Home Cleaning

Wooden chair and metal side table with vase of yellow flowers in a bright room, near a bed with a curtain divider.
Here’s What a List of “Home Goals” Should Look Like
Do you have goals for your home? I think it’s really effective–in all areas of life–to write down your goals and share them with others. And your home should be no exception. Whether you rent or own, whether you plan to be there for seven more months or seven more years (or forever!), you should keep a list of things you’d like to get done for a happy life at home. To get the most out of your list, make it a good mix of goals.
Taryn Williford
Jul 16, 2020
Overwhelmed by Mess? Just Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your House Cleaning
You can turn to this list again and again, regaining control and calming the chaos with as little work as possible.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 16, 2020
8 Truths About Home Organization I Learned from the Berenstain Bears
What inspires you to get organized? Maybe it’s a trip to the Container Store, or a favorite magazine or blog, or a visit to a friend’s house. For me, the fire was lit at a tender age by that childhood classic, The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room.So I decided to go back through this beloved book, as an adult, and see if there were any gems of organizing wisdom that would be applicable to us grown-up, non-bear types. Here’s what I found.1.
Nancy Mitchell
Jul 16, 2020
The One Thing You Need to Clean to Set Yourself Up for Spring
This year, we’re on a mission to help you tackle spring cleaning on your time. Each weekday until April 13, we’ll guide you through a plan to clean and organize different areas of your home, but you’ll have the flexibility to choose exactly what to work on and how long you have to dedicate to the job. Five days down, and five days to go. We’re at the halfway point of our spring clean and I hope you’re feeling reset for the home stretch.
Taryn Williford
Jul 16, 2020
How to Hire a Professional Housecleaner
Time is short, and cleaning isn’t fun. After a long week of work, and busy days with family, isn’t cleaning one of the last ways you want to spend your free time? If keeping a tidier home is one of your new year’s resolutions, consider hiring a professional cleaner. If you have the means to hire a professional, I definitely recommend it. My household started hiring out this service a few years ago.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Jul 16, 2020
Up Your Energy: Simple Workspace Feng Shui Principles to Try Today
When you’re busy working, it can be easy to let your workspace fall into a rut—I mean, who has time to redecorate their desk when they’re preparing for next week’s presentation? But because your work environment affects how energized you feel, taking a few minutes right now to optimize your workspace may just make your whole week more productive. Want to try it? Read through these five ways to improve and organize your desk according to feng shui—then get to work!
Katie Holdefehr
Jul 16, 2020
30 Ways To Repair, Restore, Or Redo Any Piece Of Furniture
Not all furniture we find is attractive. It might be picked up from an online listing or passed on from relatives. Over the years we’ve spent a great deal of time focusing on these shabby pieces in efforts to make them chic once again. Check out these 30 tips, tricks and ideas for your next furniture flip!
Sarah Rae Smith
Jul 15, 2020
The Complete Guide to Using and Caring for Copper Pots
Copper pans are loved for being quick to warm and for their extremely even distribution of heat. They are often specifically called for in candy-making and other heat-sensitive recipes, but copper is useful for almost all your cooking, since the increased control and evenness of temperature makes everything easier. Although copper is one of the most expensive materials for pans, for those who love to cook copper pots and pans are worth the investment.
Emil Evans
Jul 15, 2020
I Tested 4 Zero-Cost Methods for Trapping Fruit Flies in the Kitchen—and Found One Clear Winner
Four DIY fruit fly traps, and one winner! My kitchen is fruit fly-free now.
Faith Durand
Jul 14, 2020
This Cult-Favorite $8 Kitchen Cleaner Has Been Working Wonders For Decades
"Newer" doesn't necessarily mean "better."
Ashley Abramson
Jul 13, 2020
The Efficient Toilet-Cleaning Method Everyone Should be Using
If you learn how to clean the toilet properly—and how to keep it that way—you'll be able to enjoy that fresh commode feeling around the clock.
Ashley Poskin
Jul 10, 2020
7 Important Cleaning Lessons You Learn from Working at a Restaurant
Your kitchen is practically operating like a restaurant right now, so we surveyed front-of-house staff, servers, bartenders, and chefs for some kitchen-saving cleaning tips.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 9, 2020
The “Power 10” Method Gets Everyone in the House Inspired to Help Clean Up
When we're done, the house has been whipped into shape with seemingly little effort.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 6, 2020
There’s One Weekend Project You’ll Want to Finish Before it Gets Really Hot Out
Your allergies will thank you for doing it now.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 3, 2020
There Are 5 Quarantine Cleaning Personalities—Which One Are You?
Plus some tips that can help you harness your energy, or triggers to look out for to avoid burnout.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 1, 2020
There’s an Easy Way to Keep Your Kitchen Sponge Sanitary—And It’s Hiding in Your Junk Drawer
If you’re looking for a budget, DIY solution for your stinky sponges, look no further.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 30, 2020
One Very Resourceful Reason to Keep Some OxiClean in Your Kitchen
I have a favorite kitchen trick that has nothing to do with cooking.
Shifrah Combiths
Jun 29, 2020
Get a Streak-Free Bathroom Mirror in 4 Steps (With 3 Ingredients!)
The perfect formula here is a DIY cleaner specifically meant for mirrors (don’t worry; we’ve got a great one) paired with a flat-weave microfiber cloth.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 28, 2020
One Wasteful Dishwasher Cycle You Shouldn’t Use, If You Want to Save Money
Skip that cycle and do this instead.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 25, 2020
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Use Home Dry Clean Kits, According to a Laundry Expert
Dry cleaning kits *do* work a lot like dry cleaning does—but it actually isn’t necessary for most clothes.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 23, 2020
The $8 Cult-Favorite Stain Remover Laundry Experts Recommend (Even for Sharpie!)
What if you could have one stain-fighting solution to cover all your bases? And, better yet, what if it was even more effective than the alternatives?
Ashley Abramson
Jun 22, 2020
5 New Habits to Keep Your Kitchen Mess-Free Since You’re Always at Home Now
This new set of housekeeping habits will help you keep your kitchen pretty close to the way you want it, even when life in general is upside down.
Shifrah Combiths
Jun 21, 2020
This New CDC Study Finds that One-Third of U.S. Households Are Cleaning Wrong
New evidence from the CDC found many people are cleaning incorrectly—and engaging in unsafe cleaning behaviors.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 17, 2020
3 New Expert-Approved Rules for Wearing and Washing Your “Outside Clothes”
We spoke to experts to find out so you can make the best, safest decision. Here's what to do with your clothes after running essential errands or a socially-distanced hang.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 16, 2020
That Magic Eraser Hack Promises a Forever-Clean Toilet — So We Put It To the Test
This tip promises to keep your toilet bowl sparkling clean with almost no effort.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 14, 2020
This Simple Trick for Getting Rid of Hot Grease Will Make You Say “Why Didn’t I Think of That?”
Just another brilliant TikTok idea.
Naomi Tomky
Jun 12, 2020
Laminate Floors Need Some Love? Here's Everything You Should Know
You can achieve polished, sparkling clean laminate floors without worrying about damaging them.
Ashley Abramson
May 31, 2020
11 Surprising Ways to Use Sponges (Other than Washing Dishes)
From gardening to ice packs to thank-you notes.
geraldinemcampbell
May 30, 2020
The Very First Thing You Should Do with a New Bottle of Vinegar
By the time you grab a fresh bottle, it will probably be time to take care of an important kitchen chore you’ve been neglecting.
Ashley Abramson
May 28, 2020
6 Apps That Will Make Cleaning Easy (Or At Least More Bearable)
Whether you're trying to delegate chores to your family, demystify the laundry process, or find the best non-toxic cleaners, there's an app for that!
Olivia Muenter
May 26, 2020
When the Rest of My Home is Chaos, a Clear Kitchen Table Helps Me Feel Calm—Here’s Why
I'm trying to learn to let go of a lot—but there's one small area of our house that I always make sure is perfectly clear.
Shifrah Combiths
May 21, 2020
This $5 Hack Will Keep Your Bath Mat From Sliding—And Make it Easier to Clean
This simple solution cracks open the world of bath mat choices, and could turn one of your existing slipping and sliding mats into one that stays safely put.
Shifrah Combiths
May 20, 2020
This Common Dusting Mistake Could be Ruining Your Furniture
You might not notice immediate damage when you wipe down your coffee table or counters, but there are much better ways to dust.
Ashley Abramson
May 17, 2020
This $7 Surface Cleaner Saved My White Marble Countertops from Deep Stains
Even the deepest, darkest, toughest stains don't stand a chance against this miracle in a bottle!
Sholeen Damarwala
May 12, 2020
5 Things You Might be Forgetting to Disinfect, According to an Epidemiologist
If you find relief in spraying and wiping down every possible surface right now, don't forget to focus on disinfecting these five things, as recommended by an epidemiologist.
Ashley Abramson
May 11, 2020
The Once-in-a-While Cleaning Task You Can’t Skip if You’re a Coffee Drinker
Weekend Projects
Machines that drip more slowly than they used to, or makers that leak, signal a build up of minerals.
Shifrah Combiths
May 8, 2020
5 Things You Need to Know About Cleaning Your Face Mask, According to a PPE Expert
“I always recommend that you change your mask like you change your underwear: daily."
Ashley Abramson
May 5, 2020
9 Things You Can’t Clean With “All-Purpose” Cleaner, According to Experts
Plus, what you should use instead.
Ashley Abramson
May 5, 2020
3 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Disinfecting with Bleach
Household bleach can be an effective way to stave off germs, including the novel coronavirus, but you need to make sure you follow expert instructions.
Ashley Abramson
May 4, 2020
The One Thing You Need to Do Every Time Before You Run the Dishwasher
If you have a home with dishwasher, it probably saves you loads of time on hand-washing. But dishwashers, as quick and thorough as they are, can also wreak havoc on your kitchenware when they’re not used thoughtfully. Delicate glassware, for example, could easily shatter in a dishwasher, while a wooden cutting board or spoon might end up split.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2020
One Simple Change You Can Make to Your Entryway to Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus
Good hygiene isn’t just about washing your hands and wearing a mask.
Ashley Abramson
May 1, 2020
Try This 10-Minute Tidy-Up to Reclaim Some of Your Mental and Physical Space
Weekend Projects
Your space—and therefore, you—will enjoy a little perk-up.
Shifrah Combiths
May 1, 2020
Does the Tennis Balls in Dryer Trick Really Work to Soften Clothes?
Everyone has a few home and cleaning tips they’ve been taught that, to be honest, may or may not even work—whether that’s using newspaper to clean glass, rubbing strongly-scented dryer sheets on clothes to keep bugs away, or polishing shoes with banana peels. One laundry hack that often gets tossed around is putting tennis balls in a dryer to soften your clothes and dry them faster.
Stephanie Kinnear
Apr 29, 2020
Should You Try That “Coffee in the Laundry” Hack on Your Dark Clothes? We Asked an Expert
You've probably seen this trick on Pinterest.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 27, 2020
5 Simple Steps Standing Between You and a Better Vacuum Cleaner
You can breathe new life into your vacuum cleaner in one weekend afternoon.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 24, 2020
Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Disinfect Your Floors
As with all disinfecting, it makes sense to take a targeted approach.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 23, 2020
There’s One Thing Almost Everyone Forgets to Clean
This weekend, we're going to pay special attention to one spot that's accumulated a patina of dust and a collection of stray fingerprints.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 22, 2020
Before and After: This Pantry Porn Comes Courtesy of IKEA and the Dollar Store
In case you've ever wondered what $100 worth of jars looks like.
Tess Wilson
Apr 22, 2020
5 Things You Should Never Do with Hydrogen Peroxide
It's probably one of the most underrated cleaners of all time. But, as always, there are a few things to watch out for.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 18, 2020
This Laundry Expert Says You Can Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home
If you follow the right steps, you may never need to spend money on a dry cleaner again.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 15, 2020
I Tried 3 Methods For Cleaning My Stove’s Drip Pans and Instead, I’m Never Cooking Again
Was it worth it? Is anything worth it????
Tara Bellucci
Apr 14, 2020
What to Do Before, During, and After Someone (Like a Plumber or Landlord) Enters Your Home
Know it before you need it: Here's what an epidemiologist recommends for maintaining health and safety during essential in-home visits.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 14, 2020
One (Really Big) Spot that People Forget They Should Clean
Spring Cleaning
There are many right ways to do this, but here's my favorite—if hacky—method.
Taryn Williford
Apr 9, 2020
Here’s a Simple and Food-Safe Way to Get Rid of Ants in Your Kitchen
Ants tend to pop up in the spring and can linger through summer, foraging through your kitchen for food.
Ayn-Monique Klahre
Apr 7, 2020
Two Easy Homemade Alternatives If You Don’t Have Glass Cleaner
Picture this: Inspired by the window-cleaning marathon you completed while getting a jump start on spring cleaning, you’re cleaning all the glass in your house. You’ve done all the doors, the glass that protects every photo that’s hung on the wall or displayed on a bookshelf, and the mirrored tray on your oversized tufted ottoman. In your zeal, you’ve finished a spray bottle of glass cleaner.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 6, 2020
Here Are 4 Ways to Make Peace With Your Temporary Quarantine Clutter
When there are stacks of canned food on usually-cleared-off counters, and makeshift work stations in the middle of the living room, it can bombard you with an uneasy feeling that things are out of place.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 6, 2020
So You’re Using Quarantine to Declutter. Here’s What to Do With the Stuff
Are donation centers open during the coronavirus crisis? What about charities like homeless or women’s shelters? We've got all the answers.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 5, 2020
Here’s How the Sanitize Cycle Works to Kill Germs in a Dishwasher or Washing Machine
We asked two experts from GE Appliances to help us break down the science at work in their machines.
Caroline Biggs
Apr 2, 2020
There’s Nothing You Can Clean That Will Be More Satisfying Than This
Spring Cleaning
Once you identify the good feelings hidden in these so-called "chores," it'll be a lot easier to start and stay on top of the things you know you ought to do.
Taryn Williford
Apr 2, 2020
6 Laundry Tips an Expert Thinks You Should Know During the Coronavirus Outbreak
To learn more about the best (and most hygienic) laundry practices during a pandemic, we spoke with a laundry expert.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 1, 2020
7 Habits You Need to Start (Right Now) If You Suspect Someone in Your Home Is Sick
Here are seven steps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends if you’re living in the same home as a sick person.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 31, 2020
The Easiest Spring Cleaning Task is Also the Most Important
Spring Cleaning
You can make spring cleaning less overwhelming by starting small.
Taryn Williford
Mar 31, 2020
What to Do If You Run Out of Toilet Paper
We asked the experts so you don’t have to make an awkward call to your plumber.
Alison Goldman
Mar 30, 2020
The Spring Cleaning Challenge Starts Today—And Your Journey Begins With One Small Step
Spring Cleaning
We'll tackle one task every weekday for two weeks. And today, we're starting small.
Taryn Williford
Mar 30, 2020
So... Someone Sneezed Into the Air. Here's What to Do Next.
You can’t always predict when a cough or sneeze is coming on. And you definitely can't control roommates who won't take their health seriously.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 28, 2020
What to Do If You Run Out of Dishwasher Detergent
If your dishwasher is already full and you need a good substitute, here are some options.
Brigitt Earley
Mar 26, 2020
The First 5 Things to Do When You Walk in the Door, According to a Microbiologist
Yes, grocery store hauls require a whole other level of vigilance right now.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 26, 2020
Spring Cleaning Guide: How to Spring Clean Your Whole House
Take this chance to reset everything and enjoy that squeaky-clean-house feeling.
Shifrah Combiths
Mar 25, 2020
The Easiest Way to Sanitize Your Bed Sheets, According to a Laundry Expert
Even if you have access to a washer, you might want to take this extra maintenance step just to be sure you’re not sleeping in a literal bed of germs.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 23, 2020
How Long Can Germs (Like the Coronavirus) Live on Surfaces at Home?
Researchers are only beginning to understand how long the novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces, but here's what we know.
Ashley Abramson
Mar 22, 2020
Here’s How to Clean Your Glasses and Sunglasses, Now That You Realize How Much You Touch Them
Weekend Projects
Here's how to do it, and make the practice a habit.
Shifrah Combiths
Mar 20, 2020
Saturday Assignment: Remove Household Rust With These 5 Natural Remedies
Rust is a quiet, subtle things that sneaks up on your pans, pots, servingware and even some furniture. The weekend’s a perfect time to rid your metal of this pesky unsightly element. And guess what? There are five eco-friendly ways to remove rust, most of which came from you, our readers! Rust comes in many different forms, but the most common in households is rust from iron oxides, where metal is exposed to water or air moisture and becomes oxygenated.
Tiffany Finley
Mar 18, 2020