Who doesn’t appreciate the smell of coffee? Mosquitos–apparently. Burned used coffee grounds are being hyped as a natural mosquito repellant. Does this really work? Here’s the scoop. There seem to be no definitive studies on the efficacy of coffee grounds as a mosquito repellant. Mosquitos–and other insects–tend to avoid strong smells like citronella, incense, vinegar,...

Cleaning up a giant mess is more overwhelming than decluttering a mostly in-good-shape home. It requires patience, dedication, and consistent action. The good news is that if a monstrous clutter pile consumes a closet, room, or whole house, it’s possible to clean it up without wallowing in overwhelm. Below, we’ve broken down the most crucial...

When your sliding glass door no longer moves with ease, the culprit could be damage or warping, but it likely comes from a less nefarious cause: dirt stuck in the tracks.  Over time, little bits of dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, restricting your door from properly opening or shutting. If left untouched,...

Moving to a new house is a mix of excitement and stress. While it’s fun to decorate and explore a new area, a long list of to-dos comes with moving. To make sure you keep your sanity and tackle all the mundane jobs, have a plan of attack before moving day. Below, we’ve provided ten...

A good-smelling house is essential for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. While it may not be immediately apparent, a pleasant smelling home can lift your spirits, reduce stress, and improve the atmosphere of your space. It reflects cleanliness and attention to detail from the very core of your home, making it more welcoming and...

Remodeling your home is a long, strenuous process that can produce a lot of construction waste. If you’re replacing still-in-good-condition items like cabinetry or lighting, chucking it in the dump isn’t the best solution. Habitat for Humanity Restores accepts donations of small and large items that are new or gently used. Items can include housewares,...

There’s no one quite like a group of successful house flippers who know how to boost curb appeal quickly. After all, to sell their homes, they must first get people interested in a showing, which starts with an appealing exterior. While many experts will lament that it’s a seller’s market, the truth is high interest...

Our homes have limited space, so the items we keep should contribute to the quality of our lives. Unfortunately, homes frequently become storage facilities for a variety of previously treasured or essential items that are only there to take up space and serve no purpose in our daily lives. These useless items not only take...

Gently used dress clothes are a hot commodity. While it’s easy to walk into Goodwill or The Salvation Army and snag a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, finding appropriate attire for a job interview, professional career, or court can be a challenge. If you’re cleaning out your closet and want to make sure your...

Cleaning the toilet is no one’s favorite job. It is a nasty necessity to maintain proper hygiene and clean bathrooms. Ensure the job is done well using some of these tips and tricks. Most of them eliminate the need for using harsh chemicals. Electric Drill Toilet Cleaning Using an electric drill with a brush attachment...

Fireplaces are often the focal point of a room. They are warm and cozy, and being near one feels safe and comfortable. Watching and listening to crackling flames brings peace and contentment after hectic days. Fireplaces can also be expensive, messy, and dangerous. Here are some important pros and cons of having–and using–a fireplace. Pros...

Your front door is the focal point of your home. Everyone looks at it as they approach the house. Proper door maintenance helps give a welcoming feeling to the house and increases curb appeal. Caring for your door increases its lifespan and reduces costs. Regular door maintenance benefits include: Enhanced curb appeal. Energy efficiency. Extended...

Clean siding increases your house’s curb appeal–even if you are not planning to sell. Keeping siding clean extends its lifespan. Every type of siding should be well-cleaned yearly. Cleaning siding is not difficult, and if it is done regularly takes less than a day to complete. General Cleaning Tips Regardless of your type of siding,...

Your smart TV is programmed to spy on you. Not only is it trying to sell products to you; you are the product it is trying to sell to advertisers–or worse. Smart TVs come equipped with microphones and cameras. These enable the convenient features buyers want. Facial recognition, video chats, Wifi connectivity, and personalization. Smart...

There’s no doubt about it—living in a decluttered space can reduce your stress and make your home easier to maintain. One of the biggest issues in decluttering, though, is dealing with all of the stuff you want to get rid of. Being quick to donate or trash items will prevent you from forming big piles...

Many people rarely enter their attics. This is especially true of attics not used for storage. Attics can also be dangerous, or at the very least, uncomfortable places to visit. They should be inspected at least once a year for signs of pest infestations, leaks, and insulation problems. Insulation Dangers Insulation is installed in attics...

There’s nothing like the satisfying feeling of decluttering to make your house easier to maintain. Less clutter not only leads to less stress but also creates a more relaxing and peaceful home environment. The big challenge, however, is what to do with your stuff after you’ve finished decluttering. If you stack up your old belongings...

You cannot get the best possible price for your house if it has problems that need fixing. Some problems are serious enough to scare off buyers. Some bring lower offers. Some should definitely be fixed. You need to balance repair costs against return on investment. Must Fix Problems In many jurisdictions–all of Canada for instance–sellers...

A clean air conditioner is an efficient air conditioner. It is also an air conditioner that costs less to operate and lasts longer. This TikTok video demonstrates a quick, cheap, and easy way to clean your air conditioner. This cleaning method is quick, easy, and eco-friendly. Some commercial coil cleaners are very toxic–especially for anyone...

Almost every homeowner regrets at least one home improvement project. The ones that went over budget. Cheap materials that didn’t last. Shoddy workmanship. And much more. Regrets can be relatively minor like a misplaced door stop or very serious like a quarter million dollar addition going wrong. There are many home improvements that you won’t...

Even the most meticulous house cleaners miss things. Some places are difficult to get at. Some are forgotten. Some don’t seem to need cleaning that often. Here are 11 places that are overlooked but should be cleaned more regularly. Sliding Window and Door Tracks Sliding window and patio door tracks collect dirt, dust, and dead...

Vacuum cleaners are rarely used to their full potential. They are much more than carpet and floor cleaning machines. Here are 12 tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of your vacuum cleaner. Retrieving Lost Items Finding a lost ear stud in carpeting is difficult. Vacuuming the floor usually means sifting...

Bees are essential for plant pollination but bee stings hurt or can be dangerous to anyone who is allergic. Balancing the needs of nature with not getting stung can be accomplished with natural products that don’t kill bees. 7 Natural Ways To Repel Bees Bees come into yards because they are searching for pollen. Here...

Twenty years ago, rustic Americana, sometimes called primitive decor, was everywhere. It was hard to go into a department or home goods store without seeing metal barn stars, American flag wall hangings, and tattered-looking red, white, and blue table runners. While primitive style decorating is still prominent in some rural parts of America, a new...

Putting a firepit on your deck need not be a scary proposition. It just has to be installed correctly and safely. Then operated properly to add a cozy ambiance to any backyard activity–gatherings, entertaining, or peaceful family affairs. There are three firepit options to consider for a deck firepit. Wood-burning. Most popular choice. Many options...

A lack of AC units, inadequate insulation, cracks, and poor ventilation are common issues contributing to the sweltering heat in garages during the summer. Fortunately, whether you’re looking to install an A/C unit or want some cool-down tips that won’t break the bank, we have you covered. I recently interviewed an HVAC technician, a roofer,...