Aurelia Butler

If you’ve spotted sugar ants in your kitchen or pantry and want to evict these pests who have a sweet tooth ASAP, you’ve come to the right place. It’s frustrating to see them crawl all over a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter or an ice pop your kid dripped on the floor. Experts who study sugar ant behavior (yes, that’s a thing) explain exactly how to get rid of sugar ants fast (ant killers are your friend) and what’s a waste of time and money when you clearly have a problem inside your home. But first, get to know a little more about these pesky creatures.What Are Sugar Ants? Sugar ants is a term for any kind of ant that prefers sweet nourishment—especially from sugary liquids—and doesn’t require a lot of water. They’re usually dark brown or black, and don’t grow as large as some other types of ants. According to Michael Skvarla, Ph.D., assistant research professor of Arthropod Identification at Penn State University, one common example found in many parts of the country is the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile, whose scientific name isn’t nearly as easy to remember as sugar ants. Usually no more than one-eighth inch long, these brown ants are pretty stinky when they’re crushed. Other examples of sugar ants include argentine ants and ghost ants. “It’s useful to identify what species may be causing you a problem because they may require different management strategies,” says Andrew Sutherland, Ph.D., an urban pest management advisor at the University of California Davis. “In particular, you’ll want to find out whether you have a primarily outdoor species that has come in or if it’s an indoor species that’s nesting inside the house.” For instance, Sutherland says, argentine ants readily enter homes but they nest outside. If you can’t ID the type of ant, your county office of the USDA’s Cooperative Extension System may be able to help. The Not-So-Secret Lives of Sugar Ants In the spring and summer months, colonies of ants who primarily live outside may send scouter or worker ants inside for food. “With argentine ants, you may even be able to follow their trail to see how they’re getting in and out of the house,” says Sutherland. Some ants, on the other hand, may build a nest inside, which may prove to be more difficult to control. Either way, in the search for nourishment, sugar ants may make a beeline for the kitchen or pantry. If they find something to nibble on, they’ll help themselves to food for the colony, take it “to go” and spread the word about their goodies by leaving a pheromone trail. At this point, Skvarla says many homeowners freak out (we’re not judging) and make the problem worse. There’s no need to panic, because experts created a plan of attack. RHJGetting Rid of Sugar Ants Once and For All You can try a handful of ways to give sugar ants the boot on your own. What works best depends on the kind of sugar ants you’re dealing with and how early you caught the problem. If You Think You’re Dealing With an Outdoor SpeciesSutherland suggests watching the ants to see where they go—and try to seal up access points. When you cut off their bridge into the house, they might move onto a different food source. If You Need a Quick Fix Fill a spray bottle with 10 percent dish soap and 90 percent water. Spray it on the ants, and then just wipe ‘em up. Sutherland says it’s an effective strategy for short-term control, like when you’re having company and don’t want ants to rear their ugly heads. “You’ll erase their pheromone trail and slow them down and confuse them,” says Sutherland. “It won’t affect the nest, so eventually they’ll probably return.” White vinegar can be used in a similar way as a soap solution. “It will kill ants on contact and will probably alter the pheromone trail,” Sutherland says. He adds that vinegar and certain essential oils, such as peppermint, thyme and citrus, may also serve as a repellent during the very short time when you can smell them. “I prefer soap to these other options because it creates a residue that does not volatilize, and is present for longer on the surface,” he says. If You Want to Tackle the Problem Head OnBuy ant bait that contains food and a slow-acting toxin. Sutherland prefers baits to spraying pesticides indoors because you won’t have the residue on your countertops and other surfaces—it remains confined within the bait. “Plus, you have a chance to knock out an entire colony of ants with bait,” says Sutherland. Worker ants may bring it back to the colony and they share it. If it gets to the queen, the colony will die out! Terro Liquid Ant Killer, 12 Bait StationsSome species react best to liquid or gel baits, while other species are more attracted to granular baits. Different brands use various types of food sources, and what ants prefer may even vary seasonally. “In winter and spring, odorous house ants in my area tend to be more attracted to a granular protein-based bait, but later in the summer and fall, they’re most attracted to the sugary baits.” Since professionals might not even know what types of bait will work best, they often put out a couple of different types. Copy their idea, and then be patient!When the ants come marching along for the bait, you’re going to have to resist killing them on the spot. “Expect at least 5 to 10 days for the problem to clear up,” Skvarla cautions. What’s more, Sutherland warns that you may even see an increase in ants at first because they’re attracted to the food. If there’s more than one queen and the colony moves, you may have to repeat the process a second or third time until you wipe out the ants for good. How to Keep Sugar Ants Outside Once you’ve had a sugar ant issue, you’ll probably never want to deal with it again. These effective strategies will help fortify your territory. Landscape the perimeter of your home with rocks or pebbles, which will deter outdoor ants who don’t like to cross these obstacles. Seal exterior doors and windows, which can help with all kinds of pests. “If you can see daylight coming through the bottom of your door, ants can get through there and it needs to be sealed,” Sutherland says. Inspect the bottom of your garage door. Particularly in newer homes, the roll-down garage doors may have a gap at the bottom, according to Sutherland. If you see one, consider buying a threshold seal to keep out pests.Keep open food off the counter as much as possible. Move dog bowls and food away from exterior doors, which may attract ants from outside.Make another sweep of the kitchen before bed, cleaning up any sugary spills, whether it’s juicy watermelon that dripped on the counter or a spot of honey that didn’t make it into your tea. Related StoriesThe former senior editor at Parents who started the brand’s awards programs, Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage.Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!) She recently presented at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. More

From replacing drafty windows to installing solar panels, there are many ways to make a house more energy-efficient. While clean energy home upgrades may cost you upfront, they can improve the value of your home and save you money down the line. Plus, they’re better for the planet and help support a sustainable lifestyle. With President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest-ever investment in clean energy and climate action, there’s no need to entirely invest in clean energy technologies on your own dime. When tax season rolls around next year, you can receive a tax credit to save thousands — including up to 30% on rooftop solar panels, heat pumps or new insulation. So if you’re ready to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, here are the four that will save you the most money:To understand your home’s energy use, start with a home energy audit. You can receive up to $150 in tax credit.1. Swap in energy-efficient doors and windows. Not only can new windows, sliding doors or a modern front door boost your curb appeal, but energy-efficient options will save you money down the line. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. If your windows and doors are in good condition, try clean upgrades, like covering air leaks with caulk or weatherstrip. And when tax season rolls around, families who make energy-efficiency improvements can receive tax credits worth up to $500 for exterior doors and $600 for windows. John keeble//Getty Images2. Install an electric heat pump.Heat pumps, an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners, use electricity to heat or cool your home — depending on the time of year. While they have a high upfront cost (the transition will likely be a few thousand dollars), you’ll likely save an average of $500 per year on energy bills. Plus, families who install an efficient electric heat pump for heating and cooling can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000. 3. Replace old insulation.Insulation can last around 80 to 100 years, but some may start losing effectiveness much earlier. If your insulation is not properly reducing heat gain in warmer weather and heat loss in colder weather, heating and cooling costs will increase. An energy audit will help determine if your insulation should be replaced — and if it does, you can receive a tax credit up to 30 percent off the cost of new insulation.ferrantraite//Getty Images4. Invest in rooftop solar energy.Solar panel systems can be pricey (the average cost is around $22,000), but the investment can drastically reduce — or even eliminate — the cost of electric bills. They also help reduce carbon emissions and increase your property’s value! Luckily, if you’ve installed solar panels anytime since January 1, 2017 — or plan to in the next decade, you can save up to 30 percent of the cost of the installation via a tax credit. 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

Both the best clothes steamers and top-notch steam irons are powerhouses when it comes to removing wrinkles from clothing. But they work in different ways and can give you different results depending on the type of garments and fabrics you want to smooth. We test both appliances in the Good Housekeeping Home Care & Cleaning Lab for how well they de-wrinkle a wide variety of fibers, fabrics and clothing items, how much steam they produce, how easy they are to use and more. Which is best for you depends on the type of clothing that makes up the majority of your wardrobe and how much time and effort you want to put into smoothing it. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each and include our top clothes steamer and iron picks to help you decide what’s best for you.When to choose a clothes steamerLightweight, portable, easy to store and great for travel, a clothes steamer smooths fabrics right on the hanger. Many now have big water tanks and multiple settings for more power. Some steam continuously, while others do so when you press a trigger or button. They are a great option if you often need to smooth one item before heading out the door and mostly wear clothing with an unstructured, casual feel. Steamer pros:Great for knits, hard-to-iron structured jackets, soft casual garments and embellishments like sequins and beadsCan freshen and deodorize home furnishing, like draperies, without taking them downSaves time when you need to de-wrinkle in a hurrySteamer cons: Water tanks can be small meaning more frequent refillingSome must be used vertically to prevent leaksCan struggle with creases, pleats and stubborn wrinklesThe Best Clothes SteamersTop Clothes Steamer PicksConair Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric SteamerCredit: ConairConair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment SteamerCredit: ConairJiffy Steamer Company LLC J-2000 Beige Garment Steamer Credit: JiffyWhen to choose an ironAn iron is a wrinkle-removing champ thanks to its heavy weight, steam output and wide soleplate and temperature range. It’s best for those items where you want a sharp, crisp, fresh-from-the-dry-cleaner look and for batch pressing multiple garments in one session. It’s also better for sewers and quilters who many need to flatten their work as they go. Iron pros:Offers a large water tank and spray and steam burst buttons for better pressing resultsLet’s you adjust the steam level and temperature to match the fabricSets creases and gives dress shirts, pants, linens and more a smooth, pressed lookIron cons:Requires a board or another flat surface to press onNavigating shoulders, collars, cuffs and other curves and tight areas can be challengingNeeds time to cool down from a cotton or linen setting before ironing delicate and sheer fabrics to avoid damageBest Steam IronsTop Steam Iron PicksCHI Retractable Cord Steam IronCredit: CHIBLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron Credit: Black & DeckerPanasonic 360 Cordless Freestyle IronCredit: PanasonicThe Bottom Line: Steamer or Iron?Having both a clothes steamer and a steam iron gives you the most options for achieving smooth, wrinkle-free clothes no matter what the fabric or style. If you need to make an either-or decision, clothes steamers are stellar for on-the-go de-wrinkling and giving garments a flowy, relaxed look and feel. An iron is your best bet if you prefer a flat, crisp, sharp vibe or frequently sew, quilt or do other crafts requiring strong steam, heat and pressure. How we test clothes steamers and steam ironsPhilip FriedmanIn the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we dedicate hours to evaluating each steamer and iron we test. We measure the grams of steam they produce and at what rate they pump it out. We take temperatures in various spots on each iron’s soleplate at several heat settings and track the high and low temperature swings as it heats up and cools down. For both appliances, we check how hot the handles and bodies get, for safety.We weigh the appliances to determine how heavy they are to lift and hold, assess how user-friendly the controls are, how easy the water tank is to fill and see into and how long they take to heat up. Finally, we twist and ball up cotton, linen, wool, silk, nylon and other synthetic fabrics and garments and allow the creases to set overnight. The next day, we iron or steam the swatches and garments, rating the smoothness using standard visual guides borrowed from the textiles industry all while checking for any spitting, spotting or dripping. Jill SollazzoWhat to consider when shopping for a clothes steamer✔️ Water tank: If you expect to steam often or do several garments in one session, look for a large water tank for a longer steam time and a model that offers continuous steam over one that requires you to press a button to pump out the steam. The water tank should also be easy to remove, fill, replace and see through so you know when it needs refilling. ✔️ Design: If you will use the steamer occasionally or just for travel, consider a slim model that’s compact, lightweight and easy to pack and store. Many mid-size handheld models now have small heated plates that mimic an iron’s soleplate and give you the option to steam or press out wrinkles. Large professional steamers — the kind that magazine photos stylists use — have extra-large tanks for super long steam times, telescoping poles and hooks for holding garments. They can be wheeled to where you need them, but they do take up more storage space. ✔️ Water type: Most use regular tap water, but some brands recommend distilled, especially if your tap water is extremely hard. Check the product’s use and care guide on the brand website for details on the type of water it requires.✔️ Features: Steamers that offer multiple settings work best on both delicate and heavy fabrics. Attachments may include lint remover pads, brushes to fluff fabrics and protectors to shield delicate fabrics from hot steam. Some have on-board clamps to help set creases and pleats. What to consider when shopping for a steam iron✔️ Size: An iron should be comfortable to lift and hold and not so heavy that it becomes a chore to use. Most fall within a range from about 2 pounds to almost 5 pounds. The heavier they are, the better they press out wrinkles, but a too-heavy iron makes ironing tiresome. To cover more ground quickly, choose an iron with a large soleplate and a large, see-through water tank. ✔️ Power: Generally, we’ve found that the best-performing irons require 1,700 to 1,800 watts of power to produce strong and long bursts of steam. Cordless irons are an option many prefer but they cool off quickly and need to be put back on the corded base every time you reposition the garment. Electronic controls in higher-end irons help ensure more precise fabric temperature settings and selections.✔️ Soleplate: Ceramic and titanium soleplates are the most durable, provide the best glide and are easiest to clean. Stainless steel and non-stick work well when new, but can scratch and ultimately snag fabrics over time. And more holes in the soleplate don’t guarantee more steam from the iron. ✔️ Safety: Most irons today automatically shut off in seconds or minutes when tipped. We prefer those that turn off quickly when landing in any direction, not just onto the soleplate. Some, designed for sewing and quilting, delay or don’t shut off at all to help make crafting easier. ✔️ Features: Steam burst and spray features are helpful to dampen fabrics while ironing and for extra oomph removing stubborn wrinkles. Vertical steam works well for drapes, bed skirts and other home furnishings, though we’ve found a clothes steamer is actually more effective than an iron when used vertically. A steam station with a large, separate water tank, powerful steam and a sturdy base is good for quilting, sewing and handling big batches of rumpled garments. Nice extras include a button groove around the soleplate to iron around buttons and a retractable cord for easy storage. Are there any fabrics that should not be steamed?Most fabrics handle steaming well. Even sheer, delicate ones, like silk can take light steam. Some fabrics like velvet, corduroy and lace do better with steaming than with ironing, as steaming doesn’t flatten them like ironing can. The only fabrics where it’s best to avoid steam — from a clothes steamer or an iron — are vinyl, fabrics with a waxy finish or garments with thin plastic trim or embellishments that steaming could melt. Steam leather and suede very carefully, if at all. Does steaming kill bacteria? Yes! In fact, we recommend steaming to help freshen and deodorize hard-to-wash items like mattresses, throw pillows, athletic shoes and stuffed toys. Just be sure to pass the steamer over the fabric surface slowly for the time recommended by the manufacturer to sanitize fabrics. Steam also kills dust mites near the surface. After steaming, you must remember to vacuum the fabric surface to remove them. Why trust Good Housekeeping?Carolyn Forté has tested dozens of steam irons and clothes steamers in over 40 years of experience researching, testing and writing about appliances like the best dryers, top washing machines and best-performing vacuums. As the executive director of the Cleaning Lab, she oversees all testing done by our reviews analysts, including the most recent tests of steam irons and the currently underway category test of clothes steamers. Plus, she spent 19 of those 40 years in the GH Textiles Lab so she has extensive experience caring for all types of fabrics and fibers. And at home, she owns both a clothes steamer and steam iron for whatever the task requires and time permits. 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

It’s getting near summertime, and while the livin’ might be easy, keeping your home cool and your energy bill in check will take a little more effort. So we’ve collected some energy-saving tips to help you focus on relaxing and enjoying the sunny season.Close your curtainsOr your blinds, or shades, or shutters — whatever covers your windows. Yes, an action that simple can make an appreciable difference in your energy use, and yet the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 75 percent of window coverings in our homes stay in the same position every day. The result can be unwanted solar gain, a technical term for how much an object or room heats up due to the absorption of the sun’s radiation. So get into the habit: During the day, keep the windows that receive direct sun covered; before turning in for the night, cover those that will be the first to receive sun from the east in the morning.Give your oven a restWhile it isn’t your kitchen’s biggest energy gobbler — that’s your refrigerator — your oven is an appliance you can choose not to use. And in summer, leaving it off helps in two ways, saving the energy it takes to run it and preventing it from heating up your kitchen and making your air conditioning have to work harder. So whenever possible this summer, go oven-free: Use your stovetop, microwave, or air fryer, all of which typically run on less energy than an oven. Or take advantage of the warm weather and get dinner going on the grill. Your home will stay cooler, and — while this part may not be scientifically proven — your food may well taste better, too.Flip on the fanJudy AlcantaraIf you raise your thermostat by just two degrees and use your ceiling fan to stay cool, you can lower your air-conditioning costs by up to 14 percent, according to the EPA’s Energy Star program. “Remember to make sure your fans are spinning in the right direction: counterclockwise in the summer for maximum cooling effect, and clockwise come winter to help distribute warm air throughout the room,” says Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.Also, keep in mind that ceiling fans just make the room feel cooler; they don’t actually lower its temperature. The breeze they create helps evaporate sweat from your skin, creating a wind-chill effect. Plus, fans redistribute cold air (which tends to settle) so it circulates around your face, not the floor, again providing a cooling effect on you but not the space. All of which means that when no one’s in the room, they’re not having any effect on anyone’s comfort level — so turn them off and save that extra bit of electricity.Upgrade to a heat pump to keep coolCourtesy of TraneHeat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to both heat and cool your home. They work by transporting warm air — moving it indoors in the winter and transferring it to the outdoors in the summer. There are many options out there these days, but after running multiple models through their paces, the expert engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute awarded the Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link a Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award. The industry standout delivers both precision and efficiency. It continually monitors the weather outside, taking into account fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Then it slows down or speeds up accordingly, so you’re always using the minimum amount of energy required while keeping your home’s temperature to within half a degree of your chosen set point. “And besides delivering optimal performance, the variable-speed motor is extremely quiet,” says DiClerico. “You’ll appreciate that during those hot summer months when the system is running full-tilt.”You can also pair the heat pump, via the company’s Trane Link connectivity technology, with a Trane Link UX360 Smart Thermostat. It gives you an extra measure of control over your comfort — you can monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone, which means you always decide how much energy you use.Change filters frequentlyTrane’s heating and cooling systems are some of the most energy-efficient available today, according to DiClerico, and you can ensure that they’re always working at peak performance by replacing your air filters at least once every 30 to 90 days. Not only will that improve indoor air quality by helping your system effectively capture common irritants and allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander, but it can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the company. More

So you’re in the market for a dryer? Before you peruse the best dryers out there, you have one big decision to make: gas vs. electric. For most people, this decision hinges on your existing hookup. Because, let’s be honest, unless you’re building a new home or embarking on a huge reno, you’re probably not going to invest in a new hookup. Still, you might have some questions about which is the better choice — a gas dryer vs. an electric dryer — plus whether or not you can make the switch down the road. In this guide, you’ll find all of the answers to your most pressing questions about the different types of dryers. Gas Dryers OverviewGE 7.4 Cu. Ft. Gas DryerNow 29% OffCredit: GELG Signature 9.0 Cu. Ft. Vented Smart Gas Dryer Samsung 7.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Gas Dryer with Steam and FlexDryNow 37% OffCredit: SamsungPros ✔️ Lower operating costs✔️ May dry fasterCons✔️ Higher initial cost✔️ More complicated to installGas dryers use natural gas as a heat source. “When you start a gas dryer, gas flows to the burner where it’s ignited by an electric glow bar or spark ignitor,” explains Asif Bux, the owner of Comfort Union Heating and Cooling, an HVAC company in Alberta, Canada. “This flame heats air drawn into the dryer by a fan. The hot air circulates through the drum, drying the clothes.” After passing through the drum, the air travels through the lint filter and out of the dryer via the vent.In our testing, we haven’t seen a measurable difference in the drying time of gas dryers vs. electric dryers, but Bux says gas dryers do tend to heat up more quickly than their electric counterparts. “The burners of gas dryers reach maximum heating capacity instantly compared to an electric dryer’s heating element,” he explains. Not to mention, gas is generally cheaper than electricity in most areas, making gas dryers less expensive to operate. On the downside, gas dryers are more expensive to purchase. They also require a gas line and proper venting, which may not be feasible in all homes.Electric Dryers OverviewAmana 6.5-cu ft Electric DryerCredit: AmanaGE Profile 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Electric DryerNow 21% OffCredit: GESpeed Queen 7 Cu. Ft. Electric DryerNow 10% OffCredit: Speed QueenPros✔️ Easier and cheaper to install✔️ Most homes already have the proper hookupCons✔️ Higher operating costs✔️ May have slower drying timesElectric dryers use a heating element to heat the air inside the drum. “When the dryer is turned on, electrical current flows through the heating element, making it hot,” explains Bux. “The internal fan then pulls air through the heating element, heats it up and pushes it into the drum.” Like in a gas dryer, the hot air circulates through the drum, is filtered by the lint filter and exits through the vent.One of the big conveniences of an electric dryer is that most homes are already equipped with the necessary electrical requirements, simplifying installation and lowering any associated costs. Just note: Gas dryers require a 240V outlet, not the usual 120V that the washing machine uses, so that may have to be added. Unfortunately, electricity is typically more expensive than gas, so you’ll likely notice higher running costs over the lifespan of the appliance. The mechanical components in electric dryers also don’t heat up as quickly as those in gas dryers, which may affect drying times, though this remains unproven in our Lab tests.Which is better for the environment: gas vs. electric dryersEnergy guide labels now come with all dryers. This label will help you better understand how efficient any model you’re considering is, plus will help you approximate the cost per year to run the appliance. Energy Star-certified dryers are especially efficient and cost less to run than traditional models.Which is more expensive: gas vs. electric dryersWhen doing a cost analysis on dryers, you have to consider both upfront and long-term costs. Electric dryers are cheaper to buy than gas dryers. The average gas dryer typically retails for about $100 more than the average electric dryer. However, gas dryers usually have lower operating costs (experts say electric dryers are three times more expensive to run!), which can make them cheaper in the long run, depending on local gas and electricity prices. Overall, Energy Star-certified models cost less to run, since they’re more efficient. Which is safer: gas vs. electric dryersLike any appliance, especially one that uses heat, both types of dryers come with safety considerations. Gas dryers, if improperly installed or maintained, can pose risks such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, says Bux. Electric dryers generally have fewer safety concerns but still require proper installation and maintenance. In general, though, when installed and maintained properly, both gas and electric dryers have very minimal risk, experts say. The big caveat here is lint buildup. In both gas and electric models, it’s imperative to clean lint regularly in order to prevent dryer fires. Which should you choose: gas vs. electric dryersAs noted, the choice between a gas and an electric dryer often depends on your home’s existing hookups and your household’s utilities. The best choice comes down to installing the type of machine you already have. If you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, a gas dryer may be the more economical choice over time, provided you can run gas lines in your area. Our Lab pros also recommend new heat pump dryers, which have performed exceptionally well in tests, are especially efficient and don’t require any outside venting. They work by removing the moisture and recycling the heat back into the dryer instead of sending it outside. And unlike traditional electric appliances, these machines only require a 120V circuit, so you don’t need any special installation. Can you replace a gas dryer with an electric one? It is possible to replace a gas dryer with an electric model. You just need the appropriate electrical outlet and, possibly, additional circuitry. According to our Lab pros, electric dryers generally need a dedicated 240V line and a 30-amp circuit. Why trust Good Housekeeping?Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the home and cleaning spaces. She’s no stranger to laundry day, either — she runs clothes for a family of six through her gas dryer nearly every day. She put together this explainer on gas vs. electric dryers under the guidance of our Lab pros, including the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab’s Executive Director Carolyn Forté, and outside experts. Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits. She also researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all testing done for the Cleaning Lab’s product guides.Brigitt 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’re planning a move or looking to streamline your space, figuring out how to declutter your home can feel intimidating. From piles of clothes in the closet to toys scattered around the living room, where should you start? As a home editor, I’m well versed in all things home and design, but decided to tap professional organizers to get into the nitty-gritty. Below, organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal and Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze, share their advice for decluttering and helpful tips for every room — from kitchen storage to closet organization. First things first, give yourself patience and grace. Organizing your home can feel be a personal and vulnerable process, but the final result is worth the hard work! “Recognizing the areas that burden you is a crucial step toward crafting a plan for decluttering and achieving organization,” says Rosenthal, who adds that addressing physical clutter can help alleviate a sensation of heaviness or anxiety in your home environment.Tips for Decluttering:✔️ Anticipate the negative. “When you feel like you are the only one out there dealing with this type of clutter, it’s common to be embarrassed,” says Rosenthal. Remember that decluttering is a progress; your room or house will always look worse before it gets better.✔️ Rely on a buddy. It’s easier to accomplish your goal if you have someone to hold you accountable. Whether it be a spouse, partner, family member, friend or professional organizer, have a support system with you. ✔️ Start small: To avoid overwhelm and decision fatigue, start with a small, achievable task that takes no more than 20 minutes — like organizing a small junk drawer or a utensil drawer. “Decluttering is contagious, so as you build momentum, it will make it easier to tackle larger projects throughout your home,” says Kinsella. ✔️ Schedule time for it. Like you would for a dentist or doctor, schedule your organizing time! If you don’t make an appointment with yourself, you are bound to put something else in its place.✔️ Take it one room at a time. Choose one room to focus on at a time and touch every item in that room to determine how it should be categorized. If it’s not something you love or use on a regular basis, let it go.✔️ Reward your hard work. “Whether it’s indulging in a bottle of wine, treating yourself to a new piece of clothing after purging a substantial portion of your wardrobe, or taking a refreshing walk outdoors, incentives can provide the motivation you need to make progress,” says Rosenthal.How to Declutter Room by Room:The KitchenAbigail Jackson. Designed by Trinity Holmes of Circa 34.Rachel RosenthalThe “heart of the home” is where we spend most of our time, from entertaining guests to cooking and enjoying our favorite meals. Not only does kitchen clutter look unsightly, but it makes it challenging to find what you need as you cook, clean or host. If you’re not sure what may be lurking in the back of kitchen cabinets, drawers or the pantry, here’s how to start: ✔️ Take everything out of cabinets and drawers. “Empty cabinets completely when decluttering food items and kitchenware, like pots and pans,” says Rosenthal. As you sort through your belongings, check expiration dates and identify duplicates or items seldom used in meal preparation. Before returning everything back in cabinets, it’s a great idea to invest in a spice rack or organizer!✔️ Clean out the fridge. Start by taking everything out, then wipe down all shelves and racks. Throw away any old foods, ingredients and condiments that have been open longer than three months (some have a shorter or longer shelf life). ✔️ Be mindful of what you don’t use. Take stock of what you have, asking yourself if you’ve used it lately or whether it fits your current lifestyle. Purge any mismatched lids, stained or broken containers and chipped dishes.✔️ Place everything in categories. Whether in piles on the counter or baskets on the floor, group like items — think baking supplies, boxed foods, glassware, etc. Find every category a designated home, considering accessibility and how often you use the item. Give everything a quick wipe down before placing items back in the fridge, pantry or kitchen cabinets. The BathroomCourtesy of Urban OrganyzeAn organized bathroom makes your hair routine and nightly skincare regime a breeze. Not to mention, your cluttered bathroom is likely full of expired skincare and medications. Follow this advice to put everything in its place:✔️ Clear out drawers and storage space under the sink. Just as you did in the kitchen, touch every item to determine what stays and what goes. Go through the medicine cabinet as well, disposing of any expired medications. ✔️ Check for expired cosmetics and skincare products. Some products have expirations as early as three months from opening, especially eye products that can harbor bacteria over time. You can also toss bulky packaging to make more space as you restock. ✔️ Group items into categories, such as skincare, haircare and medications. As you put items back, keep daily essentials at eye level and put rarely used items on higher shelves or closer to the back of shelves. We also suggest organization systems, like decorative trays, apothecary jars and over-the-toilet organizers for added storage.✔️ Don’t forget about the shower. Check for empty bottles, hair products you no longer love or use and any items that have expired. Good Housekeeping Organize Your LifeGood Housekeeping Organize Your LifeThe Bedroom + ClosetsRead McKendree; Design by Ryann SwanCourtesy of Urban OrganyzeA great night’s sleep might depend on your primary bedroom being clutter-free! From cleaning out dressers and night stands to organizing the closet, take it step by step:✔️ Clear out the night stand: Whether in drawers or on top, the nightstand can accumulate random clutter out of convenience, like miscellaneous chargers, books you’ve already read and old letters or paperwork. Remove anything that doesn’t belong, giving it a permanent home elsewhere or tossing it.✔️ Categorize dresser drawers: Sort through clothing and accessories in dresser drawers, pulling everything out. Purge any items you don’t use or love, categorize and put everything away, refolding clothing so it’s uniform or bringing in drawer organizers for accessories. ✔️ Purge clothing: Pulling items out of your closet allows you to assess them in a new way. “If you haven’t grabbed for something, be honest with yourself and consider why — is it less than flattering, doesn’t reflect your personal style or uncomfortable?” asks Kinsella. “Relocate aspirational clothing and prioritize your everyday wardrobe.” Moving forward, practice a one-in-one-out rule.✔️ Streamline hangers and storage containers. Swap in matching hangers (personally, I prefer velvet hangers. If you tend to think items that are out of sight are out of mind, opt for clear vessels for shoes or accessories, especially for items stored up high. Always position your favorites and in season items at eye level or arms reach. RELATED: DIY Walk-In Closet Ideas to Maximize Your SpaceThe Living RoomRaquel Langworthy; designed by Christina Kim Interior Design.The living room can accumulate clutter quickly, from children’s toys and books to chargers, remote controls and other miscellaneous wires. Once you tackle the main zones, try decluttering the living room for a few minutes every day — putting daily items back in place. ✔️ Give everyday items a home. Rather than leaving your current read on the sofa or children’s toys all over the floor, designate a spot for everything. Bring in ottomans with hidden storage, entertainment centers with plenty of cabinets, etc.✔️ Tuck visible clutter into bins. Think dog toys, blankets, books or even spare chargers tucked inside decorative bins, whether on shelves or sitting on the floor. What was once clutter turns into decor. ✔️ Go through books, board games and toys. If you’ve got puzzles or games with missing pieces, or you just never actually use them, toss or donate them. Also sort through children’s toys, random wires and your bookshelf, looking out for old books you’ll never read again or decor you don’t love.Kids’ SpacesRachel RosenthalLaura Metzler Photography; Design by grOH! PlayroomsNot only do children grow fast, but their tastes evolve quickly. Declutter their bedrooms, closets and playroom regularly — whether you donate items they’ve outgrown, or box it up for storage.✔️ Donate toys children have outgrown. “Regularly assess what your kids are actively playing with, plus be on the lookout for items that are broken or have missing pieces,” says Kinsella, who adds if you’re overwhelmed by the quantity, chances are your kids are, too!✔️ “Use bins labeled “too small” or “too big” for clothing and shoes” keeps everything organized and makes it easier when they suddenly shoot up a size,” says Kinsella. Try keeping a donation bag handy to make decluttering a natural part of your routine. ✔️ Sort through art supplies, tossing dried out markers, broken crayons, ripped coloring books or any incomplete sets. Laundry RoomsPhoto: Corinne Cobabe; Design: Organized by DesignLaundry rooms can quickly turn into the catch-all space for more than just laundry, becoming cluttered with items from around the house. But an organized space will make the dreaded chore much easier!✔️ Relocate anything that doesn’t aid with the laundry process. ✔️ Corral cleaning supplies in bins and baskets. Toss rags that are no longer plush and any supplies you don’t use. “Once you’ve identified what’s in your regular rotation, group similar items together, such as detergents or stain removers, and use bins or baskets to keep these supplies organized and easily accessible,” says Kinsella. “Don’t hesitate to make the most of your vertical space by adding simple shelving.”✔️ Invest in more than one laundry basket. Make laundry day a breeze by having separate bins for whites, darks and hand wash items. You can also create a “to do” bin that Kinsella suggests using for items that need to be dry cleaned, mended or stain treated, so you can circle back when you’ve got time. 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

If aluminum furniture pieces have been catching your eye lately, you’re certainly not alone. According to a recent Pinterest trend report, this material (and other metallics) is making major waves in the design world, particularly among millennials and Gen-Zers. And interior designers agree that aluminum is most definitely having a moment this year. “The aluminum furniture trend is starting to trickle in as an exciting new thing for design,” says Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH.Designs. However, she explains that this material could easily be seen as “too trendy” and “could date a place if you’re not cautious about it.” As a result, Hayslett advises those who are curious about embracing aluminum to be mindful about their purchases. “Make sure to get something that’s interesting that almost acts like a work of art instead of just getting something just for the sake of getting something,” the designer adds. “If you treat this trend like a showpiece, then it won’t feel out of place and insignificant later.” Many designers appreciate that aluminum pieces can function both indoors and out. “If your home is designed for indoor-outdoor living especially, it can be nice to have some material overlap between them for continuity,” says Adnan Anwar, the founder of Adnan Anwar Design. He adds that furnishings made from this material are lightweight and therefore easy to move around the house as desired, which is particularly ideal for those who like to redecorate their spaces often. Pamela NastRaili Clasen, the founder of Raili CA Design, enjoys when aluminum pieces are powder-coated in colorful hues — by no means does one have to stick with a traditional silver shade. Unable to source brightly colored aluminum furniture that you love? Rosanna Bassford offers another suggestion. “Pair it with wood tones for warmth and color for a playful touch,” offers the founder of Memmo Interiors, who notes that aluminum can have the tendency to appear cold if not styled thoughtfully. You can certainly play with textiles, too. “Adding upholstered cushions, using one of the many outdoor fabrics now available, gives you all the comfort of indoor furnishings and seamlessly extends your design style outdoors,” says designer Pamela Nast. Nast also appreciates aluminum due to its versatility (she notes that it’ll shine in modern and traditional spaces alike) and adds that it’s built to last, too, given that it’s weather-resistant and won’t fade or rust. Be mindful that aluminum can corrode, though, so it’s worth investing in higher quality, more durable pieces. Shop Aluminum FurnitureAluminum Bistro SetAluminum Indoor-Outdoor TableAluminum Garden BenchOutdoor Aluminum Side TableRelated StoriesSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More