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8 Myths About Indoor Air Quality and the Facts You Need to Breathe Easy
Indoor air quality. We’ve all heard the term, and most of us think we know what it means. However, much of the inform...
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How Much Does a Whole-House Air Purifier Cost?
Highlights A whole-house air purifier typically costs between $456 and $4,557, with a national average cost of $2,44...
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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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The Best Fans for White Noise of 2023
Some folks need a little extra help when it comes to catching those ever-precious Z's. While many people don’t have a...
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The Best Freeze Dryers of 2023
Freeze-dried foods are a favorite among homesteaders, survivalists, and serious hikers as well as for cooks who like ...
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Longer Allergy Season: How to Manage the Extended Exposure
 About 81 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation ...
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What Type of Water Filtration Do I Need for My Home?
We all know you’re supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day, but that’s easier said than done. Luckily, there’s...
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How to Remove a Tick Safely
Discovering a tick in one’s hair or stuck to another place on the body is distressing. Unfortunately, there are sever...
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The Best Air-Fryer Grill Combos of 2023
Air fryer grill combos are a kitchen countertop powerhouse. These small appliances combine the cooking and crisping c...
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The Best Gravity Water Filters of 2023
Gravity water filters are typically stand-alone filtration systems that use gravity to filter water for drinking. Wat...
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Levoit Air Purifier Review: DoesThis Budget-Friendly Air Purifier Perform? We Tested It To Find Out!
Breathing fresh air in the home shouldn’t cost a fortune, yet some of the most popular air purifiers on the market to...
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The Best Air Purifiers Tested in 2023
As consumers become more aware of the airborne pollutants that lurk in their homes, the demand for quality air purifi...
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The Best Sunscreens of 2023
Using sunscreen daily provides an array of benefits, protecting skin from sunburn, sun damage, and, most important of...
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The Best Air Humidifiers and Purifiers of 2023
Combination air humidifiers and purifiers add moisture to the air and filter out pollutants at the same time. For hom...
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The Best Ionic Air Purifiers of 2023
Ionic air purifiers use ionizers to clean the air. These ionizers charge airborne particles, which causes them to be ...
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Shark Air Purifier Review: Is This the Best Air Purifier on the Market? We Tested it to Find out!
Heightened awareness of allergens and toxins in the air we breathe has boosted the popularity of air purifiers for ho...
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How Much Does Lead Paint Removal Cost?
Highlights Lead paint removal typically costs between $1,445 and $5,412, with homeowners paying an average of $3,428...
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The Best Air Purifiers for Dust of 2023
Household dust is unavoidable, but it’s easier to keep on top of banishing these dirty fine particles with an air pur...
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The Best Bug Sprays of 2023
Bug sprays are a convenient way to keep biting insects at bay. A quick application can last for hours, and make it a ...
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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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How to Test for Radon in Your Home
Do you know if radon gas is present in your home? Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is naturally...
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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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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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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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With Talk of Nationwide Bans, Are We Saying Goodbye to the Gas Stove?
Indoor air pollution is at the heart of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s proposal to ban gas stoves nat...
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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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How to Set Up a Home Health Room That Feels Like Home
Health at HomeNovember is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to celebrate caregivers, bring attention to c...
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The Best Water Distillers of 2023
While filters can help reduce the amount of contaminants in your drinking water, the only way to ensure pure H2O is t...
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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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Solved! Who Installs Grab Bars for Seniors?
Q: I’m looking to put in grab bars in my bathroom to provide extra support for my parents and grandparents when they ...
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How to Test Pool Water
Keeping the water clean, clear, and ready for swimmers is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a swimming...
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7 Contaminants That May Be Lurking in Your Soil and How to Find Them
Read any gardening book and you’ll be advised to test your soil. Whether you use a simple over-the-counter DIY kit fr...
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16 Foods You Should Never Store Together, Unless…
If you typically buy a bunch of fruit and vegetables and throw them all in a bowl on the countertop or one bin in the...
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The Best Asbestos Removal Companies of 2023
There are many jobs around the home or on the jobsite that experienced DIYers can tackle without hiring a specialist....
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Is the Purple Seat Cushion Worth the Money? We Tested it to Find Out
Sitting for hours on an uncomfortable chair is quite literally a pain in the rear. For those who work long days at a ...
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The Best Raccoon Baits of 2023
Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, eating almost anything they get their paws on. However, like many animals, they...
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The Best Portable Saunas of 2023
Portable saunas provide a spa-like sauna experience right in your living room or backyard. More affordable and easier...
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10 Products That Help Make Home Improvement Accessible to Just About Everyone
In the past few decades, manufacturers have developed products to help people with impairments live active, varied li...
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7 Important Things to Know About Above-Ground Pool Maintenance
Whether you already have an above-ground pool in your backyard or are looking to set one up soon, it’s important to k...
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New Study Indicates That These Are Mosquitoes’ Favorite Colors
Mosquitoes are an undeniable nuisance, and mosquito bites also can be dangerous by spreading diseases like malaria, y...
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This Is Why You Should Incorporate More Copper Into Your Home
A worldwide pandemic has made everyone more aware of what they touch. Many bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19, ...
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The Best Sauna Heaters of 2023
One of the key ingredients of an efficient, comfortable home sauna is the choice of heater. There are a number of dif...
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The 12 Most Dangerous Mistakes You Can Make With Your Pool
Owning a swimming pool can be awesome. It’s also an awesome responsibility, as open standing water of any kind is a p...
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The Best Bed Bug Exterminators of 2023
Bed bugs are an unpleasant home pest that can contaminate mattresses, sheets, couches, and chairs and cause itchy and...
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The Best Portable Air Purifiers of 2023
Portable air purifiers filter out pollutants and allergens like their larger counterparts. However, they’re so small ...
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The Best Outdoor Saunas of 2023
With a rise in consumer preference toward health and wellness, outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular. Beyo...
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11 Pests That Pose a Threat to Your Pets
Opening your home and your heart to a special pet—be your buddy of the feline or canine persuasion, or an animal more...
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11 Fragrant Plants for Creating the Ultimate Aromatherapy Garden
You can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy year-round by planting a garden that enhances your mood, relieves stress, ...
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The Best Infrared Saunas of 2023
Following recent trends toward wellness and healthy living, infrared saunas are becoming more popular. Infrared sauna...
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Solved! Here's What to Do About a Raccoon in the Attic
Q: Something is moving around in my attic, and I think it may be a raccoon. How do I get rid of a raccoon in the atti...
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How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets
Finding cockroaches in the kitchen can be a nightmare—especially when they’ve made it into your cabinets and pantry. ...
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The Best Mold Removal Companies of 2023
Mold removal is an important household task—especially if the mold spreads to a large area. Leaving mold to flourish ...
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How to Organize a Medicine Cabinet: 5 Steps to Storage Success
Medicine cabinets can easily become a hindrance when they’re filled with expired medications, empty tubes of ointment...
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How to Clean a Yoga Mat: Keep Your Workouts Tranquil and Germ-Free
When you exercise on a yoga mat, you leave behind sweat, skin, and hair. If left unchecked, this organic residue can ...
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The 8 Worst Houseplants for People with Allergies
Although some houseplants reportedly help clean the air, others can trigger allergy symptoms by adding extra baggage—...
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The Aria Air Is the Right Smart Scale for Fitbit Fans
As a devotee of the Fitbit tracker and app, it only made sense for me to purchase a scale that would meld into the Fi...
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Here’s Why You Should Crack a Window in Your House Year-Round
Warm weather days are not the only ones that call for an open window. There are plenty of good reasons to crack open ...
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The Best Air Filter Subscription Services of 2023
Your air filter is an essential part of your home’s HVAC system, but replacing air filters regularly can be a nuisanc...
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The Best Home Saunas of 2023
Saunas have long been recognized as a way to relax and reduce stress. They can alleviate muscle and joint pain, provi...
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How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
Highlights The typical range for termite inspection costs is $0 to $400, with a national average of $133. The most ...
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Ultrasonic vs. Evaporative Humidifier: Which is Best for Your Home?
Humidifiers help increase the moisture content in a room. For many people, using a humidifier is a terrific way to to...
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When Peloton Slashed the Price of Its Exercise Bike, I Took the Plunge—Here's How I Feel About It Now
After two years with one of the more affordable stationary bikes on the market, a price drop on the Peloton prompted ...
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Solved! What Is a CADR Rating?
Q: I’m shopping for a new air purifier for my home and have noticed that many models list a CADR rating. What is CADR...
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How to Clean a Water Cooler in 7 Easy Steps
Water coolers provide fresh filtered drinking water at the press of a button. Since they’re a common fixture in offic...
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Solved! What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like?
Q: I live in an older home, and I’m concerned about the presence of asbestos, particularly in my insulation. What doe...
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Solved! What Are These Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches in My Home?
Q: I’ve recently come across small, brown bugs that look like cockroaches in my home. What do roaches look like? Coul...
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Solved! What Are These Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs in My Home?
Q: I recently noticed bugs that look like bed bugs in my home, and I’m concerned about an infestation. What do bed bu...
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Solved! How Do You Get Bed Bugs In Your Home?
Q. I think this rash on my skin might be bed bug bites. I have an exterminator coming, but I’m worried about any bed ...
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Our Favorite Kitchen Gadgets for Faster Mornings
Making breakfast and prepping lunches are a breeze with the help of these handy kitchen gadgets.
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Solved! What Are These Tiny Red Bugs In My Home?
Q: Help—I found lots of small red bugs in my home! How can I get rid of them and keep my home free of these mysteriou...
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If You See One Mouse, How Many Do You Have?
Q: While my family and I were on vacation, our living room security camera caught a mouse scurrying over the couch. N...
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How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
Highlights Homeowners will typically pay between $268 and $490 for air duct cleaning; the national average cost is $...
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Solved! Why There Is Mold on the Window Sill and What to Do About It
Q: Lately, I’ve noticed mold on my window sills. I wipe it away, but it still keeps coming back. Is this a big deal? ...
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How Much Does a Radon Mitigation System Cost?
Typical Range: $771 to $1,185 National Average: $978Radon is an odorless and colorless radioactive gas. According ...
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Solved! Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
Q: I found mold in my home and I’m hiring a professional to remove it. Does my homeowners insurance cover mold proble...
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House Mouse vs. Deer Mouse: What's the Difference?
House mice or deer mice can quickly infest a home, particularly during fall or winter when they’re looking for a warm...
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Solved! Does Bleach Kill Bed Bugs?
Q: I have a bed bug infestation, and I’d like to take care of it quickly at home. Does bleach kill bed bugs?A: For ho...
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Solved! What Are Mold Mites?
Q: A neighbor told me they found mold containing mold mites in their home. What are mold mites, and are they dangerou...
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The Best Humidifiers for Large Rooms of 2023
A humidifier adds moisture to a home’s dry air. While a small humidifier is ideal for bedrooms and nurseries, big roo...
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Solved! What Kills Mold?
Q: I think I’ve found mold in my home. What’s the best product to kill mold once it’s identified?A: When a homeowner ...
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The Best Whole-House Water Filters of 2023
Well and city water can contain a range of contaminants. Though there are a number of water filter options to treat i...
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The Best Whole House Humidifiers of 2023
Single room humidifiers are designed to replace lost moisture in small spaces, but they aren’t able to affect the ent...
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The Best Mold Test Kit of 2023
Mold is a problem that can crop up seemingly out of nowhere, though there are common areas where mold tends to recur,...
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The Best Portable Water Filters of 2023
A portable water filter provides water purification on the go. Useful for traveling, camping, or survival situations,...
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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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How to Get Rid of Termites
Termite infestations can be a real problem for homeowners, with some causing significant, lasting damage. These pests...
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How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?
Typical Range: $1,123 to $2,872 National Average: $1,994Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was used in constructi...
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The Best Natural Hand Sanitizers to Keep Germs Away
Hand sanitizer helps kill germs when water and soap are not readily available. However, when using a product over and...
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How To Identify Black Mold And Get Rid of It For Good
There are various types of mold in nature, many non-hazardous, but mold is not something anyone wants to see inside t...
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The Best Water Softener Salts of 2023
A water softener can work miracles on well water by turning rusty water clear, removing sulfur odors, and eliminating...
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The Best Well Water Filtration Systems of 2023
Choosing the best well water filtration system for clean drinking water doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s easier whe...
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How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?
Highlights The typical cost range for mold remediation is $1,125 to $3,439, and the national average cost is $2,254....
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How Much Does Mold Inspection Cost?
Typical Range: $295 to $1,010 National Average: $648Any source of moisture in a home can lead to mold growth. Bath...
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Solved! What Is Radon Gas?
Q: As a potential home buyer, I’ve heard that I need to be cautious about radon gas. What is radon gas, and how can I...
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The Best Air Purifiers for Pets of 2023
According to a recent industry survey, 67 percent of American households have a pet. That's 85 million families who h...
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The Best Alkaline Water Filter Pitchers of 2023
While some people feel that water with a slightly higher pH level is healthier to consume, there’s still research to ...
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The Best Water Test Kits Tested in 2023
Certain volatile organic compounds in water can wreak havoc on one’s health and home appliances if they aren’t detect...
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Solved! What Does Mold Smell Like?
Q. There’s a strange musty odor in my basement. I’ve opened the windows, but the smell won’t go away. Is it mold? Wha...
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Solved! What Does Asbestos Look Like?
Q. I am a homeowner, and I found some strange white fibers in the walls during a renovation. Is it asbestos? What doe...
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Solved! What Does Black Mold Look Like?
Q. There are some odd black stains that suddenly appeared on a wall in my basement. Should I be worried that it’s mol...
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The Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles for Your To-Go Drinks
If you're in the market for a new water bottle, stainless steel models are a solid option. Stainless steel water bott...
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This is What the Ultimate Aging in Place Home Looks Like, According to a Senior Living Designer
Baby boomers, that massive segment of the U. S. population born between 1946 and 1964, have consistently changed the ...
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The Best Filterless Humidifiers of 2023
It can be frustrating and uncomfortable when your living space experiences a decrease in the humidity level. But, a f...
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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 Hypoallergenic Sheets for Allergy Sufferers
Since the average person spends about a third of his or her life in bed, it’s crucial to sleep on quality linens that...
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The Best Under-Sink Water Filters of 2023
Common tap water may contain contaminants due to the pipes it travels through and chemicals used in the municipal fil...
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The Best Meditation Cushions for Creating Your Own In-Home Oasis
Practiced for thousands of years, meditation is the act of taking the time to quietly muse or contemplate—or to simpl...
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The Best Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke in 2023
Wildfire smoke consists of harmful gases and fine particles from burning plants and other materials. These extremely ...
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The Best Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bags for Clean Air
Stinky gym clothes, beloved pets, and home cooking can all contribute to household odors. Products like air freshener...
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The Best Handheld Massager to Target Sore Muscles
Muscle soreness after a workout in the home gym, hours sitting at a desk, and just plain old stress can all leave us ...
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The Best Compact Treadmill to Complete Your Home Gym
If you’re looking to get in shape and would rather exercise at home than join a neighborhood gym, establishing a home...
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The Best Foot Rests for a More Ergonomic Desk Setup
Many workers today spend eight hours a day sitting at a computer desk, which can lead to discomfort and even long-ter...
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The Best Dyson Vacuums of 2023
Dyson vacuums have taken the cleaning world by storm since 1993. These vacuums exert centrifugal force to separate la...
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10 Home Gym Must-Haves to Help You Lose the Quarantine Weight
Why hang onto those “safer at home” pounds when you can get in shape and lose weight in your own home gym?
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Solved! What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
Q: I want to purchase a new mattress, but there are so many choices, including these new “hybrid” mattresses. But wha...
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The Best Small Dehumidifiers of 2023
Dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture from the air, drying damp or excessively moist environments to prevent bacter...
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The Best Faucet Water Filters of 2023
About 60 percent of Americans use a home water treatment unit of some sort, according to the Water Quality Associatio...
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The Best Treadmill Desks of 2023
Whether working from home or from a place of business, sitting at a desk all day can take its toll on one’s health. A...
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10 Ways to Buy Better Sleep
Not getting a good night's sleep? These bedroom accessories will help you fall asleep—and stay asleep–so you wake up feeling fresh and rested.
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The Best Citrus Juicers for the Kitchen
There’s no need to run to the local juice bar when you crave your favorite freshly squeezed juice. With a variety of ...
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The Best Neti Pots for Colds
Your nose is your body’s air filter; and the tiny hairs in your sinus passages, called cilia, provide the first line ...
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The Best Indoor Trampoline for Kids to Exercise Indoors
Keeping kids active when they’re stuck inside can be challenging, but an indoor trampoline (also known as a rebounder...
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The Best Kettlebells for the Home Gym
From dumbbells to rowing machines, there is a seemingly endless list of options for building strength from a home gym...
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The Best Indoor Playground for Kids to Stay Active
Rainy days and cold weather can make it a challenge to keep kids physically active. An indoor playground provides a c...
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The Best Indoor Thermometers Tested in 2023
Between trying to maintain the proper humidity in your great room, monitoring the temperature in your greenhouse, or ...
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The Best Cooling Towels for Post-Workout
If you’re into fitness, you may reach for a towel while exercising at the gym, competing in an intense tennis match, ...
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The Best Water Filters of 2023
Although the city water in your home may be safe to drink, it could contain harmful chemicals that are unpleasant-tas...
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The Best Knee Sleeves of 2023
A knee sleeve is designed to provide relief from knee pain caused by weight lifting, running, arthritis, and a variet...
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These Expired Foods May Be Hiding in Your Kitchen—Or on Your Plate
Many of us have eaten foods that should have been used long before. While this is sometimes a case of daring in the f...
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The Best Cool-Mist Humidifiers for Your Home
Allergies, respiratory infections, dry skin, and uncomfortable colds may all be relieved with the soothing power of m...
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The Best Air Fresheners of 2023
From funky kitchen odors to rank bathroom smells, our homes can get pretty musty, especially in the fall and winter m...
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The Best Rowing Machines of 2023
Popular with crew teams worldwide, rowing machines simulate the rowing motion to provide a low-impact, full-body work...
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The Best Anti-Fatigue Mats for Underfoot
Workplaces everywhere are encouraging employees to explore ergonomic solutions to health issues. From ergonomic chair...
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The Best Hand Sanitizers for Reducing Germs
Since the mid-1960s, hand sanitizer has been a reliable method for preventing germs, especially when access to soap a...
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The Best Wedge Pillows for Your Bed
Most people appreciate and want a good night’s sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD...
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The Best Exercise Balls for the Home Gym
Many people who work out at home typically have go-to equipment that functions well for a specific form of fitness—li...
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The Best Bathroom Scales for Your Home
Using a bathroom scale helps you track your weight and monitor other health indicators, but you need one for your spe...
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The Best Air Quality Monitors Tested in 2023
Breathing easy at home should be simple enough. Unfortunately, some gases, such as radon and carbon monoxide, are col...
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The Best Foot Massagers of 2023
Whether sore or tired feet are caused by an underlying condition or as the result of a long and busy day, there’s not...
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10 Products That Make Screen Time Safer
With more screen time in our lives than ever before, we owe it to ourselves to reduce the risks associated with technology.
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The Best Seat Cushions for Comfort and Support
Slouching issues, a bad back, and trouble sitting for long periods can be caused by the chair you use (unless it’s an...
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The Best Upright Vacuums Tested in 2023
A quality vacuum cleaner keeps your house clean by removing dirt and debris from floors, furniture, and stairs. The l...
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The Best Resistance Bands for the Home Gym
Working out at home may sound good in theory, but many would-be exercisers haven’t got room for cumbersome, unattract...
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The Best Treadmills of 2023
Interested in setting up a treadmill in your home so you can keep yourself moving without having to deal with the cro...
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The Best Yoga Mats of 2023
The motivation to get in a yoga session can elude many, thanks to distractions such as TV, movies, and work. However,...
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The Best Air Purifiers for Smoke in 2023
Sources of smoke—from wood-burning fireplaces to cooking accidents—can irritate the eyes, sinuses, and throat. This m...
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The Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2023
Access to clean drinking water is a basic necessity. Although most of the water that flows through the taps in homes ...
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The Best Pull-up Bars for the Home Gym
The pull-up is the embodiment of superior upper body strength and conditioning. Pull-ups work the shoulders, the arms...
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The Best Smart Scales for a Healthy Home
When you’re committed to a fitness program to shed unwanted pounds, use a scale that accurately measures and stores y...
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The Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks to Ease You Into the Day
Anyone who dislikes being jolted from sleep by the blare of a traditional alarm clock or smartphone may dream of an e...
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The Best Dumbbells for the Home Gym
Dumbbells are a staple of the at-home fitness gym. The right set can make a difference in your ability to maximize re...
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The Best Mouse Poisons of 2023
A mouse’s ability to fit through a hole the diameter of a pen (approximately 6 millimeters) allows it to get into nea...
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The Best Jump Ropes for Getting Fit
Although jumping rope is a classic for fitness conditioning and weight loss, it might be the most underrated workout ...
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The Best Hygrometers of 2023
Staying on top of the humidity in a home can be important. Humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air—can impact n...
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The Best Essential Oil Diffusers for the Home
Essential oil diffusers are popping up in homes, cars, and offices alike, more prevalent in North America than anywhe...
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8 Smart Ways to Banish Indoor Allergens This Fall
Find out what's triggering your allergies in the fall—and how you can put a stop to the sneezing and coughing.
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The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2023
To avoid paying a monthly membership fee, consider creating a workout space in your home. With little cost after the ...
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10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants to Keep Indoor Air Fresh
Can houseplants clean the air inside your home? Learn about the research behind this health benefit and see the low-maintenance plants that will give your home a ...
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The Best Exercise Bikes for Your Home Gym
Indoor cycling has been around for many years—in fact, one of the first stationary bikes, the Gymnasticon, was invent...
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12 Expert Tips for Creating a Successful Learn-from-Home Space
Set up an at-home school zone that will ensure your child has the best remote learning experience possible.
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10 Things Flight Attendants Want You to Know About Flying During a Pandemic
Keep yourself and everyone else safe by following airline rules and taking extra precautions when flying during a pandemic.
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10 No-Contact Ways to Shop for Home Improvement Supplies
Protect your health while buying DIY project materials with these no-contact shopping strategies. Whether or not you live in an area that’s been hit hard by Covid...
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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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15 Tips for Safe Secondhand Shopping This Summer
Stay healthy as you scout out great buys at yard sales, thrift shops, and more. Nothing beats the blues like finding a bargain, which is why so many folks opt to...
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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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10 Things You Need to Know Before Having Company Over
Consider this important info as you make decisions about entertaining this summer and beyond.
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12 Healthy Habits to Keep Even After Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic will eventually come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on healthy habits you adopted during these trying times.
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The Best Soundproofing Materials of 2023
Silence is golden for so many of us: DIYers who use loud power tools, night-shift workers who must reduce unwanted no...
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The Best Radon Test Kits of 2023
Radon gas is a naturally occurring byproduct produced by the deterioration of uranium in igneous rock and soil. It en...
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9 Top Tips for Blocking Out Noisy Neighbors
Stop tearing your hair out and breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to these easy sound-blocking strategies.
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The Best Room Humidifiers for Your Home
Heating and air conditioning strip your home’s air of its natural humidity. The result of uncomfortable dryness leave...
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19 Things in Your Home That May Have Expired
Most people know when fruits and veggies have gone bad or when leftovers start looking like a science experiment and should be thrown away, but there are numerous...
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The Best Natural Cleaning Products of 2023
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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20 Remarkably Easy Ways to Create a Dust-Free Home
Stop the sneezing! With these smart tips and tricks you can maintain a dust-free house.
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The Best Garden Fertilizers of 2023
Garden plants need nutrients to grow and remain healthy. Adequate soil fertility is as important to plants as a healt...
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How To: Locate the Gas Shut-Off Valve
If you have a natural gas line running into your home, you need to know where your gas shut-off valves are. A gas lea...
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20 Things Under $20 That Just Make Life Easier
These household items and gadgets offer practicality without sticker shock.
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The Best First Aid Kits for Home or On the Go
Whether you cut yourself while opening the mail at home or while scrambling over rocks on a forest hike, you’ll want ...
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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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14 Ways You Can Keep Healthy Without Leaving the House
Don't let the great indoors get you down! Maintain your mental and physical health while you're confined to your home with these handy tips.
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The Best Bathroom Fans of 2023
There’s the potential for structural and surface-level damage if a bathroom isn’t properly ventilated. Excess humidit...
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These Are Exactly the Supplies Your Household Needs to Stay at Home
Planning ahead is essential for weathering a stay-at-home order or a period of self-isolation, but for many, not being able to run to the store every day or dine ...
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13 Things to Clean in Your Home After You’ve Been Sick
When cold and flu season arrives, it’s nearly inevitable that germs will invade your home. Once the siege is over, don't forget to disinfect these important germ-...
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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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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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5 Things to Know When Making DIY Hand Sanitizer
Amidst the current Coronavirus pandemic, many people throughout the world are taking steps to protect against infecti...
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The Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2023
Our homes are loaded with dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other indoor air pollutants. Poor ventilation and the u...
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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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9 Dangers Lurking in Your Home’s Water Supply
Water that contains any of the following contaminants could pose a risk to your family’s health and the lifespan of your home’s plumbing and fixtures. Learn what ...
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Here's What You Do (and Don't) Need During a Quarantine
If you have to quarantine yourself at home, here are five things you will need—for instance, pantry essentials—and five things you shouldn't sweat, including stoc...
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The 12 Most Common Types of Mold in the Home
Mold is a vital part of the earth’s natural recycling process, and because it’s so prevalent in the environment, it’s...
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8 Dangerous Secrets Your Home May Be Hiding
All may seem safe and quiet at home, but lurking beneath the surfaces could be harmful secrets. Keep a vigilant eye out for warning signs of these home hazards.
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7 Cleaners That the EPA Recommends Against the Coronavirus
Worried about the coronavirus? We're here to help. The following 7 products, drawn from a recently released list from the EPA, are guaranteed to combat SARS-CoV-2...
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Solved! Do Air Purifiers Really Work?
Q: I suffer from seasonal allergies, and a friend suggested I buy an air purifier for my home. What does an air purif...
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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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7 Simple Soundproofing Solutions for Your Bedroom
You can’t always control the noise that surrounds your bedroom, especially if it's coming from the street or your neighbor's house. But you can mitigate it with t...
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The 11 Best Home Upgrades You Can Make for Your Health
Transform both your home and your health with smart home improvements, large and small.
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10 Problems That Are Caused by Dry Indoor Air
The potential negative effects of dry indoor air extend far beyond itchy, flaky skin. Left unchecked, dry air can also cause structural harm to your home and coul...
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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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The Best Standing Desks of 2023
Sitting all day while working can get uncomfortable and it isn’t ideal for your health. For fitness—or even just for ...
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The Best Stick Vacuums of 2023
Thanks to its smaller motor, a stick vacuum is thinner and far more lightweight than its upright and canister cousins...
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11 Purchases That Will Help You Go Trash Free in 2020
Instead of buying more, shop smart and cut down on waste this year – and every year. These 12 products will reduce waste and spending, and boost your quality of l...
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4 Important Tools for Detecting a Gas Leak
Stop for a moment and consider the number of appliances in the home that run on gas.  These days, many stoves, furnac...
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15 Clever Buys to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
Once the holidays are over, it’s time to rev up and start fresh. Why make sticking to your resolutions a chore? Here are a few stellar products that will super-ch...
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10 Tips for Spending Less on Grocery Bills
Cut down the cost of your weekly grocery run with these 10 easy tips and tricks you can put to work in the store as well as the kitchen.
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How to Know If You're Dealing with Lead Pipes—and What to Do About Them
In some cities across America, children and adults are exposed to a dangerous contaminant with every glass of water t...
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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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10 Things That Make You a Magnet for Mosquitoes
Are you always covered with mosquito bites while your friends seem blissfully unaffected? It's annoying to be a mosquito magnet, but it's also potentially hazardo...
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10 Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes Before Spending Time in the Sun
The right preparation is key before you head out into the sunshine. Just rubbing in some sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays...
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The One Tool You’re Probably Not Bringing to a Paint Job—But Should
Nothing refreshes a room and improves its ambience quite like a new coat of paint. If you’re like most DIYers, you ha...
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The 10 Most Dangerous Bugs to Watch Out for This Summer
Summer is here at last, along with all the fun and pleasurable outdoor activities that come with it. But as we spend these longer, warmer days outside, gardening,...
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The 6 Best Home Improvements You Can Make in Allergy Season
Prepare yourself for seasonally elevated pollen counts as well as all-year-long allergy triggers like dust and mold by taking care of a few home maintenance tasks...
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How to Celebrate Earth Day and Save Money, This April and Beyond
Like any other holiday, Earth Day is part celebration, part appreciation: We rejoice in the beauty and bounty of our ...
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5 Signs You Need to Start Filtering Your Home's Water
Bad-tasting drinking water and dingy clothes are just two indications that your home could benefit from a water filtration system. Here are some other signs to lo...
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8 Things Homeowners Should Know About HEPA Filters
Few things are as important as the air we breathe. One of the most popular products available in the ongoing quest fo...
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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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Here's What Potential Buyers Need to Know About Radon in Homes
Purchasing a new home can be as stressful as it is exciting. In addition to choosing a house that suits your budget a...
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Combat Dry Winter Air with 15 Tips and Tricks
With temperatures low across the country, heating systems on full blast, and houses buttoned up against the cold, the air in your home can pretty dry this time of...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Rules and Risks You Need to Know About This Landscaping Hack
Just when you think you’re done raking leaves, one gust of wind can scatter your piles, shake your trees, and make mo...
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12 Household Cleaning Mistakes That Are Making You Sick
There’s nothing like the feeling of a fresh, tidy house. But how clean is your home, really? Your bad cleaning habits may be preventing you from achieving a real ...
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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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8 Home Hazards—and How to Mitigate Them
More things trouble homeowners than what goes “bump in the night.” Here are eight dangerous problems you'll want to avoid—or swiftly remedy.
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What You Need to Know Before Burning Leaves at Home
Rake, rake, repeat! That activity seems to sum up many homeowners’ autumn weekends, and just when you think you’re of...
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These Are the Most Dangerous Insects in America
Summertime is packed with fun activities: barbecues, beach vacations, afternoon swims, and backyard games. But the warm weather also summons pesky bugs and creepy...
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7 Health Hazards Lurking in Your Basement
Basements were once used solely as utility rooms that housed furnaces, laundry areas, and overflow storage for seasonal items, tools, and sometimes even root vege...
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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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The 14 Most Common Building Code Violations in Old Homes
If you live in a home that was built in a previous century, or if you undertook a DIY renovation without acquiring a permit, there's a good chance that you're not...
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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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All You Need to Know About Asbestos Floor Tiles
Asbestos, a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral, was a common element in construction materials due to its resili...
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Bob Vila Radio: Basement Flooding Damage Control
Basement flooding easily ranks among the top ten homeowner nightmares. Though recovering from a flood certainly isn't...
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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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Solved! What to Do About a Sulfur Smell in the House
Q: Recently, I’ve noticed a vague sulfur smell in my house. It comes and goes, and I’m not sure where it’s coming fro...
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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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How to Test for Mold in Your Home
Have you ever walked into a bathroom and wrinkled your nose because the space was so musty? It’s not news that damp q...
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20 Common Household Items That May Be Harming Your Pet
As any pet-loving homeowner can attest, playful dogs and fluffy felines liven up the house and enrich our lives. But did you know that many people unwittingly exp...
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Solved! How Often You Should Actually Be Washing Your Sheets
Q: I’m a stickler for hygiene and never snack in bed, so I don’t imagine my sheets ever get that dirty. How often sho...
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9 Signs Your Tap Water Might Be Contaminated
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally,...
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10 Unusual Things You Can Do with Sugar
Sugar truly deserves its place of honor in pantries around the world. It's indispensable for sweetening up beverages like coffee and tea, and it adds delicious fl...
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Video: 11 Trusted Techniques for Flu-Proofing Your Home
The world is full of germs—we encounter them every day on our way to work, at school, or as we prepare dinner in the ...
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7 Reasons Every Home Needs a Humidifier
It's winter, so get ready for several months of that hot, dry air that your HVAC system pumps out. Even worse, while the heat is on your house will be buttoned up...
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Which Is the Right Type of Water Filter for You?
Americans enjoy easy, take-it-for-granted access to some of the cleanest, clearest water in the world. Still, even wa...
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Don't Let Leaky Batteries Spoil Your Fun
This article has been brought to you by Mirum. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Eating ice cream for...
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Video: Don't Keep These 11 Things in Your Bedroom
How healthy and safe is your bedroom? The answer may surprise you. If you're keeping some of these seemingly innocuou...
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8 Plants Never to Grow Indoors
A healthy houseplant can bring vibrant color and fresh fragrance to any room. But some indoor greenery collects dust or releases pollen, both of which can trigger...
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Your 3 Best Bets for Battling Indoor Air Pollution
Heating and cooling doesn't come cheap—especially if your HVAC system has to work harder to overcome heat loss due to...
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11 Bathroom Hazards That Harm Your Home and Health
Your bathroom may be your spot to relax in the tub after a long day, but with all that plumbing, humidity, and other business going on in there, the location’s fu...
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Bob Vila Radio: The Right Way to Store Gasoline
What’s the best way of storing gasoline so that it's not only safe, but ready for use the next time you need it? Here...
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How To: Test for Asbestos
For a century, the naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral asbestos was a mainstay of the building industry, use...
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The Single Best Way to Fire-Proof Your Home
Did you know that in the United States fires kill more people than all non-fire natural disasters combined? Perhaps e...
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The 10 Best Winter Buys for a Happy, Healthy Home
Stop your sniffling and your shivering this winter, and invest in a happier, healthier you. With a few well-chosen purchases, you can turn your home into a warm, ...
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What You Can't See CAN Hurt You
Walk into any home on any street in any town and you are likely to see the same fire safety features that you have in...
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10 Ways Your Furniture Can Make You Healthier
Can an armchair cure your allergies? Could an office chair help you stay in shape? Believe it or not, your furniture could play a role in your overall health. Whi...
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8 First Aid Supplies You Can Grow at Home
Before modern pharmaceuticals, people turned to nature to find cures for what ailed them. The efficacy of those medicinal plants is still revered today, although ...
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8 Signs You May Have Mice
Do you hear suspicious scrabbling behind your walls? Are you finding questionable black pellets in the basement? Does your pantry have a sharp, musky odor? Chance...
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Solved! What To Do About Black Mold in the Bathroom
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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10 Ways You're Accidentally Poisoning Your Home
A clean and tidy home is a safe home, at least that's how it seems. Unfortunately, there are many hidden dangers hiding in seemingly innocuous substances found in...
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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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15 Signs That Fixer-Upper Might Be a Money Pit
While a fixer-upper can be a lot cheaper than a home that's move-in ready, some fixer-uppers just aren't worth the headache. If the home you have your eye is plag...
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How To: Test for Lead Paint
There’s nothing quite like the joy of living in a home with character, craftsmanship, and history within its walls. Y...
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3 Ways to Get Fresher Indoor Air This Winter
This season, as temperatures drive lower and lower, it's only natural for people to retreat into the safety and comfo...
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Bob Vila Radio: 3 Popular Paths to Radon Reduction
If radon tests have found unacceptably high readings in your home, there are at least a few effective ways to address...
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Bob Vila Radio: Do's and Don'ts of Mold Removal
No doubt the best way to manage mold is to prevent it. But if your basement floods and mold gets a head start, there'...
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Allergy-Proof Your Home in 7 Steps
Spring allergies may not be devastating, but they certainly are a nuisance. If you suffer, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans are affected by spring allergie...
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How To: Choose a Water Filtration System
In the United States, we are fortunate not to have to think much about water quality. Most of us simply turn on the t...
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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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11 Things Never to Keep in Your Bedroom
In a busy home and even busier life, your bedroom is often the one space you can turn to for a little bit of respite. So why clutter up a would-be zen zone with i...
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Which Expiration Dates REALLY Matter?
Everyone has at some point pulled something questionable from the fridge, sniffed it, then handed it to someone else asking, “Is this still good?” But sometimes, ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bleach + Vinegar = Toxic
When I talk to homeowners about safety, the discussion often centers around using tools and ladders and so forth. But...
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How to Choose a Dehumidifier That’s Right for Your Home
 Air quality can suffer in myriad ways. Excess humidity ranks among the least desirable effects. Left unchecked, mois...
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How To: Remove Poison Ivy from Your Yard
Homeowners know too well that not all greenery contributes to the beauty of a garden. Weeds, for instance, are a chie...
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To Breathe Easy at Home, Install an Air Cleaner
The air in your home may not be as fresh as you think it is. If you're not careful, indoor air can harbor not only be...
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Is Your House Ruining Your Health?
Home has traditionally been viewed as a sanctuary, a place of refuge from the dangers and uncertainties lurking in the outside world. As safe and secure as we try...
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11 Home Hazards to Know and Avoid
If you ask most people where they feel the safest, chances are the answer will be in their own home. But home safety depends on a variety of factors, and potentia...
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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 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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Bob Vila Radio: Reducing Dust
For most people, dust is a housecleaning nuisance. But for those with respiratory ailments or allergies, dust can be ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Natural Paint
The harmful effects of VOCs on indoor air quality have received a lot of attention in recent years. In response, pain...
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Bob Vila Radio: VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that evaporate easily, releasing potentially harmful compounds int...
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Increase Your Comfort Level This Winter with a Humidifier
Scratchy throats, frequent nosebleeds, dry skin, and static electricity can be common occurrences in winter—particula...
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Quick Tip: Mold Prevention
 Because today's new houses are built to allow less air infiltration than older homes, mold growth has become a conce...
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What Would Bob Do? Eliminating Cigarette Odor
How do I get rid of a cigarette smoke smell in my house?The smell of cigarette smoke can affect virtually every part ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Vent Pollutants
Today’s weather-tight homes are great for energy efficiency, but they’re not so good for indoor air quality. The grea...
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Bob Vila Radio: Humidity Gauges
An exhaust fan is a must in a bathroom, because it whisks away the humidity that can allow mold and mildew to grow. N...
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Radon in the Home: It's a Gas, Gas, Gas!
Did you know that radon gas, a byproduct of decaying uranium in the soil, is the second leading cause of lung cancer ...
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Keep Your Home Cool, Dry, and Energy-Efficient With a Dehumidifier
Hot and muggy summer weather outside can mean excess moisture inside. Mold and mildew, musty odors, condensation, war...
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Green Homes—Heating and Air Quality
Where to StartToday’s HVAC is more than just the equipment that heats, ventilates, and cools our home. It is the inte...
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The "Green" Kitchen
Obviously there’s some green stuff in your kitchen, like lettuce and broccoli. But beyond buying organic food, it’s e...
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How To: Furnish a "Green" Home
Research by the American Home Furnishings Alliance out of High Point, NC, reveals three interesting points about cons...
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Eco-Friendly Cabinets
Cabinetry is commonplace in kitchens, bathrooms, and often home offices and family rooms. But while durability, style...
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The Green Bedroom: Top Tips for Healthy and Eco-Friendly Sleeping Quarters
Looking to turn your bedroom into a healthy and peaceful sanctuary designed with sustainability in mind? Start here. ...
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Green Bathroom Makeover
From water conservation to efficient lighting and green cleaning, the bathroom is an ideal room to make eco-friendly....
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Seeking Clean Drinking Water
We can live for weeks without food but only days without water. Since water is such an essential part of our health a...
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Safe Indoor Air for Children
According to the American Lung Association, lung disease and breathing problems are the number one cause of death in ...
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Reduce Allergies and Asthma with Home Improvements
One in four Americans suffer from allergies or asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immun...
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How To: Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold is more prevalent today because the focus on improving energy efficiency resulted in more airtight homes that do...
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Soundproof Your Floors
Paying attention to what’s underneath your floors can have a profound effect on noise reduction and sound control in ...
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10 Indoor Pollutants
We spend a large part of our lives indoors yet the idea of indoor air pollution can be easy to dismiss, especially if...
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My House Contains Asbestos: Now What?
Many older houses incorporate construction materials that contain asbestos. Usually its presence is uncovered during ...
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Protect Yourself and Your Family with a CO Detector
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the U. S.  A colorless and odorless gas, CO is a ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Lead Paint Removal
Before you tear down a wall, rip off old woodwork, or strip old paint, ask yourself when it was installed. If it was ...
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Sweet Dreams: A New Line of No-VOC Paints for Nurseries
The health benefits of low-VOC paints for people with chemical sensitivities and respiratory conditions are well docu...
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All You Need to Know About Whole House Humidifiers
As the days are getting colder, the air is getting drier. While lotion coupons are at the forefront of the Sunday pap...
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Bob Vila Radio: Indoor Air Quality
The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality as our fourth largest environmental threat. Some of the worst polluters of the ...
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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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Bob Vila Radio: Mold Removal
Four out of ten American homes have a mold problem. If you’ve got an area less than 10 square feet and your household...
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"Green" Paint: Sherwin-Williams Emerald
With its new eco-minded Emerald paints and ColorCast Eco Toners, Sherwin-Williams gives homeowners more high-performi...
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How To: Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
Recycling is more than sorting out plastic bottles and composting leftovers. Proper disposal of household objects is ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Low-VOC Paints
There’s more to that “new paint smell” than you might think. What you’re smelling are volatile organic compounds, or ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Bee & Wasp Control
Late summer’s when you see ‘em, but now’s not  actually the best time to mess with a bee or wasp nest. The queen esta...
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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Sump Pump
I’ve been lucky with basements. Having purchased five houses in my life, not one has had serious basement moisture is...
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Bob Vila Radio: Mold Problems
It’s estimated that 40 percent of American homes have a mold problem. LISTENListen  to BOB VILA ON MOLD PROBLEMS, or ...
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Quick Tip: Use Low-VOC Paints
The Danger of VOCs There’s more to that new paint smell than you might think. There are already federal restrictions ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Water Filtration
You want to know the water in your home is safe, but depending on what’s in it, you may not need a whole-house filtra...
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Top 10 Ways to Deal with Bees
Bob Vila recently contacted me because he had a bee infestation in his attic. I've made several visits to his house s...
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Manage Noise in Your Workshop
Noise is an occupational hazard in any shop where power tools are used. Strategies must be employed to minimize the d...
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Happy Birthday Bon Ami!
For 125 years, this hardworking household cleanser has been keeping America’s kitchens and baths sparkly clean—withou...
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Quick Tip: Improve Your Home's Air Quality
Poor Air Quality Threatens HealthThe American Lung Association reports that the death rate from lung disease has rise...
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All You Need to Know About Hard Water
While ensuring quality drinking water in the home is a good start, that’s only the beginning. Water quality affects y...
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Insulating the Roof and Installing Mold-Resistant Drywall
The roof of the new addition is being insulated – in an environmentally conscious way – to retain the heat from the radiant heating system. Moisture- and mold-res...
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Fiberglass Windows, Sliding Glass Patio Doors, and Mold-Growth Prevention
Fiberglass windows and sliding glass patio doors are installed. A trailer is brought in to remove moist air and bring in dry, clean air to prevent mold growth whi...
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Installing Sound Attenuation Insulation
The house is insulated for sound control to provide a quiet environment for baby. The installation of the insulation is demonstrated along with the necessary safe...
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Installing Insulated Windows in the Baby's Nursery
The new windows in the baby’s nursery are highly insulated for cold and sound and have health and safety features for young children. They can be installed by do-...
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Learning How to Set Up a Healthy and Safe Room for Baby
Bob continues to talk with Bernadette Upton of EcoDecor about the materials used in an ideal room for baby and safety procedures to put in place when the baby bec...
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Touring a Designer Showhouse and Baby's Bathroom
In West Palm Beach, FL, the American Lung Association has sponsored a designer showhouse that highlights a healthy home. Bob’s house tour focuses on the baby’s ba...
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Tour the Completed Nursery for the Newborn
Much cosmetic, insulation, and sound reduction work has transformed a tired-old attic bedroom into a peaceful, pretty, and healthy room for baby.
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Finishing Touch: Master Bath Custom Corian Tub Surround
A Corian tub surround is installed in the master bathroom, custom fit through a digital photo template system. Steps are taken to prevent water seepage and bacter...
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Baby Safety Gates and Healthy Organic Sleeping Products
Bob reviews child safety gates and organic baby bedding products that will help keep baby safe and healthy.
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Installing a Fabric Sound-Absorbing Ceiling
Sound attenuating insulation is added to the nursery to reduce the echo effect of noise.
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Painting the Guest Bedroom
Bob is in the guest bedroom across from the nursery reviewing the kind of paints being used and interior painting tips.
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Tour an Affordable Green Apartment Building
Bob visits the South Bronx, NY, where Habitat for Humanity has partnered with private developer Les Bluestone to create a green oasis for low-income families that...
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Revising the Landscaping Plan
Bob talks with landscape architect Rick Lamb about revisions to the plan. Bob points out the redesigned parking area and the plan for magically melting the snow.
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Restoring Old Double-Hung Windows using Spring-Loaded Balances
Bob meets with architect Gregory Rochlin and expert carpenter Danny Ruffini to restore old double-hung windows and replace lead sash weights with new spring-loade...
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Placing Windows on a Home's Facade
A double window is installed in the kitchen, which will let in a lot of sunlight and give a view of the back yard.
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Fixing Squeaky Floors
Bob talks with a floor expert about how to fix squeaky floors.
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Installing and Explaining a Basement HVAC System
Bob meets with the installer of the new HVAC system to discuss how it filters air and reduces energy costs.
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Reworking the Existing Plumbing and Replacing Brass Water Pipes with PEX Tubing
Bob reviews the work done on the existing plumbing in the basement and the replacement of obsolete brass water pipes.
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Keep Water Out of the Basement
Basement drainage systems are installed to control moisture and humidity and to eliminate rot and mildew.
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Fixing the Home's Gutter System
Bob reviews how keeping water out of the basement is a central concern in any basement remodeling project.
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Touring a Neighborhood in Melrose
Bob meets with a local real estate broker and with homeowner Sarah Monzon, whose basement will be finished to create additional family space.
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Basement Remodeling Update and Installing Subfloor to Prevent Water Damage
Bob discusses the installation of a plastic subfloor to prevent water damage and the selection of a basement dehumidifier.
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Installing a Basement Half-Bathroom
Bob discusses the installation of a basement half-bathroom, including wiring, plumbing, and radiant heating.
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Insulation Install
George Saylor from Owens Corning is on location to install, and explain the unique properties of, the insulation being used in this project.
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Fast-Pace Drywall Installation and Mold-Resistant Interior Siding
Bob spends a moment with the drywall contractor before speaking with Thad Goodman of Georgia Pacific. Mr. Goodman tells Bob about the unique, mold-resistant prope...
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Finishing the Façade & Touring the Completed Apartments
Bob gets a final status update on the restoration of the façade, as the ground-floor commercial storefront undergoes construction and the bluestone steps are laid...
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Installing Cork Floors
Bob confronts the remodeling challenge of choosing a flooring material that will deaden sound without sacrificing the sleek, clean look of tile or stone. So contr...
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Installing a Sound-Attenuating Coffered Wood Ceiling
Bob meets with Joe Adams and Ralph McGrath in the media room of Elm Court. Adams and McGrath are installing a sound-attenuating grid-ceiling system from Owens-Cor...
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The Bachelor's Den at Elm Court
Bob checks out one of the recently refinished rooms at the Elm Court.
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Moisture Content and Vapor Barrier for Wood Floors
Howard Brickman shows Bob two ways to measure the moisture content of wood.
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Reviewing the Architectural Floor Plans for the Brownstone Remodel
Reviewing the architectural floor plans for the Brownstone remodel, salvaging the vintage sink, and removing asbestos tile uncovered at the start of demolition.
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Redwood Deck Installation and Tour of Vermont Organic Farm
Bob talks with Ron Holen from Georgia-Pacific as the finishing touches are completed on the redwood front porch deck. Bob also visits with farmers at Cedar Mounta...
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Kinetico Water Purification System and Gas-Fired Water Heater
Bob explains how the Kinetico water purification system works and reviews the A.O. Smith ProMax 75 gas-fired water heater.
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HVAC System Installation
Bob discusses the SpacePak HVAC system that's being installed to provide heating and cooling in the house and barn. The SpacePak system is well-suited to projects...
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Blowing In Cellulose Insulation
Bob joins Joe Sheridan (from Energy Guard) to learn more about the US Greenfiber Cocoon cellulose insulation being used in the barn.
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Installing Wood Laminate Flooring
Fred Giuggio (from QuickStep) and his crew are busy installing wood laminate flooring in the barn of the Victorian restoration project house.
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Kinetico Water Filtration System Installation
Bob joins plumber Ted Moxham and Kinetico representative Dave Krupinski in the basement, where Ted is installing a Kinetico water purification system.
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Encapsulating Lead Paint
Cole Stanton (from Fiberlock) joins Bob to talk about Child Guard, an encapsulating coating for lead-based paint.
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Removing Lead Paint From Exterior Surfaces
Bob looks on as contractors remove lead paint from the porch columns, then safely dispose of the old paint.
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Stripping Paint From an Antique Cabinet
Bob works with the homeowners, who are stripping old paint off an antique cabinet. On top of the chemicals used to loosen the paint, they discuss the several safe...
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Decorative Woodwork Restoration
Bob assists Patty Hettich in stripping paint from decorative woodwork, then making rubber molds to create new details in the Federal-style home.
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Bench Construction
The wood has arrived for the perimeter benches, so Bob and contractor Bob Ryley begin constructing the architect-designed benches for the greenhouse. The wood is ...
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Asbestos Removal
Demolition continues with removal of asbestos from the attic.
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