Aurelia Butler

There’s no denying that our lives have been made so much easier thanks to the almighty dishwasher. Few kitchen appliances have revolutionized the cleaning world like the dishwasher has when it comes to how we keep our homes tidy and safe. But while the best dishwashers are magical for their abilities to leave our drinking glasses and dinner plates free of spots and baked-on messes, the truth is, not everything in our kitchen is dishwasher safe.Apart from learning the proper way to load a dishwasher and figuring out the best dishwasher detergent for your machine, it’s equally important to know the cookware items that don’t belong in the dishwasher. What happens if you don’t? Long story short, things can get ugly quickly. In some cases you can fade your dishware, in others, your items may be permanently damaged or you may even damage your dishwasher.To help you out, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab is laying out the exact kitchen items and cookware pieces you’re better off washing by hand to be safe. Keep these things far away from the dishwasher, and you’ll be just fine: 1. Cast-Iron SkilletYou know how you have to season your skillet before using it? Well, when you put it in the dishwasher, you’re basically undoing all of that hard work. There are a few different ways to effectively clean your cast iron without damaging the skillet, some involving vegetable oil and others involving salt. But as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, stresses: “Your cast iron skillet should never be soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher.” Learn More:2. Wooden UtensilsThe hot water and heat for drying in your dishwasher are too harsh for your mixing spoons, spatulas, or any other kitchen tool made of wood. Your utensils will likely warp, split and lose shape over time, which nobody wants.3. Wooden Cutting BoardsLike the wooden spoons, hot water will cause the finish of your favorite wooden board to dull and possibly warp or split, says Forté. Instead, use a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water to scrub it clean.4. Grandma’s Vintage PlatesIf you were gifted the family china when you got married, be wary of exposing it to the hot water and detergents that can eat away at any gold trim or hand-painted details. To be safe, gently wash all of the dishes by hand to ensure they will live on for generations to come. Anna Kurzaeva//Getty ImagesVintage plates and china are best washed by hand to avoid any potential damage.5. Garlic PressThey speed up supper, but you’ll need to slow down to clean them. Since garlic is sticky in paste form, bits of it get stuck in the crevices. It can be a hassle, but chances are your dishwasher won’t totally get rid of all the garlic residue. Wash yours by hand to ensure it’s totally spotless for your next meal prep session. 6. Insulated MugsOverall, Forté advises that it’s best to check and follow the mug manufacturer’s directions to be sure auto dishwashing is safe. Some newer travel mugs are dishwasher safe, but your dishwasher could destroy the insulation on some, so it can be best to do a quick wash in the sink instead. 7. Bottles or Jars With Labels on ThemIf you want to keep your pickle jar, just make sure you remove the paper label and any adhesive remnants first — those materials usually come off in the dishwasher and can get stuck in the filter, which might lead to more serious problems later (problems that cost way more to repair than the pickle jar is worth).8. Aluminum CookwareCookware that is made of aluminum will become discolored and damaged. Best to just use a bit of elbow grease the next time you need to scrub your cake pans. 9. Cheese GraterThe cheesy goodness you just grated for mac and cheese may still be stuck in the holes even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, use soap and a sponge or brush to wash it by hand and ensure today’s cheddar doesn’t mix with tomorrow’s mozzarella.10. Fancy Chef KnivesSince the nylon racks and tines in your dishwasher shouldn’t be nicked, you should keep your knives far away from them, Forté says. Plus, when knives rattle around in the dishwasher, it can damage the blades, and wooden handles can split and dry out. But, if your dishwasher has a dedicated rack for knives, you’re the exception to the rule. Plastic-handled knives may be safe to put in. Lucky duck!11. Copper Pots, Pans, and MugsIf you enjoy a tasty Moscow Mule in a copper mug as much as we do, you know half of the appeal is your cup’s beautiful color. The thing is, the harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull or fade, which is why it’s better to wash your copper mugs, pots, and pans by hand to be safe.12. Non-Stick CookwareMany non-stick cookware brands say it’s safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is occasionally, but Forté says to keep in mind that, over time, it can degrade the non-stick finish properties. If you want the cookware to last, wash it by hand.13. CrystalYou can check with the manufacturer — some crystal is dishwasher safe. In fact, some dishwashers even have crystal cycles. But for crystal, it’s best to think twice. Hot water, especially hard water, and detergent can leave it cloudy and spotted. Load it incorrectly and it can emerge chipped and cracked. Antique and hand-painted crystal should always be hand-washed to be safe.More Cleaning Tips and Advice:Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

The best dishwashers get a lot of attention as lifesavers in the kitchen, but the humble garbage disposal is another true workhorse that can help make clean-up a breeze. If you’re lucky enough to have the appliance installed in your kitchen sink, you know that it can take care of food scraps in a flash, leaving your garbage less stinky, plus help prevent backed-up sinks that are just plain gross to deal with. But as effective as they are, garbage disposals can also be finicky machines, prone to breakage and less-than-pleasant backups when you put the wrong things inside. Not to mention, they can be costly to repair. Related StoryTo help ensure your machine runs at peak performance for many years to come, we tapped the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab for some pointers on what items should never make their way into your garbage disposal. Instead, you can throw these food bits in your regular garbage, or opt for composting them. 1. BonesThis one may seem obvious, but big bones from chicken carcasses, ribs and other animal proteins shouldn’t make their way into your disposal. They’ll simply spin around, possibly even damaging the blades. And while some may say small bones from food like fish can go down the disposal, we caution against it and suggest taking these items to the trash instead. 2. ShellsSimilarly, you should never put oyster or clamshells down the disposal — they’re much too hard for the blades to tackle. The hard exoskeletons of other shellfish, including crabs, lobster and shrimp, are also better off in the garbage can, as they can cause damage to both your system’s blades and pipes. 3. Coffee groundsYou may have heard conflicting advice on coffee grounds — there’s a common misconception that they can help clean your disposal. And while they do seem innocent enough, our experts say they can actually pile up in the system, leading to a sludgy mess that could potentially clog your pipes.4. EggshellsEggshells are another item that gets tossed around as a good way to clean your machine or even sharpen the blades, but we advise against this as well. The membrane lining inside the shell can also build up, leading to trouble. More Home Mistakes to Avoid5. Fibrous vegetablesGarbage disposals make quick work of discarding veggie scraps, but foods like celery, asparagus and corn husks should never make it into your disposal. The long, fine strands that compose these items can get tangled up in the blades, wreaking havoc on the machine’s efficiency. 6. Produce stickersYou know those little stickers that detail the food’s PLU code for reference at the grocery store? Make sure to peel those off and toss them in the trash before discarding any food scraps in the garbage disposal. They can attract other bits of debris that could eventually causing a blockage. 7. PitsThe pits from fruit like peaches, plums, mangos and avocado should never make their way down your drain. Like bones, they’re much too tough for the blades and can cause damage. They may also get lodged in pipes if they happen to make their way through. 8. Pasta and riceKids left some macaroni, a hunk of lasagna or remnants of fried rice on their plate? Scrape that right into the trash before rinsing the dish — starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when exposed to liquid, even after they’ve been fully cooked. This can cause buildup in your disposal, eventually leading to plumbing problems. 9. Potato peelsSimilarly, the starch from potato peels can swell and get gummy in your garbage disposal, causing issues down the line. Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images10. OatsDon’t dump the last bits of your morning oatmeal into the disposal, either. Like other starchy foods, this seemingly innocent item expands and can create a sticky mess inside the appliance. 11. BeansChickpeas, white beans, black beans… whatever legume you enjoy, they should end up in the trash rather than the disposal. Like starches, these items have a tendency to get sticky inside the machine and may even coat the blades, leading to efficiency issues and even full malfunction. 12. Onion skinsSimilar to eggs, the thin membrane on the inside of an onion’s skin can get lodged in the drain, which can trap other food that would otherwise make it down the pipes and cause clogs. Onions and their skins also tend to be stringy and can wrap around the blades. 13. NutsNuts are not only hard and can eventually dull your garbage disposal’s blades, but they can also create a muddy mess inside that can eventually lead to blockages. Think about it: Nut butters, like peanut and almond butter, are made by grinding the nuts into a paste! 14. Grease, oil and other fatsGrease, oil and other fats like melted butter should never go down your sink — regardless of whether you have a disposal. It’s the same concept as what fat can do to your arteries. When it hardens, it can cause stubborn clogs in your drain and pipes. Related StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Maybe you’re nowhere near retirement, but Mom is moving in. Maybe you frequently host guests with mobility issues. Or maybe you’re simply looking to ensure a safe living space for yourself as you age that doesn’t put you at risk of dangerous falls. “More than one in four adults aged 65 or older fall every year,” says Dr. Alexander Billioux, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare. “This is the leading cause of injuries for older Americans. The good news is there are ways to reduce risk by making simple changes in your home.”Whatever your reason for adding aging-in-place modifications to your home, you’re not alone: More seniors live alone or with only their spouse in the U.S. than in most other countries worldwide. At the same time, more and more families are welcoming the idea of multigenerational residences. In short: Universal design is a universal concern. And while creating an accessible home can require professional renovations, this isn’t always the case — there are plenty of low-lift home improvements that anybody can make. Here, Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author of Wellness by Design: A Room-by-Room Guide to Optimizing Your Home for Health, Fitness and Happiness, shares her top design tips to enhance your home’s accessibility — with no contractor required. BedroomBeing well-rested is a prerequisite for staying healthy, but aging brings a host of mental, physical and lifestyle changes that can disrupt sleep patterns and quality. Happily, there are ways to minimize them. “Start by controlling your bedroom environment,” says Gold. “Look for window coverings that block out light and noise — especially automated treatments that can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button, so you don’t even have to get out of bed.” Installing circadian light bulbs in your bedroom is another way to instill a sense of routine into your sleep pattern. To prevent falls, make sure to move any cords, clothes or bedding that may cause you to trip.Bathroom“You should prioritize a shower seat and a handheld showerhead,” says Gold. “The great thing about the handheld is it makes it easier to clean yourself and the entire shower area.” She also recommends adding bidet functionality to your toilet, as this decreases the need for those with mobility limitations to use the tub and shower for cleaning—thus lessening the risk of tub and shower falls. Place nonskid mats in the shower and bath to further protect against falls. An en suite bathroom is ideal for seniors (not to mention everyone else), but if that’s not an option, establish the senior’s bedroom as the one closest to the hallway bathroom. Then line the hallway with night-lights to ensure a safe path there and back. KitchenThis space can be a hotbed of hazards for older members of the household. “Invest in tiered, pull-out shelving for cookware and pantry items,” says Gold, so no one has to get down on their knees to rummage through lower-level cabinets. Additionally, she recommends an induction cooktop, which heats using magnetic fields, to reduce fire and burn risks (portable versions of these are also available for a less expensive upgrade). Make a constant effort to keep the kitchen floor dry, as water from the sink can lead to slips and falls if not cleaned up. If your home is multi-level, you can even indulge your inner college student and create a DIY kitchen in or near the bedroom by stocking it with a mini-fridge, microwave, water cooler and coffee maker.Additional Tips“Do a physical walk-through of the entire space, focusing on potential trip hazards,” says Gold. Look for loose rug corners, super-slippery floors, wired chargers underfoot—anything that could cause a fall. Additional tips to guard against falls include removing furniture from common walkways, avoiding throw rugs, and covering wood stairs with carpet or non-slip covering.Don’t just consider your home during the daytime—think about how it will look and feel at night as well. Adding plug-in lights along the stairwell and low-level lights in hallways can make navigating these transitory spaces safer for those with decreased mobility or vision. And to help keep everyone on schedule, consider installing smart technology that reminds seniors to complete their daily tasks—as minor as taking the trash out or as major as feeding themselves or taking their medications. With a home that’s there for you, you’ll have more of the security you need to age healthily, safely and happily in place. More

Once you experience the convenience of a dishwasher, it’s nearly impossible to look back. The best dishwashers not only save you time and effort, but are also more water- and energy-efficient. Not to mention, they keep with features like auto dispense detergent and Microban-treated parts, they get your dishes squeaky clean and can even help keep itself germ-free.And, as it turns out, a dishwasher’s prowess doesn’t end with the usual suspects: dinnerware, flatware and cookware. Carolyn Forté, Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director and a consumer products expert with over 40 years of experience evaluating cleaning products and appliances for Good Housekeeping, knows a thing or two about dishwashers, and says the appliance is a quick and easy cleaning solution for all kinds of items in your home, from kids’ toys to gardening tools. Forté doesn’t recommend washing fabrics or soft items, like hats, plus cautions against washing shoes and flip-flops for sanitary reasons. Instead, look to the humble appliance to help clean hard plastics, metal and glass items like scrub brushes with plastic handles, pet toys and bowls and even manicure tools in a flash. All About Your DishwasherJust don’t forget: In general, you should always check the manufacturer guidance on whether a product is dishwasher-safe, and choose a quick, express or delicate cycle. And if anything is particularly filthy, you should wash it by hand.Ready to speed through your cleaning checklist? Read on to learn more about the surprising items you can deep clean in your dishwasher. Plastic toysSmall kids’ toys like plastic boats for the bath and plastic building blocks should go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Put anything particularly small in a mesh bag to prevent them from dropping through the racks. Never put any toys with internal or electronic parts in the dishwasher. You also want to make sure toys are thoroughlydry inside to prevent mold growth.Suzi Media Production//Getty ImagesScrub brushes with plastic handles Put these cleaning tools in the top rack of your dishwasher to freshen and clean them.Toothbrush holderRemove all of that gunk and grime from the bottom of your toothbrush holder by placing it in the upper rack of your dishwasher, where you put glasses. Plastic and acrylic organizersClear any large crumbs or debris from plastic organizers — can holders, utensil caddies or even shoe bins — then pop them onto the upper rack of your dishwasher to thoroughly clean them. Glass microwave turntableFirst, check the manufacture’s instructions. If it says it’s dishwasher safe, remove the turntable from the microwave, then load it into the lower rack of the dishwasher like a plate. Just make sure it not too tall that it hits or block the middle spray arm. Shower poufThis bathroom accessory can safely be put in the upper rack of the dishwasher. Related StoryPacifiersRubber and silicone pacifiers do well in the utensil rack or caddy of your dishwasher. Many are even sturdy enough for a sanitize cycle, but we recommend checking manufacturer instructions first. Sold plastic dustpan/vacuum attachmentsClean your cleaning supplies — plastic or metal dust pans, vacuum attachments and washable filters, for example — in the dishwasher. Place smaller items, like vacuum attachments (but not brushes or tools with fabric attached), upright on the top rack. Larger items, like a dustpan, can go face down on the top rack; some, depending on the material, will do just fine on the lower rack if extra space is needed. Nail clippers/tweezersManicure and grooming tools, including nail clippers, cuticle clippers and tweezers, can go on the upper rack of your dishwasher like utensils. Alternatively, you can place these tools in the utensil caddy. CombsCombs and other plastic hair brushes (avoid putting boar bristle brushes in the dishwasher) should be placed on the upper rack of the dishwasher, bristle-side down. Pets toys/bowlsMetal, ceramic or plastic pet toys and bowls tend to be dishwasher-safe. Place plastic items, like chew toys, on the upper rack; metal and ceramic items, including bowls, go on the bottom rack. You can also send protective rubber floor mats through the dishwasher by placing them in the main compartment of the dishwasher like a plate, avoiding the spray arms. LenaMay//Getty ImagesCeramic potsPlanters, berry baskets and other ceramic pots can safely go in the upper drawer of the dishwasher. However, if the item is particularly special, handpainted or delicate, it’s recommended to handwash it to avoid possible fading or other damage. Phone casesPlastic and silicone phone cases are generally dishwasher-safe face down on the top rack, but avoid washing any cases with accessories like rhinestones or other attachments that could be damaged or even fall off during a cycle.   Small garden tools with plastic handlesShovels, pails and other small metal or plastic gardening tools can get a quick refresh in the dishwasher. After you remove excess dirt, place these tools in the upper or lower rack, depending on size and material. Ideally, plastic should go on the top rack, while metal can withstand a spin on the lower. CupholdersIf your car — or your child’s car seat — has removable cupholders, tap any debris or larger food crumbs out into the garbage, then send them for a spin in the upper rack of the machine like glassware. SpongesYou should, ideally, replace your kitchen sponge every two to three weeks, but in a pinch, the dishwasher may help extend the life of your trusty kitchen tool. Simply tuck your sponge securely into the top rack in a regular load, using the “heated dry” setting.Refrigerator bins and glass shelvesAlways follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it’s dishwasher safe, after you’ve cleared any food crumbs and debris from drawers and glass shelves, these items can take a spin in the dishwasher — space permitting. We do, however, recommend allowing these items to come to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking, and do not put shelves with LED lighting in the dishwasher.More Trending Home StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

ModernMARC MAULDINContemporaryPhil CrozierAs seen in this attractive living room designed by Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group, the sleek nature of modern style balances the daring accents of color and texture. “While often neutral in palette, contemporary spaces can also be elevated with bold color-blocking. The focus is on straight lines and sharp angles, creating an inviting space through texture and mixed metallics — proving that minimalism can be anything but boring,” says Rebecca Ward of Rebecca Ward Design.Photo by: Phil CrozierEclecticSara Ligorria-TrampIf you never get tired of thrifting or find yourself leaning into unique colors, consider an eclectic design style. “Eclectic is often described as contemporary shapes, layered patterns and textures mixed together with vintage finds. This juxtaposition works in favor to elevate the uniqueness of the pieces and often the uniqueness of the color palette,” says Storms.See more at Style by Emily Henderson »Photo by: Sara Liggoria-Tramp Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowFarmhouseKaitlin GreenCoastalMichelle Boudreau DesignMidcentury Kat AlvesIf neutrals bore you, consider this setup from Rebecca Ward of Rebecca Ward Design and go for a midcentury style when designing your home. “Imagine stepping into a 1950s dinner party — the vibrant sofa on tapered walnut legs, a hairpin-leg coffee table and a brass sunburst mirror above it. Mid-century modern design is rooted in the German Bauhaus movement, offering a minimalistic yet retro feel with rich wood tones and brilliant colors,” says Ward.Photo by: Kat AlvesAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowIndustrialalvarez//Getty ImagesInspired by elements like metal, concrete and exposed pipes, industrial interior design works well in lofts and other spaces with high ceilings. Although these layouts often involve gray tones, they can be cozied up with colorful furniture, statement lighting and vintage artwork. TraditionalCaroline SharpnackAlthough traditional interiors can often be described as old-fashioned, there are many ways to incorporate your personality into the style for a polished design with rich colors. Just take note of the playful feel of this traditional living room designed by Debbie Mathews of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “Traditional design often incorporates symmetry with decorative moldings, columns and wainscoting. It also incorporates neutral colors but can take that one step further with a number of rooms being painted in rich jewel tones,” says Mathews. Photo by: Caroline SharpnackTransitionalPhil CrozierStuck between wanting elegance and simplicity at the same time? Transitional design blends styles for a chic yet subtle look that’s exemplified in this striking living room designed by Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group. “Transitional is a mix between traditional and contemporary, so it is not too fussy or overdone but it is also not cold or austere,” says Sarah Hargrove of The Collective.Photo by: Phil CrozierAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowMinimalismMichelle Boudreau DesignIf living in a space where clutter doesn’t excite you, keep it simple with a minimalist interior. Minimalism is often characterized by carefully curated decor, neutral colors and clean lines, as seen in this sophisticated white kitchen with gold accents designed by Michelle Boudreau of Michelle Boudreau Design.RELATED: 6 Minimalist Design Tips That Prove Less Is MoreMaximalismErin KestenbaumLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Regardless of the project’s scale, home renovating can spark a mix of emotions. While you’re probably thrilled about taking the next steps towards designing your dream home, you’re also most likely a bit overwhelmed by the thought of transforming your house into a construction site for the next few weeks or months. And to top it all off, you’re forced to put all your trust in someone you may not know very well: Your contractor.While contractors don’t usually intend to mislead their clients in any way, there are a few unspoken truths that are helpful to understand before you finalize any home projects. Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, has rounded up the most common truths contractors may not explicitly tell you before renovating. This way, you can better prepare for the project to come. Remodeling almost always takes longer and costs more than expected. Any changes in the price or timeline of your remodel can be frustrating, especially when you’ve budgeted a certain amount of money and have carefully planned for the project to be done before a specific deadline. However, there are certain things beyond you and your contractor’s control that can change the original plan.”Your contractor might truly believe they can finish the job in three months or six months. But then they’ll run into hidden surprises, like structural damage behind walls or outdated electricals,” says DiClerico. “Fixing those issues takes time and money. That’s why it’s important to build at least a 20% cushion into your budget and timeframe.”Rather than having it come as a surprise weeks after signing your contract, plan ahead by building in that extra time and money into your budget. Understanding the process beforehand and coming prepared can help you avoid future frustration. It’s your right to change the design plan — but it will cost you.Ed Bock//Getty ImagesIt can be exciting to actually see the progress of your renovation unfolding in front of you. As you begin to experience the transformation, other ideas might come to mind. While you have every right to express your opinions throughout the project, there are always costs that come along with those changes. “There’s a saying in the business that the four most expensive words in remodeling are ‘while we’re at it.’ It’s tempting to make changes to the design plan after the work gets underway — adding in another window, maybe, once a wall is knocked down during demo, or squeezing extra pantry space into the kitchen floor plan,” says DiClerico. “It’s your right to do this, but you need to know that it will add significantly to the bottom line, and in the heat of the project, your contractor might not do the best job of explaining the numbers.”If you’ve asked to tack on an extra project, regardless of how minor, be patient with your contractor when it comes to pricing and scheduling. Given the choice, contractors will usually go for the ‘builder’s special.’ Peter Dazeley//Getty ImagesYour home project should be all yours — paint, tiling, flooring and all. If you don’t specify the materials you’d like your contractor to use, they’ll likely choose for you. “If you let your general contractor choose all the products and materials on the project, they’re usually going to go for the cheapest, fastest option. Take interior paint, for example. They’ll choose an economy brand that goes on quick and dries fast. Things like long-term durability and fade-resistance are less of a concern. As our testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute finds, you can find affordable paints that also deliver a smooth finish and perform well over time. The same rule applies to most product categories, from flooring to decking,” says DiClerico. So before signing a written contract, it’s important to make sure all products and materials down to the model number and choice of finish are clearly stated.”Any blank spaces in the contract will probably be filled in by your contractor, and that’s where you could end up with a lot of ‘builder’s specials’,” says DiClerico. RELATED STORYIt will be messy.When it comes to renovating, messiness is a side effect of hard work. However, that doesn’t mean it should infiltrate the whole house. Make sure to communicate with your contractor before the project starts so you have a plan for containing dust and other particles. “Dust from a kitchen project can quickly find its way into the rest of the house. Be sure to ask the contractor how they plan to contain dust and other airborne contaminants. Plastic sheeting should be part of the strategy. Some contractors also bring in heavy duty air purifiers to help capture chemicals from paint, adhesives and other building materials,” says DiClerico.Communication is key.seksan Mongkhonkhamsao//Getty ImagesIt may sound pretty simple, but having a strong relationship with someone you’ve hired or are working with is the key to success. While it may be tempting to simply go with the cheapest quote or the contractor with the fastest timeline, your comfort level with the professional you’re hiring should be a top priority. “Contractors aren’t always the chattiest. But it’s important that you have a strong rapport with them from the beginning,” says DiClerico. “You want to know that you can ask them questions at any time. Listen to your gut. If you’re not comfortable with them during the initial meeting, keep looking for a contractor you can talk to.”This applies throughout the project as well. While contractors might not specifically tell you when or how many times to visit during the renovation, take the initiative to build this into your schedule. Showing up in person helps to maintain a strong line of communication, especially during the beginning stages when important decisions are being made. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Expert consulted:Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor DirectorHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

The winner of a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning Product Award and a Good Housekeeping Seal-holder, Dawn Powerwash spray impressed us in the Lab with its fast, no-fuss formula and grease-fighting power. In our tests, it tackled grease deposits on contact and the precise spray nozzle was ideal for targeting trouble spots. Just spray it on, wait a few minutes and wipe up the residue.It is particularly convenient and effective on oven door glass, but we love the overall versatility of this budget-friendly pick — even if it wasn’t the best for tackling an oven that needed all-over TLC. Whether you’re using it in the interior of your oven, your cooktop or a pot caked with burnt-on grease, simply spray, wipe and rinse. For tougher messes, let sit 3 to 4 minutes, scrub and rinse. It comes in a line of scents, including Lavender, Apple and even Free & Clear. Refills are available for the spray bottle.Form: Dish soap spray | Standing time: 3–4 minutes | Scent: Fresh, apple, citrus, lemon, lavender, free & clearRELATED: Best Dish Soaps for Sparkling Clean Dishes More

Whether you’re traveling across the country or down the block, moving can be quite nerve-wracking for everyone involved. Gathering boxes, packing those boxes to the brim and then transporting them to a new location without damaging or losing anything in the process is never an enjoyable experience, not to mention the arguing between family members that usually starts a couple of hours in. But the thing about moving is that the benefits (hopefully) come along later. Related StoriesAs someone who just moved, I know that packing is never exactly fun, but it can be a bit less dreadful with the correct preparation (yes, it’s possible). I’ve gathered all of my favorite tips I found to be most useful while packing up my last apartment. Regardless of whether you’re moving yourself or you’ve hired a moving company, these tips are easy to implement and will save you time, space and frustration. So gather those boxes and get moving! 💡 Create Throw Away and Giveaway Boxes First things first, do not pack unnecessary items. That unsightly 50-year-old kitchen spatula that was passed down to you? Consider donating it or giving it to a loved one, then treat yourself to a new one after the move. Laura MillarCreating a throwaway and giveaway box before you start packing helps eliminate clutter and will pay off once you get to your new home. This is also your chance for a fresh start, so don’t be afraid to replace a few items that were on their way out anyway, especially if you’ll use the new ones every day. Buying a few new pots and pans, instead of taking my partially broken hand-me-downs along with me, was one of the best things I did during my last move.Related Story💡 Keep Clothes on Hangers Laura MillarLaura MillarThis is one of my of favorite tips, and it happens to be one of the easiest to implement. Simply keep clothes on their hangers throughout your move. Wrap a garbage bag around as many hangers as will fit and tie it around the top, leaving the hook free. This method allows you to keep your clothes protected and clean from any surfaces they may touch in transit, while eliminating the stress that comes with rehanging every item of clothing. Just rip off the garbage bags once your clothes are in their new home, and you’re all set. 💡 Take Photos The last thing you may want to do during the middle of packing is whip out your camera, but I promise it’ll be worth it. Whether on your television console, mantel or nightstand, we all have a few knick-knicks that bring us comfort. If you’ve spent time organizing them in a specific way and like the way they look, take a picture of their placement so you can reference it when redecorating after the move. Then, pack them all together in the same box so they’re easy to find.💡 Use Bulky Clothing for Added ProtectionDon’t waste time trying to fit winter coats, fluffy robes and oversized sweatshirts into a suitcase. While packing your clothes, make a pile of those larger, bulkier items. When you’re ready to pack picture frames, artwork and other fragile decor, come back to this pile for added support. You can even use the sleeves of sweatshirts or ties on your robe to secure larger pieces of art. However, if you have any oversized or extra delicate decorations, you may want some more added protection. 💡 Label Tools and WiresLaura MillarYou will thank yourself later when you’re replugging in your desktop, televisions and other electronics or rebuilding anything you may have had to take apart. When you’re ready to pack any wires or tools, grab some large Ziploc bags and a Sharpie. Unplug all your wires that belong to one space or electronic device and secure them in the bag. Then, label the bag with whatever device they belong to. When it comes to any chairs or dressers that may have had to come apart during the moving process, follow the same steps. Keep the instruction manuals, screws and other tools all in one bag with the name of the furniture written on the outside so you have easy access when you’re ready to rebuild. Then, gather these different “tool-kits” and put them in one box or bag so they’re all in one place. 💡 Pack Inside ALL of Your BagsThis includes suitcases, duffels, totes and hampers! Keep clothes neatly folded and pack all of your bags so you don’t have to refold them once you’re ready to unpack. You can also pack any other belongings that fit. Think towels, smaller decorative items and anything else you can safely squeeze in. This way, you’re saving space by not having to pack those bags elsewhere, while also gaining more space for clothes and other belongings. It’s a win-win.💡 Assemble an Essentials BoxSave yourself the frustration and fill a box or bag with anything you may need during or immediately after the move. Having an “essentials” box will provide easy access to your laptop, chargers, favorite clothes and more. The last thing you’ll want to do after a long day of moving is sort through a ton of boxes to find your AirPods. Try doing this for essential toiletries as well. In a separate box, gather toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, paper towels and any other essentials you’ll need soon after the move. 💡 Schedule a Grocery Delivery Laura MillarA day or two before moving, make a list of all the groceries you’ll need. Scheduling a grocery delivery to your new home or apartment will eliminate the stress of having to go to the store on the big day. Plus, nobody wants to be hangry on move-in day. Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More