Lack of water. Too much water. Watering at the wrong time. Watering leaves, not roots. These, and more watering mistakes can ruin your garden and make all your hard work a failure. Watering plants is likely the single most important maintenance job a gardener does. Outdoor watering accounts for about 30% of the average household’s...

Your mortgage, property tax, and homeowner’s insurance aren’t the only ongoing costs you’ll incur when you leap into homeownership. Aside from regular maintenance and repairs, you’ll also be responsible for electric, gas, and water bills.  Depending on the size of your home, you may be in for a real surprise during hot summers or frigid...

When I moved into my current house about ten years ago, the water heater was too small for my family’s needs. As a family of five, only a couple of us could take showers without waiting at least an hour for the water to heat back up. Since I didn’t want to waste our precious...

If you’ve hung around TikTok for any length of time, you’ve seen a slew of cleaning hacks, everything from dangerous chemical mixing or the air fryer cleaning “hack” to more innocuous air conditioner cleaning tips.  While we’re left underwhelmed by many of the viral TikTok cleaning methods, the “Closing Shift” is one we can get...

Every seller wants their home to appeal to the greatest number of possible buyers. Consider these house projects to skip or complete before listing your home for sale to maximize the impact of your time and resources. Certain projects will significantly improve the appeal of your home without costing too much. These will help you...

Selling a home is stressful, but you can make it less so by thoughtfully considering which projects to finish and which to let go before you sell. Some jobs should be completed before the “For Sale” sign goes up in the yard, but not all home projects are worth the time, effort, and money. In...

Indoor plants improve the look and feel of your home. They also add oxygen and help provide a peaceful environment. Unfortunately, some of them attract pests that never seem to leave. Know which plants to avoid if you don’t want bug infestations. Common Indoor Plant Pests Most pests are imported when you buy plants or...

Birds love chimneys. A chimney provides birds with a high perch to spot food or danger. It is a warm and safe place in the winter and a good spot–from a bird’s point of view–to build nests and raise young. Birds in your chimney are noisy, dirty, and dangerous. Risks Of Birds In Your Chimney...

It would be very convenient if one cleaner were effective for all cleaning chores. That cleaner hasn’t been invented yet. Different surfaces require specific types of cleaners to do the job properly and to avoid damaging the finish. Countertops are the focus of your kitchen. They are the most wiped surface in the house. They...

With the New Year comes lofty goal setting, which, for many, includes whipping their house into organizational shape. January is one of the best times to declutter your belongings and reorganize, allowing you to start the year with a clean house and a clear mind. If you’re unsure whether decluttering should be on your bucket...

As the calendar turns to January once again, it is time to carefully store our holiday finery and get organized for the coming year. Whether you want to streamline your daily routines, reduce stress, or just enjoy a cleaner and more orderly environment, organizing your home can have a transformative effect on your life. This...

Since the toilet comes into contact with some of the grossest substances in a house, cleaning it on a regular basis is a necessity. Using a disinfecting toilet bowl cleaner to wipe out germs is the norm when it comes to the bowl and exterior, but what about the toilet tank?  The toilet tank is...

Your home is your castle and safe space but be aware that enemies within might be compromising your health. Especially in winter when the house is closed up against the cold outside. You may suffer some of these symptoms if your house is making you sick. Depending on how sensitive or health-compromised a person is,...

One of my biggest pet peeves is wiping down my kitchen counters only to cover them in crumbs when I lift and wipe under my toaster. When this happens, I know I’m past the point of needing to clean the crumb tray. If you’ve never cleaned your toaster before, the steps are easy, and the...

If your wallpaper looks drab or you are tired of the design and colors, painting over it may be an option. Removing old wallpaper can damage the drywall beneath it–making a paint job an attractive choice. Painting with patience and avoiding these mistakes can produce a long-lasting finished paint job without the hassle of removing...

Hardwood floors can improve the look of your home and increase its resale value. But while hardwoods are known for being durable and long-lasting, they aren’t indestructible. If you’ve noticed damage to your wood floors but can’t pinpoint the culprit, it may be one of these ten things. 1. PVC and Latex Rug Pads A...

Brown stains on your wallpaper look ugly and may be a sign of worse underlying problems. Wiping the stains with dish soap and water several times makes the stain less noticeable. You need a weak bleach solution (one part bleach, two parts water) to remove stains entirely. Be aware that you might remove the color...

Smell is one of the most powerful senses, with a strong influence on mood and perception. Pleasant smells make your home feel fresher and more inviting, but other scents can have the opposite effect. Choosing the right fragrances for your home requires thoughtful planning, as does avoiding certain smells. This is especially crucial when hosting...

Unless you are signed up for an average monthly payment plan, your energy bills can be a surprise–even a shock. Every little bit you can save on heating costs lowers those bills. Use these tips and tricks to save money without being uncomfortable. Get An Energy Audit An energy audit tells you where the house...

Acetone is a versatile compound that can be used for much more than just nail polish removal. Its chemical properties make it a valuable tool in a variety of applications, from household cleaning to rejuvenation. Its ability to dissolve, clean, and evaporate quickly makes it a useful secret weapon in your household cleaning arsenal. Discover...

Most exterior renovation projects slow down or halt completely in the winter. Freezing temperatures, snow, wet or frozen soil, and limited daylight make winter renovations slow, dangerous, and difficult. The quality of work often suffers. It is much more efficient to plan your renovations during winter months and be ready to start work when the...

The festive season–especially Christmas–usually brings out the best food, smells, friends, and decorations. Some of the plants used to decorate are extremely poisonous and should be handled with care to prevent small children and pets from getting sick. Just like poisonous potted plants you should not grow, some of the most decorative festive plants are...

It’s a question I’ve often grappled with—should you heat your basement in the winter? On the one hand, heating bills are already sky high when temps are frigid, but on the other hand, will not heating the basement lead to a catastrophe, like a burst water pipe? I dug into the best expert tips and...

Cats–especially kittens–can be adorable, funny, and beneficial–eliminating mice, rats, and squirrels. They are also incredibly annoying when they poop, urinate, and dig up seeds and plants in your garden and flowerbeds. Try one or more of these ideas to keep your gardens feline-free. Reasons To Keep Cats Out Cats may remove the odd rodent from...

Bleach is often the first choice to disinfect surfaces and remove tough stains. It is very effective but the absolute wrong choice for some cleaning jobs. Do not use bleach to clean any of these items. Children’s Furniture and Toys Bleach is a great disinfectant but toxic if ingested. It is also linked to skin...

Snow makes for a beautiful sight but can lead to trouble, especially when it’s tracked in on your hardwood floors. Wood and water don’t mix. Neither does the salt used to melt snow and ice. Too much snow on the floor can lead to your hardwoods or laminate floors warping and, sometimes, causing mold or...

Once you decide to do a major renovation, it’s time to choose styles and designs. Make sure your choices look as good in 20 years as today. (Teal bathrooms were a fad that lasted about 6 months.) When renovating, always ask yourself, “Will I still like this in 20 years? Will it still look stylish?...

Yellow stains appearing on your white pillows are disheartening. They are unsightly. They also may have health implications. Your head rests on the stained pillow and your mouth, nose, and eyes are in close contact with the stains. Causes Of Yellow Stains On Pillows Pillows usually turn yellow from a combination of factors–often related to...

White vinegar is often considered the best, most inexpensive, and environmentally safe cleaner in your house. While this is true in many instances, there are some cleaning jobs where vinegar can damage surfaces and fail to clean well. Do not use vinegar to clean these items. Unsealed Grout The acid nature of vinegar can wear...

When it comes to loading a dishwasher, there are a lot of disagreements on what should be put where—do cups go on the top rack or bowls? Should you load dishes from the front to the back or side to side? And do you really need to pre-rinse? Today, we’re diving into your deep-burning dishwasher...

If you feel guilty when you forget to water your houseplants, it may be time to choose different plants. Some houseplants don’t require regular watering. Some prefer that you leave them alone and they appear to thrive on neglect. Here are some plants to consider if you are away from home regularly and the housesitter...

The average double bed has about 15 cubic feet of wasted space under it. It’s a pretty attractive storage area. But some things should never be stored there. Here are a few of them and the reasons why. Heavy Items Everything stored under the bed has to slide in and out. Heavy containers don’t slide...

As the temperature drops, the indoor heat gets cranked up. While this keeps everyone comfortable, it also leads to dry, damaging air.  One of the main reasons we experience the dry air phenomena in the winter is that cool air has difficulty retaining moisture. Then, when the heat is turned on to combat the frigid...

Many plants thrive and benefit when planted in the fall, but not all. By planting the wrong varieties, you may be wasting your time and money trying to get a head start on next spring’s growing season. Wait until spring to put these plants in your garden. Plants require warm temperatures to establish hardy and...

The best way to get rid of ants is to keep them away. Seeing a few ants in your house doesn’t seem like a big deal. But once they find a food source, others will follow their trail. You could soon have large numbers of ants trouping in and out of your house. It is...

Many home renovation projects are not difficult. They can be successfully done by following instructions and being patient. You can save a lot of money doing the job yourself and have a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when you are done. Here are some home renos you should consider doing yourself. Installing Shelving and Closet...

Most spiders are creepy–but harmless. Most people don’t appreciate sharing their homes with spiders. They scare people with their quick movements and weave webs that make your home look and feel unclean. Keeping them out makes for a more comfortable home. Spiders are predators that kill and eat other insects. If spiders constantly try to...

Snow mold is those surprise white and pink circles left on your lawn after the snow melts. The circles can vary in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. The affected grass is crusty and matted. Severe infestations kill grass and leave the lawn patchy and unattractive. What Causes Snow Mold? Snow...

Nobody wants a clogged toilet–especially without a toilet plunger. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few alternatives. You probably already have most of the things you need in the house. Many of them can be used together to eliminate the clog. Baking Soda and Vinegar Dip most of the water out...

Water is one of the safest household cleaners, which might make you think it’s appropriate for all surfaces, but that’s not the case. While you can use it to wash down many delicate surfaces, avoid cleaning the following seven items with water. Unfinished Wood Wood and water don’t mix—especially when that wood doesn’t have a...

Proper home maintenance extends your house’s lifespan, makes your living environment comfortable, and saves money. Poor home maintenance, skipping or ignoring jobs, or doing poor work can cause major problems and expenses. You might be ruining your home without even knowing it. Growing Trees and Shrubs Too Close To Buildings Planting those little shrubs and...

Every home should have a can of shaving cream–even if no one uses it for shaving. Shaving cream is an excellent cleaner for some things. It is handy, easy to use, and inexpensive. Shaving cream is not a cleaning cure-all, but it works well for certain jobs. Why Shaving Cream Cleans Shaving cream creates rich...

In colder climates, winter lawn care ranges from very little to none. Before snow covers your lawn here are a few essential lawn cleaning tips that help your lawn get through the winter healthier. By properly preparing the lawn, you have less spring yard work and an early start to next year’s healthy lush lawn....

Professional cleaners know that a relaxed host has the best holiday visits. They always ensure that cleaning and guest preparations are completed well in advance to reduce stress. Get these chores done early and enjoy your guests. Declutter A little clutter is normal in everyone’s daily life. Cleaning is easier when the house is not...

Space heaters provide warmth to smaller rooms and areas quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They are also dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 21,800 residential fires are related to space heaters causing about 300 deaths–each year. Follow these safety tips and all the precautions recommended by the heater manufacturers for warm and safe winter...

Mice–like all rodents–have a keen sense of smell. Food odors attract them to your home. They move in for warmth, safety, and a regular source of food. You can use their sense of smell against them by putting out scents that repel them. Here are some of the best choices. Repelling Mice Naturally Spraying poison...

When temperatures cool and leaves flood your lawn, you might want to clean up outside and tackle some yard work. While fall presents an excellent time to prune certain plants, like phlox and Hostas, other varieties will only suffer (and potentially not bloom) if you prune them in the fall. Pruning before a cold season...

Your dishwasher is a handy helper in the kitchen, saving you from hours of painstakingly hand-washing dishes. But as nice as it is to rinse dishes and toss them in the dishwasher, this kitchen machine isn’t equipped to clean all types of items. The heating element in modern dishwashers is located at the bottom. The...

Getting your house clean before winter and the holiday entertaining season starts removes pressure and makes for a more peaceful and relaxed winter. Here are some tasks you should not skip. Chimneys and Fireplaces Have your chimney, fireplace, and wood stove cleaned before winter heating season sets in. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires that damage...

Winterizing your house with insulation is the best way to save on heating costs, reduce drafts, protect pipes, and create a more comfortable living environment. You can use many types of insulation to winterize your house. In fact, you should use different types of insulation for different applications to maximize energy efficiency. Many have specific...

Cold weather, snow, and ice are hard on homes and equipment. Things freeze up, break more easily, and are much harder to repair in the cold. Take care of these repairs and maintenance items before winter to save money and protect your investments. Clean Out the Gutters Gutters collect twigs, leaves, cones, and dirt which...

People may choose a front door color based on their home’s exterior palette or because they have a particular interest in one color, but many do not consider what this color says about them. But your front door is more than just an entryway; its color can reveal something about your personality and the atmosphere...

Orange and red fall landscapes look beautiful, but do fallen leaves pose a threat to your lawn? If your yard looks anything like mine, it’s hard to see the grass through the sheer amount of leaves on the ground.  There’s some debate on whether to leave the fallen leaves on the ground or make use...

Growing plants in a small apartment improves air quality, adds a touch of the outdoors, and adds color and fragrant odors to the living space. Growing potted plants in small apartments can be challenging. Space is at a premium. Some apartments get very little sunlight. Also, some of the most attractive plants are toxic to...

Plucking fresh herbs from indoor plants appeals to most cooks. Maintaining some herb plants indoors is frustrating and futile. Many herbs are outdoor plants and don’t survive well inside.  Here are a few species you should not try to grow indoors. Dill Dill plants grow to three feet tall, with some varieties reaching five feet....

Washing laundry in cold water gets a bad rap for not getting clothes clean enough. While this might have been true ten to twenty years ago, today, many modern laundry detergents are formulated to clean clothing just as well in cold water as they do in warm or hot water. If you currently wash everything...

Regular home maintenance is necessary to protect your investment and prevent serious damage. Many repairs like squeaky hinges or burned-out light bulbs are not essential, but some problems need to be attended to as soon as they become apparent. Here are some repairs that you should never ever ignore or procrastinate about. Roof Leaks Leaking...

Most people want a clean healthy home and expend a lot of effort keeping it that way. Some common cleaning products pose risks you may not want to deal with. Here are some cleaners to keep out of your house. Toxic Cleaning Chemicals To Avoid Most commercial cleaners have toxic substances included in their formulas...

Hot water washes kill bacteria and sanitize clothes. They can also do irreparable harm to some clothing items. Here are some things best kept out of hot water washes. Delicate Items Silk, lace, wool, and other delicate items need to be washed in cold water. Hot water washes cause shrinking, tearing, fading, and size distortion....

When it comes to housekeeping, mopping can be a controversial subject. Some swear by steam mops, while others caution against them. Some people mop daily, while others go weeks between floor washing sessions.  But the best mopping method usually lies somewhere in between. There are general mopping rules you should never break, while others vary...

Houseplants have an amazing way of making any home feel more vibrant and fresh. Most houseplants serve to enhance the atmosphere, improve the air quality, and provide a sense of calm, but not all plants are suitable for your home’s interior. Indeed, some of them may pose hidden risks to children or pets. Certain plants...

Everybody loves a clean house and most people look for quick, easy, and effective ways to clean, disinfect, and sanitize. Here are 10 of the best ways to accomplish that. Disinfect Your Equipment Use hot soapy water and bleach to disinfect your cleaning equipment. Germs, bacteria, and mold can build up on brushes, sponges, rags,...

Pumpkins notoriously represent the fall season, making their way into Halloween decor as Jack-o-Lanterns and into Thanksgiving decor as centerpieces and porch setups. However, we realize that not everyone likes the full-out pumpkin motif.  We’ve got you covered if you want to spruce up your home without it looking like you regurgitated a pumpkin patch....

We will undoubtedly acquire a variety of items over the course of our lives. For many items and areas, it is best to go through them on occasion, keeping only what is necessary and useful. Decluttering certain items too quickly comes with a cost. Moving too quickly to discard certain items can have unintended consequences...

Your regular housekeeper gleans a lot of information about you, your family, and your home. Usually, they won’t discuss much with you because they prefer a professional relationship. They may also like to tell you about how they prefer to clean and the type of relationship they would like to have. They often keep quiet...