance and affordable attractiv...
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15 Cleaners That Can Do the Most Damage
These trusty cleaning products might do a good job getting rid of stains, dirt, and germs, but it's important to know about their damaging effects on your house a...
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11 Ways to Flu-Proof Your Home
Keep your household healthy during flu season by incorporating these tips these best practices at home.
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13 Brands That Are Changing the Way We Clean
Learn about the homegrown brands and family-inspired businesses that are transforming how we clean – from the inside out.
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The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums for Your Home and Workspace, Tested
Workshop and DIY projects create piles of sawdust, sanding dust, and all sorts of tiny bits of debris that add to gen...
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The Best Drain Cleaners of 2023
Nothing slows you down like a clogged sink, shower, tub, or toilet. The first step should always be to plunge the dra...
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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.
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The 9 Best Stick Vacuums You Can Get in 2023, Tested
Thanks to its smaller motor, a stick vacuum is thinner and far more lightweight than its upright and canister cousins...
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The Best Bathroom Cleaners for Different Surfaces
Bathroom showers, tubs, and countertops collect soap scum. Toilets gather grime and bacteria. Tiled surfaces can fall...
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The Best Grout Sealers
Applying a high-quality, long-lasting grout sealer is one of the best ways to protect tile installations from water, ...
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15 Home Improvements That Can't Wait Until Spring
It may be easier to take on home maintenance projects when the weather is sunny and warm, but you can still get plenty of things done during the winter when you’r...
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20 Chores You Only Have to Tackle Once This Year
Once you cross off these household tasks from your to-do list, you can forget about them until next year.
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The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners of 2023
Hardwood flooring gets acclaim for its natural beauty, but it requires varying degrees of attention to maintain its g...
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5 Ways to Remove Rust From Metal Using Kitchen Ingredients
Rust is a common household enemy, rearing its ugly orange-brown head anywhere from the kitchen utensil drawer to the ...
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How To: Dispose of Paint
No matter what you're painting—your home's exterior, the living room, or the furniture you recently bought secondhand...
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Solved! What Is Trisodium Phosphate, and Is it Safe to Use?
Q: My wife and I recently bought a fixer-upper home, and are doing a lot of the repairs ourselves. Some of the projec...
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10 Sober Alternative Uses for Alcohol at Home
It's the perfect accompaniment for an exquisite meal and close friends, but drink too much of it, and you may find yourself slipping and stumbling into a heap of ...
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7 Reasons to Be a No-Shoes House
No-shoes households sometimes get a bad rap. But the science behind shoe removal is too compelling to be ignored. So, stop judging yourself for asking guests to r...
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Which Cleans Better? Liquid vs. Powder Detergent
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it! And if you’re the one on laundry duty, you’ll want some serious deterg...
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How to Clean a Humidifier
A hardworking room humidifier is a lifesaver during the dry, cold months of winter. Its dedicated function—adding moi...
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The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors
It's always a challenge to clean shower doors of the hard water stains and soap scum that lingers after a wash, but y...
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The 12 Best Tools Powered by Batteries
Don't let tangled cords get in the way of your home projects. These innovative tools help you get the job done all while running on battery power.
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Solved! What’s Up with the Musty Smell in My Basement?
Q: Lately, I notice a musty smell whenever I go into my basement. What’s causing the odor and most how do I get rid o...
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5 Garage Makeovers That Will Inspire Your Own
Check out these amazing before-and-afters to inspire you to get your own garage interior organized and looking great.
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How to Clean Battery Corrosion in 4 Steps
 Batteries—particularly the alkaline kind—can leak over time, and when they leak inside an electronic device, they ca...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Patio Furniture
Keep your outdoor oasis in top shape this season with these patio furniture cleaning tips.
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11 Mistakes Most People Make with a Power Washer
Power-washing is not a mysterious process, but if it’s done improperly, it can do serious damage. On your next power-washing project, be sure to avoid these commo...
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10 Reasons You May Only Need a Handheld Vacuum
Chances are, the last time you vacuumed you probably used an upright, canister, or stick vacuum. These were most likely also the types of vacuums that sat in your...
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35 Tips for Easy Cleanup After Every DIY Project
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a bucket list of repairs, maintenance tasks, or DIY projects you’d like to tackle around the house one of these ...
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12 Times Goo Gone Saves the Day
DIYers looking for that perfect go-to gunk, glop, spill, and stain remover for the home, laundry, workshop, and garage need look no further than Goo Gone, an amaz...
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12 Big Mistakes That Lead to Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are types of fungus that thrive in moist, warm areas both inside and outside your home. Although most of these annoying fungi aren’t directly harm...
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The Dark, Dirty Truth About Household Mold (And How to Rid Yourself of It)
There are few homeowner problems more terrifying than mold. While thousands of molds are part of the natural environment, ghastly examples of it can be lurking in...
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Solved! How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your House
Q: I recently inherited a beautiful chair from my grandparents. Unfortunately, they were heavy smokers, and the cigar...
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8 Cleaning Products That Professionals Swear By
Getting ready to give your house a deep cleaning? From the shower to stove to the dusty corners in between, you'll need the right supplies to fight dirt and grime...
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Bob Vila's Guide to Cleaning Your Car
When spring temperatures hit and winter has finally churned out its last storm, it’s likely that your car could use a little care and attention. After all, car cl...
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12 Places in Your Kitchen Where Mold Could Be Hiding
Kitchens are supposed to be spaces for creating delicious meals and memories, not breeding grounds for mold. But because kitchens have a lot of moisture, they off...
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30 Ways to Spring Clean Your Whole House—Naturally
There's no better time than spring to give your home some serious deep cleaning. It's finally warm enough to wash your windows without freezing them shut, and now...
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Solved! Does Baking Soda Really Deodorize the Fridge?
Q: I need a quick fix for my refrigerator’s funky smell. Will a box of baking soda in the fridge really get rid of th...
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How To: Clean an Area Rug
For many of us, area rugs are a significant investment in decor. They warm up and add color to our rooms. They provid...
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How to Clean Paint Brushes The Right Way
 After completing a big painting project, you may be tempted to plop down to rest and leave the cleanup until later. ...
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Solved! What to Do When Your Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning
Q: My dishwasher is only two years old, and until recently, it’s done a great job. For the past month or so, it’s bee...
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How To: Clean Stainless Steel
Gleaming and shiny, stainless steel brings a bright and polished air to any kitchen. Keeping that brilliant sheen, ho...
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10 Retro Home Products That Are Roaring Back into Style
Every generation has a tendency to recycle trends and styles from the past. For some its rediscovering favorites of yesteryear, while for others it’s an introduct...
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8 Things You Need If You Hate Doing Laundry
Laundry: You don't have to love doing it, but it needs to get done somehow. If you need a little coaxing to gear yourself up for laundry day, take a look at some ...
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20 Clever Household Uses for Lemons
Nature’s supreme source of sour is capable of far more than adding a delightful tartness to your favorite foods. Slice up a few lemons and give these practical ho...
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Solved! How Often You Should Actually Be Vacuuming
Q: I only vacuum my floors when I notice them looking dingy. How often should you vacuum?A: Interior designers and hy...
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8 Ways to Clean Stained Grout
Tile is beautiful, durable, and generally easy to clean, but cleaning grout? That’s a different story. Because it’s t...
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5 Things to Know Before Cleaning Your Home's Air Ducts
If your goal is indoor air that’s as fresh and healthy as possible, you may think about hiring a firm to clean your h...
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The Best Paint Strippers, Tested and Reviewed
Paint prep is a necessary but sometimes tedious step. On a piece of furniture with only a few isolated peeling patche...
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The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
Most of us spend the majority of our kitchen cleaning time focusing on the big three—sink, counters, and floors. It's...
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23 Brilliant Hacks to Help You Weather Winter
Preparing for winter doesn’t have to be a chore! Read on for 23 fun and fast DIY ways to keep your home warm and weatherproof, no matter what the season brings.
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The Right Way to Wash Your Towels
Tossing soiled towels in with the rest of the wash won’t get them as clean and fresh as possible because stains, germ...
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How To: Clean Wallpaper
Is your wallpaper looking a little tired? Over time, dust and moisture can discolor, leaving papered walls dingier th...
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14 Things to Do with Olive Oil Besides Cook
Olive oil is most commonly thought of as a kitchen staple, but for thousands of years it's also been used for all sorts of things that have nothing to do with foo...
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How To: Clean with Mineral Spirits—and Why You Should
Commonly used as paint thinner, mineral spirits—an inexpensive petroleum distillate—is also a versatile cleaner. Whil...
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How To: Clean a Porcelain Sink
Maintaining a spotless porcelain sink will add charm and luster to your bathroom or kitchen—not to mention value to y...
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Solved! How to Freshen Up a Smelly Fridge
Q: Every time I open the fridge, I get a whiff of sourness that I can’t identify. I’ve already cleaned out all the ol...
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Never Combine Bleach and Vinegar When Cleaning—Here’s Why
Heavy-duty dirt, grime, mildew, and mold accumulations call for powerful household cleaners. And chances are you have...
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14 Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Fall
As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter come...
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How to Clean an Electric Oven
Avid home cooks put their ovens into overdrive not just during the holidays, but year-round. Inevitably, what doesn’t...
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The Recycling Symbols Every Responsible Homeowner Should Know
Want to recycle more, but don't know what—and what not—to toss in the green bin? Recycling symbols have been imprinte...
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The Best Appliances You Can Buy at Bed Bath & Beyond
You probably get their coupons in the mail but when is the last time you took a good look at the offerings at Bed Bath & Beyond. As the name suggests, this popula...
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How To: Polish Marble
Marble—a white or uniquely variegated type of limestone that has been exposed to extreme heat and pressure—has a long...
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How to Make a Homemade Degreaser to Conquer Kitchen Grime
Defy the sticking power of grease kicked up from cooking by making your own degreaser at home. Cooking oil can cling ...
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Clear the Air: 10 Natural Ways to Cure Household Odors
Pull the clothespin off your nose and instead try these 10 common household items to deodorize every nook and cranny of your abode.
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You Never Knew These 12 Common Items Can Expire
While the food industry has done a pretty good job of educating the public about “use by” dates on perishables, there are many other common items around your home...
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14 Things You Didn't Know Your Microwave Can Do
Your microwave is amazing for many reasons: It speeds up cooking, it reheats your favorite leftovers—and let’s not forget about all that instant popcorn! But this...
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10 Times Boiling Water Can Help Around the House
Water is everywhere around us, and in most of the United States it's so safe and plentiful that we often take it for granted as we use it to drink, cook, clean, b...
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5 Ways to Remove Rust Stains with Common Pantry Staples
You might recall from Chemistry 101 that only iron or iron alloys like steel can form rust when exposed to oxygen and...
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Solved! What to Do About Mold in the Air Conditioner
Q: There’s been a mysterious, slightly moldy smell in my home all summer, and this morning, when our window air condi...
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How To: Remove Concrete Stains
Concrete driveways, patios, and garage floors may take a beating, but that doesn’t mean they must show the signs. Whi...
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How To: Clean Bronze
Durable and resistant to water corrosion, bronze has a lovely, warm glow shown off to perfection when crafted into je...
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The Best Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
Longevity and luster make stainless steel a popular choice material for appliances, countertops, and other fixtures. ...
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Mold on Walls? The Key to Permanent Removal Is Knowing Where It Hides
Q: Ugh! I’ve recently discovered gross patches of mold on the walls in my bathroom. Is it dangerous? How do I get rid...
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8 Foolproof Places to Find Extra Storage Space at Home
No matter the size of your house or how many closets it has, at some point you're going to wonder in exasperation, “Where can I put this?” Fortunately, with a lit...
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8 Dirty Secrets Your Carpet May Be Keeping from You
The joys of carpeting are many: It’s undeniably the softest, most comfortable type of flooring, it muffles sound, and it helps insulate rooms from temperature swi...
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7 Easy Ways to Make Your Next DIY Project Less Messy
Let’s face it: Some projects can be downright messy. In fact, you've probably scrubbed up after a few particularly dirty ones yourself! But if you’re spending as ...
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9 Products You Will Love If You Hate Cleaning
Nothing spoils a lazy Saturday like a list full of chores. The only way to avoid a weekend cleaning spree is to space out the work and tidy up throughout the week...
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How To: Remove Grout Haze
If you notice a cloudiness suddenly appear across your tiled surfaces only days after a bathroom renovation, it's pro...
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Would Your Kitchen Pass a Restaurant Health Inspection?
You may think you keep a clean kitchen, but all of those nooks, crannies, and corners are perfect hiding places for bacteria and other nasty bugs. Even some seemi...
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How to Polish Wood Floors
Think about the beating your wood floors endure on a daily basis: high heels, pet nails, children’s toys, and shiftin...
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Swedish Death Cleaning: What It Is, and Why You Should Really Start Now
My late mother did something in the mid-’80s that horrified me and my four siblings: She set all of her china, crysta...
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Solved! How to Get Rid of Pink Mold in the Shower for Good
 Q: As I was cleaning my bathroom the other day, I saw that there was pink mold in shower grout that I had never seen...
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12 Things to Toss ASAP When You Clean Out Your Garage
For many people, the garage is a black hole. Rarely used belongings disappear into its dark depths, and homeowners completely forget about them—that is, until spr...
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These Are the Only 9 Cleaning Supplies You Really Need This Spring
The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. And spring cleaning season is officially here! Banish the dust and grime that have accumulated in your home this winte...
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How to Clean Stove Drip Pans Using Products You Already Have in Your Kitchen
Kitchen surfaces are bound to get messy from meal prep, but arguably none more than your stovetop. Take a good look a...
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8 Ways to Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom
Plagued by excess moisture and lack of ventilation, bathrooms are especially susceptible to mildew. The fungus typically appears on walls, tile, or grout, and it ...
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14 Surprising Places Where Mold Hides in the Home
One of the most common living organisms in the world may have taken up residence in your home, and you may not even know it. Mold—the common name for thousands of...
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The 7 Weirdest Things That Can Clean Your Laundry
How well stocked is your laundry room shelf? If you're only reaching for bleach, detergent, and fabric softener when you do the wash, it might be time to expand y...
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How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
Dishwashers have a filter located under the bottom rack that traps food particles and other debris that comes off of ...
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Solved! How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Q: I take daily showers and don’t snack in bed, so I don’t think my sheets ever get that dirty. Still, I wonder if I’...
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How To: Remove Epoxy
Epoxy is a heavy-duty bonding adhesive that comes in handy in many different repair projects, from fixing wobbly furn...
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How To: Clean a Stone Fireplace
Dust and dirt may go undetected on the lighter patina of stone fireplaces compared with brick, but your fireplace mus...
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The 8 Easiest Ways to Eliminate Bathroom Odor
Is your bathroom plagued with lingering odors? Freshen up the space and create a welcoming atmosphere with these eight tricks.
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Why Didn't I Think of That? 18 Clever Tricks to Simplify Your Life
We get it. Life can be hard. The to-do list never ends, no task is without complication, and of course, there is never enough money. But fortunately, some of the ...
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How To: Clean a Popcorn Ceiling
If you live in a house that’s more than a few decades old, you likely have popcorn ceilings, which rose in popularity...
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How to: Clean a Fish Tank
Generally speaking, aquarium fish make great low-maintenance pets with minimal needs for attention and cleaning—perfe...
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All You Need to Know About Walk-in Showers
Converting an old bathtub to a walk-in shower—be it a prefab unit or custom job—is high on many a homeowner’s remodel...
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How To: Clean Silver Plate
Silver plate platters, tea sets, and flatware—typically made of copper, brass, or nickel and topped with a thin layer...
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How to Clean Granite Countertops
In many people’s minds, granite symbolizes strength and resilience. But if you want to know how to clean granite coun...
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How to Clean a Waffle Maker
While it’s no one’s favorite chore, cleaning a waffle maker thoroughly after each use is definitely best practice. If...
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How To: Remove Rust from Chrome
Manufacturers add chrome plating to their products to give them a mirror-like finish that says, “I’m high-class. ” As...
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How To: Remove Grease From Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets, thanks to their close proximity to the stovetop, are natural hotspots for grease. Ideally, you’re c...
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Solved! What to Do When Your Oven Is Smoking
Q: Over the last few days, my oven has been giving off smoke while in use but is working normally otherwise. Why is i...
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How to Use the Self-Cleaning Mode on Your Oven
Self-cleaning features on ovens, which can be confusing and even controversial, were developed in the early 1960s for...
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How To: Clean Mattress Stains
A good mattress is a big-ticket purchase, but stains—from bodily fluids to breakfast-in-bed accidents—are often inevi...
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How To: Make Your Own All-Natural Granite Cleaner
Homeowners gush over granite for kitchen counters, bathroom vanity tops, and other surfaces for its ability to handle...
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Solved! What to Do About a Stinky Sink
Q: There's a rancid scent in my kitchen that makes meal prep and cleanup miserable—and I've traced it to my stinky si...
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How to Clean a Dishwasher
At first, the idea of cleaning a dishwasher, an appliance that fills with suds and water on an almost daily basis, ma...
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How to Clean a Toilet Tank
You may think that your bathroom is sparkling clean: The faucets gleam, the room smells fresh, and you’ve diligently ...
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How To: Remove Duct Tape Residue
A roll of duct tape can be found in almost every toolbox in the world, thanks to its versatility, accessibility, and ...
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14 Things Never to Buy in Bulk
Bulk shopping seems like it should be a surefire way to save money, but buyer beware: Bigger isn't always better. In an effort to pinch pennies or cut down on the...
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How To: Make Your Own Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Whether newly installed or more than a hundred years old, hardwood floors are a striking feature in many homes. Wood ...
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How To: Dispose of Cooking Oil
Love cooking those French fries, donuts, and other delicious treats but stumped by what to do with the oil when you’r...
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How to Clean Cookie Sheets
There’s nothing quite as comforting as whipping up a batch of cookies. Once the fun is over, sometimes you’re left wi...
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How To: Remove Spray Paint
Do-it-yourselfers love spray paint as a fast, fun way to complete projects or breathe new life into tired décor. Acci...
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10 Smart Ways to Use Ammonia
Ammonia is pretty amazing! As a gas, this hydrogen and nitrogen chemical compound is pungent and dangerous. But the d...
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10 Reasons You Shouldn't Toss Silica Gel Packets
Almost everyone has come across silica gel packets—those little white desiccant-filled bags that absorb moisture in shoe boxes, vitamin bottles, and bags of jerky...
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Cult Favorites: 9 Top-Rated Amazon Products That Homeowners Swear By
Online shopping is the way of the world—but some online purchases still elicit hesitation: Just what can you expect when that package arrives at your door? Even i...
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How To: Clean Marble Floors
There’s nothing more elegant than marble, a timeless material available in a variety of colors and veining styles tha...
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How To: Wash an Electric Blanket
Cleaning an electric blanket can seem intimidating, even hazardous. Mixing water with electricity? No, thank you. But...
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Suck It Up: 11 Vacuum Attachments You Should Own (and How to Use Them)
Those brushes and doohickeys that you hook up to your vac: What do they do, and how well do they work? These must-have accessories will get every nook and cranny ...
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11 Totally Unexpected Uses for Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid is a summertime staple in many American households. But did you know that this drink mix can do more than satisfy your thirst? Here are 11 surprising rea...
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12 Secret Uses for Dr. Bronner's Soap
By now maybe you've seen Dr. Bronner's Castile soap in the personal hygiene aisle at your local grocery or health food store. While Castile soap isn't new—it's be...
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How To: Remove Ink from Leather
Leather goods are investment pieces that require delicate care, which is why it’s frustrating when they get stained w...
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How To: Clean Refrigerator Coils
The refrigerator is arguably the most important major appliance in the kitchen, and it’s often the most expensive one...
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3 Steps to Remove Mildew from Your Home Exterior
This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Are mildew stre...
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15 Genius Tricks for Keeping Your Car Clean
Whether you drive a family-friendly SUV, an oh-so-professional sedan, or an economy-minded compact, it can be tough to keep your ride looking its best. To the res...
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How To: Remove Stickers from Glass
Whether it’s a new mirror that you brought home or a wine bottle that you’re using for a DIY project, lifting the pri...
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How To: Remove Bumper Stickers
Whether they represent a sports team, your alma mater, or your favorite political candidate, bumper stickers let you ...
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14 Ways You Never Thought to Use Q-Tips
Introduced in the 1920s, the original Q-tips were merely wooden sticks with cotton wrapped around one end. Today, the improved two-sided version with its flexible...
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How To: Clean a Fan
Oscillating fans are a smart choice for cool comfort thanks to a side-to-side rotating mechanism that evenly distribu...
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Water Stains on the Ceiling? Here's How to Fix Them
Q: I recently noticed some water stains on the ceiling of my living room. I’m not sure where they came from, but the ...
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The Complete Guide to Decoding Laundry Symbols
Take a look at your clothing tags before your next load of laundry. If you're lucky, they'll include a set of fine-pr...
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Solved! This Is the Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors
Q: I have never given much thought to cleaning my cherry wood floor, but I'm starting to notice how dingy it has beco...
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13 Unusual Ways to Use What's in Your Spice Rack
You already know the value of spices for giving the dishes you love that perfect savory or sweet taste, but you may not know that many of the spices found in your...
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How to Clean an Air Conditioner Filter in 4 Easy Steps
Though often overlooked, air conditioner filters are responsible for a mighty important job: keeping dust, dirt, and ...
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How To: Remove Sweat Stains
Yellowing on your favorite dress shirt or old tee typically suggests that it's time to add it to your rag collection....
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14 Things You Should Always Keep Near the Kitchen Sink
These ingenious products can help you achieve a tidier, more efficient kitchen.
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How To: Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
While more and more households are going chemical-free, no one wants to sacrifice cleanliness, especially in the kitc...
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How to Clean Brick, Indoors and Out
The naturally distressed patina of brick adds to its desirability indoors and out, but too much dirt accumulation can...
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How To: Wash a Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag is your bed away from bed during warm weather, whether during full-on camping or nights of backyard...
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Solved! What to Do About a Smelly Dishwasher
Q: I’ve noticed an unpleasant odor coming from my dishwasher, and my usual dishwashing detergent clearly isn’t strong...
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11 Weird Ways to Use Wine
“Leftover wine” may seem like a freak of nature, a mythical beast along the lines of fairies and unicorns. But sometimes, even the most dedicated oenophiles simpl...
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How To: Clean Mini Blinds
Available in a wide array of materials from vinyl to wood, mini blinds make an attractive feature in any interior. Bu...
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7 Top Tools for No-Mess Painting
While before-and-afters of painting projects are often breathtaking, there tends to be a <i>little</i> bit of ugly at the end—specifically, the time-consuming cle...
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Solved! What Is the Best Way to Remove Wallpaper?
Q. We’ve just moved into our new home, and the previous owners left behind some bathroom wallpaper that has got to go...
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7 Ways to Tackle Spring Cleaning with Vinegar
For homeowners who appreciate all-natural ingredients and saving money on household necessities, baking soda and vine...
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Bob Vila Radio: Cutting the Crud on Your Kitchen Cabinets
In any home, no matter its age or design, the kitchen always seem to serve as the hub of daily activity—a gathering s...
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Driveway Cleaning: How to Remove Just About Any Kind of Stain
Nothing is quite as aggravating as discovering that the delivery guy's van leaked oil on your driveway or that the dr...
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How To: Mix and Use Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner
Wood floors add beauty and warmth to any home, but they do demand special care. Though there are plenty of commercial...
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10 Products You've Been Using Wrong All Along
You’ve got your home care routine down—but a few of your go-tos might be doing more harm than good, losing you money and even damaging your possessions. Here are ...
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How To: Clean Upholstery
Just like the fabric in clothing, upholstery gets assaulted daily by skin oils, hair, dust, food crumbs, and spills. ...
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How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Home
Knowing how to get rid of a black mold is a skill set every DIYer and homeowner should have in their know-how arsenal...
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How To: Clean Burnt Pans
Whether you’re caramelizing onions, simmering a sugary fruit jam, or baking homemade biscuits, your culinary masterpi...
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All You Need to Know About Soapstone Countertops
If your kitchen or bathroom remodel wish list includes natural stone countertops, consider eco-sensitive soapstone. T...
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How to Descale a Keurig Coffee Maker
Whether your daily drink of choice is a frothy latte, creamy hot cocoa, or an old-fashioned cup of Joe, the Keurig ca...
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How To: Get Mold Out of Carpet
Untreated dampness on carpet—whether caused by a persistent leak, overzealously watered plants, or a not-quite-houset...
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How To: Wash a Comforter
Nothing beats crawling under a cozy comforter after a long day, but did you know the bulky piece of bedding likely ha...
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How To: Clean Aluminum
The world’s most abundant metal, aluminum, contributes to many products homeowners use every day: pots, pans, utensil...
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Start Fresh: 10 Things in Your Kitchen You Need to Toss ASAP
Give your kitchen a fresh start this New Year’s by rebooting your pantry. Purging old food and getting rid of items you either don't need or no longer want will h...
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11 Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Cookware
When whipping up a home-cooked meal, most people don’t give a second thought to their cookware, even though properly using and cleaning these hardworking necessit...
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How To: Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent
Enter any supermarket and it’s obvious that detergent is big business. Yet while the choices seem endless, today’s co...
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How To: Clean Marble Countertops
Natural stone, with its rich colorations and wonderful feel, is Mother Nature’s gift to our homes. But this beautiful...
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How To: Remove Paint from Tile
It’s entirely possible to remove paint from tile, whether you’re simply hoping to banish some accidental splatters or...
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9 Top Tips for a Bathroom That Cleans Itself
No one wants to spend Sunday afternoon scrubbing the tub or toilet—but everyone still wants a clean bathroom. Don't worry! Dealing with a dirty bathroom doesn't h...
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How To: Clean Window Tracks
Dirty window tracks can spoil even the sunniest views. Whether you leave your windows open or closed, the tracks inev...
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How to Clean a Fireplace
Curling up in front of a fire is a thoroughly delightful aspect of fall and winter. But a fire can be a messy busines...
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How To: Clean a Wooden Cutting Board
Your hardworking cutting board constantly plays host to meats, veggies, and herbs. Over time, however, such unsavory ...
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How to Clean Bamboo Floors
Thanks to a harvest time of as little as 5 years, bamboo is an environmentally sustainable, increasingly popular floo...
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12 Things Never to Put in Your Dishwasher
The dishwasher is truly a miracle worker in the kitchen. Instead of having to wash plates, pots, and cutlery by hand, homeowners can give them a thorough cleaning...
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How To: Make Homemade Glass Cleaner
We’ve all seen the bottles of glass cleaner vying for our dollars on supermarket shelves. But there’s an economical a...
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How to Shampoo Carpets
Our carpets suffer the collateral damage of our busy, active lives. The daily foot traffic and those inevitable spill...
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How To: Make Your Own Oven Cleaner
It’s common to ignore oven spills and splatters until you can’t avoid seeing—or smelling—them on the walls, racks, an...
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How To: Clean a Shag Rug
Shag rugs are enjoying a resurgence, thanks to their groovy textured looks and comfy feel underfoot. The potential bu...
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How to Unclog a Bathtub
Nothing interferes with a refreshing shower like a slow-draining bathtub. And that inch or two of water that sneaks u...
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How to Descale a Kettle
If you’re one of those people whose morning routine is just not complete without a comforting cup of tea (and maybe a...
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10 Home Maintenance Miracles You Already Own
Before you make your next shopping list, shop your home for some of these ingenious household supplies. From the garden to the bathtub, these zero-dollar solution...
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How To: Remove Rust from Cast Iron
Cast iron is so strong and durable, it can serve for a lifetime and beyond. Yet rugged as the material is, it only ta...
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3 Fixes for Dried Glue
Glue is an essential product for home repair mavens, DIY enthusiasts, and recreational crafters alike. But when the s...
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How to Make a DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Everyone loves a clean home, but our obsession with sanitation may come at a cost to our health. Some people, especia...
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How To: Remove Paint from Clothes
It’s bound to happen. You’re just going to do a bit of touch-up or you accidentally brush up against a still-wet proj...
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How to Remove Tree Sap From Anything and Everything
The beauty, shade, and privacy offered by trees make them a popular environmental feature for any property. But many ...
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How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils
During the hottest days of the year, it’s likely that you rely heavily on an air conditioning unit—be it targeting yo...
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How To: Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz. Quartzite. The names sound alike. But although both of these popular countertop materials are derived from th...
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How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Appliances, Sinks, and Cookware
At its best, a kitchen furnished with shiny stainless steel appliances and surfaces is the picture of a pristine, pro...
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All You Need to Know About Slate Floors
Natural texture, super strength, stain resistance, and blend of vibrant hues are all reasons that slate tile—the thin...
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How To: Make Your Own Fabric Softener
By adding a cap of liquid fabric softener to certain loads of laundry, you condition the clothing fibers and textiles...
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9 Things You're Cleaning Way Too Often
Your goal: To keep a clean house. But it may surprise you to discover that there are certain items and spaces in your home that actually don’t require as much was...
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How To: Clean Ceramic Tile
It’s hard to beat ceramic tile for beauty, versatility, and durability. Perfect for bathroom, kitchen, even entryway ...
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How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Pantry
No matter how scrupulously you clean your kitchen, you may still open your cabinets one day to find them crawling wit...
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3 Fixes for a Gasoline Odor
Whether you’re planning a road trip or gearing up for an outdoor DIY project, the task ahead starts with checking and...
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How to Remove Blood From Carpet
Blood happens. Not often, hopefully, but when a kid skins a knee and lays wailing on the living room rug, or the dog ...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Swimming Pool Maintenance
Nothing says summer like a refreshing swim in the backyard pool. But your swimming pool does need care—and doses of t...
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12 Inventions That Do All Your Chores
Humans have long harnessed the power of machines to help us work better, faster, and smarter. Many of these technologies work in the background of our home, heati...
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The Dos and Don’ts of Pressure-Washing
It’s tough to get excited about outdoor cleaning projects when you’d rather be at the lake or on the golf course. For...
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Black Mold in the Bathroom? Cleaning Supplies May Not Be Enough
Q: I just went to clean our rental property after the tenant moved out, and I found black mold in the bathroom. Yuck!...
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How To: Remove Paint from Trim and Molding
Walls framed by baseboards and crown molding exude unmistakable character and polish, most notably in historical home...
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28 Insanely Clever Ways to Beat Clutter
Organize a disorderly home with these 28 unexpectedly smart and stylish DIY-or-buy ideas.
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How to Clean a Gas Grill
Cleaning a gas grill ensures that one of the most loved rituals of summer—friends and family gathering together in th...
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7 Reasons Indoor Air Isn’t as Pure as You Think
Warmer temperatures invite us to throw up the blinds and open a window. But good weather isn't the only reason to let the fresh air in. Even the cleanest homes ca...
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How To: Clean Exterior Siding
Day after day, year after year, exterior siding protects your home from the elements. It's the first line of defense ...
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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 ...
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How To: Polish Stainless Steel
Thanks to its ability to resist corrosion, withstand heat, and handle all sorts of chemicals, stainless steel is a co...
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How To: Get Rid of Mothball Smell
The pungent odor of mothballs is the very smell of storage. Made from either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, thes...
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3 Fixes for Coffee Stains
There’s nothing better than a nice cup of coffee to kickstart your morning. What’s not quite as energizing? An accomp...
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How To: Clean an Electric Stove Top
Like most home cooks, you probably love whipping up meals but hate cleaning up afterwards. If you neglect tidying up ...
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How to Clean a Jacuzzi
No matter how beneficial massaging hydrotherapy is for your health, a jetted tub can be only as restorative and relax...
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3 Fixes for Dusty Blinds
Blinds often go ignored during our day-to-day cleaning routines. But when we don't give them proper care or cleaning,...
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The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Cast Iron
Use well-seasoned cast-iron cookware once, and chances are that you’re hooked for life. More than simply a nontoxic, ...
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9 Little Tricks to Make Trash Day Less of a Chore
Taking out the trash is a routine we’re all too well acquainted with. But believe it or not, you can actually make trash day easier—perhaps even pleasurable —with...
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How to Clean a Dryer Vent in 5 Simple Steps
If you’ve recently noticed that your clothes dryer is taking longer to dry clothes than it used to, it's time to clea...
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3 Fixes for Hard Water Stains
Shiny new faucets, showers, and toilets add as much polish and sophistication to the bathroom as they do utility. But...
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How To: Clean Plexiglass
Commonly used to construct everyday items from shower enclosures to tabletops, plexiglass (also known as acrylic) off...
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3 Fixes for Dust Mites
Though far from pleasant to think about, there’s a good chance your home is ridden with dust mites—microscopic organi...
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How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
When faced with the conundrum of how to unclog a garbage disposal, most people would say that the easiest solution is...
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3 Fixes for Oil Stains
Cooking oil appears in many forms—olive, vegetable, canola, etc. —and is a necessary ingredient for almost anything y...
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12 Unexpected Uses for a Regular Bar of Soap
Rub-a-dub-dub, soap is great for a scrub! But bar soap is handy to have around for many reasons that go far beyond the bathtub. It can serve as a lubricant, fresh...
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How To: Clean a Wool Rug
Wool rugs in a home appeal to several senses: Their vibrant colors and patterns improve the look of any space, while ...
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9 Things You're Doing to Make Your Home Dustier
When you think about what dust really is—a conglomeration of dead skin particles, insect parts, mold spores, ash, pollen, and more—you become more determined than...
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How To: Clean Linoleum Floors
Linoleum has been a practical flooring option for more than 100 years. While it fell out of fashion in the late 1940s...
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14 Home Essentials You Never Need to Buy Again
Household staples like detergents and cleaners are always on the grocery list. But they don’t have to be. You can make those essentials at home—and effectively, n...
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How to Remove Candle Wax From Just About Any Surface
No matter their placement—on the mantel, beside the bathtub, or on the dining table—lit candles instantly create an a...
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How To: Make Your Own Grout Cleaner
No matter how hard you work to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean, they'll always look dingy if they're plagued by ...
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How To: Make Your Own Carpet Cleaner
The more you entertain, the more likely it is that you'll have to deal with stains. A spilled glass of wine, a smudge...
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Quick Tip: The Simplest Way to Clean a Dusty TV Screen
One of life’s simplest pleasures is plopping down in front of the TV to watch your favorite show. But sometimes when ...
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How to Remove Soap Scum From Tubs and Showers
If you are your household's designated bathroom cleaner (or if you pay attention to your surroundings when you're in ...
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Solved! What to Do About a Smelly Washing Machine
Q: Lately, every time I open my washing machine door, I detect a foul-smelling odor. My washing machine smells like r...
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The Best Way to Remove Gum From Carpet
Even if you’re not a gum chewer, you can still fall victim to the sticky substance if a wad on the concrete floor out...
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3 Fixes for Ink Stains
DIYers usually welcome a sudden burst of artistic creativity—except when it means their pen goes awry, leaving a splo...
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8 Rules to Break for an Organized Home
When it comes to organization, there are some rules that are meant to be broken. While certain tips and tricks may sound promising at first, they aren't necessari...
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12 Clever Uses for a Hair Dryer That Will Blow You Away
We bet you didn't know that you have an incredibly versatile tool—cleverly disguised as a common hair-styling essential—hiding just under the bathroom sink. Learn...
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How To: Clean an Iron
There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that your iron is soiling your favorite clothes while you're trying...
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Quick Tip: An Easy Refresh for Stinky Bath Towels
It's been a long day, but it's not you who needs a hot bath—it's your towels.  When wet towels dry in open air, they ...
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Let It Go: 14 Things to Trash Without Thinking Twice
It’s a new year, which means it's time to get started on your home resolutions for 2016. The best place to start? Out with the old! While it can be difficult to l...
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How to Use a Plunger the Right Way
If your toilet’s clogged or your sink is stopped up, it’s time to take the plunge! Nine times out of 10, a clog can b...
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12 Ways to Check Slush and Snow at the Door
While a snowy winter can be a beautiful thing to witness, the slush, salt, and mud it leaves behind are not quite as appealing. Keep grime contained and protect y...
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How to Clean a Sponge: 3 Ways That Really Work
It’s often said that we tend to neglect those nearest to us, and this is especially true of our closest cleaning conf...
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7 Secrets to Keep Your Carpet Looking New
Carpets get dirty—it's a fact of life. But if you just let the problems pile up, those snags, spills, and everyday accidents can make your carpets look old and di...
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How To: Clean a Glass Cooktop
Many homeowners invest in glass cooktops because their modern, flat surface makes them both easy on the eye and easy ...
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The Smarter Way to Mop Your Floors
You've just grabbed the mop to clear up a spill or wipe away the day-to-day dirt, but will you actually make your flo...
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How To: Make Your Own Drain Cleaner
When your sink or shower drain gets clogged, it's pretty easy to figure out the cause. The perp is usually a disgusti...
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How to Clean the Glass on Your Oven Door
You know the story: After cooking a big meal, especially after doing so several times a week during the holiday seaso...
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3 Fixes for Tarnished Silver
There’s no place for tarnished silver on the holiday table, especially not when company is due for dinner. But if rem...
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Quick Tip: How to Clean Glass Bottles (and Vases) with Rice
Your holiday spirits may be high when the champagne and the conversation is overflowing, but after the guests leave, ...
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3 Fixes for Red Wine Stains
Inevitably, there’s at least one unwelcome guest at every holiday party: the red wine stain. Sure enough, just as eve...
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How To: Remove Paint from Glass
You set out a drop cloth and meticulously lined the wall trim with painter’s tape, but you still ended up with a litt...
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How Remove Wrinkles from Clothing—Without Using an Iron
This crisp fall forecast calls for bundling up—that means rummaging through your closet to unearth garments that have...
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Holiday Stain Removal Guide: How to Rub Out Coffee, Gravy, Wax, and More
When the turkey grease splatters or a glass of red wine spills, spring into action with these couch-, clothes-, and carpet-saving stain-removal tips.
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11 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh
Right up there with other factors like style and cleanliness, your home's scent makes a huge first impression to guests. While the smell of freshly baked bread or...
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How to Clean a Mirror: 4 Tips for a Streak-Free Finish
Streaky mirrors are common problems for even the most conscientious housekeeper. Sometimes, no matter how carefully y...
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7 Smart Ways to Cycle Through Laundry Faster
Not all that long ago, clotheslines were the household norm. Today, however, while plenty of people like to air their...
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How To: Remove a Wallpaper Border
We all have those "What was I thinking?" moments, and when it comes to decorating, those mistakes often take the form...
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3 Fixes for a Foul-Smelling Trash Can
The trash can doesn't have a lot of positive imagery associated with it, especially when it comes to the smell. But a...
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Quick Tip: How to Clean the Bottom of a Clothes Iron
Cleaning your clothes iron probably isn’t at the top of your priority list, but you’ll wish it had been the minute yo...
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3 Fixes for Fur-Covered Furniture
If you're the proud companion of a four-legged friend, you understand the pain of finding pet hair everywhere—clothes...
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10 Surprising Things You Can Do with Used Tea Bags
Few things are more relaxing than curling up with a nice cup of steaming hot tea. In fact, next to water, tea is the world’s most popular beverage. But all those ...
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How To Clean a Toaster in 10 Minutes
You may use your toaster almost daily, but when was the last time you cleaned out the burnt crumbs? There’s no need t...
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10 Lazy Tricks for a Clutter-Free Home
So, you’re not a neat freak? You can still keep your house from spinning into chaos if you just follow one simple rule: Make it easy to put items away, and you’ll...
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10 Cleaning Habits to Blame for Your Messy Home
Everybody seems to have a different recommendation for how to clean each surface in the house… but not all of these cleaning habits do what their proponents claim...
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Quick Tip: Deodorize Old Books with a Pantry Hero
No matter whether you prefer heart-warming classics or heart-pounding thrillers, your personal library of paperbacks ...
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How to Unclog a Shower Drain
Hopping into a hot and steamy shower only to notice that the water is pooling around your feet makes for a rough way ...
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How to Remove Super Glue From Skin, Fabric and Other Surfaces
Known for its impressive strength and ultraquick dry time, super glue plays a vital role in many household fixes. But...
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7 Ways You're Vacuuming Wrong
While your vacuum cleaner is designed to do most of the work for you, understanding how to use it properly can make a huge difference in the cleanliness of your f...
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How To: Clean a Microfiber Suede Sofa
A microfiber suede sofa is a cozy centerpiece for any room. Known for being soft and stylish, this popular seating ch...
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How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
Admit it: You invest a great deal of time and energy in keeping your stainless steel appliances fingerprint-free, shi...
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10 Astonishing Feats You Can Accomplish with Kitty Litter
The cat's out of the bag! Even households without furry feline friends should add kitty litter to the weekly shopping list. This inexpensive and readily availabl...
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How To: Remove Paint from Carpeting
It’s the stuff of nightmares for any do-it-yourselfer who takes on a weekend painting project. Even though you carefu...
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7 Unusual Tricks for Your Cleanest Floors Ever
There’s no way around it. Whether you’ve got hardwood, tile, or carpet, all floors must be cleaned of dirt and debris tracked in from outside. But this traditiona...
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How to Remove Rust From Tools
Over time, as iron, steel, and other ferrous metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture they can undergo oxidation, a ...
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3 Quick and Clever Ways to Eliminate Dust
Dusting used to mean lazily moving about the house with an old T-shirt and furniture polish in hand, loathing the amo...
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How To: Get Rid of Grass Stains
Grass stains are souvenirs of outdoor sports and other messy fun—as well as battle scars from labor-intensive rounds ...
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Are You Still Cleaning Toilets the Old-Fashioned Way?
Of all the housekeeping chores that people tend to dread, there may be none more widely reviled than cleaning the toi...
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How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are our saving grace during sticky summers—there’s nothing quite like the relief of walking into a r...
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7 Extraordinary Household Uses for Beer
According to the Beer Institute, a group that represents 2,800 U.S. brewers and suppliers, the making and selling of Americans’ favorite alcoholic drink is a $264...
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3 Fixes for Smelly Footwear
With the kickoff of summer comes sunshine, warm temperatures, backyard games—and sweat, lots of sweat, from head to t...
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How To: Clean Wood Siding
Think your wood siding needs a fresh coat of paint? Maybe. Or it could be that your wood clapboard, lap, or shingle s...
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10 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Kitchen Ever
The kitchen is everyone’s favorite room, and no doubt that's the reason it’s ground zero for major messes. Maybe you already rely on vinegar and water for wiping ...
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5 Reasons to Quit Washing Dishes by Hand
Gone are the days of loud, inefficient dishwashers that leave your dishes only partially clean. The new generation of...
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Quick Tip: The Key to Preserving Paint Rollers
Painting a room can be quite the process: choosing your paint color, covering all of your furniture, prepping every s...
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How To: Remove Paint from Metal
"Just paint it!" That's the motto for many DIYers when they're unhappy with the lamp, dresser, doors, hardware. . . y...
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12 Ways to Clean House with Citrus
Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are already staples of the fruit bin, but this juicy produce can also be pressed into service for myriad cleaning chores a...
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The Right Way to Wash Your Car
Good things come to those who wait: That may be sound advice for life in general, but if you're a car owner, it's bes...
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3 Ways to Organize and Store Plastic Shopping Bags
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of plastic shopping bags you’re harboring underneath your kitche...
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11 Ways Essential Oils Can Help Around the Home
While there are plenty of products on the market that promise a fresher-smelling home, just looking at the long list ...
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6 Simple Steps to a Refreshed Deck
Winters put backyard decks to the test. If yours emerged from the ravages of the season worse for wear, take heart. Today, the floorboards may be weathered and th...
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How to Clean a Coffee Maker
Though we rely on our coffee makers to deliver that daily cup of joe that will help us get through the morning, most ...
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7 Herbs That Clean House
If you’re a cook—or just a person who likes to eat—you already know how herbs can make any dish taste better. But you may not know that herbs can also work outsid...
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How to Clean Outdoor Cushions 
Because they remain outdoors for a good portion of the year, patio cushions weather plenty of dirt and debris. Bird d...
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Your Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Home's Exterior
While we're all comfortably accustomed to the concept of spring cleaning, most of us view the effort as taking place solely indoors. It's time to reevaluate. Afte...
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9 Things You Didn't Know Coca-Cola Can Do
Sugary drinks aren't allowed in some households these days, but even the most health-conscious of folks can find a few reasons to keep a can of Coke around the ho...
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How To: Remove Permanent Marker
You may think that permanent marker is, well, permanent. But we'll let you in on a special secret: With a little elbo...
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Quick Tip: Removing Coffee Stains from Carpet
It's not what you feared. Spilling coffee on the carpet doesn't have to mean living with an eyesore until you replace...
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10 Surprisingly Effective Ways to Clean With Baking Soda and Vinegar
It turns out our grandmothers were right: There's little need for store-bought, chemical cleaners given that baking s...
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The Right Way to Clean a Shower Curtain, According to Pros From Molly Maid and DeluxeMaid
Given all the humidity, shampoo, and conditioner your shower curtain and liner are exposed to day in and day out, it ...
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Grime Fighters: 10 Heavy-Duty Tools for Deep Cleaning
This spring, you don't have to break your back when cleaning your home home from top to bottom. That's because a heap of amazing cleaning tools can help you do a ...
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9 Handy Under-Sink Organizers to Buy or DIY
In most homes, the under-the-sink cabinet doesn’t get much respect. It often hides a trash can and the cleaning potions—but it also can become a dumping ground fo...
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How to Remove Hard Water Stains
Are there always white spots on your bathroom fixtures? Does a cloudy film coat the carafe of your coffeemaker? If so...
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Quick Tip: Clean Windows with Coffee Filters
Everyone dreads at least one household chore. Many people's least favorite is cleaning the windows. Too important to ...
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Quick Tip: Clean Carpet Stains with a Clothes Iron
You know and loathe the traditional way to clean a carpet. But however laborious it may be, there's no doubt that blo...
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How to Remove Mold From Wood
Because wood naturally soaks up and retains water it’s an ideal environment for mold and mildew. If you have baseboar...
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How To: Clean a Refrigerator
As the only home appliance to host a rotating population of mess-making foods, it's no wonder the refrigerator ranks ...
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Sick House Syndrome: 11 Ways Your Home May Be Making You Ill
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. Could your living space be making you sick?
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13 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever
Few chores are as perennial as cleaning the bathroom. The loo probably gets more use per square foot than any other space in the house. As a result, it has to be ...
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10 Things You Didn't Know a Sponge Can Do
Think you know how to use a sponge? Well, think again! These colorful little squares of cellulose can be used for a lot more household tasks than just wiping down...
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Clean Your Floors with What's in the Pantry
Sweeping dirt under the rug: Tempting, sure, but it's no long-term solution. Different rooms in different houses requ...
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How To: Clean a Down Comforter
Just about every down comforter has a tag with care instructions that read, "Dry Clean Only. " But if you're on a bud...
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How To: Clean a Garbage Disposal
Consider the environment within the average in-sink garbage disposal: It's cool, dark, and moist, and there's a near ...
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Show Love to Your Leather Furniture with Homemade Conditioner
When the skin of our hands gets dry and starts to crack a bit, we quickly reach for moisturizing lotion. The same log...
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7 Surprising Household Uses for Mayonnaise
You may not know this, but mayonnaise isn’t just for sandwiches and salad dressings. There are a host of household uses for this tasty spread. From cleaning gunky...
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How To Clean Every Appliance in Your Home
The cooking and cleaning gadgets that keep our busy lives on track need upkeep, too. Learn the best ways to degrease, deodorize, and degunk our kitchen and laundr...
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10 Housekeeping Habits to Adopt in the New Year
Your hardworking home deserves just as much of a fresh start as you do, doesn't it? Why not make this the year? Inspired by January's spirit of renewal, use these...
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How To: Clean Your Cleaning Tools
If you're like many homeowners, you make good on a regular cleaning schedule. So maybe you skip dusting once in a while, but your house is pretty clean, right? Bu...
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The 9 Rules for Rugs That Everyone Should Know
There are many questions to grapple with before settling on any particular rug: How big should it be? Is it durable enough? What do I need to know to clean it? Fo...
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How To: Clean Stove Burners
We've all been there: It's the end of a long day, and rather than wipe up the splatters on the range, you decide the ...
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How to Clean a Chimney
Some folks love the romance of a wood-burning fire. Others may prefer the all-night warmth of a wood stove. But almos...
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How to Clean a Toilet the Right Way (Yes, There's a Right Way)
A dreaded household chore, cleaning the toilet is the definition of dirty work. Mostly it's a matter of hygiene, but ...
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How To: Get Rid of Pantry Moths
Like their closet-lurking cousins, pantry moths are destructive pests. Act fast before they eat through (and lay eggs...
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How To: Get Rid of Every Carpet Stain
When holiday guests gather in your home to enjoy festive food and drink, there are bound to be a few accidental slops and splatters that could make your carpets a...
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How To: Clean a Mattress
Wash and dry your sheets and pillowcases once a week—that's all it takes to sleep in clean comfort, right? Wrong. You...
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10 Classic Cleaning Products That've Stood the Test of Time
Though they lost visibility to other heavily marketed cleaners in the last several decades, most of the classic cleaning products your mom and grandma used are st...
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Make Your Own Shower Cleaner
There's no such thing as a truly refreshing bathing experience in a shower that looks—or even feels—dirty. To keep th...
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10 Quick Fixes for a More Refreshing Shower
Nothing kills the mood of a refreshing bath after a long day (or for that matter, an energizing shower to start one) faster than the sight of mold. Or a delay in ...
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Your Post-Halloween Cleanup Guide
If you wound up with more tricks than treats this Halloween, you're likely to have your hands full with a mess: toilet paper in the trees, eggs dripping on your h...
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How To: Get Rid of Mildew Odor
Among household odors, mildew undoubtedly ranks among the worst. And unfortunately, it's all too common, lurking in t...
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How To: Prevent or Eliminate Closet Moths
Tineola bisselliella, the common clothes moth, wreaks havoc on wardrobes, destroying shirts and socks, pants and swea...
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How To: Clean Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are opened and closed more often than the front door is. Such frequent use—along with leakage, spill...
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How to Clean a Dryer
Dryer cleaning probably isn’t at the top of your list of fun things to do, but it’s actually pretty simple and can ma...
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How To: Clean and Maintain Butcher Block
Butcher block counters are a perennial favorite in the kitchen, though many homeowners worry about the care and maint...
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17 Clever Ways to Use Toothpaste Around the House
A multi-use cleaning product is always something to smile about! Here's why you should keep a few extra tubes of toothpaste in your kitchen, laundry room, and cle...
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4 Crucial Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before Winter
Don’t wait until temperatures plummet: Now is the absolute best time to perform basic furnace cleaning and maintenanc...
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How To: DIY Your Own Dish Soap in 5 Steps
Homemade dish soap. OK, sure. But why? For one thing, why not? But more seriously, homemade dish soap, which requires...
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How To: Clean Pillows
Whether tucked under our heads while sleeping or behind our backs while lounging in the living room, pillows are an o...
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How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
With just a few commonly available ingredients, you can make homemade laundry detergent. One of the best reasons to c...
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How to Load a Dishwasher the Right Way
Of all kitchen appliances, the dishwasher almost certainly ranks as one of the greatest. This wonderful convenience o...
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How to Clean Pewter
Pewter is used in everything from jewelry to kitchen utensils to the classic tankard. This metal remains popular with...
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9 Potent Cleaners You Didn't Know You Had
More and more people are steering away from commercial cleaners with their harsh chemicals and opting for more natural choices to get their homes spotless. While ...
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How To: Clean a Stovetop
On those busy nights when you're lucky to have found just 20 minutes to put toward preparing a one-pot meal, cleanup ...
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How to Clean a Washing Machine
When you throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, your clothes emerge stain- and sweat-free, and that’s a wo...
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Bob Vila Radio: Homemade Remedies for Driveway Oil Spots
Oil spots on asphalt driveways certainly don't add to a home's curb appeal. Ask ten people what remedies they recomme...
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How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell
The stench of a skunk is strong and unmistakable, even when you’re in a car with the windows closed, driving through ...
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How To Prevent Rust on Your Outdoor Furniture and Railings
Enter the yard of many homes in America and somewhere among the trees, shrubs, and grass, you’re bound to find metal....
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How to Get Rid of Wasps: Say "Goodbye!" in 5 Easy Steps
Spring and summer are lovely times of the year, but they do usher in a host of seasonal hazards, perhaps none more fe...
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How To: Clean Chrome
When it's clean, chrome glimmers—there's no other word for it. The downside? Chrome succumbs fairly easily to surface...
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9 Easy Ways to Remove Sticker Residue From Glass and Other Everyday Surfaces
Price stickers, labels on jars, decals—these informative, decorative, or simply provocative sticky things can be surp...
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How To: Kill Mold
For those who live in a damp climate—or in a poorly ventilated home—mold can be a cause for concern. That's not only ...
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What's Your Cleaning IQ?
True or false: Everyone loves to clean. False! But like so many other pursuits, practice makes perfect when it comes to cleaning. Test your knowledge of 12 lesser...
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How to Clean Leather Furniture
With its sumptuous texture and supple feel, leather furniture provides an element of luxury to your room decor. Fortu...
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How to Remove Paint from Concrete
Concrete is porous, which means that it readily absorbs liquids like paint. With this ease of penetration, paint can ...
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How To: Deal With a Smelly Garbage Disposal
There's no denying the convenience of the garbage disposal: It simplifies so many of the activities that take place i...
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How to Clean Baseboards
Even if you spend hours washing the floor, dusting furniture, and vacuuming the nooks and crannies around your home, ...
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How To: Clean Copper
Copper can be a finicky material; it tarnishes easily even when subject to normal wear. Fortunately, using only commo...
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How To: Clean Cast Iron
A durable material if there ever was one, cast iron occasionally requires cleaning, particularly where food preparati...
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How To: Clean Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are so beautiful when first installed, but over time they can start to look a little worse for wear. ...
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How To: Clean Marble
Unquestionably, marble ranks among the most luxurious and beautiful countertop and flooring materials. Equally beyond...
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How To: Clean Wood Furniture
Homeowners have long relished the beauty, versatility, and toughness of wood furniture—and above all, they've appreci...
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11 Tried-and-True Ways to Care for Hardwood Floors
By design, our floors will see some of the most wear and tear of any of the fixtures in our home. Even if you’re normally careful with your floors, life happens. ...
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How to Clean Window Screens
Window screens really take a beating. They're constantly exposed to the sun, wind, rain and snow, and pollen and inse...
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How to Clean a Shower Head
If you’re looking forward to a hot shower with an invigorating blast of water spray, you’ll understandably be disappo...
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What Would Bob Do? Cleaning Air Ducts
I am moving into a new home. The previous owners had a dog. I am wondering if cleaning the air ducts is worthwhile. A...
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When in Doubt, Revive Your Grout! Top Tips for Regrouting Tile
Tile has always been a popular choice for floors, walls, and other surfaces due to its durability and long life. In f...
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How To: Remove Rust
Learning how to remove rust from metal isn't rocket science, and in homeowners' ongoing fight to maintain outdoor too...
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5 Ways to Clean a Microwave
Determining how to clean a microwave can seem daunting when there are many cleaning products marketed as the “best” w...
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7 Easy and Effective Ways to Clean Oven Racks
It doesn’t take long for an oven to get dirty, particularly at this time of year. If you use the appliance at all, ba...
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The Morning After: 13 Lifesaving Party Cleanup Tips
Don't fear the cleanup! Once the last guest has left, make the most of your time with these helpful tips and cleaning tricks, all of which involve common househol...
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How To: Remove Exterior Paint with a Pressure Washer
 Before you repaint your house, you have to remove all loose and peeling paint. A pressure washer makes the job go fa...
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How To: Clean Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile consistently ranks as a preferred flooring choice among homeowners, partly due to its beauty—the mater...
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How To: Clean a Microfiber Sofa
In recent years, microfiber furniture has risen in popularity with homeowners because the fabric is not only appealin...
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How To: Remove Crayon Stains
 If you have kids, you know that crayons can cause some serious damage to any paint job. Here's how to tackle tough c...
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How to Clean Gutters: 5 Effective Ways to Get the Job Done
Of all the necessary evils that make up a diligent fall maintenance routine, cleaning your home's rain gutters may be...
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Going Green and Keeping Clean: Outdoor Edition
A walk down any big-box store’s cleaning products aisle will tell the story: It’s evident by the noticeable increase ...
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7 Simple Steps That Make Cleaning Ceiling Fans a Breeze
Ceiling fans are useful additions to any room. They provide a cool breeze when it's warm, circulate stale air, and co...
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How to Clean a Bathtub in 7 Simple Steps
There’s nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, unless the ...
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How To: Clean Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a durable, versatile, and resilient building material, but it does require some routine care and clea...
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How To: Clean EVERYTHING
From shower doors to stainless steel, concrete, and slate, we've collected our best scrub-and-polish advice to aid in your spring cleaning.
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Helpful Hints for Cleaning Window Blinds
Window blinds are an extremely popular decorating option. But for blinds to look their best, they require regular car...
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How to Clean Brass
Brass brings a warm, burnished glow to household items, ranging from switch plates and door knockers to bathroom fixt...
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How to Clean Vinyl Flooring Without Damaging It
Vinyl tile and laminate flooring is attractive, durable, and long-lasting, even under a home's highest-traffic condit...
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How to Clean Concrete Floors and Driveways
The first thing to know about cleaning concrete? You don’t need to go easy on it. After all, it’s one of the most dur...
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How To: Clean Slate
I have a slate fireplace surround that makes my living room feel really warm and earthy, even if the fire is not lit....
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Rx for Hardwood Floors
Special problems need special solutions—and that's particularly true of wood flooring.  When accidents happen, first ...
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Cleaning Green: Eco-Friendly Products for Your Home
Cleaning green is becoming more important to many people, especially those with allergies, sensitive pets, or childre...
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How To: Clean Painted Walls
Cleaning painted walls may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple, albeit somewhat time-consuming....
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How to Clean and Care for Your Gardening Tools
A quality garden starts with quality care—and that doesn’t just mean keeping up with your weeding. Maintaining your g...
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How To: Clean Your Toolbox and Workshop
While spring is generally considered the month for cleaning windows, airing out the house, reorganizing the cupboards...
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How To: Clean Your Power Tools
Like everything with moving parts—your car, your computer, your body—your power tools will last longer and work bette...
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Installing an On-Demand Hot Water System
Bob talks with the installer of a new on-demand tankless water heater that is more energy efficient than tank water heaters.
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Restoring the Vintage Bathtub With Synthetic Porcelain
Bob discusses the chemicals and process used to clean and restore the home's vintage bathtub. And a new finish of synthetic porcelain is applied to the pedestal s...
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Plastering the Swimming Pool
In the final step of the pool's contruction, the basin is washed and vacuumed before plastering begins. Bob discusses the materials and the mixing ratio used in t...
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Installing a Mulled Window
Bob meets with Bob Ryley and Al Worth to install a pair of Andersen mulled windows with a transom, as well as an interior window seat. Bob discusses the window it...
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Power-Washing the Exterior
Painter Kip Wanamaker power-washes the exterior of the Naples project house.
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Removing Old Paint
Brick worker Dan Webb explains how the brick façade is power-washed to remove several layers of ugly paint.
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