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    This Kitchen Design Trend Is Making a Major Comeback, According to Pros

    When it comes to a kitchen renovation, function is key. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your kitchen countertop wisely. While quartz and marble remain popular, design pros say there’s another countertop material that’s surprisingly catching the eye of homeowners these days: butcher block. Butcher block was all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s, but Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke says it’s still a “great solution to add warmth and character to kitchens. The wood will patina over time and there are many oils that are simple to use to keep the wood looking nourished and fresh. We prefer to use it in spaces away from water and hot pans when possible.”More Kitchen Design AdviceKitchen Design Group’s Caren Rideau agrees: “Butcher block countertops truly evoke a sense of warmth that is hard to replicate with other materials. Their natural beauty adds a touch of comfort, making your kitchen the heart of your home.”Plus, it helps that a butcher block countertop can be less expensive than natural stone. It also acts as a large cutting board, ideal for chopping food comfortably and handling meal prep. Pro Tips to Consider If your goal is to design a lived-in kitchen, consider handcrafted butcher block options from Grothouse, suggests Steven Cooper of Cooper Pacific Kitchens. “I prefer the look of butcher block in homes that already have a strong sense of character—classic colonials, coastal cottages, and Spanish Mediterranean homes. In a Spanish Mediterranean home, it’s a perfect complement to plaster walls, terracotta tiles, and iron details,” Cooper explains. Rideau is especially drawn to Grothouse’s Durata butcher block finish, noting that it “enhances their resilience but also simplifies maintenance, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful surfaces without worry. Additionally, the variety of exotic woods available (from Grothouse) can elevate your kitchen design dramatically. Each type brings its own character and can complement any style you choose.”Design: Arterberry Cooke; Photo: Weller PhotographyThe benefits of butcher block countertops are clear for an inviting kitchen design scheme. The natural aesthetic is visually appealing and it’s a functional surface that can last for years with proper maintenance. To prevent cracking, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab recommends GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Wood Cutting Board Oil. All you need to do is apply a coating once a month, let it penetrate overnight, and buff it well with a cloth to keep it looking its best. Monique 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

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    Reddit Debates the “Right” Way to Store Coffee Mugs—and People Have Opinions

    Reddit users are debating whether you should store mugs upright or upside down.Some believe dust can accumulate in cups stored upright, while others think moisture might get trapped that way. How do you store your cups and mugs?Picture this: You just wake up and head to your kitchen to grab your favorite mug for that first cup of joe. One question—is the mug upright or upside down before you pick it up? That’s what’s sparking controversy online, especially among Reddit users, who have started multiple threads on the subject. “My mugs are in a large deep drawer and I put them upright, although then when I go to use one, I always check if anything creepy is hibernating in there! Curious to know what others do,” wrote @Three_Unicorns in r/australia. Another Reddit user took to r/espresso to discuss the topic. Both threads led to heated debates, with users expressing their passionate opinions for both sides of the argument. Whether you’re already team upright or upside down, you might want to consider both options. Storing Mugs Upright…The case for storing mugs upright is simple. When stored upside down, the mugs can trap heat and moisture, especially if you live in a humid environment or forget to fully dry the cups before storing them.”Inside closed cupboards, right side up to allow for humidity to escape,” explains one user. “I leave them upright. I’m scared of any moisture being trapped if I leave them upside down,” writes another. aire images//Getty ImagesOther users argue that facing cups upside down might be unsanitary depending on how often you clean your cabinets. “I very rarely properly wipe down the inside of my cupboards after every time I touch it and I don’t want my clean mugs coming in contact with it,” explains one user. Storing Mugs Upside Down…Storing mugs upside down can prevent dust from accumulating inside, especially if you don’t have closed cupboards. “On open shelving or on top of machine, upside down to avoid gathering of dust,” writes one user. Others mention the pros of a heated cup when brewing coffee: “I store them upside down on my coffee machine. That way, the heated air from the machine gets trapped in the cup (warming them up just a little bit quicker).”There’s also the question of what’s most secure, especially if you have kids who can be a bit clumsy when reaching for a glass. “For cups and glasses where they’re narrower at the bottom, they’re more stable being stored upside down, and less prone to tipping over when you go rooting around for one,” explains another. Is there a right answer?The right answer depends on your kitchen storage situation. If you have open shelving, it might be best to store mugs facing down so dust doesn’t wind up inside your next cup of coffee. Inside closed cabinets, it’s a different story. While there’s no 100% correct method to store your mugs either way, keeping them upright could help prevent moisture buildup, especially if you might not always pay attention to whether or not they’re completely dry, or if you’re using them all the time. 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

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    9 Things You Should NEVER Store in the Bathroom

    1Medications and Vitamins fstop123//Getty ImagesWhile this may surprise you, the bathroom isn’t the best place to store medicine and vitamins. The shower makes the space become way too damp and hot to keep these items there safely. Instead, place all medications and vitamins in a cool, dry place and make sure kids and pets are unable to reach them.2Non-Waterproof Electronicsgabort71//Getty ImagesHave electronics, like a speaker, in your bathroom? “Due to the fire hazard and risk of electric shock,” Dan DiClerico, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, warns against storing non-waterproof electronics, in the bathroom. DiClerico has another key tip: “All bathrooms must be equipped with GFCI outlets (short for ground-fault circuit-interrupters), which prevent fires and electric shock by cutting off electricity to damaged equipment. But it’s still always best to unplug.”RELATED: Before Leaving for Vacation, You Need to Unplug These 5 Things in Your HomeAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Retinol and Vitamin CTatiana Maksimova//Getty ImagesAvoid storing retinol and vitamin C products in the bathroom. They’re packed with sensitive ingredients that can degrade as a bathroom’s temperature fluctuates. “Skincare, including retinol and vitamin C, undergoes stability studies and incorporates preservatives to keep actives efficacious for the identified time on the packaging (after opening),” shares Sabina Wizemann, beauty lab director at the GH Institute. 4Aerosol Cans Johner Images//Getty ImagesThe bathroom isn’t a safe spot for storing aerosol cans—think deodorant, hairsprays, and cleaning solutions. Constant high temperatures can cause cans to become distorted, leak, or even explode. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5PerfumeOleksandra Yagello//Getty ImagesWarm, humid environments aren’t a good match for fragrances. “They can change their scent profile, as they contain alcohol (ethanol) and essential oils that can evaporate and degrade,” Wizemann says. “They are best stored in vanities or drawers away from direct light and heat.”6Razors Art_rich//Getty ImagesOver time, the humidity and water from the shower can cause bacteria to form on razor blades, Wizemann says. To prevent this, aim to keep razors in a dry area, away from steam, when they’re not in use. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Powder Makeup Products Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesYour go-to bronzers, blushes, and setting powders shouldn’t be left in the bathroom. Stick to your vanity, bedroom dresser, or makeup organizers to keep your products in good condition. “Powders can harbor and grow bacteria if exposed to humidity, leading to irritation and a shorter shelf life,” Wizemann explains. “Also, they may not perform as well in absorbing.” 8JewelryLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesDon’t be tempted to keep your jewelry in the bathroom for a long period of time. The humidity can lead to serious damage, from tarnishing metals to damaging clasps. RELATED: 16 Best Jewelry OrganizersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Books and Magazinesc11yg//Getty ImagesOf course, it’s always enjoyable to unwind with a warm bath and a good read. Just be sure to remove any books or magazines once you’re done. You shouldn’t get into the habit of stashing a collection of reading material in your bathroom for lengthy periods. “Books and magazines are a bad idea, since their pulpy pages hold onto moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew,” Dan DiClerico says. Monique 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.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

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    This Backyard Upgrade Could Add Thousands to Your Home’s Value

    If you’ve gone through the home buying process, a standout backyard setup likely topped your list of non-negotiables. From a cozy outdoor fireplace to a luxurious kitchen fit for entertaining, many people long for a backyard that serves as a true extension of their home’s interior. While this became apparent during the pandemic, a new Zillow report reveals that there’s still a major demand for homes with fully equipped outdoor living spaces. One top Zillow finding? Properties with an outdoor TV sell for 3.1% more than expected (approximately $10,000 more). Additionally, pizza ovens, bluestone patios, and outdoor showers are among some of the other features that boost a home’s sale price. hikesterson//Getty ImagesCozy outdoor gathering areas for family and friends are a great selling point for homes, says realtor and interior designer Sarah Goldstein of Teela Bennett Design.Sarah Goldstein, a realtor and interior designer at Teela Bennett Design, agrees with Zillow’s latest research. “Investing in your outdoor space is a huge selling point for your home and it gives your family and friends another area to spend time in,” Goldstein says. Goldstein has found that clients favor great hardscaping, including fire pits, patios, and outdoor kitchens. Visually appealing landscaping is a priority as well: “When you walk into the backyard and it’s fully curated—that’s truly what people are looking for,” she explains. “They want a lovely patio, planters, shrubbery, and trees to fill in the space.” Zillow’s report even found that properties that mention a plant ledge in their listing were sold five days faster than expected. But don’t overlook outdoor lighting either, Goldstein says. Thoughtful choices, such as spotlights to highlight trees and architectural features along with string lights over a pergola or patio, create a welcoming environment. “It makes the space usable and inviting at night. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that feels both practical and beautiful,” Goldstein says.Related StoriesMonique 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

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    Experts Warn Against This Laundry Hack Your Grandma Swears By

    To brighten and deodorize clothes, people are throwing a slice of lemon into their laundry. We consulted our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to learn more about whether the “hack” is safe. Read on for the verdict, plus how to keep you clothes feeling and smelling fresh. There’s nothing worse than taking your clothes out of the washer or dryer after a long day of laundry when you realize something—they don’t even smell that fresh. While it’s tempting to look to social media for viral hacks or tips for brightening and deodorizing clothes, they’re not always reliable. For example, there are tons of people online who claim you can unshrink clothing or use vinegar in the wash when in reality, neither are necessarily proven or safe. Still, there are some hacks out there that do work. As a home editor, I enjoy digging into the latest tips and tricks and uncovering whether or not they’re safe or worth it. Lately, homeowners have been claiming that throwing a lemon slice into the wash deodorizes and fights stains. But is it safe for your clothes and your machine? We spoke to Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director, Carolyn Forté to find out.Should you throw lemon into the wash?The idea is pretty simple—the acidic properties of lemon juice can help get rid of odor, brighten dull clothing, and remove tough stains. It’s an old-school method your grandma may have once recommended. However, there’s another factor to consider: how it affects your machine.”Like vinegar, the washing machine is not made to handle acidic products,” says Forté. Because of this, regularly adding vinegar or lemon to the wash can degrade internal parts of the machine. “I would add baking soda or washing soda instead,” she adds. More Cleaning AdviceHow to brighten and deodorize clothesLemon juice might not be the best way to go when it comes to brightening and deodorizing clothes, but luckily, there are other safe, effective methods you can try to get fresh clothes every time. sponge_po//Getty Images✔️ Use baking soda or washing soda: Like Forté mentioned, baking soda and washing soda are great for neutralizing odors. ✔️ Let smelly clothes air out before washing: Instead of letting smelly clothes stay put in a confined space (think sports or gym bags) right before washing, let them air out. This can help get rid of lingering smells by dispersing them beforehand. ✔️ Switch from washer to dryer quickly: “Don’t leave wet clothing in the washer too long,” says Forté. Letting clothes sit in a wet, confined space will cause them to smell musty after some time. ✔️ Pretreat stains: “Pre-soaking and pretreating stains helps remove them,” says Forté. “Wash clothes, especially whites, after 1-2 wears to keep them from getting dingy.”✔️ Avoid extra-large loads: “Don’t overload the washer so dirt and soil can be rinsed away and not deposited back on fabrics,” says Forté.✔️ Make sure the washing machine is clean: If your clothes consistently come out smelling less than fresh, a dirty washing machine could be the culprit. Deep clean your washing machine before your next load. 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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    This DIY Is the Ultimate Hack for Hiding “Ugly” Spaces

    There are certain areas of the house we all wish we could hide.Designer and content creator Breanna Young shares her simple DIY solution to hide everything in style. Read on for a step-by-step guide. Whether it’s a cluttered toy box or tangled computer wires, everyone has one or two household eyesores that they wish could be hidden forever. For Breanna Young, a Brooklyn-based designer and content creator, that particular space is her cat’s litter box, which she keeps underneath her bathroom sink. “We live in an old loft with an industrial bathroom and zero under-sink storage, which meant our cat Jade’s litter box and cleaning supplies ‘under the sink’ were fully on display. It made the space feel cold and unfinished,” says Young.Courtesy of Breanna YoungYoung’s bathroom sink is completely open underneath, leaving her cat’s litter box and cleaning products in plain sight.”My solution was a quick, low-commitment sink skirt that hides everything, adds texture, and gives the bathroom a warm, boutique-hotel vibe that matches the rest of our apartment,” she adds. Whether you love to DIY your own home decor or consider yourself a beginner when it comes to crafting, this simple sink skirt can be made with just a few materials. Gather a pair of scissors, measuring tape, and the below products before getting started. DIY Sink Skirt MaterialsShort 30-Inch CurtainsHook and Loop TapeHandheld SteamerNow 35% OffStep 1: Measure. Before you can start crafting, you’ll need to carefully measure your space. “Measure the full width of the opening under the sink and the height from under the sink to where you want the curtain to end. For fullness, choose enough panels so the fabric overlaps slightly,” says Young. Step 2: Prep and attach the hook-and-loop tape to the curtains.Courtesy of Breanna Young”Cut equal pieces of the rough (hook) side and the soft (loop) side of the tape to fit across the top of each curtain panel. I cut the tape into one long strip and spaced it across the width of each panel so the curtain would hang evenly. Stick the rough/hook side to the top backside of each curtain panel underneath where the curtain loops would be. Press firmly and smooth the fabric so the tape lies flat,” she adds. Step 3: Attach the matching soft side tape under the sink.After attaching the tape to the curtains, it’s time to bring it to the space you’re hoping to hide. “Apply the soft/loop pieces underneath the sink where they will snap to the curtain,” says Young. Step 4: Snap the panels on.Courtesy of Breanna Young”Align each panel and press (Velcro) the hook and loop pieces together. Work from one side to the other so spacing looks even,” she says. “If you have room underneath your sink for it, overlapping between panels creates a fuller, more finished look and hides any gaps.”Step 5: Neaten it up. Smooth the fabric with this optional step. “For a neater finish, use a steamer (or iron) to remove wrinkles and help the fabric hang nicely. For quick access, you can add one panel with a removable tieback or use Velcro tabs to fold a panel away when you need to reach the litter box or supplies,” says Young. The ResultFor Young, this simple DIY helped transform her bathroom not just aesthetically, but functionally, too. With added hidden storage, she has more space to store products in an organized manner. Courtesy of Breanna Young”Living in a rental without under-sink storage wasn’t ideal, but now, we have room under our sink to store our cleaning supplies, and a clever way to hide our cat’s litter box. It has made the bathroom so much more elevated, and it feels like a bathroom in a boutique hotel rather than a industrial bathroom without any proper storage. Our cat, Jade, is also happy to have her privacy as she uses the bathroom, too,” says Young. More Design IdeasLaura 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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    Designers Reveal the #1 Furniture Mistake That Can Ruin Your Living Room

    A sofa is typically one of the biggest and most expensive pieces of furniture in a room. Yet it’s the piece that people often get wrong, simply because they skip a key step during the buying process: measuring the space beforehand. Designer Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design says a sofa sets the tone for the whole room, so it has to be scaled just right. “Without measuring, you risk buying something too big that overwhelms the space or too small that leaves the room feeling unfinished,” Erickson says. An incorrectly scaled sofa has both a visual and functional impact on the entire room. Katie Lindquist of Katie Lindquist Interiors says measuring ensures the sofa feels integrated, balanced with other pieces, and comfortable in the architecture of the home. “Skipping that step almost guarantees regret, no matter how beautiful the sofa itself may be,” Lindquist says. Below, interior designers share what happens when you don’t take the time to measure before making a purchase, as well as their best tips for buying the right sized sofa.Related StoryWhy It’s Important to Measure FirstThe consensus among designers is that scale is everything when it comes to a successful room design. “When the scale is off, the whole space suffers,” says designer and DIY expert Fariha Nasir. She explains that the right scale creates balance, flow and comfort, and is what makes a room feel thoughtfully designed as opposed to just furnished. Overlooking scale by failing to measure first is a common and costly mistake, especially given a sofa’s prominent role within a room. “A sofa is often the largest piece in a living room, so if the dimensions aren’t right, it can immediately throw off the balance of the entire space,” says Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors.What Happens When You Don’t Measure Your Space Before Buying a Sofa? The sofa is too large and it overwhelms the room“A sofa that’s too large will overwhelm the space, crowding side tables against the walls and making entry points feel tight and uncomfortable,” says Jamie Lyn Smith of Smith Home Studios. The result is a room that feels crowded and disorganized. Additionally, an oversized sofa dominates the space visually and limits functionality by taking up excessive square footage. “It leaves less room for accent chairs, end tables, and other functional pieces that tie the design together,” Erickson says.The sofa is too small and feels underwhelmingA sofa that’s too small is just as much of a design blunder as one that’s too big. It gets lost within the space, doesn’t feel like an intentional design choice, and throws off the room’s balance. “A sofa that’s too small feels underwhelming, doesn’t anchor the room properly and limits seating,” Erickson says. It looks out of proportion, which Lubin says makes a room feel unfinished. When the sofa is clearly too small and appears “to float in a sea of empty space” as Smith puts it, many people remedy the mistake by flanking it with multiple side tables, lamps, and decor. While it may seem like all these extras would fill the negative space, they only create visual clutter and highlight the sofa’s inadequate size.AndreyPopov//Getty ImagesThere isn’t enough seatingPractically speaking, if you don’t measure first, you may end up with a sofa that’s so small that it doesn’t seat enough people, which Smith says can make conversation feel awkward. “Guests shouldn’t have to sit too far apart or struggle to find a convenient place for their drinks — proper scale ensures comfort, connection, and a balanced layout,” the designer explains.The sofa doesn’t fit through the door One of the most basic and most frustrating consequences of not measuring a space before buying a sofa is that it doesn’t even fit through the door! “Beyond just fitting the room, you also need to consider doorways, staircases, and elevators,” Lubin says. The designer shares that many times, the sofa can’t even make it into the home if those clearances are not accounted for. The sofa blocks walkwaysWhen people don’t take the time to measure before buying a sofa, it often results in blocked walkways. It’s not just the footprint of the sofa that needs to be accounted for, the walkways around it need to be considered as well. “As a designer, I always look at scale and circulation–how people will move through and live in the room,” Lindquist says. She notes that when the sofa is too large, it swallows the space and disrupts the flow of movement.Melissa Ross//Getty Images Pro Tips for Measuring Your Space Before You Buy a SofaMap out the sofa with painter’s tape“Start by measuring the room’s overall dimensions, then map out the ideal footprint of the sofa with painter’s tape on the floor,” Lubin recommends. She says this makes it easier to visualize how much space the sofa will take up in relation to rugs, coffee tables, and pathways. Nasir shares that in her experience, layout and flow are often an afterthought for people. She suggests sketching a simple layout in addition to taping out the sofa’s dimensions to visualize how the piece will actually live in the room.Plan to leave 18 inches between the sofa and coffee tableAs a general rule of thumb, designers recommend leaving 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, and at least three feet for walkways. “This balance creates a welcoming flow, allows for easy movement, encourages conversation, and ensures every guest has a comfortable place to set down a drink,” Smith says.CreativaStudio//Getty ImagesDon’t forget vertical measurementsIn addition to measuring the floor the length and width of your space, Lubin says it’s important to measure the ceiling height, too. “Don’t forget the vertical scale, too, and consider ceiling height and sightlines to windows, mantels, or art,” the designer says.Measure entry points to ensure enough clearance for the sofaThere’s no point in buying a beautiful sofa that’s correctly scaled to your living room if it can’t get past the front door. “Don’t forget the path it has to take; measure doorways, hallways, and staircases so you’re not stuck with a sofa that can’t even make it into the room,” Erickson says.Find a New SofaMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.  More

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    Reddit Is Losing It Over the “Right” Way to Load Silverware in the Dishwasher

    Users took to Reddit to debate how to load utensils in the dishwasher correctly.While some users think loading them upwards can cause contamination when unloading, others believe that’s the only way to make sure they’re fully cleaned. That being said, are you team up, or team down?When it comes to repetitive household chores, there are certain tasks that just become automatic. Our brains become wired to just get it done, without thinking at all about what it is we’re doing. One example? Loading and unloading the dishwasher. While you might not have ever considered your way of doing it could be wrong, there’s a whole debate out there you might be missing: When loading utensils into the dishwasher, do you load them facing upwards (tongs up, handle down) or downwards (tongs down, handle up)?Apparently, people feel strongly one way or the other. Reddit users took to r/KitchenConfidential to debate the topic, and while you might not have ever thought twice about it, each side makes a pretty solid argument. The Case for Team UpReddit users who face their utensils upward when loading them into the dishwasher claim that putting the side that touches food (tongs, blade, etc.) up ensures it gets cleaned more thoroughly. “Knives and forks? Go with up. The better cleaning does a lot more than any potential ‘contamination’ when unloading,” says one user. “Always down? I’ve…honestly never done that. Just seems wrong,” they added. Viktoriya Skorikova//Getty Images”Up. You unload wearing gloves or with clean hands,” writes another. “If you’re at home, does it even really matter if you touched the part that goes into your mouth,” asks one user. Related StoriesThe Case for Team DownTeam down is all about safety and possible contamination—grabbing from the handle allows you to avoid touching anything sharp or possibly contaminating the freshly-cleaned utensils with the germs on your hands. “I was always told to put it down so that when you unload silverware you can easily grab it by the handle because you’re not supposed to touch food contact surfaces bare-handed,” writes @El_Guerrero_Maya. “I don’t believe for one second they’re cleaned better pointing up. Pointing down only,” writes one skeptic user. The Verdict While some feel very passionately that there is a black-and-white answer, there are also some users who say the issue is a bit more nuanced. “Any kind of spoon? Alternate. Otherwise they will ‘spoon’ together and never get cleaned properly,” adds one user.Others mention washing them twice if you work in the food service industry: “Flat on the tray, then down in the silver rack for the second run.””You should be running it through on a flat dish rack twice anyway, before it even ends up in the cutlery caddy,” writes another. The verdict? Our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab actually recommend a mix of all of the above:Alternate spoons so they don’t nest together. Forks go up so the tines get clean.Knives go down for safety. So next time you go to load your utensils into the dishwasher, maybe it won’t be so automatic. Who knew? 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