If you’re looking for a way to make your bathroom feel cleaner and brighter, try recaulking your bathtub. It takes a couple of hours to remove the old caulk and apply the new caulk, but it’s definitely worth it! Here’s how I recaulked my own bathtub in a few easy steps. Ready to give your bathtub a makeover? Great! Here’s what you need to get started.

Kate Legere

Dec 11, 2023

10 Ways to Remove Cigarette Smells from Furniture Cleaning

Get rid of any smoky smells that are lingering on precious pieces of vintage furniture.

MaryAnne Petrella

Nov 27, 2023

How To Make Your Own Natural Bathroom Cleaners Cleaning

There are tons of “green” bathroom cleaners on the market, but most of the time it’s cheaper and just as effective to make your own. Armed with a few simple non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients, you can keep your bathroom fresh and sparkling with natural bathroom cleaners. If you’ve got a little extra time today, grab this shopping list, head to the store, and make a few batches of healthy cleaners to keep your bathroom (or any room) healthy!

Emily Han

Nov 14, 2023

11 Non-Toxic Paints To Buy That Are as Safe as They Are Chic Home Projects

The best non-toxic and low VOC paints for your entire home, from interior paint jobs to small DIY projects.

Cambria Bold

Nov 2, 2023

The 7 Best All-Natural Cleaning Supplies Under $25 to Tackle Every Mess Cleaning

Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle that still produces that satisfying squeaky clean.

Heather Bien

Jul 25, 2023

Get a Green Clean: How to Disinfect Your Whole Home With Tea Tree Oil Cleaning

Are you tired of your home smelling like chemicals when you clean? You shouldn’t have to leave the room in the middle of scrubbing down the counter because the smell of bleach is singeing your nose hairs. A better way to deal with this is concocting your own cleaning products with the use of natural ingredients and essential oils, including tea tree oil.

Sarah Landrum

May 23, 2023

How To Green Clean the Grout In Your Shower & Bathroom Cleaning

Is your bathroom guest-ready?

Ashley Poskin

May 20, 2023

How To Deep Green Clean Your Carpets Cleaning

Over time spot cleaning just doesn’t do it. You turn around one day, and your carpets are a shade darker than when you had them installed. Or, you do a great job spot cleaning only to reveal how dirty the rest of the carpeting really is. Here’s a way to give your carpets a deep clean using a few household ingredients, a vacuum, and a steam cleaner. Ingredients: Salt, borax, and white vinegar.

Allison Verdoorn

May 19, 2023

How To Whiten Laundry Without Chlorine Bleach Cleaning

Many of us have banished chlorine bleach from our homes, as it can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, poison fish and insects, and release carcinogenic dioxins during production. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways keep white linens, socks, and other fabrics sparkling, and you probably already have the necessary ingredients around the house. Ready to get started? Here are some bleach-free ways to get your whites whiter!

Ashley Poskin

May 19, 2023

Is There a Non-Toxic Stain-Resistant Fabric Protector?Cleaning

Q: We just reupholstered our comfy sofa with an all-cotton fabric. Is there a non-toxic way to “seal” the fabric and make it more stain-resistant? I’m sure a no-eating-on-the-couch rule would help, but it’s just not realistic! My family used to use some spray that worked well, but it has a daunting ingredient list.Sent by ElissaEditor: Elissa, great job on the reupholstery! It looks like an entirely new piece of furniture.

Cambria Bold

Jan 2, 2023

7 Vinegar Hacks From a Cleaning Expert That Can Save You Money Cleaning

An entire gallon of the stuff can clean your entire house for months—and only set you back about 3 bucks.

Caroline Biggs

Nov 4, 2022

How To Repel Fleas with Regular Household Items (Using Smells Fleas Hate!)Cleaning

There’s a lot to love about having pets, but one of the downsides is the fleas that can sometimes come with them — especially if your pet goes outdoors. Fleas can be a pain to get out of your house, but there are a number of regular household items that can be used to repel and kill them without harming your beloved furry friend (no, not you, Windex). Learn more about these below.

Carolin Lehmann

Oct 27, 2022

Reusing Tea Bags: The Good, The Bad, and the Green Design Ideas

As most avid tea drinkers will tell you, if you are using tea bags, you can get extra use out of them if you are willing to do so. Most people just chuck them into the trash, compost heap, or recycling bin, but saving them for your next tea is also an interesting idea.The first thing that you should know is that it’s fine to reuse tea bags. The drawback is that after the first cup, you lose flavor and strength. But if you enjoy strong tea, there is a way to reuse your tea bags.

Range Govindan

Oct 26, 2022

We’re Calling It: Pachira Aquatica Is the Easiest Indoor Tree Plants & Yard

If you’re exploring indoor trees for your home but aren’t sure where to begin, trust us when we say that the Pachira Aquatica is the tree you want. It is virtually kill-proof, relatively tidy, and grows as large (or as small) as you want. They are also pretty much immune to the most common cause of black thumbs: over-watering (hey, we’ve all been there).

Angie Cho

Oct 5, 2022

The Best Way to Polish & Clean Silver: 4 Home Remedy Methods Put to the Test Cleaning

We put four all-natural silverware-cleaning methods to the test, and one came out on top.

Ashley Poskin

Oct 3, 2022

How To Clean Brass Using 2 Natural Kitchen Ingredients Cleaning

If your brass has loss its brassy bite, it's time to clean it up.

Sarah Starkey

Oct 3, 2022

Wondering What to Do with Old Towels and Sheets? Here Are 10 Smart Ideas Design Ideas

We recently took stock of our linen closet and realized that half of the storage space was taken up by sheet sets and towels that we simply don’t use. Some are very old and worn out, and some just never seem to make it into our weekly linen rotation. Of course, we didn’t want to throw them out, so it got us thinking about recycling options.Use old sheets and blankets to make new ironing board pads and covers, like those featured on A Beautiful Mess.

Cambria Bold

Sep 20, 2022

How To Make a Feeder for Ladybugs to Attract Them to Your Garden Plants & Yard

Last week, I showed you how you can make natural pesticides for your plants. While these sprays pose less risk than the toxic ones, they also rid your plant of beneficial insects like the ladybug. Unlike most pesky bugs you want to purge from your garden, ladybugs pose no harm and are beneficial to your plants by feasting on a few of your plant’s nemeses such as aphids, mealybugs, leaf hoppers, scales, and mites.

Kimber Watson

Sep 14, 2022

4 DIY Ways to Feel Instantly Cooler Without AC Life

Here are some tried-and-true ways to cool off with no AC at home.

Joelle Alcaidinho

Jun 28, 2022

How To Get Rid of Moths (and Prevent Them, too)Cleaning

Nothing threatens a closet full of clothes more than moths. And they can invade even the most well-organized closet. These pesky creatures are responsible for holes in your favorite clothing, and oftentimes, the problem occurs completely unbeknownst to you. Like pantry moths and other pests, these silent clothing killers multiply quickly, too, so it’s a problem you’ll want to solve quickly with a good moth repellent.

Ashley Poskin

May 11, 2022

If Green Cleaners Aren't Cutting It, You Might Need a Cleaning "Re-Set"Cleaning

Even in the areas that routinely get the natural treatment, there's a time and a place for the big guns.

Shifrah Combiths

Aug 26, 2021

You Should Pour Vinegar into Your Washing Machine — Here’s Why Cleaning

Is there anything you can't handle with vinegar?

Dana McMahan

Aug 12, 2021

6 Household Uses for Mint Plants & Yard

Whether you have a mint plant growing on your windowsill or a bottle of mint essential oil that you’re not sure what to do with, there are several household uses for the herb. Below, six household uses for mint you may not have thought of before.While you’re at it, also be sure to check out our guides on how to grow herbs indoors, what the best indoor herb growing kits are, and the 10 easiest herbs to grow.

Carolin Lehmann

Jul 11, 2021

The 3-Ingredient Homemade Cleaner I Use On Everything Outdoors Plants & Yard

I've been using a cleaner on my outdoor furniture that does the trick perfectly. It includes two common but powerful things you already have at home.

Taryn Williford

May 17, 2021

14 Cleaning Product Label Buzzwords and What They Really Mean Cleaning

When it comes to important values like protecting the earth and safeguarding your family's health, greenwashing makes things murky.

Ashley Abramson

May 14, 2021

9 Plastic Wrap Alternatives Design Ideas

We hate to hear it, but it’s the truth: Plastic wrap is bad for the environment. So for a more sustainable kitchen, we’ve been switching to reusable alternatives. Don’t know where to start when it comes to replacing your disposable plastic wrap? Then check out the ideas below.For smaller items, repurposed glass jars work perfectly. They have the see-through nature of plastic wrap and can be popped in the dishwasher after being used.

Carolin Lehmann

Apr 12, 2021

Budget Basics: The Best Organic Bedding Under $100 Life

Organic bedding is not as unusual (or boring) as it used to be. Companies like Plover Organic, LOOP, and Coyuchi have set the standard for beautiful and environmentally-friendly bedding, but there’s one problem: they can be kind of expensive. Is there such a thing as budget-friendly organic bedding? Yes, there is! Here are our top picks for organic bedding—sheets, blankets, and pillows— all under $100.

Cambria Bold

Feb 1, 2021

6 Homemade Cleaners That Really Work Cleaning

Whether you want to swap out stronger, potentially hazardous chemicals for gentle-yet-effective pantry ingredients or you’re just frustrated that your go-to products haven’t been in stock due to the pandemic, consider making your own, homemade cleaners.

Ashley Abramson

Nov 12, 2020

This Versatile Cleaning Product Can Do Anything—And It Costs Less Than $1 Cleaning

It can handle tough jobs all on its own, but combined with other ingredients from your pantry, it can be even more powerful.

Ashley Abramson

Nov 4, 2020

The First Thing You Should Do If You Buy a New Container of Cornstarch Cleaning

Hint: This hack will help brighten up your whole home!

Ashley Abramson

Nov 2, 2020

The Best Natural Cleaner You Can Buy Costs Less Than $2 Cleaning

If you’re not using this humble solution to its full potential already, here’s what you need to know.

Kelsey Ogletree

Oct 28, 2020

Natural Bug Repellents to Keep Your Dinners Outside Bearable Cleaning

There’s nothing like a swarm of mosquitoes or army of ants to ruin your time outdoors. Even though bugs are often useful, they can put a damper on picnics, BBQs, and simply chilling outside, and leave you with some nasty bites and stings. Thankfully it’s fairly simple to find ways to keep bugs away.

Melissa Epifano

Oct 24, 2020

Why You Should Put Olive Oil on Your Stainless Steel Appliances Cleaning

The humble pantry staple is key to preventing and removing stubborn fingerprints, smudges, and other frustrating marks.

Olivia Muenter

Oct 21, 2020

The Natural Cleaning Habit That’s Ruining Your Granite Countertops Cleaning

There's definitely a time and a place for simple solutions that make cleaning easier—but this isn't one of them.

Shifrah Combiths

Oct 19, 2020

The $2 Bathroom Staple That Helped Me Finally Get Rid of Hard Water Stains Cleaning

How a $2 household staple helped me tackle hard water stains that nothing else would eradicate.

Brigitt Earley

Oct 2, 2020

I Thought I Ruined an Entire Load of Laundry—But There Was an Easy Fix Cleaning

A laundry hack sweeping social media helped me save an entire load of laundry from indigo dye stains.

Brigitt Earley

Oct 1, 2020

The Best “Grown Up” Futons Design Ideas

Growing up, the only type of couches my family owned were futons. I thought they were the coolest — you could change the covers, they expanded for sleepovers, and they seemed much more modern than an overstuffed sofa. Nowadays futons are more often associated with dorm rooms than cool furniture. However, there’s no denying a futon’s small space convenience. Here are a few convertible options for your post-collegiate home.

Rachel Wray Thompson

Sep 2, 2020

I Tried This 3-Ingredient Natural Cleaner the Pros Recommended—And I’ll Never Go Back Cleaning

I've found that it works the very best when I spray the solution on a cloth rather than spraying it on the glass itself.

Shifrah Combiths

Aug 9, 2020

Humane Rodent Control Cleaning

I recently discovered evidence of mice in my apartment, err… actually, my cat discovered them for me. She’s a great hunter and tormentor but, as I discovered after a few hours, not a killer. Mice are one of the most horrifying things I can imagine in my home, so I’ve researched a few humane ways to get rid of them.

Kathryn Wright

Jul 18, 2020

How To Install a Dimmer Switch Life

Dimmer switches are great, not only do they provide opportunity for mood lighting and ambiance, but also save money due to reduced power usage. Almost all the lights in my home are on a dimmer switch, except for the bedrooms, where we’d actually like to have them the most.

Rachel Wray Thompson

Jul 18, 2020

The Ten Commandments of Buying Used Furniture Life

You see a chair on the curb. It’s sitting right in front of your building and it’s free. Or, you’re at the thrift store and spy a cheap sofa. But something holds you back. You’re just. not. quite. sure. If only there were guidelines — holy reminders if you will — of things to keep in mind while looking at used furniture. How do you decide if it’s the right thing to re-do? Or if you should run in the other direction?

Dabney Frake

Jul 17, 2020

Before and After: Stock Tank Gardening Project Plants & Yard

I’ve been in love with galvanized stock tank gardens for a long time and posted a roundup of my favorites last summer. Finally, I’ve gotten the chance to exercise my green thumb and take the first, small step to adding a little style to the exterior of my home.After nearly a year of renovations to the interior of my home, I’ve finally had the chance to start adding a little curb appeal.

Michelle Chin

Jul 17, 2020

7 Ideas to Steal from the Boston Magazine Design Home Design Ideas

A couple weeks ago, I got to preview the beautiful Boston Magazine Design Home 2014 in Salisbury, Ma. While I was inspired by many of the rooms and green features of this net zero energy home, these were the seven décor ideas I wanted to steal for my own space: Note: While its eco-friendliness is a huge draw, I’m going to focus on purely decorating tips. To find out more about its energy efficient features, visit the Design Home website. Here are my seven decorating ideas to steal: 1.

Tara Bellucci

Jul 17, 2020

5 Ways To Use A Coat Rack (Other Than The Obvious)Organizing

Yesterday we talked about 12 different ways to use a bookcase in your home. Did you miss it? Check it out for sure as they’re one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can own. Today we’re back with a few more suggestions, but this time for the entryway staple: the coat rack.1. In The Bedroom: The harder we work to keep our closet items paired down the easier it can be to put a coat rack to use as a closet (especially if you use a small bookcase for folded items).

Sarah Rae Smith

Jul 17, 2020

The Ultimate (Probably Practically Free) Dress Up Box Checklist!Life

Ssh! We’re putting together a dress up box for my kids this year for Christmas! To aid in my quest for putting together the best dress up box ever, I have made this handy “Ultimate Dress Up Box Checklist”. How many of these do you have in yours? Or, even better, waiting to add to yours, currently lying around your house? Used adult clothes: short dresses (they will become full length on a child) bridesmaid dresses (possibly cut short?

Alison Gerber

Jul 17, 2020

Before & After: A Revived Wooden Mirror Home Projects

After spending four muddy days under flood water this mirror was on top of a pile of trash, destined for the tip. Then I got sentimental and retrieved it. It was too wet and filthy to bring inside so it spent the next 6 months outside before I finally decided it was time to make it work or let it go. I toyed with the idea of painting it bright yellow but in the end I couldn’t do it, so I kept it simple and tried to return it to its former glory.

Sarah Starkey

Jul 17, 2020

7 Kitchen Waste Items to Use in the Garden Plants & Yard

Composting kitchen scraps for use in the garden is a classic green living practice, but there are many kitchen waste items that can also be put to good use in other ways in the garden. From hot peppers to paper towel rolls, here are seven kitchen waste items to make your home and garden healthy and happy. Paper Towel Rolls: Trim them down to about 2 inches high and press them into the soil around seedlings, this serves as an added layer of protection from pests such as slugs.

Kathryn Wright

Jul 17, 2020

Before & After: A Raised Garden Bed Plants & Yard

During the last year, we focused mainly on fixing up the inside of our house. But 2011 is all about the outside, and we got to work before the holidays so we could eat out of our first food-producing garden come early spring. So far, so good. Take a look!We’re grateful that we have a lot of real estate to work with. Our first raised bed (the one pictured here) is four feet wide, eight feet long, and a foot and a half deep. It needed a cubic yard of dirt to fill it up!

Amber Byfield

Jul 17, 2020

How To Build A Raised Bed in a Metal Trough Plants & Yard

Whether you call it a stock tank, a galvanized metal container, or a cattle trough (being from Texas, I prefer the latter), one thing’s for sure: these metal bins make for perfect and visually interesting raised garden beds. They’re cheap and come in a variety of sizes, so surely you’ll find one for your space. Then, follow these steps to create your own raised bed.

Amber Byfield

Jul 17, 2020

10 Things to Make With Felted Wool Organizing

As spring winds down, bringing the oh-so-hot temperatures of summer all the closer, we are knee deep in cleaning. In the midst of purging and decluttering, we’ve come across a handful of wool sweaters that really don’t need to make an appearance as apparel ever again. Here are 10 things you can do to reincarnate those tired old wool sweaters.Felting wool is as simple as washing an old 100% wool sweater in hot water.

Amber Byfield

Jul 17, 2020

4 Sources for Architectural Salvage in Chicago Home Projects

Architectural salvage shops are increasingly popular destinations for designers, collectors, and remodelers, and for the home decorator looking for unique furnishings, there’s no better place to start a search. In part, salvage stores hold such wide appeal because the items there carry the forgotten tales of the past, and invite collectors to imagine creative reuse ideas.

Carolyn Purnell

Jul 17, 2020

A Safe Non-Toxic Sealant for a Wooden Highchair?Life

Q: What is a safe, nontoxic sealant for a wooden highchair? We have an old wooden highchair that has a tray with all the finish worn off. The tray had also broken in half where it was seamed together. I glued it together again, but I’d like to refinish it to make it easier to clean. It is in otherwise perfect condition and we want to use it for our grandchildren.

Cambria Bold

Jul 17, 2020

21 Things You Can Do With Lemons and Lemon Juice (That Don’t Involve Food)Cleaning

Lemons are kind of a miracle to me. Their wizardly talents range from saving sailors from untimely scurvy deaths, to working equally as well in savory and sweet dishes. And on top of that, lemons are an ace all-natural cleaning agent to use around the house. Lemon is a cleanser and deodorizer that can work wonders for your skin, wardrobe or dresser drawers. Make a serum to calm your puffy, swollen eyes. Mix lemon juice with sugar or salt to create a deliciously smelling body scrub.

Taryn Williford

Jul 17, 2020