Aurelia Butler

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. just launched GreenRow — its first major brand in more than 10 years. The collection of unique home decor and furniture goes against what you might expect from a sustainable home brand: an infusion of bright color. GreenRow’s debut assortment includes living, bedroom and dining furniture as well as handcrafted rugs, bedding, curtains, table linens, lighting and more. We spoke with Jaimee Seabury, Williams-Sonoma’s vice president of strategy and business development, to learn about the heirloom-quality pieces. The new brand uses low-impact materials wherever possible, down to innovative packaging. From India to Turkey, Seabury traveled the world in search of not only design inspiration — but to learn about responsibile practices and scout out farms and artisans who could bring the brand the company envisioned to life. Other stops on Seabury’s tour included New Zealand to source responsible wool, Portugal for linen and Guatemala for recycled apparel (used as the frame for the slipcover couch). The brand even finds ways to use scraps of material, such as using leftover fabric from ottomans as upholstery for stools.The Flatweave Dining Bench has an acacia wood frame and contains a responsible wool cushion and natural latex fill.Product Shot ImageThe Ava Slipcovered Bed lining is made from 90 percent recycled cotton, plus your choice of fabric.Product Shot Image Unlike most sustainable home furnishings, which tend to be neutral or minimal, GreenRow priorities color and pattern. “What I love about this collection is that we were able to infuse color and details throughout and it just has an emotional feel to it that you wouldn’t expect from a sustainable brand,” says Seabury, who notes that the rugs from India initially inspired the collection’s vibrant color palette.While some dyes can be harmful to people and the environment, the brand uses non-toxic dyes (which require less water) and vegetable dyes for rugs, when possible. In some cases, these more responsible practices and materials lead to a higher price tag — but GreenRow believes their items are designed to last. Stripes, checkered and diamond-patterned, the line of handcrafted rugs start at $249. Product Shot Image”GreenRow is focused on creating modern heirlooms by combining bright colors and thoughtful details into sustainable materials,” Seabury adds. “In addition to a timeless aesthetic, we are also committed to utilizing sustainable manufacturing practices and teaching our customers how to care for our products in order to ensure their longevity.” GreenRow has also aligned with the best practices of all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands by partnering with third-party organizations to certify products against industry-leading standards such as Textile Exchange’s Global Recycling Standard, Fair Trade USA and Nest’s Ethical Handcraft Program. Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

In addition to the joy of watching cherry blossoms and tulips bloom, spring welcomes the ritual of spring cleaning. And as satisfying as it is to finally organize that pantry and dust your headboards, consider springing into this new season by adding a few fire-protection safety checks to your cleaning list. Because house fires are more dangerous than you might imagine: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fire deaths in the U.S. hit a 14-year high in 2021.“Today’s home fires burn faster than ever due to multiple factors,” notes Susan McKelvey, communications manager at the NFPA. “For example, many homes these days are made with synthetic materials that burn at high temperatures, generating toxic black smoke and gasses that can make it difficult or even impossible to see and breathe within moments.” In addition, modern open floor plans allow oxygen to move through the house easily, which can help an existing fire spread quickly, according to McKelvey: “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds.”So it’s more vital than ever to create (and practice) an escape plan, as well as to be diligent about protecting your home. Here are five other fire-safety tasks you may not have considered to add to your spring checklist.Getty Images/Kinga KrzeminskaCheck your curb appealIn an every-second-counts situation, you don’t want the emergency help you so diligently called to have any trouble finding you. So while you’re sprucing up your front porch and planting those fresh hydrangeas and daisies, take a beat to check that your house number is still easily visible from the street.“This is very important, as it ensures that the fire department can quickly and easily identify your home in an emergency,” says McKelvey. If you discover that despite your best efforts, your house number still can’t be seen, consider painting the number on the curb in huge, bright figures, or installing larger ones that are more visible to the naked eye.Create a safety perimeterWith wildfires burning up large swaths of the country each year, particular attention to your landscaping can be crucial. Piled-up yard waste such as weeds, leaves, pine needles and grass clippings are easy traps for a raging fire, which can eat them up and then spread much faster. So you’ll want to make sure these materials aren’t accumulating in your roof and gutters, as well as anywhere within a five-foot radius of your home, aka the “immediate zone.” This perimeter is the most important area to take immediate action on, notes McKelvey, as it’s the most vulnerable to embers (the main means by which raging wildfires ignite homes).Courtesy of TingInvest in a smart fire-prevention deviceFile this under “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Not only should you have a reliable method to detect fires originating both inside and outside the home immediately, but you should also be sure you’re investing in the latest technology to prevent them from happening in the first place. The Ting smart sensor and service help suss out potential electrical fires by continuously monitoring your electrical system for arcing and other power-quality issues that can indicate an electrical fire hazard.Better yet? It’s incredibly user-friendly. All you do is plug it into an outlet and it’s installed within two minutes with the use of a Wi-Fi connection and the Ting Sensor smartphone app. Once it’s up and running, should the smart sensor detect an electrical fire hazard in your home, the brand’s dedicated fire-safety team is at the ready to lead you through every step to mitigate it. “I also like that the app is truly safety-focused, with useful information beyond Ting, such as tips on keeping your smoke alarms in working order,” says Dan DiClerico, GH’s director of home improvement & outdoor, who has been home-testing the system over the past year.Give your grill a full preseason inspectionWith barbecue season on the horizon, you’ll want to do more than just clean your grill grates: While you’re at it, clear off any debris that may have collected over the winter, says McKelvey.“Sometimes spiders or other insects find their way into a grill, or a bird may have even built a nest in there,” she explains. And that can be quite the combustible situation if you don’t check closely before lighting the grill up for the first time this year.Regular old grease buildup can cause fires, too, of course. “Also, check that the hose and connections from the gas tank to the grill are in good condition and free of leaks or damage,” adds McKelvey, since gas leaks can lead to fires or even explosions.Getty Images/Sergei TelenkovDeal with dangerous liquidsFlammable liquids with a flash point of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit can spark something truly scary in no time at all. This is why you want to take care to not use gasoline, paint thinners, acetone, oil-based paints, stains or varnishes, toluene, diethyl ether or alcohols while smoking or near an open flame, storing them in well-ventilated areas about 50 feet away.And if you spill any of those on your clothing or use a rag to clean them up, place the dirty laundry outside to dry before throwing it in the washer, says McKelvey. Never pile it up together or put it in the dryer, even after washing — it could spontaneously combust. And keep the flammable liquids themselves tightly sealed in their original containers so they can’t spill accidentally and pool without anyone knowing. More

There’s no shortage of home decluttering methods — take Marie Kondo’s popular minimalist approach, the KonMari Method, for example. But when it comes to downsizing your belongings, including furniture, clothing, shoes, kitchen essentials and even documents, to prepare for your older years, Swedish death cleaning is an approach that’s worth considering. What Is Swedish Death Cleaning?Swedish death cleaning is a well-known concept in Swedish and Scandinavian culture, where you work on eliminating unnecessary items from your home, so loved ones won’t be burdened with the task after you pass. The thorough organizing method involves editing everything from furniture and clothing to the ever-growing piles of documents that’s been difficult to control over time. It’s a slow process that’s been all the rage lately, thanks to Peacock’s new show, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, by Amy Poehler. While Swedish death cleaning is all about holding onto essential belongings, pinpointing the items you want to keep and part ways with isn’t an easy process. So, follow our checklist below to see how to get started and decide whether this buzzy cleaning method is the right one for you. Swedish Death Cleaning Checklist Chiociolla//Getty Images In 2017, Swedish author Margareta Magnusson coined the term in her New York Times best-selling book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. In her guide, she urges those 65 and up to partake in the task, though it never hurts to begin earlier, especially since decluttering is a great stress reliever. When starting, focus on areas you may find the easiest to tackle. According to Magnusson’s book, the attic or basement may be best since they are more likely to have unnecessary excess items, like broken seasonal decorations. Choose belongings you don’t have emotional attachments to and determine the category you want to scrap first, such as unwanted clothes, books or even half-empty bottles of skincare. And there’s no time limit or true checklist to know when you’re done. It’s all about how you feel and the goals you want accomplished. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playThe Gentle Art of Swedish Death CleaningThe Gentle Art of Swedish Death CleaningNow 10% OffGo Straight to the Wardrobe There’s no need to start with personal and sentimental items, like love letters or your children’s photographs. In fact, our closets and drawers may be the easiest to organize. You’re sure to have two or more garments of the same color and size that you never wear. Choose clothes that no longer fit, discard damaged shirts or pants and donate items that no longer suit your lifestyle. Since you may have a bulk of clothes to sort through, don’t worry about how long it’ll take. Start with seasonal clothing and gradually work your way through your piles over the course of a few months (or even years if you must!). Declutter by SizeGo for the large items first, such as any furniture or rundown decor hidden away in the garage —think broken tables, chairs or smelly rugs. Then, move on to smaller items you can easily discard in boxes. We’re talking about shoes you barely wear, any excess magazines and more! If you find it easier, go room by room instead of decluttering your house as a whole. You can start off in the kitchen by ridding your cabinets of the 20 plates hidden in the back or burnt pots you still keep in the oven. As you clean, you may find many “just in case” items you’ve been holding onto for emergencies. Sadly, they only create clutter and should be discarded too. Daniel Balakov//Getty ImagesBuy Less The fewer items you have, the less time you’ll need to clean! It doesn’t matter what age you start Swedish death cleaning, it pays to limit shopping to avoid feeling overwhelmed. And don’t worry, as this doesn’t mean you have to stop buying the things you love. It’s simply about taking time to rethink your purchases— for example, there’s no need to buy yet another pair of shoes when you already have a large sneaker collection. Discuss the Process With Loved OnesYour family and friends may not understand why you want to start this process, but it’s still important to share the journey with them. Plus, they may have items they want to keep or pieces they want you to cherish until the end (a school painting or Christmas gift are just a few ideas to consider). It might also be helpful to invite them on your decluttering journey. It can be a beautiful and nostalgic way to reflect on memories throughout your life. Bhupi//Getty ImagesConduct a Digital Detox Almost everything is online, including your important passwords and documents shared through email or Google Drive. While the process may feel tedious, sorting through emails and making sure loved ones have your login details is a step that shouldn’t be overlooked. A simpler way is to scan key documents, including your house deed, medical records, photos and more, to put on a flash drive. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc//Getty ImagesSave Sentimental Items for Last In her book, Magnusson recommends saving your highly sentimental belongings for last. Sorting through them too early may deter you from continuing your household purge. These items can range from photo albums and letters to scrapbooks and family heirlooms. When looking at photos, discard duplicated or blurry images and keep your heirlooms in a separate box to pass down. Since you may be emotionally attached to these items, this step may be the most difficult. That’s why it’s important to talk things through with family and friends to help you stay motivated. Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

We’ll cut straight to the chase: You should be changing your bed sheets once a week. “The longest you should wait before changing out your sheets is two weeks,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab “Weekly is even better.” That’s because bed sheets can accumulate so many things you can’t see, like dead skin cells, dust mites, germs and even fecal matter. Moreover, if you allow your pets to sleep in the bed or anyone in your household has dust or pollen allergies, sweats excessively or is experiencing an infectious illness, you’ll probably want to consider washing your sheets even more frequently.What happens if you don’t change your sheets once a week?Considering we spend one-third (or more!) of our lives in bed, it’s not hard to envision why it’s not OK to only wash your sheets once a month! Of course, bedding doesn’t wear like gym shorts or underwear, but you do spend a lot of time in it — and night after night, germs, sweat, pet dander and body oils accumulate quickly, meaning it’s not particularly hygienic to sleep in dirty sheets. Plus, while dust mites aren’t harmful to humans per se, they can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If changing your sheets once a week seems like a hassle, we recommend purchasing multiple sheet sets so you’ll always have clean ones on hand.What’s the best way to wash sheets?Just as important as how often you wash your sheets is making sure you’re using the right methods to get your sheets really clean and extend their life. We asked Forté to share her best advice for how to wash this bedding essential. Treat stains prior to washing “If there are no stains, there’s no need pretreat the sheets,” says Forté. “But it’s always a good idea to check pillowcases for makeup residue.” If there are noticeable stains, she recommends using a prewash stain remover like Shout Advanced Ultra Gel to help get any spots out. Or, if you’re dealing with a really tough stain, try OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray.Then add a top-performing laundry detergent, like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Persil ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent — but just be careful not to overload your machine. “Sheets needs to circulate to get clean,” says Forté. “Today’s enormous washers can probably hold several sets, but you should never cram them in. And if your washer has an agitator in the middle, don’t wrap the sheets around it. This can cause them to wrinkle or tear. Instead, lay them in separately without wrapping them.”Wash with higher temps on a normal cycleTo boost cleaning (which helps if you suffer from allergies), increase the water temperature. Choose a cleaning cycle that uses the hottest water safe for the sheets’ fabric (check the care tag). “The hotter the water, the more germs you kill,” says Forté. Note that some new washers have dedicated cycles just for washing sheets. But if yours doesn’t, select the “normal” or “casual” cycle instead of “heavy duty.” Choosing a heavy-duty cycle isn’t necessary, unless your sheets are a serious mess. “Sheets don’t need excessive agitation to get clean, and the heavy-duty cycle can cause tangling and wrinkling,” says Forté. “It’s fine to wash sheets on the normal, regular or colors cycle. These options are gentler and shorter than heavy duty and, depending on the machine, will cool water gradually for less wrinkling.”Tumble dry sheets on lowWhile bedding might take a little longer to dry than a regular load of clothes, leaving sheets in the dryer longer “just in case” is a mistake. It’s best to tumble dry sheets on low heat for the shortest time possible to avoid over-drying them — and yes, this could take some trial and error to get right! “This is the best method to minimize shrinkage and reduce wrinkling too,” says Forté. You also may want to keep your sheets separate to avoid over-drying issues, since not all linens are created equally. “Sheets dry faster than towels, so when the sheets are dry the towels will likely still be wet if you dry them together,” says Forté. If you’re aiming to combine loads, she says it’s probably okay to put some light cotton fabrics in with sheets, but towels are problematic.Related StoriesSenior EditorLauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things. More

A client request to revamp a 1950s ranch-style Houston property yielded an immediate “yes” from designer Katie Davis. As the couple with three young children began to describe the home’s layout and location in the city’s Memorial neighborhood, it started to sound very familiar to Davis.As kismet would have it, it was Davis’ childhood home. “This house shaped everything for me. My parents worked with a designer to renovate it when I was in sixth grade, and I watched the whole process unfold. I credit my mom for introducing me to a world I didn’t know about,” she says.Katie Davis as a child in front of the home.Courtesy of Katie DavisToday, Katie Davis is the founder and lead designer at Katie Davis Design.Kerry KirkFor the clients, she converted the dining room to a music room, made the sunroom more suitable for entertaining and refreshed several other spaces. But it was her instant familiarity with the home that made the design process so special: “I had a comforting feeling when I walked through the door,” she says. “Even though it wasn’t my parents furniture and there had been tweaks to the layout, at its core, the house has special spaces that feel so unique and interesting.” Talk about a full-circle moment!We spoke with Davis, who talks details behind designing the property she once shared with her parents and brother. Whether it’s crafting versatile spaces for the current family of five or finding unique ways to pay homage to the original design, here’s her top six pieces of advice:Kerry Kirk1. Let wallpaper inspire your paint color.In the powder room, the cabinetry’s green hue (Benjamin Moore’s Saybrook Sage) was pulled from the leaves on the floral wallpaper. The rectangular mirror with ruffled edges from Ballard Designs adds to the whimsical charm.2. Create an “outdoor” living room.With nature as its backdrop and a ton of seating, the sunroom is the perfect place to gather. The sectional and the Palecek chairs create a cozy vibe. “It’s a special spot,” Davis says of the room, which was her go-to play area as a child. BEFORE: Wicker seating gathered around a small coffee table, illuminated by lantern-style lighting and spotlights.Courtesy of Katie DavisAFTER: A pair of armchairs, a spacious sectional and matching ottoman, plus textured throw pillows and decorative lighting.Kerry KirkKerry Kirk3. Try tone-on-tone with a twist.Monochromatic spaces don’t have to feel one-note. In the entry nook (which was a cedar closet long before Davis’s parents reconfigured the area), varied shades of blue, paired with the mix of Schumacher textiles for the custom sofa and walls, keep the look fresh and appealing. The butterfly print is by Paule Marrot.4. Feature art you love.”The only requirement for art is that it makes you happy,” Davis says. For the music room, which had been her family’s dining room, the clients chose a tumble weed photograph by Dallas artist Allison V. Smith. “This room was special — we had so many holidays with family and friends there,” Davis recalls. BEFORE: Carpeted floors and patterned seating with a dose of greenery and landscape wall art.Courtesy of Kerry KirkAFTER: A calming brown paint color paired with a neutral area rug and pale blue armchairs. The star of the show: a tumbleweed photo.Kerry Kirk5. Reinvent classic colors.As a nod to her childhood home — which had bright blue tiles, paint colors and patterned fabrics — Davis wove in classic blue elements. For the daughter’s bedroom, Davis found versatile pieces that felt modern and could grow with the home. She went with a blue headboard and floral fabric bench that reminds her of a “cute cottage” — but also acts as storage for dolls and barbies.Kerry KirkKerry Kirk6. Play with pattern. The surge of pattern and color continue into the boys’ bedroom, which Davis wanted to feel young yet subtly masculine and mature. “I love the stripe wallpaper,” she says. “It helps add interest to an otherwise simple room.” Next, she layered in patterned throw pillows and hung antique artwork above the beds.A version of this feature appeared in the May 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping.Senior Home EditorMonique Valeris is the senior home editor 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

Whether in the form of powdery spots on wood furniture, yellow stains on walls or black gunk in the corners of the shower, most of us have encountered mildew at some point (unfortunately). Mildew is a type of mold and thrives in moist, damp spaces — clinging to fabric, walls, tiles and wood. It also hides in neglected spots, like the garage, basement, attic, under the sink, behind appliances — aka: any area that traps moisture and has an indoor humidity level outside the normal range (which is between 30% and 50%). “Besides the ugly black stains it leaves behind, if mildew is left untreated, it can trigger allergies and breathing problems and generally diminishes the indoor air quality in a home,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. While most mildew is visible, you may first detect an outbreak by the musty odor or allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching and difficulty breathing. It’s ideal to prevent mildew before it starts (tips below), but don’t stress if you’ve already got a mildew situation. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of mildew in every corner of your house.Expert Tip: When tackling mildew or mold, always wear a face covering, long rubber gloves and protective eyewear.Ekspansio//Getty ImagesMildew vs. MoldAlthough it’s less dangerous than other types of mold (think black mold), both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and damage to your home. Mildew is typically more visible during early stages and pops up as white or gray powdery dots. It may turn yellow or brown, but generally remains pretty flat. Mold appears darker, often in shades of red, green or black and can have a fuzzy texture. While the mold and mildew can be treated in similar ways, read our tips for removing stubborn mold spots if you suspect a mold outbreak. How to prevent mildew Use a dehumidifier to keep damp areas, like the basement or bathroom, dry and maintain indoor humidity levels (Check out: Top-tested dehumidifiers)Open the bathroom door during and after showering to allow moisture outDry or squeegee shower walls, floor and tub after showering to remove excess moisture and help surfaces dry fasterIf you have bathroom tiles, seal grout lines every year to waterproof the surface Decorate with houseplants to help improve air quality (Check out: Best air-purifying houseplants)Avoid storing linens, books or furniture in damp basements or atticsDon’t leave damp towels or gym clothes in bags or closets Track down and fix leaks as soon as possibleWhat you’ll need to get rid of mildewWalls and groutMildew can quickly take root on walls and grout, especially in the bathroom where ventilation is poor. It’s important to stop growth during early stages. Here’s how:Mix ¾ cup bleach with one gallon of water (equal to 3 tablespoons bleach to one quart water for smaller areas)Apply mixture with a soft scrub brush for walls or a stiff brush for grout (don’t forget to wear gloves)Let the solution penetrate for 15 minutes before rinsing with waterWipe dry. Then, use a fan to dry the surface thoroughly Shower curtainsIf you step into the bathtub and notice that your shower curtain is dotted with mildew, take action quick. Quick prevention tip: Spread out your shower curtain or lining to help it dry.Wash plastic liners or plastic shower curtains in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with the regular amount of detergent — you can also add bleach. Add two to three bath towels for extra cleaning agitationHang curtain to dry or put it the dryer on low for a few minutes to remove excess moisture. Stand close by and watch it. Never leave it unattendedExpert tip: If your shower curtain is fabric or decorative, wash according to the care instructionsClothing or linensIf you’ve stored clothing or linens in a moist attic or basement, you may notice a mildew scent of mold stains — but don’t worry, here’s how to properly wash away mildew. Use a stiff brush to remove mildew spores (we suggest doing so outdoors)Sun dry the item for about three hoursCheck the care labels and if safe, use chlorine bleach or pre-soak colored fabrics for 30 minutes in liquid non-chlorine bleach. For mild stains, you can instead soak the area in equal parts white vinegar and waterRinse and machine wash as usualWashing machinesFor front-loading machines, mildew can grow on the rubber gasket if you’re not frequently cleaning your washer.Peel back the rubber gasket, and scrub the area with ¼ cup of chlorine bleach mixed with two cups of water. Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brushRun a wash cycle on hot with a cup of bleach or a washing machine cleaner, like GH Seal Star Tide Washing Machine CleanerMoving forward, regularly clean and dry your washer — paying close attention to the rubber gasket. You should also leave the washer door open after you’ve finished a load, so it’ll dry fasterCarpets or rugsWhether you’ve experienced a little flooding or a room is overly damp or humid, mildew may grow on carpets. You may notice a musty smell or greenish stains. Carpets and rugs that are completely saturated by dirty flood water, should be discarded. Make sure the space is dry. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove water. If possible, hang rugs or carpets outside in the sun to dry. If it’s not possible, open windows and use fans to air out the space. Try to pick up wet sections if you can to make sure the padding and flooring underneath dry thoroughlyFor small stains, use a carpet stain remover. Or, clean and rinse the carpet with a steam cleaner for larger stains (Check out: Best Carpet Cleaners of 2023, Tested by Cleaning Experts)For lingering odors, spray a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts warm water onto the carpet. Allow it to sit overnight. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, and vacuum it up after a few minutes. You may also spray the carpet afterwards with Lysol disinfectant spray, according to label directions to sanitize the surface.Wood surfaces Mildew can grow on wood cabinets, paneling or furniture if they’re exposed to moisture. Vacuum loose spores with the soft brush attachmentClean small areas using a well-wrung cloth dipped in a few squirts of dishwasher detergent mixed with a gallon of waterRinse with a clean, water-dampened cloth and dry immediately with a fan. Be careful, not to oversaturate the wood as it could warp or damage the finishApply a thin coat of Good Housekeeping Seal holder Weiman Furniture Polish to restore the shine and protect the finishExpert tip: After vacuuming mildew spores, toss the filter and bag to prevent spores from escaping into the air next time you vacuum.Mattresses (and sofas)Not only is choosing the best mattress important, cleaning your mattress is critical to your health — and that definitely does not include mildew growth. When cleaning your mattress, you’ll only be cleaning surface stains. Any mattress that’s been damaged by water or may have mildew growing inside should be discarded.Vacuum the entire mattressFor remaining stains, sponge the surface with a cloth moistened in 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 cup warm water — but do a spot-test first to make sure the fabric won’t damageTo rinse, wipe the mattress with a water-dampened spongeFan dry the mattress for several hours; sprinkle on and brush in baking soda to help remove odorsSpray the surface with a disinfectant, like Lysol, to kill spores that can lingerOld books They might make chic home decor, but old books can be a breeding grown for mildew. Air the pages outside on a sunny, breezy day for at least three hoursOnce they’re dry to the touch, brush off the mildew with a dry clothRemove stains by wiping the books gently with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water — wring it well firstWipe the books with a soft cloth dipped in water to gently sponge away the chlorinePat or fan dry. Speed up the drying process by sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda on each page to absorb any remaining moisture, then wipe it off with a soft, clean paint brushSenior EditorLauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

No matter how many times you mop, scrub, and clean, the stenches of everyday life are inevitable. As long as you cook, play, and well, live, they’ll be there. But with the right products — both DIY remedies and top-tested picks from the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab — you can banish questionable smells for good. Follow this guide to get rid of kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room odors once and for all. Gridley + Graves Photographers1. Clean your trash can.Sometimes it’s not the actual trash that smells – it’s the trash can itself! Clean it by sprinkling in baking soda or using a deodorizing pack or pod, like Fresh Wave, under the can’s liner or adhered inside the lid. Then spray it all over with a disinfecting spray, like Lysol, to kill bacteria.2. Use baking soda to absorb refrigerator odors.Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly cooked dinner … unless it’s mixed with the smell of leftovers from the night before. Remember to always double-wrap pungent foods (think: stinky cheese!) and store leftovers in containers with secure lids — and absorb odors by storing an open box of baking soda in the fridge and freezer.3. Deep-clean your dishwasher regularly.How often do you clean your dishwasher? Yeah, we thought so. One a month, use a dishwasher cleaning tablet, like the ones from Cascade and run a cleaning cycle. Unless you’re one of those families that runs their dishwasher daily, always rinse dirty dishes before placing in the dishwasher to prevent food from sticking and smelling.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.4. Boil lemon slices and water in your microwave.You cook basically everything in your microwave — soups, leftovers, you name it — which means there are a million smells circulating in a very confined space. Get rid of lingering smells by boiling one quart of water with lemon slices for several minutes. Be sure to wipe out any stuck-on bits of food and leave the door open so that your clean microwave can air out.5. Put your plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher.Obviously, sanitizing cutting boards is a no-brainer but even that doesn’t always keep strong onion and garlic smells at bay. To freshen up, stick plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher. For wood cutting boards, scrub them with a lemon half dipped in salt. Alec Hemer6. Clean your toilets before they start to look dirty.Here’s our rule of thumb for toilets: Clean them with toilet bowl cleaner before they start to look dirty. To combat smells and stains for up to one week, use Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel. After cleaning, pour 1/2 cup bleach into the water. If smells are your main concern (hey, it happens!), spritz Good Housekeeping Seal Star Poo-Pourri before you go to the bathroom to mask odor. Kat Teutsch7. Sprinkle baking soda on a musty mattress.After a few years (or even a few months), your new mattress may start to smell musty. Give your bed a refresh by sprinkling baking soda on the mattress, letting it sit, and then vacuuming it up. For a quick fix, spray soft surfaces with Good Housekeeping Seal Star Febreze Fabric Refresher. 8. Avoid closing your closet door.Whatever you do, don’t close your closet door. Closing the door traps all the moisture — and smells — in the small space. Closet dehumidifiers, like airBoss or DampRid, absorb mike garten9. Sprinkle baking soda on a smelly carpet.Unlike hardwood floors, plush carpets absorb smells like no other. Sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet to remove odors. Let sit (while you lounge on the couch and watch a movie) and then vacuum.10. Sprinkle baking soda on smelly pet beds, too.The same goes for pets: Sprinkle pet bedding with baking soda, let sit, and vacuum. Or if that’s not doing the trick, use Resolve Carpet Cleaner Moist Powder.Try These Odor RemoversAmanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn 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