Aurelia Butler

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Whether you’re hanging pictures or a new TV, a bit of wall decor does wonders to make a room feel cohesive and complete. But before you pick up that hammer to put the finishing touches on your space, stop to consider what it is you’re hanging.
To securely hang anything heavy — substantial pictures, wall-mounted shelves, a mirror, or tech equipment, for example — you’ll need to locate a wall stud, a vertical piece of framing within your walls, says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and director of engineering at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Otherwise, whatever it is you’re hanging won’t have something sturdy to latch on to, leaving your piece susceptible to falling, which can damage your wall in the process.
Here’s how to find a stud in the wall quickly and easily, with or without a stud finder:
1. Locate the nearest light switch or power outlet
The most reliable method, find a light switch or a power outlet, says Rothman. Electrical boxes are typically attached to studs, so start by locating the one nearest to the area where you want to place something that needs a little extra reinforcement. Then, measure 16 inches from there, since wall studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart by code, she explains. (Some are placed 24 inches apart, so you may have to measure twice.)
2. Look for dimples in the wall
Though less reliable than the above method, dimples are a telltale sign of where drywall is fastened to the edge of a stud, particularly in plaster walls, says Rothman. You can sometimes spot these with the naked eye, but a flashlight can be helpful for illuminating any slight dimples in the wall. To try this trick, hold the flashlights upright, parallel to the wall.
3. Use windows as a guide
Windows usually have a stud on each side, but finding the edges can be tricky, rendering this method less reliable than the ones noted above, says Rothman. Still, when all else fails, locating the edge of your window and measuring 16 inches from there can help provide some general guidance.
4. Tap the wall
To verify whether or not you’ve found a stud without doing any damage to your wall, knock or tap the area gently with your hammer, says Rothman. If you hear a hollow or empty sound, tap a little to the left or to the right. When the sound is muffled, you’ll know you’ve hit a stud.
5. Drill a hole
No matter which method you use, you should always confirm your findings before proceeding to hang your piece. To do so, drill a hole in the wall. You’ll know you’ve hit wood (a stud!) if you feel resistance.
6. Fish around with a wire hanger
If you can’t find the stud even after drilling, there’s one more technique you can try: Grab a wire hanger and untwist it, fashioning it into a right angle. Use your new tool to fish around behind the wall, says Rothman. When the wire makes contact with a firm object, that indicates you’ve found a stud.
7. Try a stud finder app
Today, there’s an app for just about everything — and that includes finding studs. Most stud finder apps are magnetic, which means they rely on your smartphone’s built-in magnetometer to pinpoint metal objects inside the wall. While this can help you find a wall stud, it can also turn up a false positive, since the app may detect things other than studs, like nails or electrical wires, says Rothman.
8. Or just use a stud finder!
The easiest way to find a stud: With a stud finder, a handheld gadget, like this one, that does the hunting for you. To use a stud finder, decide where you want to hang your item, then place the stud finder in the approximate spot the mounting hardware would sit. Hold the tool flat against the wall, slowly sliding it horizontally to the left or right. Depending on your model, it will flash or beep to alert you to a stud.
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Whether you’re plotting out an expansive gallery wall or hanging a single piece of affordable artwork, it’s a relatively easy task the average homeowner can take on themselves. There are no power tools necessary — typically just a hammer, a nail, and a level.
But there are a few things you should know before you drive anything into drywall, plaster, or even brick — like what kind of hardware to use, how to choose the right height, and how to find a wall stud. The advanced planning is well worth the effort: It will save you from putting unnecessary holes in the wall, a mistake that can cost you both time and money.
1. Consider the wall surface
Drywall: If the wall you’re working with is made from drywall, you’re in luck — this is the easiest material to work with, since it’s an easy material to penetrate. Just be sure to locate a wall stud, since hanging directly on drywall won’t provide a secure anchor. If a solid stud isn’t available, it’s important to use a drywall anchor to hang pictures.
Plaster: These walls (often found in older homes) are a little trickier, as they have a tendency to crumble. Approach the process same way you would when working with drywall: Look for a wall stud for the most secure anchor. Just note that when hanging pictures on a plaster wall, it’s always a good idea to pre-drill your hole. To prevent crumbling, place a piece of painter’s tape on the wall before drilling.
Brick: If your walls are brick, you’ll need to use a wall anchor. And use a masonry bit on your drill to drill into mortar, not the actual brick.
2. Choose your hanging hardware
If you’ve ever looked at the back of a picture frame, you know there are multiple hardware options, including D-rings, sawtooth hangers, and wire. Some frames even come with more than one option. So which one should you choose? The short answer: It depends on what method you’re most comfortable with. Here, a few options:
How to hang a picture with a nail: A single nail can likely do the trick and is easiest method if the frame comes with a hook or sawtooth hanger, says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and director of engineering at the Good Housekeeping Institute. This method also leaves the least amount of damage in its wake, since simple nail holes can be as small as pin dots. Driving the nail into a wall stud will offer the most support, especially for anything above about five pounds. Just be sure to drive the nail in at a degree angle, says Rothman.
How to hang a picture with wire: For greater stability, consider hanging your picture with a wire suspended between two D-rings opposite each other, says Rothman. The process is the same as it is when hanging a picture with nails, just two-fold.
And how to hang a picture without nails: If you’re hesitant to make any holes in your walls, adhesive-backed picture hooks and strips are great options for lighter frames. (Check the manufacturer’s specifications, but these options typically max out around 15 pounds, says Rothman.) These products are also great for plaster and brick surfaces, since these wall materials are more prone to crumbling and cracking.
3. Measure the ideal height
To measure the right height like a pro, memorize this fact: Eye level is approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor, says Rothman. Since the middle of the painting should sit at this height, you’ll need to do a little bit of math to get it just right. Our GHI pro tip: Take the height of the frame, divide it by two, subtract the distance from the top of the frame to the hardware, then add 60.
4. Make sure it’s perfectly level
Once you confirm the height at which you’ll hang your picture, use a pencil to mark the wall. If you’re using a wire or more than one hook, use a level to ensure the marks are at the same height, says Rothman. If the room slopes, feel free to cheat a bit to make it look straight.
5. Finally, hang your picture
Now, you can finally put your decor on the wall. Once secure on the wall, use a level one more time, tweaking as necessary, to ensure everything is just right.
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When treated properly, a beautiful pan should last you a lifetime. Innovations like ceramic non-stick interiors and design-forward finishes have made quality cookware must-have equipment for home cooks. But there’s nothing worse than marring your beautiful new Dutch oven with cooked-on stains and scratches, or ruining a perfectly-seasoned cast iron pan.
It’s important to use a non-scratch sponge for most, like the Scotch-Brite™ Brand’s line of Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Sponges, though some scenarios call for a more heavy-duty pass with a bristle brush. Here’s a handy dishwashing guide to help you keep your pots and pans at their most effective and most sparkling.
A Classic Cast Iron

Scotch-Brite™ Advanced Soap Control Dishwand Brush

Cast iron pans are kitchen workhorses—they’re inexpensive, incredibly sturdy, and heat evenly. They do need a little extra love to keep them well-seasoned and rust-free. Yours should never go in the dishwasher or be left to soak for any period of time.

First, never heat your pan without at least a little oil in it, which will help build up a polymer finish that’s practically non-stick. Then after cooking, brush your pan free of food residue using an ergonomic wand with bristles, like Scotch-Brite™ Brand’s version that’s designed to dispense dish soap as needed. (Contrary to popular belief, soap won’t ruin your seasoning — it’s water that’s the true enemy here).
If you can, take a few extra moments to wipe your pan dry after washing to avoid prolonged contact with moisture. If your pan starts to look dull or rusty, wash it thoroughly, then dry it over low heat on a burner. Apply a neutral oil to the pan when cool, which will restore the glossy, protective finish.
Your Centerpiece Dutch Oven

Scotch-Brite® Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubbers
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Perfect for braises or big batches of baked pasta, a Dutch oven is an investment piece that’s as useful as it is beautiful. Most have enameled interiors, and they come in a rainbow of sophisticated exterior shades (chances are you’ve seen some vibrant new options popping up in your friends’ kitchens).
Though they’re infinitely useful, these pots do present a little bit of a cleaning catch-22 — as with any enamel surface, you want to avoid cleaning with anything too harsh, but the heavy-duty cooking these pans are suited for often requires a little extra elbow grease. The right sponge is key to banishing things like cooked-on cheese without ruining the finish. Look for one with a wider surface area, like the Scotch-Brite® Advanced Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrubbers, which also has an angled shape that handily gets into corners. Soaking is also okay in this case, if you completely forgot to take that ziti out of the oven.
Timeless Stainless Steel

Lightweight, available in a variety of price points, and designed to heat up quickly, there’s many reasons why stainless steel pans are the go-to choice for professional chefs and a staple for home cooks. The downside? Things like scorched tomato sauce can be a pain to scrub off and ruin that mirror-shiny finish. For everyday cleaning, a sturdy sponge should be enough to do the trick.

When those really stuck-on messes pop-up, try filling the pan with water and a spoonful of white vinegar then bringing to a simmer. Allow to cool and empty the water mixture — you should find that any remaining gunk is softened and scrubs away easily. For exterior spills, rely on a non-scratch scrubber over harsh options like steel wool, which can leave permanent marks. And in good news, air drying works just fine here.
The New Non-Stick

There are many non-toxic, non-stick finishes available, and ceramic options are quickly gaining popularity due to their increased heat tolerance, some up to 500 degrees F, reports the Good Housekeeping Appliances and Technology lab. Some non-stick pans are dishwasher safe, but since they easily release every type of food, a gentle wipe is often all you need.

Scotch-Brite® Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge

The unique texture of the Scotch-Brite® Scrub Dots Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge is effective and non-scratch—use the soft side to wipe the pan clear, and the scrubby one for the rare spot of leftover egg or melted cheese—nothing will stick to the surface, which rinses clean for your next round of washing up. The most important rule of thumb? Never stack your non-stick cookware after cleaning. The bottoms of other pans and cookware are often the source of those annoying surface scratches that seem to appear out of nowhere.
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The husband-and-wife team behind Mr. Kate thinks everyone’s home should have a touch of “creative weirdo.” At least that’s what they tell their interior design clients, which include popular YouTubers like Liza Koshy, LaurDIY, and the Labrant family.
Throughout the years, they’ve shared everything from easy, at-home DIYS (remember the palm leaf art made from pool noodles?) to complete home makeovers. Their philosophy on interior design remains unchanged: “Interior design should be helpful for your lifestyle,” they tell Good Housekeeping. Maybe that means switching to an open floor plan once you have kids, or opting for peel-and-stick wallpaper if you’re living in a rental.
In the video above, Kate Albrecht and Joey Zehr tackle this-or-that questions, everything from if wallpaper is better than paint to minimalism versus maximalism. Spoiler alert: They say minimalism is the way to go, but still think it’s possible to fill your space with things you love without giving it a cluttered look: “Be a maximalist on your walls, not your floors or countertops. Do gallery walls, or a cool, fun sculptural install.” That way, “it’s not able to roam around your floors or cover up your countertops.”
Watch the video above for more of Mr. Kate’s answers, and get a sneak peek of their highly-anticipated furniture line.

The Best Online Interior Design Services

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No one wants to put more time and energy into cleaning than they have to. That’s exactly why most of us throw our laundry into the washer and dryer, and call it a day. But sometimes (key word: sometimes), it may not seem like a standard wash and dry gets the job done. Enter laundry stripping, the latest cleaning method that people — TikTok users, especially — are obsessing over.
Laundry stripping isn’t new by any means: Many people, including Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab, have used this soaking method for years to remove detergent residue, fabric softener, minerals from hard water, and body oils from textiles. But one viral before-and-after TikTok by MrsLaurenElms started a cleaning movement in recent months, causing TikToks with #laundrystripping to rack up 18.5 million views.
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It makes sense why this soaking method is taking off — the TikToks show tubs filled with murky brown water after hours of soaking clean laundry. This prompted many people to wonder if they’ve been unknowingly wrapping up in dirty sheets and towels all this time.
Just like other of-the-moment trends, there are tons of questions about this soaking technique — some are straight-forward (Can I strip other items beside towels and sheets?), while others are more complicated (Is laundry stripping effective?). Before you head to the bathtub with borax in hand, read through this how-to guide by Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab Director Carolyn Forte to determine if it’s the most effective cleaning method for your sheets and towels.
What Is Laundry Stripping?
Essentially, laundry stripping is a thorough method of soaking that gets rid of any leftover detergent, fabric softener, minerals from hard water, and natural body oils that have collected on textiles over a period of time. The process itself is rather lengthy: Towels and sheets sit in a tub of hot water, borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate), and laundry detergent until the water has cooled completely, about four to five hours in total.

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Over time, the water’s heat causes the dyes to run, which explains why it turns brown or gray. That means, it works best on whites, lights, and colorfast bath towels and bed sheets. You can still soak colorful textiles — just avoid mixing bright colors with whites to avoid accidentally dyeing anything. While laundry stripping is suitable for any clothing or bedding items that can withstand high temperatures, you should avoid stripping delicate items — a standard wash and dry (or hand-wash for some delicates) should clean them completely.
How to Effectively Strip Wash Sheets and Towels
Fill your bathtub, sink, or a large bucket with hot water. Add borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate), and laundry detergent in a 1:1:2 ratio. For a bathtub, add 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup washing soda, and 1/2 cup laundry detergent. Stir until it dissolves completely.
Submerge your clean towels or sheets in the mixture and soak until the water has cooled, which usually takes at least four hours. Stir occasionally to release the buildup on the towels.
Drain the murky water, then throw your towels or sheets through a rinse-only cycle in your washing machine. Tumble dry without dryer sheets.
Does Laundry Stripping Actually Work?
In short, you shouldn’t have to strip towels and sheets on a regular basis if you’re washing them correctly. There are some instances where laundry stripping may be necessary, especially if you notice buildup after washing with homemade detergent, frequently use dryer sheets or fabric softener, or live in a hard water area and don’t have a water softener installed in your home. Think of it this way: Too much of a good thing (laundry detergent and fabric softener) can sometimes be bad, causing whites to turn dark and dingy. Laundry stripping is an easy way to give towels and sheets new life — or at least, a refreshed look.
As a general rule, following smart laundry practices on a regular basis is the recommended cleaning method:
Use deep-cleaning detergent like GH Seal star Tide.
Don’t overload the washing machine.
Don’t use too much detergent or fabric softener.
Use proper laundry sorting techniques to avoid residue from building up.
If you notice residue or want to prevent buildup, add borax or washing soda to a regular load in the washer.
The bottom line, according to Forte: “If you have a lot of towels or sheets that need help, this is a good way to tackle them quickly. Then make sure to follow good laundering habits afterward, so you don’t have to do it again!”

Follow This Ultimate Laundry Checklist

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