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Latest by V. Sparks

Pest control spray outside

Is fall the best time of year to spray your house for bugs?

Is there a 'best' time of year to spray for bugs? We tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of preventative pest control in the fall.
Stovetop and oven in kitchen

This nontoxic oven-cleaning trick is even better than baking soda (seriously!)

We love baking soda for so many cleaning chores around the house. It's messy sometimes, though, and we swear by this other nontoxic way to clean your oven.
Croton plant

The best indoor plants to decorate your home with in October

Need a little greenery in your home during the bare fall months? Check out these gorgeous, hearty plants that will survive through the chilly months.
White wall with white strip of electrical outlets

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire? What you need to know

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire in your home? We discuss the ways to keep you completely safe if it happens.
Home with manicured lawn

How to level a yard (and 3 reasons why you really should)

Aside from poor appearance, a yard that's not leveled can lead to other issues like improper draining. This guide will show you how to level a yard.
Top view of bed with white sheets

This ingenious hack for how to wash white sheets is amazing

White sheets are stunning, but they get dull and dingy. Here's how to wash white sheets to get crisp, gorgeous linens after every wash with this hack.
Modern home storage shelves with boxes

6 fantastic organizational podcasts we’re obsessed with

Feeling overwhelmed by the mess? These amazing organizational podcasts have some great tips for cleaning, decluttering, and more.
Square floor drain surrounded by tile

How to clean your basement floor drain and avoid major issues

Keep your home in great shape from top to bottom. Here's how to clean your clogged basement floor drain.
modern glass table in living room

How to choose a coffee table for your small living room

Small living rooms can still take advantage of coffee tables. Here's how to pick the right one for your space.
three vertical windows with a view of nature

How to soundproof windows so you can finally get a good night’s sleep

Is outside sounds keeping you up at night? Get a good night's sleep — finally! Here's how to soundproof windows when you can't stand the noise any longer.
EV car charging

The hidden costs of charging an electric vehicle nobody is talking about

Which is more expensive: charging an electric vehicle or filling up with gas? Here's what you need to know about EV charging costs.
Gloved hand holding a pulled weed with roots and soil still attached

9 easy and effective ways to clear a garden full of weeds for good

Lawn or vegetable garden overrun? This is how to clear a garden full of weeds so your outdoor space is beautiful and pristine.
Top view of a polka dot plant

A polka dot plant adds color and life to your home – here’s how to care for it

A polka dot plant adds color and style to your indoor space. Here are some tips on how to care for it so it thrives all season long.
Group of white mushroom caps in green grass

How to finally rid your yard of that obnoxious mushroom invasion

Are those pesky little caps ruining your green and pristine lawn? Here's how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard for good.
White and blue kitchen cabinets

Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money

Are PVC kitchen cabinets right for your home? Here's your handy guide to the pros and cons of PVC cabinets so you can make the right choice.
Instant Pot on a table

How to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot – every time

Instant Pot rice cooking doesn't have to be difficult. Use these tricks to get the perfect rice dish every time.
Dragon tree on a windowsill with copper watering can

How to prune a Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) so your plant stays thriving

Dracaena marginata plants often get too tall for an indoor space. Follow this dragon tree pruning guide so yours stays healthy and manageable.
Lucky bamboo in small pot on wooden table.

How to propagate lucky bamboo in 5 easy steps so you don’t have to buy it

Lucky bamboo is a popular, unique, and aesthetic indoor plant. Here's how to propagate lucky bamboo so you don't have to buy more.
Cedar siding on a cabom

Can you paint cedar siding? What you need to know

Can cedar be painted? Cedar siding is beautiful on its own, but if you choose to give it a little spruce with some paint, read this first.
Close-up of a woman holding a wicker laundry basket with white clothes

3 things to know about homemade laundry detergent so you don’t ruin your clothes

Does homemade laundry detergent really work? Read on to find out how effective DIY soap is, how to make it, and the pros and cons of using it.
Man laying sod over dirt

Can you lay sod over existing grass? What you need to know

Laying sod down is a complicated process. Is it worth it to pull up the old stuff or can you lay sod over existing grass? Find out here.
Decorative areca palm

Why your home should have an areca palm (and how to care for it)

Want to bring a slice of the tropics into your home? This is what you need to know about growing an areca palm indoors.
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom

Wish your bathroom felt like you were at the spa? Here's how to plant, care for, harvest, and hang eucalyptus in the shower for a relaxing, fragrant ambiance.
Dad and kids in covered outdoor kitchen area

Transform your backyard into a chef’s paradise: Stunning covered outdoor kitchen ideas you’ll love

Want to transform your yard into an oasis? Start with one of these covered outdoor kitchen ideas that are perfect for summer cooking and entertaining.
Person pressing down on a toilet flush handle

How to fix a toilet handle (and 5 other bathroom fixes homeowners should know)

If this is your first time in a new home, ensure you know how to fix a toilet handle and other simple fixes to common bathroom issues.
White Cape Cod-style house with a red roof

This handy chart shows you all the common (and not-so-common) roof types

Curious about which roof types are best for your new home? This chart shows you the names and designs of the most popular roof styles.
White bathroom sink on counter and mirror

Make faucets shine like new with this incredible hack

Tired of fingerprints and watermarks marring up your gorgeous chrome fixtures? This simple, cheap, and easy hack will keep them away for good.
Wooden door with silver handle and multiple dead bolt locks

How to build your own home security system without breaking the bank

Want to build a custom home security system? Here are some ideas.
Pumpkin and orange spiced fall cocktail with cinnamon

These delicious Thanksgiving cocktails just might help your family get along

Need to elevate the mood of your Thanksgiving gathering? Get the party started with one of these festive fall cocktails.
Tiled floor with simple furniture and decor

How to clean travertine tile: Step-by-step process to improve your stone flooring

Travertine tile is gorgeous and durable, making it a great addition to any home. Here's how to clean it.
Attic with insulation on floor

Insulating an attic isn’t as easy as it seems – what to know before you start

Insulating your attic has some big energy benefits, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Read this before you start, to avoid costly mistakes.
Beach-inspired bedroom

Your old sheets can feel new again – here’s how

Old sheets don't have to feel like they're old. Here's how to make yours feel more like those luxurious hotel sheets.
Woman opening fridge to get fruit

Refrigerator light not working? Some easy fixes to try

If your refrigerator light is out, don't panic. Try these quick fixes first before calling a professional to repair it.
Close-up of green grass with trees in the background

The quintessential guide to lawn fertilization for thick, healthy grass

Want to have a pristine yard with lush, green grass? This is everything you need to know about lawn fertilization for the best possible curb appeal.
Front door view

Keys vs. keyless: Which front door entry system is safer?

You want to keep your family safe while they're at home and keep your home safe when you're away. Here's how to tell which type of door lock will do that best.
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

Manage your overgrown lawn in 8 easy steps

These are the best ways to cut long grass and ensure your lawn never looks bad again.
Person wearing foot aerators

How to aerate a lawn without a ton of expensive equipment

Lawn aeration doesn't have to be a big production. Here's how to aerate your lawn without breaking the bank.
Bathroom with orange walls and a plant

These are the best plants to put in your shower for a nature-inspired sanctuary

These are the best shower plants for your space. We'll also discuss why adding a plant to your shower provides design and health benefits.
which pests are likely to take over your summer garden and how control removing

Organic pest control options to curb the intruders taking over your garden

Pests in your plants? Don't panic - these organic pest control solutions will work wonders.
how to clean pool tiles

Get rid of gross buildup: How to clean pool tiles for summer swimming

This is how to clean pool tiles so guests (and you) will actually want to go in your pool.
how to install security lights shutterstock 1340722961

How to install a security light with a motion sensor in 3 easy steps

Make your home safer. Here's your guide for installing security lights in your yard.
Outdoor inground pool with white two story home

Gas vs heat pump pool water heaters: Which one makes sense for your pool?

Choosing the right pool water heater can be tough. We compare two of the most popular styles: Gas vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters.
how to replace a toilet shutterstock 1115737901

Forget the plumber: How to replace a toilet yourself (and save some money)

Yes, you can replace a toilet yourself. Follow this handy guide.
how to repair wide cracks in concrete shutterstock 505982602

DIY 101: Repair concrete gaps and instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal

Concrete gaps aren't just unsightly — they're a serious tripping hazard. Here's how to fill large gaps in concrete (and small ones, too).
ductless heating and cooling shutterstock 1023973342

The pros and cons of ductless heating and cooling systems you need to know about

Is a ductless heating and cooling system right for your home? This is your guide to the pros and cons of going ductless.
how to clean a smelly dishwasher shutterstock 1673974375

Smelly dishwasher problems solved: How to get a fresh, clean kitchen

Don't let a smelly dishwasher ruin your kitchen. This is how to clean it properly.
side view of prayer plant in white planter

How to propagate prayer plants for a flourishing indoor garden

Prayer plants are great for your home's decor. Here's how to propagate them the right way so that the new plants flourish.
Man using Shark cordless vacuum

Prime Day deals: Why you need the Shark cordless vacuum for easy house cleaning

This affordable alternative to a Dyson cordless vacuum had dropped down to $200 at Best Buy.
Desk lamp next to bed with gray and purple bedding

Save on smart light bulbs: Get 2 for $10 on Prime Day

Save money and light up your home for less with this smart light bulb Prime Day deal giving you two smart light bulbs for $10.
Nest Thermostat on wall with wood paneling

The Nest Thermostat is $50 off for Prime Day!

With this Nest thermostat Prime Day deal, you can save $50 on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat to help you fill out your smart home for less.