Aurelia Butler

Commuting to work, going to school, hiking or even just enjoying a day in the park can all leave their marks (literally!) on your backpack. Whenever your backpack heads outside, it’s exposed to dirt and grime. And even if you give your bag a once over with a disinfecting wipe when you get home, that’s not enough to thoroughly clean it. Spills, stains and general grime can all make a backpack look old and worn, but the good news is that it’s easy to clean your backpack so it looks practically brand new again.
Before you start cleaning your backpack
No matter what brand your backpack is, what material it’s made from, or what cleaning method you’re using, you’ll want to follow these tips first before doing anything else
Empty the backpack completely, and unzip all the pockets.
Flip the backpack upside down over an open garbage can and shake out any debris and food particles. You can use a soft brush to loosen dirt, or use the crevice attachment on your vacuum to suck up all the crumbs and fuzz bunnies that may be trapped deep in the seams.
How to machine wash your backpack
Yes, you can put your backpack in a washing machine provided the instructions on the care label say you can. If you have a nylon or polyester backpack, it can be cleaned in the machine on a gentle cycle, with non-bleach detergent and stain remover to treat spots. Wash it solo, not with a full load of clothes — if you don’t have a large mesh laundry bag, you can put it inside an old pillowcase first to help contain the straps. “However, even if the fabric is machine-washable, doing so may cause some backpacks to lose shape,” notes Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. So use the shortest, gentlest cycle your machine offers.
You do not want to tumble dry the backpack, as that will damage it. Instead, skip the dryer and use a clean dry towel to blot the interior and exterior well, then hang it upside down to air dry, preferably in a place with good air circulation.
How to wash your backpack without a washing machine
If the care instructions for your backpack recommend spot cleaning, here’s how to do that:
If the straps are made of woven fabric and can be removed, first wash them in a warm sudsy solution of water and a deep-cleaning detergent, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide Hygienic Clean, to break down any heavy grime embedded in the woven fibers. Rinse the straps well in cool water, blot them in a clean towel, and air dry.
Then, mix a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl of warm water.
Dip a sponge or cloth in the sudsy mixture and use it to wipe the interior of the backpack itself. Use a soft scrub brush, or an old toothbrush, to scrub difficult stains. After you’ve cleaned the interior, tackle the exterior of the backpack the same way, paying particular attention to areas that often touch skin and rest against the body.
Using a clean, damp microfiber cloth (our favorite is from eCloth), wipe down the entire interior and exterior of the backpack. Rinse the cloth in clean water, wring, and repeat to remove any remaining soapy residue.
Hang the backpack upside down to air dry. Do not tumble dry.

Supplies for Cleaning Your Backpack

Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent
Tide walmart.com
$11.97

Dish Soap (3-Pack)
Dawn amazon.com
$11.35

Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
E-Cloth amazon.com
$10.99

If the care instructions on the backpack’s label say you can hand wash the backpack, follow these steps:
Fill a basin with warm water and non-bleach detergent.
Gently swish the backpack in the solution, and use an old toothbrush to scrub any visible stains.
Rinse the backpack in cool water multiple times, then squeeze and blot in a towel to remove excess water.
Hang the backpack upside down to dry where there’s good air flow.
How do you clean a leather backpack?
Whether your backpack is made of all leather, or just has a leather bottom that you’d like to clean, first empty out your bag. Then, similar to how you’d clean a leather couch, use a leather cleaner and conditioner, like Weiman’s Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, or a little saddle soap, on a damp cloth to remove grime. Follow up with a clean damp cloth to remove remaining residue. When the backpack is completely dry, apply the leather conditioner sparingly to the leather for added protection.

Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Weiman amazon.com
$21.00

Disinfecting Wipes
Lysol amazon.com
$64.57
$44.25 (31% off)

Antibacterial Fabric Spray
Tide walmart.com
$5.94

Tips for sanitizing a backpack
Every now and then, damp gym clothes may get left inside a backpack for days. Athlete’s foot fungus and bacteria from sweaty socks, shirts and towels cause odors and can transfer onto the bag itself. So, can you disinfect a sweaty, smelly backpack? In a word, no. While you can kill germs on soft fabric surfaces, they technically cannot be disinfected. “Only hard non-porous surfaces can be cleaned of germs to the level required to be disinfected,” says Forte. However, soft surfaces can be sanitized. While chlorine bleach can damage the coating on the interior of a backpack, you can instead try a non-bleach disinfecting wipe like those from Lysol:
First, thoroughly wipe out the interior of the backpack, paying careful attention to the seams and other nooks and crannies.
Use multiple wipes if necessary so the interior surface stays wet for the length of time stated on the wipe’s label.
Spray the bag’s fabric exterior with a fabric sanitizer, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray.
Make sure your backpack has completely dried before using it.

Learn All About GH+, Our New Membership Club

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

Hard water stains not only leave behind unsightly residue, making your glasses and shower doors look cloudy, but those minerals that cause white spots can also slow and eventually clog showers and faucets. Knowing how to remove hard water stains quickly and easily can cut down on the elbow grease required to remove those chalky marks and help prevent build-up to keep your showers and faucets flowing freely.
Helping to keep your house sparkling clean is a top priority here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. We test cleaning products year-round and find the best methods to help keep your home spotless, including removing hard water stains. And since nothing’s worse than cleaning your crystal only to have spots left behind, we’ve put together our best tips to remove hard water stains from every surface of your home.
This content is imported from {embed-name}. 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.

What is hard water?
First, you might be wondering what exactly hard water is and why it causes stains. When water contains high levels of minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and iron, it’s considered “hard.” Those unsightly hard water stains are caused when hard water droplets dry and leave behind calcium mineral deposits. Usually, these stains are chalky white but can also be brown or rust-colored depending on which minerals are in the water.
Note that hard water stains can become permanent, damaging surfaces like glass, if left too long. It’s best to remove hard water stains as soon as they appear. While it may be tempting to let a mild stain sit until cleaning day, the longer it sits the harder it is to remove.
The best ways to remove hard water stains
The best way to remove hard water stains is with an ingredient you probably already have in your pantry: vinegar. This cupboard staple can remove spots from glasses, polish up faucets and chrome fixtures, and de-gunk shower heads. There are also cleaning products you can buy that can easily remove hard water stains and buildup. Read for the best ways to get rid of hard water stains on toilets, showers, sinks, glass and more.

Tools & Materials

Distilled White Vinegar
Heinz instacart.com
$3.49

Bath And Kitchen Cleaner (Pack of 2)
CLR amazon.com
$16.50

Power Stain Destroyer
Scrubbing Bubbles amazon.com
$1.99

Clorox Toilet & Bath Cleaning Stone, White
Clorox amazon.com

How to remove hard water stains on glass
To remove hard water marks from glasses by hand-washing your dishes, you’ll need a basin that’s large enough to submerge your glass in vinegar.
Warm up vinegar: Heat some white vinegar in the microwave until it’s warm, and pour it in the basin.
Let sit: Immerse the glasses in the vinegar for 10 minutes, turning them to cover all sides.
Add baking soda: After 10 minutes, remove the glasses and sprinkle on a generous amount of baking soda.
Rinse: Rub the baking soda gently with your fingers to remove the stains, rinse and buff dry.
How to remove hard water stains on shower walls and bathtubs
To clean your shower and bathtub, grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Spritz the solution onto affected surfaces, let sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe clean. For stubborn hard water stains that need more scrubbing power, you may have to use something stronger, like CLR Brilliant Bath Cleaner, a top-tested product that won a 2020 Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award.
How to remove hard water stains on shower heads
If your shower stream doesn’t feel as strong anymore, it could be a sign of the minerals in hard water jamming your shower head and nozzle. To clean your shower head, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and scrub the water jets, then wipe it clean and turn on the jets to blast out the clogging minerals. (While you can soak the shower head in vinegar, be wary that doing this could damage some finishes.)
How to remove hard water stains on sinks
Make your chrome sink fixtures look polished again by using a solution of 50/50 water and vinegar.
Wrap the fixture: Dip a cloth into the mixture, wrap it around the stained item and leave it up to 10 minutes.
Rinse and buff: After letting it sit, rinse and buff dry — then repeat if needed.
Soak the aerator: If your sink has an aerator (a removable screen), unscrew it, soak it in vinegar and scrub to remove the mineral build-up.
How to remove hard water stains in the toilet
The easiest way to get rid of yucky residue is to use a toilet cleaner made specifically for hard water stain removal, like Scrubbing Bubbles Power Stain Destroyer. Simply apply the product around the inside of the toilet bowl, let sit for 15 minutes, and scrub your way to a sparkly bowl. In our Cleaning Lab tests, we found this product easy to use thanks to the curved neck bottle. For tough stains, a second application may be necessary.
If you prefer to use items that may already be in your home, a DIY solution of vinegar and baking soda is a great alternative:
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
Pour in vinegar: Measure one cup of vinegar and pour it around the inside of the toilet bowl, making sure to cover the hard water stains with vinegar. Swish it around with a toilet brush and let it sit for a minute.
Add baking soda and more vinegar: After letting the vinegar sit, sprinkle a cup of baking soda around the toilet bowl and then add another cup of vinegar over the baking soda. It’s normal for the mixture to fizz, so don’t be alarmed by it. Let this sit for approximately 10 minutes.
Swish solution and let sit: Using a toilet brush, swish the solution around the toilet, making sure to cover any stains and let the solution sit for up to 30 minutes. Stir the solution around the bowl a few times to make sure you get rid of the stains.
Scrub: After 30 minutes, if there are still stains, use the toilet brush to scrub them away.
Rinse and repeat: Flush the toilet to rinse and repeat as necessary for stuck on stains.
Toilet Cleaning Stone Method
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, hard water deposits still settle inside a toilet, especially along the water line. For these tough-to-remove stains, try a toilet cleaning stone, like the Clorox Toilet & Bath Cleaning Stone. Made of crushed and compressed glass, these stones scrub away deposits without scratching porcelain fixtures. Simply wet the stone and the bowl, then gently scrub the line of hard water deposits to loosen and wipe them away. The stones can be used over and over again and gradually wear down over time.
How to prevent hard water stains
To combat those cloudy stains from happening in the first place, it’s important to keep fixtures dry. Simply wipe glassware, faucets, sinks and shower doors with a soft cloth after using to prevent the water from drying on the surface and leaving behind minerals. As for your toilet, it helps to regularly clean the bowl (though even with frequent cleanings, hard water stains can still appear in the toilet).
But the absolute easiest way to prevent hard water stains from happening everywhere in your home is to get rid of the problem altogether by installing a whole-home water softener, which requires professional installation to your home’s water lines. Most water softeners work with salt — which needs to be replenished — to filter the water and remove the calcium and magnesium minerals, preventing the stains from happening in the first place.

Learn More About GH+, Our New Membership Club

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

DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY

Germs love warmth and moisture — two things that your coffee maker produces every single morning while brewing your daily cup. In fact, 50% of these household appliances contain yeast and mold, according to an NSF study. Yikes.
To ensure your morning mug contains no hidden surprises, you’ll want to clean your machine on a regular basis. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances & Cleaning Product Lab, swears by these three rules that will keep your coffee tasting great:
1. Wash removable parts with dish soap after every use.
“This is important because it helps remove coffee, grinds, and oil that are left behind,” says Forte. “You can hand wash at the sink with warm and soapy water, but usually the pieces are dishwasher-safe. And don’t forget to wipe down the outside and the warming plate where spills can burn on.” She also recommends leaving the reservoir’s lid open so it can dry out completely after each use!
2. Decalcify your machine every month with vinegar.

How to Clean Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Over time, hard water minerals can build up in your machine’s inner workings, and you may notice that your coffee takes longer to drip. To get things back in tip-top shape, you need to cleanse and decalcify the machine. Forte’s trick: good ol’ reliable white vinegar.
Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water, and place a paper filter into the machine’s empty basket. Position the pot in place, and “brew” the solution halfway. Turn off the machine, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, turn the coffee maker back on, finish the brewing, and dump the full pot of vinegar and water. Rinse everything out by putting in a new paper filter and brewing a full pot of clean water. Repeat once.
3. Make your carafe sparkle again with rice.
You should always wash your carafe after each use, but if it’s looking dingy over time, fill it with warm, sudsy water, and a little rice. Swirl the mixture to loosen any gunk. Use a scrub sponge to remove debris and rinse well.
Wondering how to sanitize a K-cup machine? We’ve got you covered. Follow these tips for cleaning Keurig coffee makers from the Good Housekeeping Institute, and don’t forget about your travel mugs too!
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

Finding those black spots of mold in your shower or basement can be alarming. Luckily, a small amount generally won’t make you sick but knowing how to get rid of mold and prevent it can keep it from becoming a bigger issue.
You’ll want to tackle the mold while it’s a small area because if left untouched it can spread to a larger area. “It can ruin household valuables and even trigger an allergic reaction,” says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.
Keeping the rooms in your house, like the bathroom, dry and cool can help prevent mold from growing, but despite your best efforts, mold can still grow in unwanted places. If you find yourself with a mold situation, here’s everything you need to know.
First, can I remove mold myself?

Subscribe to our membership program for full digital access plus exclusive content, deals and more.

You can, but mold spores can travel in the air when cleaning, so you’ll want to limit your exposure by wearing protective gear. Wear long rubber gloves to protect your hands and forearms. It’s also best to wear eye protection, like goggles, to prevent bleach or other cleaners from splashing in your eyes, especially when removing mold from ceilings or overhead areas.
If the mold problem is severe and more than a few spots, it could be a sign of a bigger moisture problem. If the area is widespread and larger than approximately a 2 x 2 foot area, you’ll want to call in a pro to have it removed safely.
What products are best for removing mold?
These are our Cleaning Lab’s favorite mold-removers, no matter the job:
Are there any natural remedies for removing mold?
If you’re looking for a natural solution to remove mold, one of the below options will work. Keep in mind, though, that they may take more time than bleach and may not remove stains:
Hydrogen peroxide: Grab a spray bottle and pour 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle. Spray the affected area, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub the mold away.
Vinegar: Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the moldy area. Let it sit for an hour and then wipe the area clean with water and allow it to dry.
How to get rid of mold on shower tile and grout
Shower tile and grout can be a difficult area to keep mold free because the wet and warm conditions make it a prime breeding ground for mold. However, small areas of mold can be removed with a grout cleaner (try one of our above favorites!), a mold remover, or a bleach-and-water solution.
Spray the grout, let the formula penetrate, and rinse. In some cases, there’s no scrubbing needed: In our tests, Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover spray killed 99.9% of mold and mildew germs and bacteria in only five minutes.
How to remove mold from shower curtains and liners
If your shower curtain or liner is plastic, a mold and mildew spray that’s safe for plastic, like Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, can be used to get rid of mold. Simply spray on, wait until the stains disappear and rinse off.
Another option: Wash your plastic liner in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with warm water, laundry detergent and bleach. If the shower curtain is fabric, it’s best to wash it on the warmest setting possible according to the care instructions.
How to remove mold from walls and ceilings
The bad news: If the surface is very porous, like a ceiling tile, it’s best to replace it. The good news: If you find small areas of mold on walls or ceilings of sheetrock or plaster, you can stop mold when it starts if you act fast. Here’s how:
Clean the surface with detergent and water using a sponge or brush and let the surface dry completely.
Follow with a water and bleach solution: Mix ¾ cup of chlorine bleach to a gallon of warm water. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the water-bleach mixture to the stains with a sponge or brush.
Let sit five minutes, scrub, rinse, and air dry.
How to get rid of mold on fabric
Those damp towels or gym clothes forgotten in a bag create an environment where mold can flourish if left too long. If you spot mold on these fabric items, here’s how to nix it:
Bring the item outside and brush off the excess mold to prevent the mold spores from getting inside your home.
If the fabric is machine washable, rub in liquid laundry detergent and wash it on the hottest setting possible according to the care instructions with chlorine bleach or non-cholorine bleach, as specified by the care instructions.
If the fabric is not machine washable, dry cleaning or hand washing will remove the mold.
How to remove mold from wood
In areas like the kitchen, where there’s higher humidity from cooking or running the dishwasher, you may find mold on your wood cabinets if there is poor ventilation. Mold can also grow on wood furniture and paneling if it’s humid and the air circulation is low. To remove mold from wood cabinets, paneling, or furniture, follow the steps below:
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter , vacuum the loose spores with the soft brush attachment.
Then, mix a few drops of dish detergent, like Dawn Platinum, with a gallon of water and use a rag to apply the solution. Wet the surface to remove the mold but do not saturate it.
Follow-up with a cloth dipped in clear water, wring it out well, and wipe the surface dry. Don’t let the wood stay wet for too long as it could damage the finish.
How to prevent mold growth in the first place
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.” Even if you clean the mold, it will still come back if the room is humid and poorly ventilated or there is excess moisture from a leak, even a small one. Humidity levels should never exceed 50% to control mold growth.
That means prevention is the only permanent remedy for mold. After you’ve repaired the leaks and gotten rid of any moisture problems, moving forward, create an environment where mold can’t grow with these tips:
Add a dehumidifier or two to your home. It’s best to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to stop build-up — make sure to buy one that’s sized for the area you are treating.
Open bathroom doors and windows or turn on the exhaust fan during and after showering to let moisture escape.
Leave your shower curtain or liner spread open after showering to help keep it dry.
Vent moisture generating sources, such as bathrooms and clothes dryers, to the outside.
Avoid storing items in damp rooms, which may mean keeping linens, books, or furniture our of your basement or attic.
Seal bathroom grout lines every year if you have tiling. This will help waterproof your walls and floors.
Sign up for GH+ to get a first look at seasonal recipes, expert-backed advice, and more from the magazine. LEARN MORE
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

If you’ve been looking for ways to revamp your home, you’re not alone. According to The New York Times, since 2010, home improvement projects have increased more than 50% in the United States. As we find ourselves at home more than ever right now, consider 2021 the year you finally make the changes you’ve been dreaming of.
When thinking of how to improve your space, remember that a major renovation isn’t necessary. You can experiment with new interior design trends, simple decorating tricks, and creative DIY decor projects to fill your house with style and comfort. In fact, even the smallest design change, such as adding a new plant to your bedroom, can make a difference in your mood.
And giving your home the design attention it needs is not just about boosting your spirit — it can also help to bolster its functionality, especially if you’re managing work and virtual learning from home. With so much happening at home now due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to try and create a truly practical and cohesive style. “COVID-19 has brought to our attention not only how important our relationship with the outdoors is, but also the role our home decor plays in our overall happiness, health, and spirit,” says interior designer Michelle Harrison-McAllister.
Whatever happiness and wellness look like for you this year, it’s a great idea to make some room for home decorating. Our inspirational guide is full of practical decorating advice that’s sure to help you get started on crafting the inviting abode you’ve always wanted.

mary costa

2021 Design Trends to Watch

Courtesy of Pantone 15+ Inspiring Home Decor Trends You’ll to Try

Read Now

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams The Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere This Year

Read Now

COURTESY OF MICHELLE HARRISON-MCALLISTER 6 Minimalist Design Tips That Prove Less is More

Read Now

Room Ideas

Unexpected Bedroom Ideas That Wow
Read Now

Brilliant Bathroom Design Ideas
Read Now

Living Room Decor Tricks for the Most Stylish Space
Read Now

Home Office Ideas to Boost Your Creativity
Read Now

Standout Ways to Elevate Your Dining Room Decor
Read Now

DIY Inspiration

Mike Garten 30 DIY Home Decor Ideas for When Your Home Needs an Easy Refresh

Read Now

Mark Scott 45 Inspiring Ways to DIY the Bedroom of Your Dreams

Read Now

Mike Garten 38 Genius Trash-to-Treasure Crafts That Will Save You So Much Money

Read Now More

Have you been working from home this past year, pretending the dining table is a desk, treating your sofa like an office chair or convincing yourself that blank white walls are inspiring? Maybe you’re eyeing a corner or nook in your house that you just know would be better for your 9-to-5 (or whenever-to-whenever).
Here’s your permission to make it happen: It’s time to transform that unused space into a very nice home office! Set your refresh on the right path with a new-to-you paint color and on-trend decor—all of which you can get at The Home Depot.
Then, let your productivity run wild. But if you want a little guidance on how to set yourself up for success (and stylishly), watch the video above for inspiration.

Lovely Office Lighting

Behr Ultra 1 Gal. Dayflower Interior Paint and Primer in One
homedepot.com
$32.98

Meyer&Cross Marduk 25-1/2 in. Brass Table Lamp
homedepot.com
$62.98

Light Society Galvan Gray LED Task Table Lamp
homedepot.com
$33.88

Adesso Jeffrey 21 in. Brass Table Lamp
Adesso homedepot.com
$100.00

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

Courtesy of Michelle Harrison-McAllister

This year has completely shifted the way people design their homes. For many families, room layouts had to be adjusted to accommodate Zoom meetings and remote learning. Others were focused on carving out space to exercise during the day, and some were simply all about make their homes more cozy overall, whether it was with the addition of greenery, more inviting color palettes, or an assortment of comfortable throw pillows.
But while people have been shopping for new furniture and decor that suits their current lifestyle, there’s also been a growing interest in living minimally. The idea of living in a space that’s free of excess — one that fosters a sense of calm — has been more appealing to homeowners, considering COVID-19.
“Soft and simple designs are what is bringing us joy right now, so a minimalist lifestyle has proven to be a huge benefit during this pandemic,” says interior designer Michelle Harrison-McAllister.
If you’re curious about how to realistically pull off a modern minimalist design aesthetic, consider these tips from Harrison-McAllister:
Ban clutter.
Since clutter is the opposite of minimalism, take the time to pare down your belongings to free up much-needed space in your home. “A great place to start is by editing and removing all miscellaneous clutter like magazines and newspapers along with the layers of accessories such as blankets and pillows,” says Harrison-McAllister. Check out our 14-Day Declutter Challenge for more ideas that will streamline your home.
Be strategic about incorporating accessories.
After you’ve removed the clutter from your space, carefully curate accessories that speak to your aesthetic. “Preserve the personality of your space by keeping items that have been carefully curated and have their own memory behind them,” says Harrison-McAllister. “Then break up the space by adding one bold piece of art to bring this style to life.”
Choose furniture with clean lines.
Rather than opting for furniture with varied styles and finishes, go for understated, timeless pieces. “Stick to clean lines with your furnishings without any rolled arms or an ornate leg detailing,” says Harrison-McAllister. “These things will only distract your eye and can be too busy.”

Courtesy of Michelle Harrison-McAllister

Stick to a neutral palette.
You can never go wrong with a neutral palette, especially when it comes to a minimalist home. Shades of white, cream, beige, gray and taupe are all ideal (just keep some good upholstery cleaners on hand!). “They keep the eye relaxed and you can add elements of texture through plants, pillows, and art,” says Harrison-McAllister. To prevent your space from looking sterile, experiment with contrasting shades of one color and textured fabrics, including linen and chenille.
Bring the outdoors in.
Fabric isn’t the only way to weave texture into a space — greenery counts, too. “Choose plants in a more clean and architectural style, and stay away from bulky ones that take up unnecessary space and create mess and debris over time,” says Harrison-McAllister. Ficus, snake plants, and cactus are all great options.
Accept that maintaining a minimalist home is an ongoing process.
Making the decision to live in a minimalist home requires a great deal of patience. Along with shifting your mindset, you have to be willing to edit your belongings as you collect new things over time. “Don’t try to do everything at once or you will lose the joy that comes with redesigning your space,” says Harrison-McAllister.
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

Keeping my closet organized has never been easy. Between having a significant wardrobe and struggling to find enough room for my ever-growing makeup collection, I’ve never managed to assemble a closet that made getting ready a breeze. As much as I tried, on any given day, I’d find myself hunting for a top buried at the back of my closet or searching endlessly for that one backup of a face cream I swear by. To say I grew tired of the disarray was an understatement.
When Yelp offered to help me find a professional organizer and cover the cost of a closet refresh, it felt like Christmas came early. On top of that, the company paired me with New York-based organizer Jeni Aron, founder of Clutter Cowgirl, and I couldn’t have asked for a better match.

Professional organizer Jeni Aron.
Monique Valeris

Keep in mind if I was searching for an organizer on Yelp.com on my own, I would simply click the “Request a Quote” feature on the site. After answering a few basic questions about the organizing project, you receive quotes from up to 10 different professional organizers in just minutes. And the best part is Yelp will let you know how soon you can expect to receive a response from each business you contacted. From there, you just schedule a consultation or appointment with the organizer you’re most interested in to get started on your project. The price of Yelp’s professional organizing service typically varies by city but expect to pay between $150 – $200 per session. (You can also explore rates here).
Since I skipped this part of the process, Jeni and I got straight to our initial phone call to discuss the issues with my closet and what I envisioned for a refresh. We settled on two organizing sessions — each lasting for three hours. Any more time than that, and you get burnt out. Jeni has been in the organizing business for 17 years and has adopted a collaborative approach, where she believes in organizing solutions that truly suit a client’s everyday lifestyle. “As I walk around a client’s home, I want to hear what their problems have been in the space and how I can help them where they live,” Jeni says. “I’m not interested in just plugging in a system and having the client follow what I would do. I want to make sure that the solutions we come up with together will actually be used.”

The first step of the organizing process was to remove everything from my closet.
Monique Valeris

That’s exactly what Jeni did for me. During our first session, we removed everything from my closet and sorted them into three piles: keep, donate, or gift to family and friends. The process was absolutely draining, but Jeni made it so much fun and the time flew by. We laughed at some of the pieces I hadn’t worn in years, jokingly debated over which makeup brushes I absolutely needed to keep (not all 100 it turns out), and decided what was really worth gifting or donating to my local Housing Works. It helped that Jeni had a great sense of humor, which is necessary when you’re staring at piles upon piles of clothing and accessories all over your closet.
The second session is where the real fun began. Jeni recommended a few smart organizing solutions to make the most of my closet space. And while the price of a professional organizer isn’t in everyone’s budget, here are three of Jeni’s inexpensive (and clever) ideas to getting any closet in order:
Ditch Bulky Hangers
Not only were the plastic hangers I’ve been using for years unsightly — they were taking up much-needed space. Jeni suggested simple black velvet hangers that gave my closet a cohesive feel and maximized the space more efficiently. “Changing hangers seems like a really simple thing, but it’ll make things more visible for you,” Jeni says. “It makes you put your hand on each item when you’re changing over the hanger and really ask yourself if it’s something you really like. If the answer is no, then you can purge it. It forces you to take an inventory of your stuff.”

Black velvet hangers helped to maximize the space.
MONIQUE VALERIS

Incorporate Storage Bins
It was clear that I needed designated spots to categorize things like socks and beauty products. Jeni found some great cubbies and fabric bins at Target to contain these smaller items at the bottom of my closet. We also added labels to each bin to make it easy to find everything. Jeni also advised me to use my two upper shelves more efficiently. She provided large plastic bins to store seasonal accessories, including bags that I reserve for the summer, unopened bedding, new hair tools that I’m not ready to use just yet, and a few sentimental items. “I like to consider a closet like a house,” Jeni says. “There’s the basement level that’s very easy to access, the ground floor, and then there’s the attic. I like to treat upper shelves like the attic. You don’t go up into the attic on a daily basis, so it’s for less frequently used items.”

Professional organizer Jeni Aron digging through my mess of a closet.
Monique Valeris

Use Command Hooks
To be honest, I forgot how genius Command hooks are. Thankfully, Jeni suggested using a few to hang my robes (instead of resorting to my closet doors), hats, and a small selection of necklaces. “They come in all different materials, they won’t damage the wall, and when you’re ready to take them off, you can just peel off the strip and reuse them with a new strip,” Jeni says. They’re also perfect because they’re not meant to be overloaded with items, making it a simple way to manage your wardrobe.

A view of my finished closet, organized by Jeni Aron.
Monique Valeris

Now that my closet is complete, I feel so much better. It’s easier to find exactly what I want to wear every day, and thanks to Jeni, I’m more thoughtful about the new items I choose to bring into my home.
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