Aurelia Butler

It’s never too early to plan ahead when it comes to your garden. And as fall approaches, you may find yourself wondering what blooms will enhance your collection. While there are an array of eye-catching florals for the autumn season, including balloon flowers, dahlias, sunflowers and cosmos, you can’t overlook the beauty that comes with chrysanthemums. These fall-blooming beauties come in multiple colors — from red, white and orange to yellow, pink and burgundy — so you’re sure to find a shade that matches your personal style. Whether you’re interested in a casual environment or more extravagent look, we’re sharing how to grow mums (and how to care for them).And if you’re looking for more green thumb tips, check out our guides on how to grow basil, aloe vera, spider plants, pumpkin plants and other healthy succulents. 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.Chrysanthemums 101:ananaline//Getty ImagesIn late summer when other plants call it quits, mums hit their stride. Like poinsettias, they’re photoperiodic, meaning they rely on specific amounts of light to send the signal that it’s time to start putting on a show.On average, garden mums will not start to set buds until the nights last about 10 hours long. Blooms follow in six to 10 weeks. Cool temperatures don’t bother mums, either. In fact, chilly weather intensifies colors and keeps blossoms looking fresh until a hard, killing frost drops the curtain on the gardening year. If you choose early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties, you will enjoy a full seven weeks of bloom — a brilliant last act for any landscape.When selecting varieties, there’s wide range of types to pick from: decorative, daisy and low-growing cushion mums, as well as early-blooming anemones, quills and spiders. The new European-style Prophets Series — from Greenhouse Grower, an Ohio-based wholesale breeder and nursery — boasts more than 100 blossoms per plant. These sturdy-stemmed, ball-shaped beauties were inspired by varieties beloved in Belgium, where All Saints’ Day is celebrated each November first with lavish mum displays. When to plant mums:Kirkikis//Getty ImagesThough technically perennials, mums are often grown as annuals. If you live where winter can be frigid (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6), go with early-blooming varieties — they’re more likely to come back in subsequent years. Those of you who live south of Zone 6 can push the envelope, opting for varieties that need more time to reach their full potential. When winter looms, apply a mulch of crisscrossed evergreen boughs to help plants make it through the cold weather ahead.Several years ago, horticulturists at the University of Minnesota developed a new chrysanthemum hybrid described by perennial breeder Neil Anderson, Ph.D., as a “hardy shrub mum.” Dubbed the My Favorite Series, the robust plants were touted as reliably perennial as far north as zone 3b. They have been hard to find the past couple of years but returned to the market this year under a new name, the Mammoth Series. True to their new designation, these oversize mums can measure 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet across by their third season, with a massive canopy of flowers — up to 5,000 per plant. Monarch butterflies adore these shrubby wonders.Finally, to further increase the odds that your chrysanthemums will survive winter, consider planting them in spring as opposed to late summer, to give root systems ample time to become established.How to grow and care for mums: Zen Rial//Getty ImagesSoil: While mums thrive in just about any soil type, they do benefit from generous helpings of homemade compost. Dig in a spadeful at planting time and top-dress with more. Soil must be well drained or the plants will rot.Sunshine: Mums planted in full sun bloom more profusely than those in partial shade. An optimal site receives six to eight hours of direct light.Water: Shallow-rooted mums dry out quickly. Be sure to water consistently, especially during dry spells and in fall, when plants are storing up energy for winter survival.Pinching Back: If you don’t like the leggy look (who does?), remove the tips of stems early in the season to encourage branching. Repeat the process every two weeks until mid-July. Mums purchased as annuals in late summer do not require this treatment. Taking cuttings from mums:MonochromProfi//Getty ImagesCreating new plants from your favorite mums is easy, says Galen Goss, executive director of the National Chrysanthemum Society. Simply snip off a 4-inch stem with leaves on it and put it in a pot filled with a soilless medium, such as vermiculite. Keep it moist and outdoors in a bright spot. After a couple of weeks, repot the cutting (which has sprouted roots) to a small container filled with potting soil. Fertilize once a week. Two to three weeks later, transplant it to the garden and keep fertilizing. You’ll enjoy flowers that very autumn! Types of mums:For stopping traffic: The spider mum Senkyo Kenshin stands 3½ feet tall. You’ll find that it blooms about 27 reddish-bronze blossoms per plant.For brilliant color: Jessica has joyful, bright yellow blossoms. This midseason decorative mum is from the Prophets Series.For double duty: An old favorite, French Vanilla has 3½ inch white flowers. Grow in a mixed border or cutting garden.For cold climates: Minnautumn is an extremely cold-hardy mum. It’s only 15 inches tall with vivid orange-red flowers.For the vase: Carousel is a purple quill mum that can measure up to 4 inches across. Other mum gardening tips: Use shorter cushion mums to carpet a slope. Foot-tall mounds of lush foliage make an attractive ground cover until late summer, when colorful flower heads steal the show.Start a nursery bed where you can grow your own mums from cuttings. In late summer, transfer the ready-to-bloom plants into the garden to take the place of tired-looking annuals.When a killing frost is predicted, pot up your mums and bring them indoors to adorn the Thanksgiving table.Plant taller varieties for use as cut flowers. After cutting, split the stem ends so they can take up water more efficiently.This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More

If it’s been a while since you last ran your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, take a peek inside. You’ll likely see burnt-on sauce or greasy drips hanging out in the bottom from recipes long forgotten. Not only is oven grime a fire hazard, it also influences how your food cooks and tastes. To prevent buildup, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, recommends deep cleaning your oven two to three times a year. But if you really want to stay on top of things, wipe it down once a month or when you notice it’s starting to look dirty.For a full deep clean, follow these steps to make your oven look — and cook — as good as new. Looking to deep clean more of your kitchen appliances next? Check out our guides to how to clean stainless steel and how to clean your dishwasher.What You’ll Need: Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Oven1. Remove the wire racks Remove the racks from inside the oven before cleaning the interior, especially if you have a self-cleaning oven. The self-clean cycle works by setting the temperature inside the oven incredibly high (some ovens go as high as 900° F!) to burn off any leftover food and grease. While your oven’s racks are meant to withstand high cooking temps, these elevated temperatures are too much for the racks and can cause irreparable damage to them.2. Remove any loose food bits from inside your ovenAfter you’ve removed the wire racks, use a wet rag or sponge to remove any loose bits of food and grease that are in the oven. 3. Run the self-cleaning cycle or apply the oven cleaner if your oven doesn’t have a self-clean cycleIf you’re using an oven’s self-cleaning cycle, great news: You don’t have to do anything during this step. Just make sure to open several nearby windows in your home and run your kitchen exhaust fan, if you have one, throughout the entire cycle to minimize odors and smoke build-up. If you can’t remember the last time you ran a self-clean cycle, the odors released will likely be pretty unpleasant, but you shouldn’t leave your home until the self-clean cycle is completely finished.For ovens without a self-cleaning cycle, follow the directions on the label of the oven cleaner of your choice. Many of them should sit for some time to loosen stuck-on debris and grease. You should never spray an oven cleaner onto your oven while the self-cleaning cycle is running. Pro Tip: Running the self-clean cycle once every four months will minimize the unpleasantness of using the function. The odor and smoke that many find uncomfortable about self-cleaning ovens is produced by the burning bits of food and grease, but with more regular cleaning, less of this debris is accumulated making for an easier, odorless self-clean experience.4. Wash wire racks in the sink While the oven is self-cleaning or the oven cleaner is sitting inside working its magic, wash your racks in the sink in warm, soapy water. For stubborn gunk and grime, scrub the racks with a scrub sponge or scouring pad. Then, rinse them and let them air dry until you’re ready to load them back into the oven. If racks are especially dirty, soak them overnight in a cleaner like Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner.5. Clean up debris or oven cleaner inside the ovenAfter the self-cleaning cycle is over and the oven is completely cooled down, use a wet sponge or cloth to remove the ashy food bits at the bottom of the oven. If using an oven cleaner, now is the time to wipe it away with a wet sponge and rinse the interior with water. 6. Replace the wire racks and clean the glass window Finally, place the racks back inside the oven and clean the glass window, inside and out, using a degreasing multipurpose cleaner or glass cleaner and microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. Remove any stuck-on grease splatters with a non-scratch scrub sponge. “You should never disassemble the oven door to clean between the glass layers,” says Forté. “This should only be done by an authorized technician to help prevent damaging the glass or the door or voiding your oven’s warranty.”Can I clean my oven with baking soda? Many others recommend using a baking soda paste to clean your oven’s interior, but we don’t. It’s messy and requires more scrubbing and rinsing, plus who wants to spend two days cleaning their oven? Baking soda is mildly abrasive and a great spot cleaner for your oven, but not something we recommend cleaning your entire oven with. Likewise for other DIY cleaners like baking soda with vinegar or lemons in an oven-safe tub of water. While these might be effective cleaners and we understand the hesitation to use oven cleaners because of the fear of fumes and strong odors, it is simply much easier to use an oven’s self-cleaning function or a cleaner formulated specifically to clean the burnt-on foods left behind in ovens. And oven cleaners on the market today are very different from products of the past. Many are formulated for reduced fumes or to be fume-free.How to keep an oven tidy between deep cleaningsJust because you now know how to effectively clean your oven doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try preventing a mess in the first place. As a general rule of thumb, cover pans with lids or aluminum foil to prevent splatters and place baking sheets on the bottom racks when baking pies and casseroles to catch anything that might bubble over. As soon as you suspect a spill, carefully sprinkle table salt on it while it’s still warm to absorb it and wipe it up with a damp sponge or cloth once the oven is cool.

Shop These Products for a Cleaner Oven

Professional Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner

Easy Off
amazon.com

$8.20

$4.47 (45% off)

Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges

Scotch-Brite
amazon.com

$8.63

All-Purpose Cleaner

Simple Green
amazon.com

$19.99

$13.41 (33% off)

Heavy Duty Premium Scour Pads

Brillo
amazon.com

$8.47

$7.34 (13% off)

Amanda Garrity
Editor
Amanda Garrity has over seven years of experience writing lifestyle content, including almost 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.

Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping Institute
Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab Analyst
Jodhaira Rodriguez is a test analyst in the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute who graduated from Hofstra Unversity with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science before going on to work as an analyst in an environmental lab.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Summer weekends bring the thrill of yard sale season. Vintage finds can lend so much warmth and history to your home, but there’s a fine line between a piece having charming patina and it being so scuffed it looks shabby (and not in a chic way). Stocking up on a toolkit of restorative products like Furniture Clinic’s line of wood and leather-savers can make that bargain chair or armoire worthy of a front-and-center spot in your home. Breathe new life into your second-hand furniture finds with this advice.How To: De-Gunk Solid Wood Aleksandr Zubkov//Getty ImagesAnything made of solid wood, as opposed to thin laminate or particleboard, is a great candidate for restoration — but what to do about that weird sticky residue obscuring the finish? Furniture Clinic Wood CleanerThat tacky feeling that you can’t seem to clean away is almost always built-up furniture polish or wax. Use a product like Furniture Clinic Wood Cleaner, recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal, to remove it. Follow Furniture Clinic’s detailed instructions, but know that for extra oomph the brand recommends applying the cleaner undiluted, applying it in a circular motion using a clean cloth. In addition to polish residue, the cleaner can also clear away odors like smoke and stubborn water rings. So don’t pass over that otherwise perfect coffee table — it’s easier to fix than you’d think. How To: Clean or Switch Out Hardware Rebecca Smith//Getty ImagesNever underestimate the power of drawer pulls and knobs. Like accessories for your furniture, the right ones can elevate the look of the entire piece. So, if you’re saving with a budget-friendly garage sale find, splurge a little on new hardware. Vintage-inspired glass knobs, bone drawer pulls, or painted ceramic handles can add a lot of personality with your choices, while sleek brass options infuse a modern touch. What if you love the hardware as is? If you score a dresser or nightstand with brass fixtures, a little elbow grease and patience can restore their former luster. There are a number of home remedies, including vinegar or lemon juice, that can bring back that brilliant glow and offer a so-satisfying before-and-after. How To: Update A Funky Dresser It’s often easy to find a great chest of drawers that is much cheaper and better quality than what you’d find new in the stores. Don’t dismiss a stylish version with good lines because of imperfections on the drawer fronts. Instead, use a temporary wallpaper to cover them. With tons of patterns to choose from — marble, bold florals, and even cool textured versions like grasscloth — you can add a lot of interest without breaking the bank. Measure carefully and cut using a sharp utility or craft knife to make sure there’s no overhang or messy edge. Use a credit card to smooth out any bumps on the surface. How To: Restore a Faded Leather Chair Click&Boo//Getty ImagesFurniture Clinic Leather Re-Coloring BalmAs a natural material, leather goes through a lot of changes over the years. It can dry, crack, lose its color, or absorb grease and oils from skin.Grab another Good Housekeeping Seal product, Furniture Clinic Leather Re-Coloring Balm, to add richness back to faded leather, making it softer and more supple along the way. Deep clean the leather first for best results, and be sure to apply the recoloring balm in a circular motion, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth. How To: Refinish and Paint blackCAT//Getty ImagesIf the material of your piece isn’t worth salvaging, don’t be afraid of a coat of paint, which can camouflage any number of flaws. The prep is everything: Remove all hardware and sand down any textural imperfections until the surfaces are smooth (or as close to it as possible). Use a medium-to-fine grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust residue.A high quality spray paint will eliminate brush strokes and cover any intricate carvings or details evenly. Just be sure to use a light touch and let each layer dry between coats to avoid any unsightly drips. Happy treasure hunting!Caylin Harris is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, crafter, stylist, and branded content creator. Follow her on Instagram @caylinharriscreative More

Americans are focused on outdoor living like never before. In fact, according to a recent Houzz survey, more than half of respondents said they recently redid their outdoor space. The same way restaurants embraced outside dining, the pandemic left homeowners eager to expand their open-air living space, and the deck is center stage for outdoor entertaining.“A deck is no longer a space you use for an occasional BBQ, but truly an extension of the home,” says Blythe Yost, CEO and co-founder of Tilly, an online landscape design company. “With so much emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, outdoor spaces are truly treated, designed and decorated the same as indoor spaces.” And perfect deck design starts, naturally, with the decking material.The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested decking materials for decades, back when most decks were made of pressure-treated pine. We look at how well materials resist stains, scratches, fading and more, plus our style experts weigh in on appearance of the products. These days, there are many options to choose from, including better wood species and low-maintenance synthetics. Our decking buying guide will help you find the best decking materials according to our Lab experts as well as the nuts and bolts of pricing, design trends and installation tips. While you’re at it, up your sanctuary with our best-tested outdoor projectors, outdoor decor, small patio decorating ideas and more! More From Good Housekeeping Solid WoodThe use of solid wood on this deck coordinates with the interior hardwood floors, integrating the two spaces.itchySan//Getty ImagesSolid wood delivers the most warmth and authenticity in decking. The tradeoff for the natural beauty of any solid wood decking is the regular upkeep required.Pros: The advantages differ from species to species. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant species with attractive coloring and grain patterns. Tropical hardwoods like ipe and mahogany combine beauty and durability. Pressure-treated pine is the low-cost favorite, and its softness makes it relatively easy to work with.Cons: All wood needs to be refinished every year or so, or it will change color and crack, raising the risk of splinters. Even with diligent maintenance, the lifespan of a wood deck usually maxes out around 15 years. Wood decking is also on the expensive side, especially if you opt for cedar, redwood or one of the tropical hardwoods. As for pressure-treated pine, many consumers aren’t crazy about the chemicals used to make it resistant to rot from moisture and insects (even if arsenic is no longer used in the process after it was banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2004).Cost: Pressure-treated pine, $2 to $5 per square foot; Cedar, $3 to $7 per square foot; Redwood, $5 to $30 per square foot; Ipe, $10 to $30 per square foot.PlasticCertainTeed’s EverNew line of plastic decking comes in three colors and features a textured, non-slip surface.CertainTeedAlso referred to as vinyl decking, this synthetic option made from PVC or polyethylene is not as common as composite, but it’s worth a look if you’re on a tight budget, with some options starting under $5 per square foot. Pros: Besides its low cost, plastic decking does a decent job resisting the weather and it doesn’t need to be stained. The material is also lightweight and relatively easy to cut, so it installs more easily than other decking materials.Cons: The biggest negative to plastic decking is that no one would ever mistake it for real wood (as they might with a high-quality composite). The material can also be a little slippery and because it’s flexible, sagging can be an issue.Cost: $5 to $13 per square footCompositeComposite looks like real wood, but doesn’t need to be stained or treated.TimberTechThe earliest versions weren’t great looking as they were prone to fading and damage, but the technology is so much better and less maintenance. Today’s best composite decking looks like real wood, with convincing grain patterns and color-blended boards that offer a naturalistic variation. “Composite decking is definitely rising in popularity,” Yost says. “Manufacturers have really nailed the stains making them look natural.”Pros: Made from plastic and wood fibers, composite decking doesn’t need to be stained or treated. Today’s top formulations come with some or all sides encased in plastic to prevent mildew growth.Cons: While composite can be very beautiful, our experts generally find it’s the premium lines that look the best, and they can end up being even more expensive than wood. Composite decking is also quite heavy, which makes installation more difficult, maybe prohibitively so for the average DIYer.Cost: $15 to $36 per square footAluminumAluminum decking is durable, fire-resistant and low-maintenance.Nexan LockDry Though aluminum is another less common decking material, its popularity is on the rise, especially with the uptick in wildfires and other home damages related to extreme weather. Pros: It’s super durable. Though it might dent if you drop a heavy object on it, aluminum makes for an incredibly firm, rigid deck with little bounce or flexibility. The baked-on finishes that are common in the category tend to hold up well. It’s also fire-resistant, a nice attribute if you live in a wildfire area, plus it shrugs off termites and other wood-ravaging insects. Finally, aluminum decking requires very little maintenance beyond a periodic hosing down with a garden hose or pressure washer.Cons: The biggest negative to consider is appearance since synthetic aluminum looks nothing like wood. It’s also on the expensive side.Cost: $15 to $20 per square footMasonryMasonry gives a stable surface and a contemporary feel to your deck.CrossvilleIf your project calls for a patio or another on-grade structure, decking boards aren’t the best option, since they’re not meant to come in direct contact with the ground. A better option is tiles or pavers made of concrete, porcelain or other masonry material.Pros: This material gives you an extremely stable surface, often with clean, geometric lines that are particularly well suited to contemporary homes, though the option can work with any style of architecture.Cons: The biggest downside with masonry materials is the difficulty of installation. The material tends to be heavy, so a crew with serious equipment is needed to haul it around. Site preparation is critical as well to create a firm, level base for the tiles or pavers. The outdoor flooring material also tends to be on the expensive side.Cost: $10 to $20 per square footHow we chose the best decking Our experts constantly cover the marketplace to identify the decking materials you’re most likely to find at home centers, lumber yards and specialty dealers. We also regularly attend trade shows and industry events, including the International Builders Show, to keep up with all the latest trends and innovations in outdoor living. When it comes to hands-on testing, we focus on brands with a proven track record for performance and reliability. In our Labs, we run stain tests to determine how well a material resists mustard, wine, mud and more. We also run abrasion tests to see how materials withstand scratches and dings. Finally, whenever possible, we use the decking materials for actual installations at consumer testers’ homes to see how they perform under real-world conditions. What to consider when building a new deck✔️ Cost: While the national average cost to build a deck is around $8,000, according to HomeAdvisor, a home services marketplace, costs vary depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the choice of material. Given inflation and ongoing supply chain issues throughout the building industry, it’s even harder to estimate the price of materials. Because periods of high volatility tend to produce wide price variation, it’s a good idea to shop around for multiple prices on decking and quotes from installers. We estimated pricing by material based on an analysis of data from sites like ANGI, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack.✔️ Durability: Aluminum’s attributes make it the longest-lasting decking material. But it doesn’t look like wood. If your heart’s set on a natural wood deck, look for a material that scores well on the Janka Scale, used by the industry to measure hardness. With a Janka score of 3,680, ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood that will fare well against scratches from pets, kids and the like. Western red cedar, by comparison, has a Janka score of 350, so it will wear easily. And if you want a more traditional look, premium composite decking offers the best combination of aesthetics and durability.✔️ Care: Whatever decking material you choose, proper care will extend its life. Even low-maintenance aluminum, composite and plastic benefit from a thorough cleaning a few times a year. Wood decks must be refinished to prevent fading and cracking. Solid stains offer the most protection and might only need to be reapplied every few years.Why trust Good Housekeeping?The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including garden hoses, power saws and more. As the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, reviewing thousands of products (including decking and deck stains) for Good Housekeeping and previously for This Old House and Consumer Reports. He has also helped install many decks over the years — most recently, the ipe-topped terrace at his home in Brooklyn, NY. Dan worked closely with the Institute’s Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman who oversaw the testing protocol for decking. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. Like Dan, she has plenty of real-world experience, both with her own projects and those she advises on at the homes of consumer testers. Dan DiClerico has written about home improvement for more than 20 years, including countless how-to articles and product reviews, ranging from appliances to smart home technology. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and kids, in a 19th century brownstone that he renovated using everything he’s learned from his day job. When not covering home improvement for the Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan can often be found on the soccer field.  More

When your new stainless steel fridge, dishwasher, oven or other appliance first arrives, its pristine gleam instantly brightens up your kitchen. The same goes for a new sink and even cookware. But by week two or three, the luster on these items may be starting to dull, thanks to little fingers, water spots, grease splatters and just plain old wear and tear. Luckily, there are easy ways to restore the glow to your stainless steel kitchen items no matter how old or well-loved they may be. Using a cleaner formulated specifically for stainless steel — like Good Housekeeping Seal star Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes — is a quick fix, especially around appliance door handles and controls. But it is possible to make your stainless steel kitchen items sparkle again with cleaning products you may already have on hand. Follow these tried-and-tested tips from Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for how to clean all types of stainless steel, including sinks and cookware, and how to remove streaks and add shine.Note: For any new stainless steel appliance, always consult the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Not all finishes are the same. Some have special protective coatings that may need special treatment, so it’s always best before trying any cleaning product to confirm it’s what the manufacturer recommends, especially when your appliance is still under warranty. How to Clean Stainless Steel AppliancesDespite how quickly it gets marred, stainless steel is surprisingly easy to clean, especially if you wipe it with a cleaner and microfiber cloth made specifically for this finish. Stainless steel appliance cleaners are formulated to dissolve grease without scratching and many leave behind a protective coating to help deter future fingerprints. Microfiber cloths lift and trap dirt and grease and do a better job zapping streaks more quickly than plain cloths or sponges do. Apply a little extra elbow grease when you come to any oily smears or stubborn fingerprints. If you don’t have any stainless steel appliance cleaner on hand, there are other at-home alternatives you can use for a quick spiff up. But, never, ever use cleaners or scrubbers designed solely for stainless steel sinks or cookware on appliances. They can be too abrasive and scratch the finish. Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaning Don’tsAvoid abrasive scouring powders, scrubbers, bleach and ammonia to keep from damaging the appliance’s finish.Never wipe stainless steel against the metal’s grain. Always wipe with the grain to prevent streaking. Try not to allow your stainless steel appliances to air dry after cleaning. Buffing them with a clean microfiber cloth minimizes streaks and spots and restores the shine. DIY Spot Cleaners for Stainless Steel AppliancesDish Soap: Mix 1 teaspoon of a good grease-cutting dish detergent, like GH Seal star Dawn, and 1 quart of hot tap water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and rub the marks, going with the metal’s grain. Rinse with clean hot water only and dry immediately with a clean cloth. This technique can also be used to remove any buildup left behind by other cleaning products. More

All too often, we treat dining rooms as an “only for special occasions” space, but really, where do such formalities fit into daily life with kids and pets and messy eaters? Taking a more relaxed approach — infusing color, choosing chairs that are actually comfortable, adding a touch of whimsy — can make for a room that’s both elevated and fun and ideal for hosting everything from family game night to a five-course dinner party. Case in point: This colorful dining room, designed entirely with chic and affordable products from More

Indoor plants can enhance the beauty and overall appearance of a space. Not only are they great for sprucing up your home decor and ridding the air of pollutants, but they’re also natural mood and creativity boosters. And if you’re a lover of greenery and vibrant florals, you know how important it is to find a herb or flower that’ll suit your room, personality and green thumb abilities. That’s why we’re bragging about our love for Monstera plants, along with sharing the best tips and tricks to Monstera plant care. These climbing and easy-to-grow evergreens are also known as the “split-leaf philodendron” and are popular for their large, heart-shaped leaves, along with their unique pattern. Due to their size — with a rate of growing about one to two feet per year — they’re easy to spot in any part of your room, making them a great statement piece or focal point. With lots of light and the right amount of watering, these houseplants are easy to keep happy — especially due to their love of warm and humid environments. So make sure to grab a plant baby of your own because they’re sometimes hard to find (and expensive). ⚠️ Take note: Monstera plants can be toxic when consumed. Keep them away from pets and small children. Types of Monstera Plants

Nora Carol Photography/Getty

According to Monstera Plant Resource Center, there are 48 species of Monstera plants, but you’ll only find a few in your local nursery. All vary in their size and color, with many potentially mislabeled due to the constant changes throughout their lifespan. Monstera Deliciosa: You’re more likely to find this species at your local store. They’re called “deliciosa” because they produce Mexican breadfruit (yum!). Monstera Variegata: This isn’t a separate plant, but a color variation. Variegated monsteras look as if they’ve been splattered or designed with white paint. Monstera Adansonii: While these are smaller than the deliciosa, the holes take up almost 50% of the leaves. Monstera Dubia: You may find the small and heart-shaped leaves on this plant to be cute. It grows like a vine, but with shorter stems. Monstera Obliqua: This species may be harder to find — even at Home Depot or Lowe’s. The holes take up most of the paper-thin leaves, making for a unique look.

Monstera Deliciosa

The Sill
thesill.com

$68.00

Monstera Adansonii

California Tropicals
amazon.com

$16.99

$14.99 (12% off)

Monstera Variegata

MPGIFTCOLLECTION
etsy.com

$20.17

Monstera Dubia

Costa Farms
amazon.com

$42.41

Monstera Deliciosa Plant Care Tips Since Monstera deliciosa is the most common plant you’ll find, we’re sharing the best tips to keep them healthy. These indoor plants take minimal effort when it comes to care, so don’t worry if you find yourself accidentally neglecting them for awhile.SunlightThis species doesn’t enjoy being in direct sunlight. While bright to medium sunlight is preferred, they can adapt to withstand harsher sun time. WaterIt’s normal to forget watering a plant. Luckily, this one requires watering only one to two times per week, per The Sill. If possible, water them in brighter light and use filtered water.TemperatureTry not to go over 60°F when it comes to the temperature. Similar to most houseplants, Monstera deliciosa prefers the 65°F-85°F range. While humid conditions are preferred, normal room humidity will suffice. Consider adding a humidifier to the room to increase the levels. SoilMake sure to plant your Monstera in a pot with drainage holes. Use a good quality of potting soil that can easily drain. Mixing in perlite or lava rocks increases soil aeration. Common Problems With Monstera Plants and How to Solve Them ✔️ Curling leaves: This is a sign that you’re either underwatering your plant or not giving it enough humidity. According to Smart Garden Guide, this can also mean that your evergreen is suffering from pest infestations, heat stress or overwatering. Check the soil and look closely at your Monstera to identify the problem. ✔️ The lack of splitting leaves: Monsteras are fondly named Swiss Cheese Plants for their fenestrations. If your plant doesn’t start splitting as it matures, check the water and sunlight levels and adjust them for a happier (and thriving) plant baby. ✔️ Brown tips: Check the humidity levels because they might be too low. Move your Monstera to another room — maybe the bathroom or kitchen — so the levels increase. ✔️ Ripped leaves: Because these plants have fenestrations, you may think ripping is normal. It’s not. Increase the humidity in the room and be gentle when touching the plant. And don’t worry. The rips will heal over time. Tip: If your Monstera leaves are showing significant signs of damage, don’t be afraid to cut them off — especially if they have a lot of brown or black in them — as the areas won’t heal.

Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

You don’t have to be a decor enthusiast to appreciate the benefits of indoor plants. Not only are plants an easy way to fill your home with some pops of greenery — they’re also known to help purify the air, keep stress at bay and even boost creativity. In other words, they’re a no-brainer to keep around.If you’re searching for an attractive, low-maintenance option, look no further than the spider plant. Also known as Chlorophytum comosum, the most common variety of spider plants are marked by their long, narrow leaves that feature yellow or white stripes. But there are others to choose from as well. “There are also solidly green plants and some with slightly curly leaves,” says Blythe Yost, co-founder and chief landscape architect of Tilly. “I tend to stick to the classic variegated variety, as I find it most hardy, but they are all very tough, easy-to-grow indoor plants.”The best part is that caring for spider plants is fairly simple, as they can tolerate neglect. “Just a traditional potting soil will work well and a bright location,” says Yost.Ready to watch your plant flourish? Follow these simple spider plant care and growing tips from Yost. (By the way, we also love the snake plant as well as the rubber plant for the indoors if you’re looking to fill your home with more greens.) yaoinlove//Getty ImagesWateringStick to watering it about once a week. Your goal should be well-drained, lightly moist soil. If the plant’s leaves begin browning or even start to die, chances are you’re likely over-watering. On the other hand, the spider plant’s leaves will begin to fade if it’s under-watered. “Just be sure not to over- or under-water your plants,” says Yost. “Stressed out plants are more likely to succumb to pests and diseases.”SunlightSpider plants flourish with bright, indirect sunlight. If they’re exposed to direct light, their leaves can burn. Keep in mind that these plants can survive in other lighting conditions as well, since they’re quite adaptable. FertilizingIt’s not necessary to use a lot of fertilizer for your spider plant. An all-purpose one just once or twice a month in the spring and summer is sufficient. A fertilizer that is water soluble is best for this particular plant. Spider Plant BabiesYou might have heard that spider plants make baby plants that are called pups or spiderettes. The good news is that it’s a breeze to grow new plants from them, according to Yost. “Just cut them off the mother plant and either plant the knobby end directly in the soil or soak in water for a week to 10 days until little roots appear and then plant in potting soil.”Spider plants are a great option if you want to enjoy the beauty of greenery in your interior without all the upkeep. These basic pointers will ensure that your spider plant thrives.Shop Spider PlantsHirts: House Plant Ocean Spider Plant Now 56% OffBonnie Curly Spider PlantSmoke Camp Crafts Spider PlantNow 15% OffSpider PlantMonique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Previously, 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. Her idea of a well-decorated room? It must include a dose of pattern play, globally-inspired pieces, and, of course, brass accents. Don’t miss her monthly digital column, “What’s In My Cart,” which highlights the products she can’t get enough of at the moment. This content is imported from OpenWeb. 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. More