Aurelia Butler

Even though pizza is your favorite Friday night dinner, it’s often the culprit behind life’s worst grease stains. “Grease is one of the most common stains I get asked about and it can be one of the toughest to remove, especially from synthetic fabrics, like polyester,” Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says. Shout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam worked the best on grease in our Cleaning Lab tests, but if you’re at work or nowhere near a laundry room, there are a couple of easy remedies that will help get out fresh grease stains. Forte’s go-to for removing grease stains on the go: dish soap. It’s made to cut grease on your plates, so it can also help with your clothes. The condiments on your table can work magic, too. A sprinkle of salt or artificial sweetener helps prevent an oil stain from setting into the fabric and makes it easier to lift when you’re doing laundry later on.How to Get Grease Stains Out of Washable Clothes Follow these six simple steps for getting out new and old grease stains, no matter where you are (or what oily food you spilled). MaterialsSalt or artificial sweetenerDish soapShout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam or another pre-treaterStep-by-step InstructionsIf you’re out and about, quickly sprinkle a little salt or artificial sweetener on the stain to keep it from setting. Brush off the powder after a few minutes. At home, immediately work a little grease-cutting dishwashing soap into the stain and rinse with warm water.When it’s time to launder it, rub in liquid laundry detergent or apply a pre-treater, like Shout Advanced Grease-Busting Foam. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Air dry the garment until you are sure the stain is completely gone. That’s it! Consider your work shirt officially saved.

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Coffee spills always happen at the most inconvenient time: as you’re running out the door, at the end of a long dinner party, or just when you finally sit down to curl up with a book. Similar to some red wines, coffee stains can be extremely hard to remove. This is because many beverages — coffee, tea, and red wine included — contain tannins due their high temperatures.Luckily, Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab in the Good Housekeeping Institute, is here to share the best tips and tricks on how to remove coffee stains from clothes, upholstery, and more. ClothingSponge the stain with cool water or soak the garment in cool water for 30 minutes. Pretreat the stain with a prewash stain remover, like Resolve Stain Stick, and launder with chlorine or oxygen bleach, if it’s safe for the fabric. If your coffee had milk or cream in it, make sure you use a detergent with enzymes in it that will help break down stains, like Tide Coldwater Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent. “Most stain-fighting detergents have enzymes, but check the packaging to make sure your brand does,” Forte says. UpholsteryMix 1/2 tsp of liquid dish soap with 2 cups of cool water. Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stain with the mixture. Repeat until the stain disappears, then sponge once more with cold water and blot dry. CarpetBlot up as much of the coffee as you can. Then, mix 1/2 tsp of liquid dish soap and 1/2 tsp of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stain with the mixture. Apply a little bit at a time, blotting frequently with a dry cloth until the stain disappears. Finally, sponge with cold water and blot dry.MugsIf you’ve ever left your mug in the sink for a couple days, you know the struggle that is a stained ceramic cup. Forte says all you need is a Good Housekeeping Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to wipe off marks. Or, if you don’t have one on hand, sprinkle some baking soda on top of your dish soap to add an extra oomph of abrasion and clean as usual.

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If you don’t have spring break plans, you’re not alone. In a recent survey from Lowe’s, 70% of people responded that they don’t plan to take a leisure trip until late summer. That being said, the retailer wants to help consumers jazz up these next couple of months of warm weather by helping them turn their homes into the ultimate destination this spring.In April, Lowe’s will host SpringFest, a new home and garden experience that will feature special events, markdowns on our favorite warm-weather products, travel-inspired content, and more. Throughout the month, customers will be able to learn new skills through online and in-store demos in select stores. Think: lawn care maintenance with Scotts and paint demos with Sherwin-Williams. All events will follow safety and social distancing guidelines.In addition, Lowe’s will also be giving away free Garden-to-Go kits every Thursday in April starting on the 8th. To receive your complimentary kit, all you have to do is head on over to Lowes.com starting April 1st to reserve one. You can then pick it up the following Thursday during a special curbside event. There will be a different Garden-to-Go kit each week — two of which will come in unique packaging.

Available April 8, this Garden-to-Go kit includes a Bonnie Foodie Fresh Plant, 8-quart Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, 8-oz Miracle-Gro All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food, globes and more.
Lowe’s

Lowe’s shared a few details about the four kits complimentary kits.The Garden-to-Go kit sponsored by Miracle-Gro, available on April 8, includes a Bonnie Foodie Fresh Plant, 8-quart Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, 8-oz Miracle-Gro All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food, globes, and exclusive recipes from professional cook and food stylist Amanda Frederickson. The Lowe’s Mystery Garden Pinata by CAMP, available on April 15, includes a biodegradable flower pinata, mystery seed bombs, and mystery growfetti. On April 22, the Garden-to-Go kits include tree saplings given out in honor of Earth Day (species varies by region). Lowe’s by CAMP Butterfly Quest, available on April 29, includes wooden pieces to assemble and decorate, paint, a paintbrush and milkweed seeds to help families create a butterfly garden.

This pinata-themed Garden-to-Go kit, available on April 15, includes mystery seed bombs and mystery growfetti.
Lowe’s

This butterfly-themed Garden-to-Go kit, available on April 29th, has all the tools for families to make their own butterfly garden.
Lowe’s

Not a bad way to celebrate spring if you ask us. You can shop all of Lowe’s outdoor and spring-related products here.

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Your air fryer is probably one of your favorite kitchen appliances, and it comes in so handy to cook foods fast and without excessive oil, perhaps using recipes from Good Housekeeping’s Air Fryer Cookbook. Think about crisped-up fish sticks or chicken wings with no added oil, and perfect al dente zucchini noodles, and leftovers reheated to perfection.That said, air fryers need to be cleaned after every use. Even after using minimal or no added oil, food bits and grease can accumulate and cause your air fryer can smell, or even begin to smoke. Whether you use a basket-style or tray air fryer, here are some tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute to make cleaning it a breeze:How to clean your basket-style air fryerWhat you’ll need: Degreasing dish soap, like Good Housekeeping Seal star DawnSoft-bristled bottle brush, like Casabella’s Soft cloth, like Skura’s Reusable Microfiber Wipes, or paper towel, like Good Housekeeping Seal star BountyTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely. Pull out the drawer and remove the basket or tray. If your air fryer is dishwasher-safe, place the drawer and basket or tray, depending on what your air fryer has, upside down in the dishwasher, preferably on the top rack, if it fits. If using the dishwasher is not an option, wash the removable parts in warm soapy water and use the brush to scrub off gunk and get into the vents and nooks and crannies of the tray while protecting the metal or nonstick finish. Rinse well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the basket once clean.GH Lab Tip: Use the top rack of the dishwasher (space-permitting) where it is further away from heat and is exposed to gentler water jets – this will help the nonstick finish last longer. How to clean an oven-style air fryer What you’ll need: Degreasing dish soapSoft-bristled bottle brushSoft cloth or paper towelTurn off and unplug the air fryer, and allow it to cool completely.Remove the racks and either use the dishwasher to clean them, or hand wash them in warm soapy water using your dish brush to scrub away grease and food bits. Rinse well and dry.Empty any oil from the drip tray – but don’t flush it down the sink. The tray can be placed upside down in the dishwasher to clean it, or hand wash it, then rinse it well and dry.Wipe down the bottom interior of the air fryer, as well as the exterior, with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the trays once clean.GH Lab Tip: If the drawer or drip tray has any oil in the bottom, don’t flush it down the kitchen sink. Instead, empty it into a can or small jar and keep the container in the fridge to throw away when it’s full.How to deep clean your air fryerIf you accidentally overstuffed your air fryer (or cooked something extra splattery), you might have gunked up the heating element. If your air fryer smells bad while you’re cooking, or starts to smoke, there’s probably baked-on residue on or near the heating element. What you’ll need:½ cup of baking sodaA few tablespoons of water to make a pasteSoft dishcloth or paper towelsRemove the basket or racks first, and clean them.Leave it upright so any bits of gunk you brush off will fall onto the bottom of the interior and not get caught in the mesh, heating element or fan at the top. Use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to scrub and release burned-on bits from the mesh covering the heating element, and wipe with a damp clean cloth or paper towel. Then, turn the air fryer upside down to make it easier to clean the heating element.Use the baking soda paste and a soft damp cloth, and gently scrub away the grime.Rinse the cloth with water, wring it out and wipe away the residue. Flip the air fryer right-side up and replace the clean basket and/or trays.GH Lab Tip: Overfilling the air fryer will almost certainly guarantee the heating element will need cleaning. To prevent this chore, make sure the quantity of food you’re cooking at one time doesn’t exceed the amount that’s recommended for your model of air fryer.

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Making the decision to own a home is a major commitment. Once you’ve moved into your dream property, completed any renovations (a standout kitchen is a must!), and executed your decorating plans, you still have to consider the routine upkeep that’s necessary to ensure it looks its best for years to come. And it’s not just about aesthetics. There are certain measures all homeowners should take to guarantee that their families remain safe in any property they live in. Regular maintenance, involving tasks that need to be handled monthly and annually, should not be overlooked. Whether it’s getting into the habit of examining electrical systems, removing debris from gutters, or hiring a professional to inspect your roof once a year, investing the time and money to maintain a polished property can save you headaches in the long run. To get you started, here’s a thorough home maintenance checklist to protect one of the biggest assets you own. What to Handle Monthly:Test carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, which should be kept on every floor at a minimum. Clean your garbage disposal.Unclog bathtub and sink drains throughout your home. Deep clean dishwasher (be sure to remove and wash the filter, too). Clean range hood and furnace filters.Deep clean washer and clothes dryer, including the chamber where the filter sits. (Also, keep in mind that your dryer’s lint filter should be cleaned after every load. Its vent should be cleaned every six months to a year, depending on use.)What to Handle Annually: Maintain quarterly appointments with an exterminator to keep your home pest-free.Clean your bathroom’s exhaust fan grill to avoid dust from building up.Check all radiators and surrounding pipes for leaks or cracks. [image id=’328d2780-fd02-4d08-9da9-81247394b6ca’ mediaId=’535e56d5-ecb8-4b19-81fd-dc468c659f09′ align=’center’ size=’medium’ share=’false’ caption=” expand=” crop=’1×1′][/image]See below for what areas of your home you should be checking in on each season.Spring:In early spring, clean your lawn and take the time to remove dead foliage, weeds, and debris as well as prune your trees. Evaluate exterior siding to determine if repairs or replacements are needed.Hire a professional for a chimney safety check and cleaning.Service your air conditioning system. Upgrade faulty windows and replace with energy-efficient designs.To avoid water damage, re-apply caulk to bathtub, shower, and sink. Summer: Seal any exterior cracks in stucco, windows, and doors and touch up exterior paint.Walk around the deck to make sure wood and nails are in good shape. Tend to your lawn as needed — consider the Good Housekeeping Institute’s lawn mower recommendations. Fall: In early fall, you should bleed your radiator — remove any trapped air from it — to make sure it works well. Make appointment to have your roof inspected.Clear rain gutters to prevent water backup.Drain hot water from the hot water heater, as it can help clear any debris. Service heating systems/furnaces.In late fall, schedule an irrigation inspection. This will involve checking lawn sprinklers to make sure they’re focused on your garden rather than your home’s exterior, which can lead to wood damage.Winter: Inspect basement and attic for pests and leaks. Vacuum refrigerator coils to remove dust and dirt. Insulate exterior pipes in basement and garage to prevent freezing. Upgrade winter storm essentials, including your generator, flashlights, and snow shovels.
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A great craft for kids and adults to try their hands at this spring are these adorable origami bunnies. Not only are they easy to make, but they are super cute and will make adorable decorations anytime this season — especially for Easter. In our video tutorial above, you’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to DIY paper rabbits. By the end, your furry friend will have floppy ears and a little bunny tail.After you’ve made three or so, you can use them as decor for a table, mantel, or just about any room in the house. We used pastel hues, but feel free to use any color paper you’d like to go with your decor. And when you’re done making these little critters, try your hand at paper Easter eggs. How to Make Paper Origami Bunny Rabbits:Fold your paper diagonally and fold the top corner to the bottom. Make sure to create a deep crease.Take the right corner and fold it down to the bottom corner. Repeat on the left side.Bring the left and right corners to the center. Giving each a deep crease. Fold the left and right inner flaps to the outer edges of the paper.Unfold the right flap and open it up. Make sure each side of the right flap has two pieces of paper. Then, stick your finger inside to fold the flap down. Repeat on the left side.Flip your shape over and fold it in half vertically, and then turn it so the flat line is on top.On the right side, you should have a loose flap, which you’ll fold over to the left side.Flip your shape over, and fold the left-side flap over to the right side.Fold that flap in half into itself.Flip the shape over and do the same thing on the other side.Fold the front flap over the ear line. Make sure you press hard to get a crease. And then unfold. Flip over and do the same thing on the other side.Now comes the tricky part of making the face and tail. For the detailed instructions on how to complete your bunny, watch the video above!

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