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Hacks & How-to’s

Woman posing by a house stud frame being constructed

How to find studs in walls if you don’t have a stud finder

What should you do if you don’t have a stud finder? Try these quick DIY methods on how to find studs in the wall
Chair beside blooming flower garden

6 kinds of perennials that bloom in the summer for a gorgeous garden all season

We've found some incredible perennials that will bloom all summer long to keep your home looking sensational for months. Plant a gorgeous garden this year!
Curtains in large living room

How to hang curtains: A complete guide

Want to give your windows a makeover? Here's how to hang curtains the right way so your space is both gorgeous and functional.
Laundry room next to mudroom

Get rid of gross washing machine smells with these simple tips

Does your washing machine smell and you can't figure out why? Use these tricks to have your laundry smelling fresh again.
Gray-blue house exterior

10 most popular home styles: Everything you need to know

From Craftsman to Victorian homes, domestic architectural is diverse in its designs. Here are 10 home styles that you should know.
Gloved hand cleaning crayon off wall with a Magic Eraser

Do you need to wash walls before painting? The honest truth

Do you need to wash walls before painting? It's a cumbersome task, but it's necessary, so we dive into the whys and the hows to ensuring excellent results.
Female hands washing fabric under faucet

How to hand-wash clothes (so you don’t ruin those special garments)

Feeling overwhelmed after looking at your shirt's care tag? Here's how to hand-wash clothes in a few simple steps so your wardrobe stays in tiptop shape.
Plate and mug with sticky residue

The easiest way to get sticker residue off new bowls, plates, furniture, and more

The worst part of buying new things — plates, bowls, furniture — is trying to get the annoying sticker off. Here's how to remove sticker residue.
Person grocery shopping with a Costco membership

The 6 worst mistakes you make when shopping at Costco

Bulk shopping can save you big money, but shopping at Costco is a learning experience. Don't make these silly mistakes when you're Costco shopping!
Dutch Colonial with gambrel roof in Southern U.S.

Cape Cod vs. Colonial homes: What’s the difference?

We'll discuss the difference between Cape Cod vs. Colonial homes to help you become familiar these architectural styles.
Outside dryer vent

Avoid a huge fire risk in your home: How to clean your dryer vent

Keeping your dryer clean doesn't just optimize your dryer's performance; it can also help prevent a fire. Here's how to clean a dryer vent.
Water glasses upside down on a rack

Sick of cloudy glasses? This is the cleaning hack you need

Tired of cloudy glasses coming out of your dishwasher? Try this simple hack to ensure your glasses are clean, clear, and ready to impress.
Multiple antique mirrors on gallery wall

6 home pieces you should always buy at thrift stores (and 6 you shouldn’t)

Somewhere along the line of the last decade or so, thrift store shopping became cool again. Here are easy rules to follow when shopping at thrift stores.
Shower with a glass door

How to clean glass shower doors the right way (say goodbye to streaks)

It's tough to get your shower door sparkling without leaving behind the dreaded streaks. Here's how to clean glass shower doors the streak-free way!
Water stain on the ceiling

How to get rid of that hideous water stain on the ceiling and beautify your home

Tired of that ugly water stain on your ceiling? This is an easy way to get rid of it for good without a full drywall renovation.
Single screw pointed up on a wood surface

How to remove stripped screws without any hassle

Here's how to remove stripped screws using a variety of different methods. Don't let this common home maintenance woe put your project on hold.
Man installing bottom of window trim

This is how much it really costs to replace the windows in your home

We discuss the costs of window replacement from the type of window to the material you choose. Here's what you should know
Young woman on stairs in a loft caring for potted plants.

25 stellar staircase ideas to freshen up the look of your home

Changing up your staircase can be one way to upgrade the look of your home. We’ve got 25 ideas ranging from subtle to dramatic to help you figure it out.
Single-family home with curved walkway and large tree in front yard

10 simple yard cleanup tips that will make your life easier

Discover 10 simple and effective yard cleanup tips to revive your overgrown outdoor space. Learn how to create a beautiful oasis for your family to enjoy.
Bowl of fruit on a counter

If your apples are next to these fruits and veggies, you’re ruining your produce

Apples should go in your fridge, but where you store them matters. Here's how to store apples properly and protect the rest of your produce.
Woman sleeping with gray blanket and navy sheets

How to wash a weighted blanket in 4 simple steps

If you're wondering how to wash a weighted blanket, we've got some tips and recommendations for you. Keep your trusty blanket fresh, clean, and effective.
Small bathroom with blue tiles and floating sink

Is regrouting your bathroom a wise choice? Here’s what to consider

Are you thinking about regrouting your shower tile, but unsure if regrouting is worth it? Here's what you need to know before you start any project.
Tudor-style home

What is a Tudor-style home? Your guide to this classic look

What is a Tudor-style house? We give you everything you need to know about this classic home style.
Costco card and receipt

The big exception to Costco price adjustments (and how to get around it)

When it comes to shopping at Costco, there’s one pretty big price adjustment exception you need to know about. We dig into what you need to know!
Clean bedside table with plants and lamp

How to properly light your home with these lighting do’s and don’ts

Proper lighting is vital for good home design. And thankfully, lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are our best tips.
Workers installing solar panels

How much a solar roof really costs

How much does a solar roof cost? Solar roofing seems like an excellent idea — but is it? We dig into the 'real' cost of ownership.
Piles of silverware on a black surface

How to clean silver flatware so it sparkles

Is your precious silver getting tarnished? We dig into how to clean silver the right way, how to polish it, and even how to store it to protect it for years.
Doing laundry delicates with bleach pen

How to use bleach in laundry (because no one likes bleach spots)

Yes, you can use bleach in your washing machine without completely ruining your clothes. Here's how to use bleach in laundry the right way.
Single serve coffee maker

How to clean a Keurig (Spoiler alert: You’re not cleaning it often enough)

Keurigs, like other coffee machines, require routine cleaning. So, here are our tips for cleaning your Keurig coffee maker.
Kitchen subway tile backsplash with dark grout

How to properly clean grout in your kitchen and bathroom

Bathroom or kitchen grout looking gross? Here's how to clean grout so that your tiles look gorgeous and brand new.
neatly folded and stacked linens

How to fold a fitted sheet with no aggravation

Linen closet looking cluttered? Here's how to fold a fitted sheet so you can keep your bedding stored in a neat and tidy fashion.
Person holding coffee filter with coffee grounds.

When you should (and shouldn’t) put used coffee grounds in your garden

How do you know if you should put used coffee grounds in your garden? We’ve researched the pros and cons so you can make your own decision.
Stainless steel refrigerator

How long do refrigerators last? What first-time buyers should know

If you're in the market for a new fridge, you may be wondering, "How long do refrigerators last?" We'll discuss the factors that impact refrigerator lifespans.
All-purpose cleaner in amber bottle in bathroom

Cleaning 101: Why you should never mix bleach and vinegar

Avoid a major health risk while cleaning your home. Here's everything you need to know about the dangers of mixing bleach and vinegar together.
Blue kitchen cabinets in farmhouse design

How to paint your kitchen cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh look

Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to refresh your kitchen without overhauling it completely. Here's what you need to know.
Bathroom toilet area with warm brown hues

DIY 101: How to fix a wobbly, rocking toilet

Is your shaky toilet making you or your guests nervous? Here are four methods for fixing a wobbly toilet yourself.
Stovetop and oven in kitchen

Gas vs. electric stoves: Which one is best for you?

Is one type of stove better than another when it comes to operation and budget? We weigh in on gas stove vs. electric stove cost factors.
New suburban blue home with large front yard

What is a craftsman house? Your complete guide

Craftsman homes are among the most popular architectural styles in the U.S. But what is a craftsman house? We share our complete guide to this style.
Bright modern bedroom with wood floor and white linens

How to feng shui your bedroom: The dos and don’ts

Get the calming space you need by creating a feng shui bedroom. Here are the dos and don'ts of achieving relaxation and balance in this crucial room.
Sponge in microwave oven

Does microwaving a sponge kill germs?

A clean sponge is important for cleaning your kitchen and dishes. We review the pros and cons of microwaving a sponge for a cleaner home.
man hanging framed wall art

How to hang a painting in your home the right way

There are a few things to consider so you can hang a painting in your home the right way. Learn how to plan your wall art so you get it right the first time.
Appliance storage on shelves

Experts say these are the kitchen appliances we’re all going to invest in this year

Explore the kitchen appliances and latest innovations experts say are coming in 2024. Elevate your cooking journey with the perfect culinary companions.
Leather couch in living a room

How to deep clean leather couches for a gorgeous home

Leather furniture may be gorgeous, but it's also a delicate dirt trap. Here's how to deep clean leather couches the right way.
Small laundry room with washer and dryer and potted plants

Gas dryers vs. electric dryers: Everything you need to know before you buy

Before buying a dryer, consider the pros and cons of gas dryers vs. electric dryers. Here's what you need to know.
Modern dining room with blue chairs and rug.

How to choose the perfect rug for under your dining room table

There are several factors to consider when choosing a rug for under your dining room table. Our how-to guide can help.
Slow cooker on table with food

Is a slow cooker the same as a crockpot?

Slow cookers and crockpots can be a cook's best friend, but only if you know their best uses -- here's what to know before splurging.
Three white towels folded in a modern laundry room

Your go-to laundry stripping guide so your towels can actually get clean

Is your laundry looking or feeling dirty, even after a wash cycle? Here's when you should be stripping your laundry (and how to strip towels).
Woman sitting on a couch in a clean home

6 New Year’s cleaning resolutions you can actually keep up all year

Want a spotless home for the New Year? Our 6 New Year's cleaning resolutions will change the way you view housework and keep your home immaculate.
Chicken casserole

7 incredible crockpot chicken recipes that take no time to prep

Need an easy and nutritious dinner? These quick crockpot chicken recipes make the perfect dinner any night of the week, and they're totally low-effort!
Recessed lights above a fireplace

How to install can lights in an existing ceiling

Need some modern illumination in your home that doesn't take up space? Follow this guide for installing can lights in an existing ceiling.