Aurelia Butler

Don’t let a cluttered medicine cabinet or chaotic under-the-sink storage slow down your morning routine or turn your nightly skincare regime into a stressful chore. Not only is an organized bathroom more visually appealing, but it helps the day run smoother. Without things like stray packaging, expired medications or stacks of perfume samples crowding up cabinets, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need when you need it. Imagine a cleaner, more beautiful bathroom that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed. If you’re sick of dealing with a disorganized space, take the advice of these professional organizers who urge you to donate or recycle items that are no longer useful. Below, we’re sharing their complete list of things you need to get rid of as soon as possible.MORE TIPS:Free cosmetic samplesIt’s fun to receive free samples of makeup, skincare and perfume, as long as you actually intend to use them. “Almost every bathroom I’ve ever organized has TONS of cosmetic samples that are never, ever used,” says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven. “Use it within two weeks or say goodbye to it — don’t let dozens or hundreds clutter up your bathroom counters, drawers and storage.”Abandoned toiletry productsFrom toothpaste, shampoo and body wash to a new face serum, we’ve all tried out a personal care product that we didn’t love. Don’t let half-used bottles clutter up your space. “Instead of letting them sit around, consider a product swap with friends,” says Ashley, founder of The Tailored Life. Reminder: Check expiration dates and period after opening symbols before giving unloved products away.Meaghan Skinner Photography//Getty ImagesExpired medications and beauty productsilyast//Getty ImagesThe Period After Opening (PAO) Symbol identifies how long a cosmetic product is safe to use after opening.Check your bathroom for expired skincare, cosmetics, sunscreen and medications. “Expired medications can lose effectiveness or even become harmful, and old beauty products can irritate the skin or harbor bacteria,” says Jackie Pittman, the expert behind Chez Nous Organizing. Some beauty and skincare products — especially eye products — have expirations as early as three months from opening. Hint: Look for the period after opening symbol. Most likely, your toothbrushThink about it: When’s the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Experts agree that you need a new toothbrush at least every three months — “sooner if the bristles fray,” adds Pittman. Toss your old toothbrush immediately! Related StoryAnd, your razor bladeYou probably aren’t replacing your razor often enough. Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D, recommends swapping the blade after about seven uses — which is typically when the blade starts to dull. “When using a dull razor, you have to press harder to get a good shave and this increases your risk of getting skin nicks,” says Du Bois. Not to mention, razors that are stored in the shower can develop rust and bacteria. enviromantic//Getty Images Duplicates of anythingTake stock of duplicates or items seldom used. Whether it’s hot tools, cleaning supplies, soap dispensers or toiletries, recycle duplicate items that are taking up valuable space. “Minimizing down to the essentials of what you use everyday will save you counter space, time and money,” says VonderHaar. Old or worn towels Not only can towels fade, tear and stain over time, they may become less absorbent. “As a guideline, bath and hand towels should be replaced every two years,” says Violetta Elezovic, the owner of VS Organized Interiors — although they may last upwards of five years depending on wear and tear. Before you toss towels in the trash, consider recycling or donating them (many animal shelters will accept old towels). Or, repurpose them into cleaning rags. Related StoriesAlyssa 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

Delicate upholstery fabrics like silk brocade, while beautiful, can be problematic to clean. Silk is usually not safe for wet cleaning and can be damaged by the majority of upholstery cleaners on the market. And some water-based cleaners also caution against using them on velvet upholstery, whether silk or synthetic. As a result, furniture covered in delicate fabric is often labeled with the cleaning codes S or X, for solvent cleaning only or no wet cleaning at all. Regular vacuuming with an upholstery tool is essential to keep delicate fabrics looking good, but when it’s not enough, a dry powder formula like Capture can freshen and brighten delicate fabrics or carpets without damage. To use it, liberally sprinkle the porous Capture granules on the cushions, back and armrests then gently work it into the fabric with a brush (pictured). Let sit 30 minutes to give the granules time to absorb embedded dirt and fresh stains, then vacuum. We like that it’s easy to use and offers a dry, safe cleaning option for fussy fabrics. For very heavy soil and set-in stains on delicate upholstery, it’s best to call in a professional. More

You may think you’re a master of laundry and ironing, especially if you’re used to washing and drying dress shirts and other wrinkle-prone materials on a day-to-day basis. However, there might be one teeny-tiny thing you’re missing that will change the way you iron your clothes forever. If you have your iron nearby, take it out. Have you ever noticed that groove around the edges? You may have seen it and ignored it, assuming it was just part of the product’s design. Well, after talking with our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’re here to tell you that it actually serves a real purpose — one that’s actually so helpful. “It’s a button groove,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. “It allows you to iron under and around buttons, and shields them from the hot sole plate so they won’t melt.” So if you’re dealing with an extra-wrinkly piece of clothing that’s creased all the way through (even down to the buttons), you can get as close as you need without damaging them. Pretty clever, right? If you weren’t aware that that groove even existed in the first place, don’t worry, you’re not alone. When we polled Redditors (yep, we’re on Reddit!), many people also didn’t know there was a groove. But now that you do know, you’re about to have dry cleaning level dress shirts without having to go to the dry cleaners. More From Our Cleaning ExpertsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.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

When it comes to household maintenance, there’s a lot that needs to be done — from the floors to the ceiling fans and everything in between, including tough spots, like toilets and nooks and crannies behind the couch. And while you might know a thing or two about the best vacuums or the best multi-purpose sprays to get the job done, the people who really know how to tackle a home in the most safe and efficient way are the ones who do it every day: professional cleaners. And according to the experts, some of the most common household cleaning mistakes — like sweeping up crumbs before clearing countertops — not only waste your time, but others can even be potentially hazardous, like mixing incompatible cleaning agents. Correcting even the most innocent of the bunch could add precious minutes back to your day, and we’re all about efficiency here.To help you get the job done the right way, we asked professional cleaners to dish on the top mistakes homeowners make and how to correct them. Using too much of a cleaning product“Many people think that using more cleaning solutions or sprays will lead to cleaner surfaces resulting in cleaner areas,” says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa in Phoenix, Arizona. “Overusing cleaning sprays, solutions or bottled products can leave behind heavy residues on surfaces that may attract debris and dirt or cause streaks that you never want.” Mixing cleaning products”People often think that if one product works, mixing it with another one will make it even better,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. But certain duos that can pose a serious threat to your health and the environment when mixed together. Take bleach and vinegar, for example. “Together, they produce chlorine gas, which even at low levels, can cause coughing, breathing problems and burning, watery eyes,” says Forté.PSA:Using the wrong cleaner for the wrong surfaceYou know how most carpet cleaning products come with a disclaimer that suggests you try a test spot before tackling a larger area? That’s because some cleaning products aren’t compatible with certain fabrics or surfaces and can cause irreparable damage. For example, when cleaning your laptop screen, you should never use a glass cleaner, says Forté. Another example? Though vinegar may sound like a gentle and all-natural cleaner, you should never use it to clean natural stone surfaces, as the acid can damage the stone, she says.Cleaning out of orderA lot of people take out the vacuum first, but you should really start at the top, says Knoll. Clean the curtains, the fan in the living room, the pictures, the TV, the entertainment center… everything else goes before the floor. Why? While you’re cleaning these spots, dirt will inevitably fall, littering your freshly vacuumed or mopped hardwood floors or carpeting, says Knoll. In the end, you’ll have to repeat a task you thought you’d already completed — a complete waste of time. FotoDuets//Getty ImagesNeglecting high-touch spotsHigh-touch spots are areas in the home that get touched by hands constantly throughout the day: door handles, light switches, remote controls, gaming controls, refrigerator door handles, microwaves, etc. These small areas may seem insignificant, so they often go overlooked, but can harbor a significant amount of dirt and bacteria because of how much they get used, says Knoll, who recommends cleaning these areas at least weekly. “Wipe them down with a solution of soap water, or disinfecting product or wipe,” he says. TOP-TESTED CLEANING PRODUCTSSteaming hardwood floorsEven though some steam mop manufacturers claim it’s safe to clean hardwood with steam, Forté does not recommend these appliances for use on wood (sealed, waxed or unfinished) and laminate floors — even on the lowest steam settings. Since most wood floors are not completely sealed, steam can penetrate the finish and warp the wood. When cleaning wood floors, we recommend a good old-fashioned wet mop instead. sefa ozel//Getty ImagesIgnoring nooks and cranniesWhen you ignore hard-to-reach spots — like the space behind the toilet — the dirt builds and may even get embedded into floors or woodwork, making it much more difficult to clean, says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. Buying into all of the cleaning hacks out thereYou could easily find yourself scrolling TikTok’s #CleanTok for hours on end, but our pros say you shouldn’t believe everything you see on the internet. Take laundry stripping, for example. While it is technically safe for sturdy white, off-white or colorfast fabrics, Forté says the process of laundry stripping can be time-consuming and inconvenient — and that there are other, better ways to avoid build-up in your fabrics. Using dirty cleaning toolsAlways clean your tools immediately after using and replace them as needed. Dirty cloths, mops, and full vacuum cleaner bags won’t effectively remove dirt and debris, Forté, who says you’ll end up working extra hard with minimal results to show for it. More of Our Latest Cleaning 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

Whether you love it or hate it, fluting has been popping up all over the design world. The vertical decorative grooves, with roots in Greek and Roman architecture, are often used on kitchen islands, cabinets, accent tables and even bathroom vanities. But fluted walls? Design pros say enough is enough. “Fluted is out and it became a trend so quickly. We saw it everywhere, from walls, to cabinets, table legs and even glassware,” says Brieanna Cunningham of C & C Partners.And she wasn’t the only one who felt strongly about saying goodbye to this trend. “There has been so much fluting and channeling going on, and it’s making rooms feel anxious and unsettled,” says Peter Spalding, CCO and co-founder of designer marketplace Daniel House Club. While designer Meridith Baer acknowledges that fluted panels are a “timeless design element,” she’s quick to note the style is a victim of too much of a good thing, and can make homes all “look the same.” BE IN THE KNOW“In the past few years, we’ve seen them in almost every new construction home,” Baer says. “Due to their popularity, fluted designs now appear everywhere — from home facades to interiors, and in every material type, ranging from the most luxurious to the most budget-friendly.” asbe//Getty Images“Fluted walls have become somewhat overused,” says designer Meridith Baer.Interior designer Robin Wilson raises another point some homeowners might not have considered — fluted walls can possibly put a damper on your cleaning routine. “Most people do not realize that walls are actually the largest surface in your home. Smooth walls are hard enough to keep dusted and clean, and fluted walls simply add to the challenge. With the sometimes deep crevices, there is only an increase in the surface area where dust can collect, thus triggering asthma and allergic reactions. Plus, it can also be a hiding place for insects.” So what’s replacing fluted walls? “There’s something to be said about fluted walls — it’s texture,” says Cunningham. “But we’re seeing it more with walls that embrace Roman Clay and/or limestone, grasscloth wallpapers or dimensional tile. You can run your fingers on the surface and feel what the eye sees.”Courtesy of C&C PartnersAccording to Brieanna Cunningham of C & C Partners, a design and construction firm, 3D tiles will become even more popular in 2025. Designer Sarah Storms thinks homeowners are open to design choices that fit more formal living setups these days, as well. “While fluted wall panels are on the way out, they are morphing into more elaborate crown molding, tall baseboards and wall molding treatments. There is going to be a real juxtaposition happening with elaborate molding and clean slab cabinetry in beautiful wood grains like walnut. The mixing of old and new is creating warmth and depth. Think about channeling Parisian apartments.” Wainscoting, board and batten and shiplap are the way to go for a more “lived-in sort of feel,” says Samantha Stathis Lynch, interior designer, Marshalls and TJ Maxx home style expert. “All three look absolutely beautiful painted in rich greens, vibrant blues and muddy pinks.” GET INSPIREDMonique 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

When a young couple with two small children purchased a 1930s Spanish Revival property in Los Angeles, they weren’t set on transforming it into a super modern family home. Instead, they enlisted Candace Shure of Shure Design Studios to keep the “charming character” of the house intact, while updating the layout to reflect their active lifestyle. “That’s why they bought it in the first place,” Shure says. From preserving original features, including light fixtures and the living room fireplace, to turning the galley kitchen into a spacious cooking space fit for entertaining, every detail was considered. Keep scrolling for before and after images of the dramatic renovation that’s teeming with design inspiration. Separate rooms with a peninsula.Candace ShureMICHAEL CLIFFORDThe homeowners enjoy entertaining, so designer Candace Shure ditched the kitchen’s previous galley layout. She removed the wall between the kitchen and the dining area and installed an L-shaped counter that could be used as a serving area. “We painted it black to create a visual break between the two spaces,” Shure says. Embrace dark curtains.MICHAEL CLIFFORDThe couple, who share a 1-year-old and have a baby on the way, tend toward neutrals, so Shure chose dark drapery rods and window treatments to introduce depth and contrast. “We also punctuated the space with found objects and antiques in darker tones,” she says.Add tile to an original fireplace.Candace ShureMICHAEL CLIFFORD”To give the room’s focal point more presence, we widened the footprint and replaced stone with decorative tiling,” says Shure. The tiles are from Mission Tile West in South Pasadena, CA.Frame a window with sconces. Candace ShureMICHAEL CLIFFORDThe adjustable lights add a touch of quirky romance. “We love moving the rotating arms and shades to cast light around the space,” Shure says. The sconces are from Architects Design, a Turkey-based Etsy seller.Linen, velvet and fur — oh my!MICHAEL CLIFFORDIt’s what cozy bedrooms are made of. Sherwin-Williams’s Web Gray in a flat finish completes the “restful cocoon.” “The richness was exactly what the room needed to create that moody vibe,” Shure says. A variety of subtle patterns and sumptuous textures enhance the space.A version of this feature appeared in the November 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping.Related StoriesMonique 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.”Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates. More

Somewhere along the way, you were probably told that regularly flipping your mattress is a key part of maintenance to improve the longevity of your bed, plus keep you more comfortable at night (so long, saggy spots!). But the advice that once held true for the innerspring mattresses of yesteryear doesn’t hold up for more modern mattresses like hybrids and popular mattresses in a box. “When everyone had a plain innerspring mattress and box spring, flipping and rotating was recommended to even out the wear,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Mattresses have come a long way — many newer models have pillow tops, foam layers and more that shouldn’t be flipped.” Ultimately, whether or not you should flip your mattress is really on a style by style basis, says Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. But some of the best mattresses — including our top picks from brands like Saatva, Tempur-Pedic and Bear — are one-sided.Name the Mattress, We’ve Tested ItSometimes called “no turn mattresses,” these types of beds are constructed in very specific layers of support, typically firmer on the bottom and softer on the top for maximum support and comfort. When flipped, your mattress won’t be as comfortable and may even be prone to premature wear. What to do instead of flipping your mattressOn the flip side (get it?), the vast majority of mattresses — innerspring or more modern hybrids and foam mattresses — can, and should, be rotated regularly to prevent uneven wear and maintain support over time. Mattresses with zoned support are an exception to the rule, since these are specifically designed to offer targeted support to certain areas of the body. Again, it’s helpful to check the care information provided with your specific mattress. No, Seriously, We’ve Tested Them All…If your mattress can be rotated, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab recommend rotating it 180-degrees every six months. (An extra set of hands makes quicker work of this task!) But remember: All mattresses will eventually wear out — generally within about 8 to 10 years, says Lexie Sachs, executive director of Strategy & Operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “If you notice that your mattress has lumps or indents, that’s a good sign that it has lost its support and needs to be replaced rather than rotated or flipped.” NEED A NEW MATTRESS? Here Are Our Top PicksBest Overall MattressSaatva Classic MattressBest Memory Foam MattressTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud®Best Mattress Under $500Allswell Luxe HybridBrigitt 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

Professional organizers tend to believe if you’re not using something, you should get rid of it immediately. The first step in creating an organized home is to purge items you don’t love and no longer use, but some things — like those that hold sentimental value — shouldn’t be thrown away. “If something is important to you, make a home for it,” says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. “That being said, I recommend setting a limit for yourself.”Whether it’s vintage books, letters from a loved one or a family heirloom, these items are worth keeping — especially if you have an emotional connection to them. Of course, moderation is key. “My trick is to decide how many storage bins full of sentimental items you feel good about storing in your space and then edit down to that quantity,” adds Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalist. “No negotiating. No buying more boxes. No exceptions.”Related StoriesMeaningful books Whether it’s a beloved childhood favorite, a first-edition novel or a book passed down from a loved one, sentimental stories deserve a spot in your home. “Books aren’t just for reading, they can be a beautiful part of your home decor,” says Nikki Boyd, professional organizer and author of Beautifully Organized. “A well-placed stack of meaningful books can add warmth and personality to any room.” Helpful tip: If the cover of a book doesn’t match your aesthetic, swap it for a cover that does.Important documentsNever discard financial and personal documents, including marriage and death certificates, adoption papers, custody agreements or the deed to your house. “Use a filing system or fire-proof safe to safely store important papers like a birth certificate, car title, vaccination records, etc., so you don’t accidentally throw them away,” says Murphy.Keep in mind: You can toss old credit card statements, tax-related documents and utility bills, but you should shred documents that contain confidential information, like your social security number or home address. Yevgen Timashov//Getty ImagesPhotographs, kids’ artwork and letters from loved onesMost people enjoy looking back on family photos and reminiscing over handwritten notes or their children’s artwork, but these things can lead to messy piles. Keep a few of your favorite or most cherished items, then digitize the rest. “Take a photo and make a digital or printed album of items that don’t make sense to store,” says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. “Digital photo frames are a great way to keep the memories visible.””You don’t need to keep physical things to retain memories, meaning or connection — all of that exists inside you,” adds Gill. “Make a memory book filled with sweet stories and anecdotes that you can share and pass onto other family members. Trust me: they would much rather have a lovely book to look through than a dozen dusty cardboard boxes filled with miscellany.”Beloved baby blanketOne thing professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal will never toss: “my daughter’s blanket that I brought her home from hospital in.” Most people form an emotional connection to their baby’s first blanket, so it’s perfectly normal to keep it. Rather than letting it sit in a box untouched, let your child play with it or upcycle it into something useful, like a pillow or quilt. Andreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesVintage pieces”Family heirlooms and vintage pieces are treasures that deserve to stay in the family,” says Boyd, who finds a way to use precious items in her daily life, rather than letting them sit in storage. “In my home, we love using the quilts my grandmother made in our media room. We love the thought that all her hard work still brings us so much joy today.”Just because something is vintage, doesn’t mean you need to keep it forever. “Only hold onto heirloom pieces that are important and of value to you,” says Murphy. “Don’t feel pressured to keep something simply because it’s old. Say goodbye and let someone else give it new life.” Items that don’t belong to youWhen decluttering, never get rid of something that belongs to a family member. “Throwing away items without the owner’s consent is just a path to arguments and mistrust,” says Ann Lightfoot, founding partner of Done & Done Home. “Never throw away something behind a loved one’s back. We’re not talking about something like your toddler’s puzzle with missing pieces, but rather your husband’s collection of concert T-shirts.” Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography//Getty ImagesHigh-quality cookwareWhile some professional organizers argue that seasonal cookware isn’t worth holding onto, Boyd believes “these items can become a valuable part of your family traditions.” Find an intentional place to store your fancy dishes and serving pieces, so you can break them out when family comes over. If you rarely use meaningful cookware, you can also find ways to give it new purpose — like turning an antique bowl into a planter. Related StoriesAlyssa 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