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The woven strip on a towel is called a dobby border.A dobby border helps a towel keep its shape and prevent it from fraying.A towel doesn’t need to have a dobby border to absorb, but it does offer additional perks. Throughout your home, there are several hidden mysteries within everyday items that you may not think to question. One of them? Why there are lines along bath towels and hand towels. The stripes are standard across the industry, meaning you’ll find it on high-end brands, like Matouk and Boll & Branch, as well as more budget-friendly brands, like Mainstays and Amazon Basics. Most liken the line to a design choice that gained favor among customers, making it a staple in the towel industry. But, there’s more to it.What’s the purpose of a towel line?To get to the bottom of this mystery, we tapped Emma Seymour, The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director, for her expertise. “It’s the dobby border, common on many bath towels,” says Seymour. “It helps the towel keep its shape because it offers more structure than if it was entirely terrycloth. It also helps prevent fraying.”What is a dobby border?A dobby border is a woven strip near a towel’s ends. It can appear as a single strip or multiple, but it is always located near a towel’s edges.According to Seymour, “Testers tend to like the look of the border, but most don’t comment on it if a towel lacks a dobby border,” meaning it’s not a make-or-break feature for most customers.Rahman Hidayat//Getty ImagesDo towels need a dobby border?Not necessarily. A towel without a dobby border will still absorb, as is its primary function. However, it may not have the same durability and longevity as one with a dobby border. It’s about weighing out what’s most important to you when shopping. If the price is right, and you like the look of a towel without a dobby border, buy it. There are other factors that contribute to a towel’s durability and performance, such as fiber content, fabric weight, construction and more, not just the dobby border. So the towel you select may still go the distance. If you like the look and function of woven ends, here are the dobby border towels Seymour recommends. Plus, a list of the best bath towels our lab technicians have tested.The Best Bath TowelsBest OverallFrontgate Resort Collection Bath Towels, Set of 6Credit: Mike GartenBest LightweightHydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry TowelCredit: Danielle Occhiogross DalySoftestPlush Towel CollectionCredit: Mike GartenAnswers to More Home MysteriesKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

1Beetsistetiana//Getty ImagesBeets, like most root vegetables, are cool-weather crops, so it’s generally advised to plant them in milder to cold weather. However, planting them in June — before the peak of the summer heat — may be a good idea. After seeding, beets take 55-70 days to harvest, so you can start harvesting by late summer or early fall. Additionally, the soil is already warmed up by June, which promotes the germination of root vegetables and the sunny weather makes it a favorable time to plant this versatile vegetable.Another amazing fact about beets is that they’re a two-for-one veggie. While they mature, you can cut off a few of their leaves (beet greens) and enjoy them in a delicious salad. Just make sure you leave a few leaves after cutting so the roots continue to grow.2Carrots SimpleImages//Getty ImagesIn June, carrot rust flies, a garden pest that mainly affects carrots, are less common. Infestation usually occurs during spring, so planting them in early summer can work in your favor. Like beets, carrots are root vegetables and need a good amount of sunlight (at least six hours every day).Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3CucumbersSorin Banica / 500px//Getty ImagesCucumbers, a low-calorie fruit, are 96% water. Their high water content makes them a refreshing veggie for hot weather. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like magnesium, potassium as well as vitamins C and K. Typically, cucumbers are vining plants, which require more support in comparison to shrubs (bushes). So, consider using trellises or stakes.4CornYulia Naumenko//Getty ImagesCorn thrives in full sun and when planted in well-drained soil, making it a perfect addition to your garden this June. This grain is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Butternut Squashediebloom//Getty ImagesLike most guards, butternut squash thrive in warm weather and full sun. They’re prolific growers, so when planting, make sure you give them enough space to grow and spread. 6Bell PeppersAmit Basu Photography//Getty ImagesBell peppers are another vegetable that will germinate best when the soil is warm, so planting them this month is ideal. They shouldn’t be grown in extremely high temperatures. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Zucchinifcafotodigital//Getty ImagesZucchini is a great addition to summer salads. All this summer squash needs to grow successfully is a warm, sunny location, moist soil and regular fertilization. 8Green Beans brytta//Getty ImagesGreen beans are relatively easy to grow with full sunlight and moderately rich soil. Green beans can be a delicious addition to summer salads and make wonderful side dishes. What’s more, they’re loaded with vitamin C, K and folate. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9TomatoesJoanne Liu//Getty ImagesTomatoes are warm-weather plants, making them one of the best crops for this month. Just make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight and are watered properly. Keep in mind that they need lots of fertilizer and should be pruned regularly in order to thrive. RELATED: The 8 Biggest Tomato Growing Mistakes, According to Experts10Melonsalvarez//Getty ImagesMelons (watermelons included) thrive in warm weather, and it’s generally recommended that they’re planted when the soil temperature is 65° or above. They also need at least seven hours of sun. Because of their high water content (90-92%), melons are a great choice for a summer diet. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11GrapesMuhla1//Getty ImagesSuccessfully growing grapes involves having a large, open space. If growing vertically on trellis, grapes need 50 to 100 square feet per vine. If growing horizontally in rows, aim for eight feet between rows. Additionally, they need seven to eight hours of sunlight daily. 12BlueberriesHispanolistic//Getty ImagesBlueberries require lots of sunlight and acidic soil to grow well. To measure your soil’s acidity, you can use testing strips, a digital meter, analog probes or a test kit you’d have to send to a laboratory.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13StrawberriesWestend61//Getty ImagesStrawberries can grow in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Most strawberries will not set fruit in temperatures over 80°F. Planting them this month, before the height of the summer heat, can work in your favor.14Blackberries Diana Miller//Getty ImagesBlackberries are high in vitamin C. Their peak harvest often falls in July and August. While it’s recommended to plant bare root blackberry plants in early spring, container-grown blackberry plants can be planted between early spring and late summer. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Raspberriesalvarez//Getty ImagesRaspberries are another delicious berry to grow this summer. Not only are they a source of fiber — they also contain vitamin C and are high in antioxidants. When planting, choose a sunny location and consider using support, like a trellis, to keep the fruit off the ground. Rosamelia is an Editorial Intern at Good Housekeeping. She’s also a graduate student in NYU’s Magazine and Digital Storytelling program. In her free time, you can find her reading and reviewing books on her bookstagram: amelias_biblioteca.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Despite being a popular organizing method, making a “maybe” pile can lead to overwhelm, stir up decision fatigue and slow down the decluttering process. Four professional organizers share their advice and concerns about keeping a “maybe” pile.There are rare instances where a “maybe” pile might be beneficial, according to experts. Decluttering the entire house is hard work, and there’s no single way to do it. There are countless decluttering methods — some involve setting timers, tackling one zone at a time or separating items into designated piles. No matter how you get your house in order, a few professional organizers warn against one common decluttering habit that can slow your progress and create indecision. If you can’t decide whether or not an item has a place in your home, you might add it to a “maybe” pile with plans to return to it later. The problem? This popular technique can be counterproductive. Instead of successfully decluttering the house, you’ve just created a pile of items you’re unsure about. Decluttering Methods We’ve TriedShaniece Jones, decluttering expert, never suggests clients create a ‘maybe’ pile when decluttering. “‘Maybe’ piles lead to hesitation instead of resolution.” Instead, she recommends quick decision-making. Try placing items into piles that communicate clear next steps, like keep, donate, trash or recycle and repair. “While some organizers see ‘maybe’ piles as a helpful middle ground, I’ve found that they often prolong the process and create a breeding ground for indecision,” Jones adds. “Hear me out: ‘Maybe’ piles equate to indecision, indecision leads to overwhelm, then you are right back where you started when you began decluttering in the first place.” Why should you avoid the “maybe” pile? You inevitably have to return to it. If you aren’t making an immediate decision about the fate of your items, you’re essentially creating a task for your future self. “It’s a decision delay tactic,” says Jones. “It keeps you stuck in a mental loop and undermines the clarity you initially are trying to create.”You might end up creating more clutter. Jones calls it a form of “clutter shuffling.” Moving things from one place to another might feel like progress, but it’s not true productivity. “It’s a temporary payoff because it feels like you cleared a space, but you still have not made the decision.” It can lead to overwhelm. “While it’s tempting to hold onto everything ‘just in case,’ that approach isn’t practical and often leads to overwhelm,” says Susan Guraj, founder of VS Organized Interiors.It delays decisions: “When you decide to keep the ‘maybe’ pile for later, you are stirring up decision fatigue, which can cause you to avoid the pile altogether,” Jones says. You may end up keeping items you don’t care about. If you avoid going through the pile, you may take the easy way out: Decide to keep it all. “Creating a ‘maybe’ pile can allow items that aren’t truly needed to be kept anyway,” says Emily Mass, owner of Spaces By Emily. Is there a right time to keep a “maybe” pile?The “maybe” pile can be helpful in certain situations, but it should always be a temporary solution. It’s important that you address items in the pile during the same decluttering session. “I actually like to reframe it as a ‘Revisit’ pile,” says Jones. “It’s a small shift, but it sends a clear message: This isn’t where things go to sit forever — it’s just a pause before a real decision gets made.” Here are two instances where a “maybe” pile might work:If you’re warming up to decluttering. Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted, sees the benefit of a “maybe” pile when you’re early in the process. “Once you see the progress and realize what you truly need and love, that ‘maybe’ pile almost always turns into a ‘no’ pile — so don’t shy away from using it when needed, but always aim to move through it with confidence and clarity.”If you’re not the sole decision maker, for example “when sorting sentimental items or items that require input from a family member who isn’t present,” says Tran. “But ideally, try to avoid deferred decisions. Every item should have a clear destination by the end of your decluttering project.”More Advice From Pro OrganizersAlyssa 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

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Designers often take pride in using antiques and thrifted items to bring personality into a home. Not to mention, thrifting and antique shopping can sometimes be a more affordable and sustainable option than relying on traditional retailers. But before you fill your home or car with second-hand items, keep in mind: There are some things you should never buy at a thrift store — no matter how tempting the price tag. Textiles like mattresses, stuffed animals and bedding could harbor bed bugs, while older furniture and electronics can pose a safety risk — especially to children. “We love a good treasure hunt, but there are a few things we’ll always leave behind,” says Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions. Below, two pro designers share the items they always avoid at the thrift store.More Expert Thrifting AdviceMattresses”Anything that can’t be thoroughly cleaned or disinfected — like used mattresses — is a no-go,” says Amy Leferink. A second-hand mattress will likely lack support, plus they might harbor dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, mold and allergens.Electronics and appliances Vintage speakers, antique lighting and old televisions may look charming, but thrifted electronics could have faulty wiring, which could pose a fire or electric shock risk. “Anything involving electrical wiring — like old lamps or appliances — are a hard no for me,” says Honey Collins, founder of Honey Collins Interiors. “Safety comes first, and there’s just no way to guarantee those items are up to standard, no matter how beautiful or nostalgic they may appear.” Functional cookware or glasswareBe weary of using thrift finds in the kitchen. Regulations regarding lead weren’t put in place until 1971, so painted dishes and crystal glassware may contain traces — especially dangerous if the items are cracked or chipped. “When looking for kitchen items at thrift stores, we usually prefer to focus on decorative pieces rather than functional cookware such as dinnerware, serving dishes, glassware or antique cookware that can elevate your kitchen or dining room’s aesthetic,” says Leferink. Certain items, like cast iron and enamelware, may be safe to use on a regular basis, but “always inspect carefully for cracks, chips or peeling coating,” adds Collins. anzeletti//Getty ImagesBaby furniture “While thrifting accessories and artwork for a nursery can be fun, it’s best to steer clear of baby furniture,” says Leferink. “These items can become outdated, and their warranty lifespan might have passed. Since baby furniture safety standards are continuously updated, purchasing new pieces is the safest option.”Second-hand baby furniture might not meet current safety standards or could have hidden damage, such as cracks, loose parts or missing hardware. “A sweet old crib may look darling, but it could pose a real risk — it’s not worth the gamble,” says Collins.Car seats and strollers A thrifted car seat or stroller could have hidden damage that presents a safety risk, and there’s no way to guarantee the model meets current safety standards. Keep in mind, car seats should be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and have expiration dates. HelmetsNot only can thrifted helmets carry lice and other potential infections, they’re likely unsafe. After significant impact, you must replace a bike helmet — even if it doesn’t look damaged, because the foam lining could be compressed. Baloncici//Getty ImagesStuffed animalsEven if you machine-wash a second-hand stuffed animal, odors and allergens can linger. Not to mention the risk of bedbugs, bacteria and dust mites — it’s just not worth it. BeddingSimilarly, thrifted bedding — like sheets, comforters and pillows — could harbor bed bugs, dust mites and allergens that are difficult to clear completely. That doesn’t mean you have to stay away from all textiles, according to Collins. “It depends on the piece and your tolerance for a little elbow grease. Vintage rugs? Yes, absolutely — if they’re in good shape and can be professionally cleaned. As for upholstered items, I look for good bones — with plans to reupholster. Linens and pillows, though? I’d pass.” Damaged rattan or wicker furnitureThink twice about buying those worn woven chairs, cabinets or side tables that you spotted on a thrift store run. Rattan and wicker furniture can be difficult — and very expensive — to restore, so it’s best to avoid it, even if the price seems right. Wood cutting boardsDon’t waste money on a thrifted wood cutting board, unless you plan to use it as decor. Even with a deep clean, it can be challenging to remove bacteria embedded within the wood’s pores. Baby toysBabies and small children outgrow toys quickly, so it’s not a bad idea to source second-hand items — but it’s crucial to consider hygiene and safety. Don’t thrift any baby toys that can’t be throughly washed and sanitized. Diligently check for any broken or loose parts that could be dangerous for little ones. Related StoriesAlyssa 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

Have you ever spent what feels like a lifetime debating whether or not to keep something while decluttering around the house? As a pretty indecisive person myself, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve struggled with that decision more than a handful of times. Sometimes, we all need a bit of a nudge — or rather, a shove — to make the progress we desire. The 30-second rule gives you that push. According to the method, if you can’t explain why you use or love an item in 30 seconds or less, you should ultimately toss it. While some find this technique a bit harsh, others seem to appreciate the idea of making quick, honest decisions without overthinking. I tried the method myself and spoke to three professional organizers for their expertise, including whether or not they recommend it and their best advice for those looking to adopt the 30-second rule. Is the 30-Second Rule Effective?The 30-second rule can be controversial, according to the pros. Whether or not it’s effective depends a lot on a homeowner’s personality and what they’re hoping to declutter. “If you’re cleaning out your junk drawer and debating whether or not to keep a random cord and you can’t immediately identify what it belongs to, you may not need it. It’s a good method for decluttering the more utilitarian items in your home, but it may not work as well for the sentimental things you need to deal with,” says Ann Lightfoot of Done & Done Home. Organizers warn against making rash decisions when dealing with things like family heirlooms, old photos or documents you’re unsure of. Still, there are certainly benefits to the 30-second rule when dealing with more basic items around the house. My ExperienceI decided to apply the 30-second rule while decluttering the storage underneath my coffee table. I tend to throw a variety of miscellaneous things in there — cords, remotes, pens and anything else that doesn’t have a designated home somewhere else. Laura MillarAfter applying the rule to each belonging, I decided to part ways with a few wires and old electronics I had been holding onto. While I couldn’t explain why I needed them in 30 seconds, I also couldn’t test if they worked in that amount of time. So after putting an old Fire TV Stick and electronic hand warmer to the side, I did take the time to make sure they didn’t work before ultimately deciding to get rid of them.Laura MillarWhile I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of this decluttering method, I also felt like there were a few items where the choice wasn’t as straightforward as the rule makes it seem. I felt the need to make sure certain electronics didn’t work and cords weren’t needed before I was confident enough to let them go. There were also a few notebooks I had barely written in. Sure, I can’t explain why I love or necessarily need them, but I also know it’s helpful to have a spare lying around. My advice? Use this rule when you need to gain some decluttering momentum, but trust your gut before you make any rash decisions. The Pros and Consdinosoftlabs//Getty ImagesProsIt can help you make significant progress in a short period of time. If you know you have a specific area around the house that has started to collect junk, the 30-second rule can help you make quick decisions, ultimately decreasing the amount of time you spend decluttering. You’ll push yourself to be honest about basic household items. “As the saying goes, honesty is the best policy and this is often the case when you’re helping someone who is struggling to make decluttering decisions in their home,” says Lightfoot. If you don’t remember the last time you referenced that manual or plugged in that wire, it might be time to part ways with it. Cons You might make a decision you regret. When dealing with more sentimental items, it’s best to take the time you really need to decide what to get rid of. “There are ways to declutter without a matter of seconds dictating your decisions,” says Faith Roberson of Organize With Faith. This method can be harsh for those struggling to declutter. “It’s very normal to want to keep something that you don’t use and love. Life is hard enough,” says Diane Lowry of New York at Home. Always remember to give yourself grace. All progress, no matter how small, is good progress. Start DeclutteringThe Bottom LineUltimately, you know yourself better than anyone else — if having only 30 seconds to decide whether or not you want to keep something sounds unrealistic, this might not be the right method for you. In fact, Lowry encourages an almost direct opposite approach: “If you need more than 30 seconds to think about an item, you’re not ready to say goodbye to that item and you should respect where you are right now and keep it.”The verdict? Be careful when following the 30-second rule. Use it for areas like sock drawers or medicine cabinets, where items don’t carry as much meaning, but be weary before adopting it as part of your overarching decluttering philosophy. Laura 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

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1Car trash canNow 31% OffWithout a dedicated place to toss trash, snack wrappers and loose papers may end up on the floor. It’s worth buying a small trash can, possibly one you can strap to the back of a headrest. “I cannot deal with random receipts and gum wrappers floating around,” says Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted. 2First-aid kitNow 25% OffFrom outings to the park to roadtrips, it’s always beneficial to keep essentials like Band-Aids and gauze on hand. “To be sure you have all the necessities for an emergency or a minor injury, we recommend keeping pre-packaged go kits in all your vehicles,” says professional organizer Lisa Jacobs of Imagine It Done. “Be sure that when they are used, you replace what is now missing.”Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowTissues are a great thing to store in the car, especially if you have a long commute. Added bonus? These cylindrical bottles, adorned with cute flowers, fit effortlessly in the cup holder. 4Wipes and hand sanitizer From cleaning spills and dusting the dashboard to cleaning your kids’ hands after a park visit, you never know when you could use a wipe. “I always keep a pack of Wet Wipes or hand wipes on hand for spills and unexpected messes while on the go,” says Susan Guraj, founder of VS Organized Interiors. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Zippered bag for the center consoleNow 15% OffRather than pile essentials into the center console, organize them in a zippered pouch or bag. “We love using a soft zip-top bag in the center console as a catch-all for those loose items — think hand sanitizer, medicine, receipts or any other small essentials,” says Guraj.6Extra phone chargerNow 29% OffIf you’re like me, you keep a charger everywhere you frequent! A car charger ensures your devices stay charged during long trips — especially if you use them for navigation. Plus, a USB charger will allow you access to CarPlay if you have a newer system. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Cargo netNow 10% OffIf your daily routine consists of running between sports practice, the gym and the grocery store, you may have no choice but to regularly store items in the trunk. “We highly recommend getting a car cargo net or storage container in the trunk and behind the seats if you have kids,” says Guraj. “It’ll keep larger items like groceries, sports equipment or emergency kits tidy and prevent them from rolling around.”8Multi-use safety toolNo one wants to think about an emergency, but it’s always better to be prepared. This affordable tool has a seat belt cutter on one side, and a window breaker tool on the other. Keep it in the center console or glove compartment for easy access. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Small notepad and a penKeep a small notebook and a pen in your car for jotting down important information, such as directions, license plate numbers or contact details in case of an emergency.10Trunk organizerNow 13% OffUse a trunk organizer or plastic container to organize everyday items and prevent them from shifting around during transport. “For more active families on the go, consider keeping some key items in your trunk area such as: a refillable water bottle, cooler, a foldable chair or picnic blanket and sporting equipment,” says Jacobs. Alyssa 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