Aurelia Butler

Changing your home’s air filter is a cheap, simple maintenance project that has a huge impact on a home’s comfort, health, and efficiency. Yet, many homeowners don’t even realize they have an air filter that needs changing, let alone when and how to change it. What happens then? A bunch of stuff, none of it good.What is an air filter?First, let’s talk about this mysterious air filter. If your home has forced-air heating, you have a furnace. Inside the furnace is a filter that air passes through before circulating throughout the home. The same goes for central air systems, though in that case, the air filter typically sits behind the main intake vent.These air filters are vital, since they protect your heating and cooling equipment from dust and debris, which helps keeping it running at maximum efficiency. Filters also capture airborne pollutants like pollen and dander from the conditioned air before it reaches living spaces in the home.When you don’t change your filter, your furnace and/or central air unit have to work harder, making them less efficient and putting added strain on their components. That means spending more on energy bills and repairs. Not changing the filter also means the air in your home isn’t as healthy as it could be. How often do air filters need to be changed?That answer depends on a few factors, including the type of filter you use, how often you run the heating or cooling, and how dirty your indoor air is. For the average home, our experts recommend replacing the filter every few months. If the heat is running full-tilt all winter and indoor air quality is bad, say from a lot of furry pets in the home, you might need to change the filter once a month during peak heating season. In opposite conditions, a single filter change when you first fire up the furnace might be enough to get you through winter. How do you change an air filter?Every home is unique, but in most cases these are the basic steps. Step 1: Find the filter. It’s usually in a housing (or “rack”) located just inside the furnace or the nearby return air duct. Either way, it should be accessible, though you might have to remove a cover. Before taking out the old filter, look for an arrow on its cardboard frame indicating airflow direction. Make a note of the direction, as well as the size of the filter, which should also be clearly printed on the frame. Tip: Take a picture of the filter with your phone to keep this info handy.Step 2: Get a replacement. Air filters are sold at home centers, hardware stores, and online. They typically cost around $20 per filter, though you’ll pay more for filters with high capture rate (meaning they’ll snag more pollutants as air passes through them).Step 3: Install the new filter. Double-check the direction the filter should be installed, then slide it into place. Keep a record of the date so that you’ll know when it’s time to change the filter again.You might want to consider upgrading your air filter. Most forced-air systems have a flimsy 1-inch cardboard filter that’s good, but not great, at cleaning the air. A 4-inch pleated filter has much more surface area, so it’s going to capture many more particulates. Just note that in order to make this upgrade, you’ll need to bring in a professional to modify the rack that the filter sits in.I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

Some household habits—like leaving the laundry to sit unfolded overnight—are harmless, but others can quietly ruin your appliances. One of the most common? Putting your iron away with water still in the tank. Even a small amount of water left inside can seep through the steam holes, discolor the soleplate, or corrode the internal parts. To extend the life of your appliance, always empty the reservoir after use and let the iron cool completely before putting it away. The type of water you use matters, too. In most homes, tap water is fine, but if you live in an area with hard water, a 50/50 mix of tap and distilled water will reduce mineral buildup. It’s also smart to avoid softened water from a whole-home filtration system, since it’s often treated with salt, which can leave deposits that can create blockages and impede steam flow. Maintenance is equally important. Soleplate residue typically forms when synthetic or natural fibers melt or fuse onto the iron’s base at high temperatures. These fibers can snag and stain clothes if not addressed. To prevent this from happening, iron low-temperature fabrics like silk and nylon first, then move on to cotton and linen. You should also allow spray starch to soak in before pressing. If buildup does occur, light deposits can be removed with baking soda. Simply dampen a cloth or non-scratch scrubber, dip it into baking soda, rub the surface, then wipe clean. For heavier residue, clean your iron with a solution like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner. Ultimately, keeping your iron in top shape is all about prevention. Using the right type of water, emptying the tank after each use, and giving it an occasional clean may feel like negligible steps, but they pay off in a big way: better-looking clothes and an iron that stays reliable for years.Need a New Iron? Here Are Our Top-Tested PicksBest OverallCHI Steam Iron for ClothesBest ValueBLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam IronNow 14% OffBest CordlessPanasonic Cordless Steam/Dry IronRelated StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

Paint colors are a hot topic in the design world. While Color of the Year announcements from leading paint brands and Pantone usually have the industry buzzing, designers often get in on the fun, predicting the hues that will be popping up more and more in interiors. I couldn’t help but to check in with design pros to find out one surprising color trend that has them talking lately. Their answer? Brown. A symbol of nature, warmth, and resilience, brown is a go-to choice for many designers’ clients these days. Homeowners are considering the hue for everything from paint colors to furniture and decor choices. “For a long time, brown was seen as dated or heavy, but designers are embracing it again because it adds depth and warmth without feeling loud,” says Christopher Boutlier of Christopher Boutlier Interiors, noting that chocolate and espresso tones are trending specifically. “What I love most is that while brown is a neutral, it isn’t a flat one—it brings depth and character to a space while still being versatile and easy to work with,” says designer Delia Brennen of Delia Kenza Interiors. Designer Erin Tripodi of Erin Tripodi Design has noticed more reddish-brown tones—think oxblood, which she’s noticed at Fashion Week shows like YSL and Gucci as well as furniture retailers. “It’s ideal for velvets, tile, and accent walls,” Tripodi says.Mocha is another top shade of brown, and designer Marie Cloud says it’s versatile enough to pair with crisp whites or jewel tones. “It’s a rich, grounded brown that feels both indulgent and approachable, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication,” says Cloud, founder of Indigo Pruitt. More Design NewsWhy Is Brown Trending?Tiffani Reidy of Reidy Creative says brown offers a sense of security and comfort, as it’s rooted in nature. “I believe that brown is trending again because, as humans, we’re fairly cyclical, and we like to feel safe. We return to the earth, and earth tones as a touchpoint because they are our refuge colors, and the colors that make us feel the most in tune with nature, something that’s increasingly important when we’re encountering so many things in life that feel unnatural and unsafe.” As minimalist interiors designed around white palettes lose momentum, homeowners are willing to experiment with moody earth tones. Ruthie Staalsen also points to trends from spring’s High Point Furniture Market, where designers gather to explore the latest offerings from furniture brands. Staalsen spotted an array of browns, from nutty shades to deep chocolate. “Prominent design elements included brown walls with picture molding, rich brown fabrics, textured brown rugs, and brown and gold artwork,” Staalsen says. Non-stop discussion of trends might be to blame as well, according to Boutlier. “Part of the shift is that people are exhausted by the constant churn of ‘it’ colors. Every season there is a new bold shade that is meant to be the answer, and it is often so strong it becomes tiring quickly. Brown is the antidote. It is grounding, enveloping, and sophisticated.”Design: Marie Cloud; Photo: Amanda AndersonHow to Bring Brown into Your Home Ready to pull off brown in your space? Follow these designer-approved tips and tricks. Aim for natural materials and cool tones. “It works beautifully with natural materials like linen, leather, and wood, and it pairs unexpectedly well with cooler tones like pale blue or soft gray,” says Boutlier. Embrace dark brown wood stains. “Meanwhile, if it’s time to re-stain your floors or you want to change the look of an existing furniture piece, a dark brown stain always brings a warm, rich, old-world feel to a modern home,” Reidy says. Try color-drenching. “Color drenching a room in chocolate creates a bold yet welcoming vibe, while that same brown in textiles or wood tones adds high-impact moments that make a space feel layered and luxurious,” says Tiffany Brooks of Tiffany Brooks Interiors.Related StoryConsider undertones. “My bedroom is painted a custom brown with eggplant undertones. It feels calming and sophisticated and is a great tone for a restful bedroom if you’re someone like me who prefers darker sleeping spaces,” says Jeanna Barber of Camden Grace Interiors.Match wood tones to the right accessories. “Olive woods with a beautiful burl grain are an excellent way to incorporate a variety of brown hues you can draw on further when thinking of pillows and other accessories. Cozy and luxurious fabrics like boucle and velvet are perfect textures for warm, caramel, and rich, chocolate shades of brown,” says Andrea DeRosa, of Avenue Interior Design.Go for velvet paint. “While the many choices for browns in a home come from fabrics and leather, an unexpected option would be using velvet paint, softening the whole room and allowing us to celebrate even the most ordinary drywalled spaces,” says Reidy. More Design InspirationMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

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Most of us are wired to think warm or hot water is the only way to get clothes truly clean, but the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab say, in many cases, running your washing machine with cold water is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs and even extend the life of your clothes. Today’s top laundry detergents are formulated to work just as effectively in cold water, which means you can wash most of your laundry on a cold cycle without sacrificing results. In fact, choosing cold water as your default not only saves energy—since heating water is the most expensive part of a wash cycle—it also helps your clothes last longer by reducing fading, shrinking, and fiber breakdown.In some cases, cold water is actually the recommended choice. Delicates like silk and rayon should always be washed in cool water and often air-dried or hand-washed to avoid damage. Spandex should also be washed cold and line-dried to maintain its stretch. Even wool fares better in cool or warm water rather than hot, which can cause it to shrink.That doesn’t mean you should forget all about using warm or hot water, though. Those higher temperatures can help loosen body oils, dirt, and heavy soil that detergents alone may struggle to tackle, making them especially useful for sweaty workout gear, towels, or bedding.So the next time you throw in a load of laundry, take a second to think about what your clothes really need. For most everyday washes, cold is the smartest choice, but when stains or soil call for backup, a little extra heat can go a long way.More Laundry TipsBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

As a home editor, I’ve been hearing repeatedly from interior designers: Minimalism is out, and personalized interiors are in. But, there are elements of minimalism that designers still gravitate towards—think clean lines, neutral colors, and a calming atmosphere. That’s why design experts coined “warm minimalism,” a version of minimalism that isn’t afraid of color, rich textures, or personal touches.”Minimalism in 2025 is about editing without depleting,” says Megan Khalil of Ellwood Interiors. “Designers are embracing simplicity without sacrificing comfort or personality. Instead of sterile white spaces with sharp lines, we’re leaning into soft curves and earthy palettes that bring warmth and depth to a room. Everything still has a place and a purpose, but the result feels more human and livable.”Ditching stark, sterile, and completely clutter-free interiors, designers are leaning into “warmer, collected rooms that strike a balance between minimalism and maximalism,” says Marcia Bryan, founder of Bryan Design Group. What is Warm Minimalism?Warm minimalism is an interior design style that blends the simplicity of minimalism with cozy, inviting elements. “It’s minimalism, but with heart—where clean lines meet warm textures, and warm whites make room for earthy tones and happy pops of color,” says Carla Royder, an interior designer. “Think neutral palettes enriched with soft textures, such as wool and linen, and natural materials, like wood and stone,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and Marshalls and T.J. Maxx home style expert. “I love to include neutral furniture or bedding to set the foundation for a warm, minimalistic space. Then, you can swap out different layers of decor to tap into new trends or styles.” Martin VecchioDesigner Amanda Sinistaj brings natural materials and earth tones to ground this living room. Photo by: Martin Vecchio”Warm minimalism is about creating comfort without the clutter,” says Khalil. “Choose quality over quantity, and bring in natural materials and earth tones that make the space feel grounded and calming. Keep things simple, but don’t be afraid to add personality through meaningful items or cozy textiles.”Not all designers are referring to this trending concept in the same exact way, though many agree there’s a new style that combines the best of minimalism and maximalism. “I like to call the new wave ‘midimalism’: a happy middle ground between minimalism and maximalism,” says interior designer Peggy Haddad. “It’s layered, lived-in, warm, textured, and even colorful—but never cluttered or overwhelming.”Designers say true minimalism can be hard to pull off without exceptional architectural features. “It can feel stark and sterile, which the opposite of how you want your home to feel,” says Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. Warm minimalism helps solve the problem by bringing in layers of warmth and personality that traditional minimalism tends to neglect. Related StoryHow to Pull Off Warm MinimalismThe difference between a cold and cozy interior could be a focal point. “My advice for embracing this trend is always start with something you love—whether it’s a color, an antique heirloom, or a textile, and build around that using muted color and natural textures,” says Samantha Tosti of Tosti Design. The final design scheme is all in the details. “Focus on a few staple pieces, like a rug or nightstand, to set the tone of the space. From there, you can layer a variety of neutrals and soft textures to achieve your desired warm minimalist look,” says Nayak. There’s many ways to embody warm minimalism (depending on your individual style), but Haddad achieves this trending aesthetic by pairing warm off-white walls with rich wood cabinetry, tactile upholstery, and a balanced mix of light and dark colors. “Handwoven rugs, tailored drapery in tones other than white, and vintage-inspired lighting bring softness and character, while hints of gray and cooler-toned stone keep the palette balanced.”What’s Trending?Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

1Wallpapered CeilingDesign: Miranda Cullen; Photo: Eric Lucero”One way we love to upgrade bathroom designs on a budget is by wallpapering the ceiling. By utilizing your ‘fifth wall,’ the ceiling, you are adding an unexpected and chic design element that is sure to elevate your space. The patterns and colors draw the eye upward, adding instant drama, and delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.” — Miranda Cullen, Inside StoriesPhoto by: Eric LuceroRELATED: Why Designers Don’t Want You to Overlook the “Fifth Wall”2Thoughtful Accessories Carlina Teteris//Getty Images”Changing out existing lighting, mirrors, and accessories such as towel bars can be a reasonably affordable and fast way to add some personal touches or upgrade outdated fixtures. Etsy has some very interesting bathroom accessories if you are looking to add a special and personal touch.” — Barrett Cooke, Arterberry CookeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3A Fresh Coat of PaintYinYang//Getty Images”A fresh color makes a huge difference, and a change in sheen also adds a lot of texture and personality. We love drenching a room in a single color but changing the sheen between the wall and the woodwork, so we may go with a flat for the wall but a semi gloss for the casings.” — Alexandra Azat, Plaster & PatinaRELATED: 30 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors to Match Any Design Style4Stylish Shower Curtain Turnervisual//Getty Images”Refreshing your shower curtain is the cheapest and easiest way to upgrade your bathroom. High impact, low cost, and easy to do. And if you choose this route, don’t forget to consider the curtain rings.” — Beth Diana Smith, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Small Furniture Shae M//Getty Images”A little stool, a woven basket, or even a tiny side table beside the tub or vanity can add warmth and functionality. It creates a layered look while offering storage or a spot to perch a candle or book.” — Amy Kartheiser, Amy Kartheiser Design6Warm Light BulbsLourdes Balduque//Getty Images”Nothing looks worse when you are getting ready than to see yourself with harsh overhead lighting. Make sure the bulbs are warm and are located on either side of the mirror.” — Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Luxe Hardware YinYang//Getty Images”Update or add hardware, such as the toilet tissue holder, hand towel holder, towel bar, and robe hooks. Upgrading this, especially with a more modern tone, can make a change that you can keep for when you are ready to renovate.” — Beth Diana Smith, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design8A Lidded Trash CanYURY NIKALAYEU//Getty Images”No one needs to see what lands in your trash, especially in a bathroom! A small step on a lid-lifting trash can is all you need.” — Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak DesignAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Antique MirrorsLumiNola//Getty Images”Replacing a plain builder-grade mirror with a vintage find or a framed option makes a bathroom feel designed instantly. Mirrors are like jewelry in a bathroom. They bring shape, reflection, and personality.” — Amy Kartheiser, Amy Kartheiser Design10Large-Scale ArtworkVostok//Getty ImagesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More