Aurelia Butler

1Mercury ThermometersMassanPH//Getty ImagesIf you have an older fever thermometer lying around, it may contain mercury. The use of mercury is being phased out and several states prohibit the sale of mercury-containing thermometers, because it’s “a toxic, environmentally-persistent substance,” according to The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2Lead-Based PaintKypros//Getty ImagesThe federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978, because exposure can cause serious health problems. Lead-based paint is still present in older homes (often under layers of newer paint), exterior surfaces and playgrounds.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Corded Window CoveringsDavid Cooper//Getty ImagesIn an effort to reduce the risk of strangulation to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned custom window coverings with cords in 2022. Corded blinds, shades, drapes and more should be taken down immediately. 4Certain Space Heaterslucentius//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Crib BumpersDana Hoff//Getty ImagesNever let your newborn sleep with a crib bumper pad — they’ve been linked to more than 200 infant deaths. In 2022, the Safe Sleep for Babies Act (SSBA) declared crib bumpers as “banned hazardous products.” 6AC Units With R-22Adél Békefi//Getty ImagesR-22 is a refrigerant often used in air conditioning equipment, and as of 2020, it’s being phased out because it depletes the earth’s ozone layer. For now, you can continue using your existing AC unit, but according to the EPA, you could save money on your energy bill with a newer, more efficient model. RELATED: 8 Best Window AC Units, According to TestingAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Incandescent Light BulbsJAMES BAIGRIE//Getty ImagesAs of August 2023, the sale of incandescent lightbulbs was banned due to their extreme energy inefficiency. While it’s not illegal to continue using incandescent light bulbs (if you bought them prior to 2023), your energy bill will see the impact.8Some WeedkillersWestend61//Getty ImagesMost of us have heard that weedkillers contain harmful chemicals — but what does that actually mean? There are two banned ingredients you should definitely steer clear of: chlorthal-dimethyl and dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) as they can harm human health.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Gas Leaf Blowersskhoward//Getty ImagesCities in California, New Jersey and Illinois have banned the use of gas leaf blowers. Although functional, the backyard tool emits toxic pollutants that be hazardous to the environment and human health. They can leave the lungs vulnerable, according to the Respiratory Health Association. 10Wood Shingles (In Fire-Prone Cities)Dean Muz//Getty ImagesWood roofs are banned in some areas prone to wildfires — like Southern California. While your home may be grandfathered in, the bans been in effect for upwards of 15 years, so it may be time to consider replacing your wood shingles. RELATED: How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your HomeAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Flooring can make or break a space. The right flooring doesn’t just bring functionality to a room — it’s a key design element that can completely change its look and feel. You can take a playful approach with geometric tiles in a bathroom, try a high-pile rug for a cozy bedroom or lean into a rustic flair with warm hardwood (imagine embracing an aged grain pattern). “Flooring serves as the foundation of a room and all the details matter: floor stain color, pattern and the finish,” says Kelly Collier-Clark of House of Clark Interiors. Pick Your MatchWith so many flooring choices out there, we couldn’t help but ask interior designers about their clients’ top pick right now. What’s the top flooring trend at the moment? Their answer was clear: White oak is dominating homes these days. “European white oak is the hottest thing on the market,” says Colleen Bennett of CBB Design Firm, noting that people are going the engineered route due to how construction is being built. Houston-based designer Kyle Dutton of Kyle Dutton Home & Design is also seeing more and more white oak. “We are really loving white oak tones with natural tones like Rustic Beige, Silvered Gray and Weathered Oak,” Dutton says. What’s interesting is that, according to Nicole J. Colin of Coco Design & Build Co, homeowners’ love of white oak is nothing new. “Surprisingly, this trend has remained popular for six to seven years, and it shows no signs of slowing down,” says Colin. “Its timeless appeal and ability to brighten spaces make it a favorite in many projects.”CBB Design Firm; Photo: Shortoff MediaOne main draw of white oak is the versatility of its “naturally light finish, which means it can be stained in a wider variety of colors,” according to Katara Cade of Pearson Design Group. It complements a range of interior design styles, whether you’re aiming for a rugged and rustic aesthetic, or on the opposite end, a sleek and modern flair. “For example, in modern architecture, we tend to use cooler toned stains for the white oak, whereas in our rustic projects, we play up the warmth of the wood,” Cade adds.Interior designer Hill Rondero of Ro House Studio prefers the warmer tones to create an inviting atmosphere. “I love white oak in an older home as a contrast to the more traditional architecture. The warmer hardwoods are a nice complement to the more modern spaces we’ve been seeing lately. It’s always about the balance.”For even more visual appeal, there’s room to experiment with a variety of widths as well, says Bennett. “We are seeing a lot of different widths like 3”/5”/7”, 4”/5”/6”, 4”/5”/7 — not just one simultaneous plank just to make it look a little bit more interesting.” And not only does it look good, but Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Director in the Good Housekeeping Institute, notes that oak is of the most durable woods out there, so it’s ideal for high-traffic areas. “It’s extremely hard-wearing, plus its tight grain pattern conceals any nicks or scratches that do occur over time,” DiClerico says.So, it’s clear, if you want style and function, white oak is the way to go. Get More Flooring AdviceMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, 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, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

One of my least favorite parts about cleaning the house is how dirty I seem to get in the process. No matter how hard I try to avoid it, some form of dirt, whether it’s soap scum from the shower or grease from the stovetop, always finds its way onto my skin. While I generally enjoy the satisfaction that comes from cleaning, I’m always looking for easier (and ironically, cleaner) ways to get the job done. So when I got my hands on an electric spin scrubber, I was eager to try it out on the most stubborn surfaces in my apartment. What is an electric cleaning brush? HOTO Electric Spin ScrubberCredit: HOTOAn electric cleaning brush is a handheld device with a rotating head that breaks down grime. The scrubber usually comes with several different attachments made specifically for tackling various areas of the house — bathroom tiles, greasy stovetops and even tile floors. Because the tool spins with the push of a button, it eliminates a lot of the dirty work (literally) that comes along with scrubbing and cleaning stubborn dirt and debris. I tested the HOTO Electric Spin Scrubber, which was rated the best overall pick by our Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. It’s $100 on Amazon right now. It comes with six brush head attachments and an extension rod for cleaning the floor and other hard-to-reach places. After trying it for myself, I can see why it scored so well in versatility and grime removal.More WinnersWhat I cleaned with my spin scrubber I decided to use a few different brushes while cleaning my apartment. I tried the small flat brush for my sink, the sponge pad for my mirror and both the large flat brush and pointed brush for my bathroom wall tiles and grout. To switch between attachments, all I had to do was unlock the head by pressing down the buttons on each side. Bathroom sinkThe first spot I tackled was my bathroom sink. It had a dull look, especially around the drain, due to soap scum build-up. I attached the small flat brush, sprayed some all-purpose cleaner and went at it. Laura MillarLaura MillarI guided the brush toward the dirty area, applied some pressure and the scrubber did the rest. It did a really good job of getting into the crevices, too. After about 30 seconds of focusing on the drain, it started to glisten again. I then scrubbed the rest of my sink, which only took a couple minutes. MirrorNext up was the bathroom mirror. I sprayed it, attached the sponge head to my scrubber and made my way from one side to the other. Laura MillarThe sponge glided across the mirror effortlessly, eliminating all fingerprints, toothpaste residue and water spots in an instant. Afterwards, I wiped it down for a sparkling finish. Related StoryWall tiles and groutI had been avoiding cleaning my wall tiles since the last time I tried and ultimately failed to get them to the level of cleanliness I desired. That being said, I was honestly pretty doubtful that the scrubber would be able to really get into the creases and crevices once and for all. I attached the pointed brush head and made my way through the grout. Laura MillarLaura MillarI prepared myself to spend hours on my bathroom wall, so when the scrubber got rid of the yellowing grout in just a few minutes, I was shocked. Not only did it get the job done, it saved me what could have been hours of manual labor. All I did was hold the scrubber in my hands and push between the cracks. The bottom lineIt’s normal to have go-to cleaning habits. If you’ve never used an electric spin scrubber, you might be hesitant to incorporate it into your cleaning routine. However, I guarantee that you’re doing more dirty work than you need to be without it. I know I definitely was. To say I’m pleased with the device would be understatement. It completely transformed the way I think about cleaning, especially when it comes to the areas I dread the most. If it’s even possible, I think I’m looking forward to the next time my bathroom tiles need a little bit of sparkling — and that’s saying something. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

To earn the Good Housekeeping Seal, these Simonton window models were put through the wringer. After assessing the brand’s 5500 Collection Double Hung Window, DaylightMax Collection Horizontal Sliding Window, 6200 Collection Horizontal Sliding Window, and 6500 Collection Double Hung Window in the lab, home improvement & outdoor director Dan DiClerico and his team were impressed by the stylish designs, reliable performance, energy efficiency and brand legacy. Watch the video above and read on to learn more about these windows.Stellar DesignSimonton windows come in a variety of exterior and interior colors to match any architectural style or interior vibe. Additional hardware and grille options offer dozens of combinations, so every homeowner can find their ideal look.Standout PerformanceUpon review by the Good Housekeeping Institute, the windows proved great at protecting against air and water infiltration. Operations tests confirmed the durability of the fusion-welded frames, and the utility of features like the tilt-in sashes that make the units easy to clean.Deep Energy SavingsWindows don’t just impact your home’s curb appeal — they also affect its energy efficiency. Simonton units feature dual-pane insulating glass with low-E coatings and argon-gas fill. This lets them do a great job of keeping warm air inside during cold weather and cool air inside during the summer. Brand ReliabilitySimonton Windows & Doors boasts 75 years of experience in the field, and it stands behind the quality and craftsmanship of its windows, offering a lifetime limited warranty on residential installations should any issues arise.Sarah Strong is a Food & Drink editor for branded content at Hearst. Her special skills include watching more television in a week than there are hours in a week, tap dancing, archery, boy band trivia and bargain hunting. You can follow her on Instagram at @feedsstrong to see where she’s eating, what she’s reading and which sneakers she’s wearing. More

Modern and minimalist design reigned supreme for years, but now homeowners are leaning toward traditional styles in 2025 — especially in the kitchen. Think earthy paint colors, natural stone countertops, warm wood cabinetry and charming details, like millwork and statement light fixtures. The style, popular from the 1980s to the early 2000s, is seeing a resurgence as homeowners crave warm and comfortable interiors. One in seven homeowners — 14% — are choosing traditional style for their renovated kitchens, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, which is more popular than modern and contemporary aesthetics. More on the downfall of minimalism”In conversations with design and remodeling pros, we’ve heard repeated references to homeowners requesting spaces with personality, character and unique designs,” says Mitchell Parker, a senior editor at Houzz. “Many elements of a traditional-style kitchen meet those needs, offering a formal and yet comfortable ambiance.”To understand the shift toward traditional style, I spoke to five design experts and they all agreed: Traditional kitchen design is making a strong comeback. “My clients seem to be craving a timeless and classic look, because the market is a bit oversaturated with mid-century modern and minimalist styles — it’s beautiful, but it’s everywhere,” says Sondra Zabroske, an architect at Four Brothers Design + Build. Laura Metzler Photography”Homeowners are after interiors that feel more curated and layered,” says Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley Interiors. Think visual elements like rich wood, interesting cabinetry panels and unique hardware.”I’ve noticed that minimalistic kitchens are no longer topping homeowners’ wishlists,” agrees designer Jeff Andrews. “Instead, there’s a growing preference for designs rooted in tradition — spaces that are not only functional, but reflect individual lifestyles. A kitchen with a more traditional feel makes complete sense with the way we are living at home today.” Why are homeowners leaning toward traditional style?No longer are homeowners seeking perfectly curated interiors — instead, they’re drawn to personalized spaces. “This shift is driven by three key factors: comfort and familiarity, timeless appeal and a reaction against the starkness of minimalism,” says Rebecca Roberts, founder and principal designer at Method + Moxie. “For many Gen Xers and Millennials, traditional kitchens evoke a sense of home,” Roberts adds. “While no one is longing for the laminate cabinets and harvest tones of decades past, today’s take on tradition blends classic elements with a refined, modern sensibility.”Design: Lynn Holender Design; Photo: Kerry Kirk PhotographyTraditional kitchens are all about the details. “There’s a bit of embellishment or adornment everywhere you look — from arches and ceiling beams to furniture-style islands and custom range hoods,” says Parker.With its timeless appeal, traditional style favors rich architectural details over clean lines. “From elegant cabinetry and intricate moldings to warm color palettes and high-quality materials, traditional design blends sophistication with a lived-in feel that makes a house truly feel like home,” says Steve Gold, real estate broker and star of Selling the City.Above all else, homeowners are seeking timeless interiors — especially when investing in a kitchen remodel — and traditional style is a great choice. “We know from Houzz research that more than seven in 10 homeowners cite cost-effectiveness in the long run as the leading motivator for making sustainable choices during kitchen upgrades,” says Parker.What’s Trending in Home DesignAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

The kitchen might be the heart, soul and stomach of the home, but it’s one room that also demands meticulous planning and organization. After all, when you have so many pots, pans and appliances, every square inch counts. Many people make the most of their kitchen’s space by installing cabinets that extend all the way up to the ceiling, but lately? Designers reveal they’re deprioritizing upper cabinets. “In recent projects, I’ve found creative ways to avoid them,” designer Stephanie Mahaney reveals. “Upper cabinets can feel very clunky and can make the below countertop space feel messy because of the shadow it creates.” While upper cabinets can make your kitchen appear top-heavy, removing them will imbue a light, airy attitude to your space. “Going without upper cabinets makes a kitchen feel larger and allows for the placement of more windows and natural light,” adds Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors in West Hartford, Connecticut. Design: Stephanie Martin; Photography: MJay PhotographyThough upper cabinets have been a status quo storage solution, their absence might be confusing, if not shocking for some homeowners. However, designers insist this phenomenon represents a larger shift in kitchen design—one that was several years in the making. “I’m seeing a lot of kitchens being designed to not look so ‘kitcheny,'” explains Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors. “People are focusing on the aesthetics of the space, and the room is almost being viewed as an extension of the living room.” When the shelter-in-place went into effect nearly five years ago, people were invited to get reacquainted with their kitchens. Suddenly, the room wasn’t just a place where you would reheat last night’s takeout order or fill up your water bottle: It became an integral part our lives. Here, we experimented with sourdough starters, made mocktails for virtual happy hours and even transformed our kitchen islands into an impromptu home office. As our kitchen became more integral in our lives, so did our need to decorate them with care.Not only can ditching upper cabinets make the space lighter, brighter and more enjoyable to spend time in, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to inject personality into your culinary quarters. “It should reflect who you are, not just how you cook,” explains Canadian designer Stephanie Martin. “Adding in items of sentiment and art, or openly displaying a beautiful collection of serveware feels immensely more elevated and personal than monotonous upper cabinetry.” Or, for an idea that mixes form and function, you can install sconces or task lighting to give the room a gorgeous glow. Design: Inside Stories; Photography: Eric Lucero PhotographyAesthetics aside, designers reveal that there are plenty of practical perks to ditching those lofted cabinets. Thanks to small-yet-thoughtful upgrades—Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories credits deep drawers and tiered, roll-out shelves—nobody has to get on their tip-toes to grab a plate or coffee mug. “They required us to stretch, climb countertops or stand on chairs just to access everyday items like dinnerware,” Cullen shares. “This functional evolution shifts the ‘heavy lifting’ to the lower cabinets, freeing up upper cabinets to take on a simpler design—or be omitted entirely.” Should upper cabinets stay or should they go? Designer Grey Joyner says it ultimately depends your kitchen’s size and layout. “For homes where storage is at a premium, eliminating upper cabinets might sacrifice practicality for style,” she says. Meanwhile, Jen Stevens of Dallas-based design firm Fonde Interiors argues removing upper cabinets doesn’t mean you have to lose out on storage space. “It’s about creating opportunities for thoughtful design,” she says. “There’s something distinctly European about this approach, where every element is considered and celebrates craftsmanship.”Many designers are trading upper cabinets for full-length pantries, though Barber notes a vintage armoire can also work. If you’re willing to dust them regularly, Barber says shallow open shelves are a great place to hold everyday bowls, plates and glasses. “It makes reaching for them a breeze since there’s no door to open,” she adds.However, just because we’re seeing fewer upper cabinets doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. For designer Brianna Scott, it’s all about creating a thoughtful balance. “I don’t think upper cabinets will ever be non-existent, but the style and placement of them are changing,” she says. “People love to collect things, especially kitchen items, and they need a hidden space to store them.”Instead, Scott recommends a mix of open and closed storage will create a space that’s “functional yet open and not filled with a ton of millwork.” Let’s be honest: When every square inch counts, a little bit of creativity can go a long way.More Kitchen Design InspirationKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

If there’s one spot in the house that would benefit from a decluttering session, it’s the home office. Not only does a mess-free office look better, it can also increase work productivity. However, cleaning up this space is easier said than done, according to pro organizers.”Home offices can be one of the most cluttered spots in the house,” says Tracy McCubbin, founder of dClutterfly. “This is partly due to the fact that when people are in their offices, they’re focused on work and not clutter. Then, once they clock off for the day, they don’t want to go back in and declutter.”While gaining the motivation to get back in there after a long day of work can be a challenge, we’re here to make it a bit easier. Below, professional organizers share the top things to throw out ASAP for a decluttered, stress-free work space. declutter with usOld Papers, Manuals and Tax Filesfstop123//Getty ImagesLet’s face it, we’ve all saved an old computer manual or two ‘just in case’ we might desperately need it at some point in the future. However, that day never seems to come, and before you know it, there’s an ever-growing pile of manuals in a drawer or on your desk that hasn’t been touched for years. Organizers agree that old papers — including manuals and tax files you no longer need — should be the first to go. “If it can be found online or hasn’t been referenced in the last year, it’s time to part ways. That printer manual from 2014 isn’t exactly a collector’s item,” says Jennifer Johnson of The Orderly Space. Outdated ElectronicsIf you find yourself surrounded by technology that no longer serves you, assess what you really need on a day-to-day basis. Maybe you’ve abandoned your monitor and only use your laptop now or maybe you’re holding onto a bulky mouse and keyboard you’ve since replaced — regardless of what it is, chances are it should be recycled.”So many offices are clogged with outdated electronics. Machines we used but don’t use anymore — monitors, cassette players, typewriters — don’t serve a purpose and are taking up valuable real estate,” says McCubbin.Random Cordsrobert reader//Getty ImagesCollecting random cords and cables without even realizing you’re doing it is not uncommon. Everyone seems to have that one drawer filled with a bunch of useless wires they’re too afraid to throw away — but they’re often doing more harm than good. “Cables and chargers that don’t match current devices only create confusion, not convenience,” says Beata Kozlowski of Tidy Step by Step. If you’re holding on to them because you think you might need one of them one day, McCubbin has some advice: “I can guarantee you that if (and that’s a BIG if) you find the machine that needs that mystery cord, you’ll be able to buy a new one cheap off eBay.” Dried Markers and PensThis one might seem pretty simple, but we’ve all held onto dried-out pens and markers because we’re too lazy to actually sort through them. Avoid the future frustration of picking up a pen that doesn’t work by getting ahead of the game. “Test them, toss the ones that don’t work and keep only what you truly need,” says Johnson. Excess Office SuppliesNora Carol Photography//Getty ImagesThere’s no reason to stock up on items you rarely use. While you might think you need a huge pile of binder clips, you’d be surprised how far just a couple will take you. “Toss excess office supplies you don’t use — such as bulky calculators (use the one on your phone), bulk rubber bands, paperclips or any other items you barely use,” says Holly Blakey of Breathing Room. Promotional “Swag”Who doesn’t love free stuff? While it’s fun to get ‘swag’ from company events or conferences, all that stuff can build up pretty quickly. Organizers agree on the importance of staying on top of your free merch. “That conference tote bag from 2018? It’s likely just taking up space rather than serving a purpose,” says Johnson. If you do find yourself using these items from time to time, try moving them to their correct spots, whether that’s the closet for a tote or the kitchen for a reusable bottle. And if not, donate them to a local charity or shelter. BooksOlena Ruban//Getty ImagesOrganizers acknowledge that this can be a tough one. Getting rid of books you once were so motivated to read but haven’t gotten to years and years later can definitely lead to a bit of guilt. However, there’s only so much time in the day and there are so many wonderful books — it makes sense why you can’t get to them all!”The top items people should get rid of in home offices are things like books that haven’t been read (and won’t be read) or books that you read once and know you won’t reach for again,” says Emily Mass of Spaces by Emily.Now, we’re not saying you should donate all the books you haven’t gotten to yet. Make a point to sit down and sort through those you really want to read and the ones you no longer feel passionate about. And if you’re not sure about some, donate them to a friend or family member so you know they won’t be gone forever. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Compost bins are varied. They can live inside or outside; they can be big or small. They can look like a trash can or like something you’d pull Bingo numbers from. They can make use of probiotic additives or be enhanced by worms. Here’s what to consider when shopping, depending on your needs:✔️ Indoor vs. outdoor: Think about what you’ll be composting most — and where you want to keep the bin. If you’ll be focusing on garden and yard waste, you’ll want to keep your bin outside. But if you’ll be composting mostly food scraps, you can keep a small bin in the kitchen. A smaller bin can help to prevent odors since it will require regular emptying. An indoor countertop or under-sink model is likely best for those who want to store food waste prior to taking it to a compost drop-off. But if you want to empty less frequently — or to mix yard and food waste — consider an outdoor bin.✔️ Material: Compost bins are generally made of plastic, metal or wood. If you’re going to keep your bin outside, it needs to be weather-resistant. Metal is a good choice, as it will withstand the seasons and combat pests, but it can be heavy. Plastic will be lighter and works both indoors and outdoors, but extreme weather could cause it to crack or warp over time. Wood can blend into outdoor spaces nicely, but it can house pests and rot if not properly cared for.✔️ Seal: Compost bins with tight-fitting lids will help contain odors, which is essential for indoor bins but is also beneficial with outdoor bins, as it makes it less likely that it will attract animals. A tight seal will also deter any rodents or pests that are curious about the bin even when scent is minimized. But you do want a bin that opens with ease. Tumbling bins in particular need smoothly opening lids so that you don’t merely rotate the bin when you try to lift or slide the lid.✔️ Filters: Some indoor models rely solely on a sealed lid to prevent odors, but many include a filter. Look for removable filters that can either be washed or replaced. It’s a bonus if your version includes replacement filters with the purchase of the bin.✔️ Electric: Electric models are the newest kid on the block. They use heat (and possibly the addition of an enzyme tablet) to break down food waste quickly. They also have a mechanism for stirring or grinding the heated waste, which reduces the volume considerably, so you won’t have to empty it as often. You’ll want to consider the footprint of the unit when shopping, as the current models are generally larger than non-electric compost bins. However, they are likely to have a removable inner basket that you can store on the countertop or under your sink while the electric unit lives elsewhere — but you’ll want to make sure the basket has a lid (for example, the Lomi does not, so it’s best stored in the main unit).✔️ Bags: Many bins are designed to keep compost bags in place, but it’s worth noting that some compostable bags will not break down in a home-composting environment. They require the higher temperatures reached more commonly in large-scale environments or municipal facilities. If you’re composting at home, it’s a good idea to avoid bags. If you want or need to use them, do some research to make sure yours will break down under home-composting conditions.✔️ Tumbling vs. stationary: Compost bins come in two general styles: tumbling and stationary. Turning and stirring your waste helps it break down more quickly, and tumbling bins make this task a cinch: They feature a side crank or the ability to spin a drum to help you mix your waste. All tumblers are elevated enough to spin, but many are high enough to provide the bonus benefit of being harder for animals to invade. Stationary bins are stand-alone canisters that require mixing by hand. That said, if you are taking your scraps to a drop-off point or a city collection, you won’t need to do as much compost maintenance, making stationary models a good choice. ✔️ Worms: Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is extremely efficient. Worms break down organic material while living in the wild: You’re just bringing the natural instincts of worms into a controlled environment. Worm composting is a great choice for those doing indoor composting because it controls odor well. (It can also be done outdoors if the climate is worm-friendly — about 55˚F to 77˚F for the common red wiggler worm.) One difference between traditional and vermicomposting is that worm composting does not require turning, so it’s a fairly hands-off way to compost. Worms love food scrap, so it’s a good solution for those looking to reduce their kitchen waste. But be sure to look for a worm-specific design (none of those on our list are suitable): You’ll need the right ventilation and room for the worms to migrate within the bin to the food. More