Home Ideas

Ants might be small, but they can cause a huge problem if they manage to invade your home. While ants are generally not considered dangerous, some may carry bacteria, making them an unwelcome guest in any house. If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants quickly, there are plenty of things you can do as a homeowner using materials you probably already have. We spoke to Steve Zaccone, owner and operator of Insetti Pest Services, for expert-approved ways to get rid of and prevent these pesky creatures from sneaking into your home. How to Identify AntsUnderstanding what type of ants you have in your home could tell you more about why they’re invading it in the first place and consequently, how to repel them. According to Zaccone, there are many different ant species that could make their way into your home, and you might need a magnifier in order to identify them. Here are a few of the most common types: Sugar ants: These tiny brown or black creatures are attracted to sugary substances as their name suggests. If you find ants in the kitchen or pantry where sweets have been left out in the open, you might be dealing with sugar ants. Note: The term “sugar ant” doesn’t refer to one specific species, but rather all sweet-seeking ants.Citronella ants: Citronella ants can often be identified by the odor they release when crushed. Hint: It’s in the name. “They’re light yellow to reddish brown and their presence can mean moisture issues. They’re usually found around the exterior foundation of homes,” says Zaccone. Pavement ants: Pavement ants are dark brown or black creatures that make their nests under pavement and enter through cracks in the home. Carpenter ants: “Carpenter ants are common too and can also mean that there’s a leak present somewhere causing moisture,” says Zaccone. Although these ants chew wood, they don’t actually eat it. Instead, they hollow it out so they can live in it. Related StoryHow to Get Rid of Ants If you already have an ant problem, the issue is unlikely to resolve on its own. However, there are a few ways you can get rid of these critters. Consider these effective solutions: Tooga//Getty Images1. Seal cracks around entryways. Ants can make their way into your home through the tiniest of cracks. That’s why it’s so important to properly inspect all entryways around your home, especially when you’ve noticed ants inside.”You can reduce ant activity by checking for holes and gaps around the house. Inspect around windows and doors,” says Zaccone. “You can use silicone or caulk. You can put door sweeps on the bottom of exterior doors.”2. Invest in bait traps. Instead of going straight for pesticides, invest in ant bait. While pesticides often leave unwanted residue around the house, ant bait stays contained in the trap. When worker ants discover the bait, they bring it back to their colony to share it, making it more likely to wipe out the whole colony. Terro Indoor Liquid Ant KillerRaid Max Double Control Ant BaitsNow 93% OffCombat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing GelNow 20% OffRelated Story3. Keep the house clean.This one is especially important if you’re dealing with sugar ants in particular. Make sure to keep all food in airtight containers and wipe down counters and floors as much as possible. 4. DIY your own ant repellent.There are a couple of homemade recipes you can try involving dish soap, essential oils and white vinegar. Here are the ratios:Dish soap: Fill a spray bottle with 10% dish soap and 90% water. Spray it directly on the ants and wipe them away. Essential oils: Add 10 drops of peppermint, thyme or citrus to a cup of water. Mix and fill a spray bottle. Spray any surfaces that ants seem to be attracted to. White vinegar: Add equal parts water and white vinegar to a spray bottle. Similar to essential oils, white vinegar acts as a repellent. Spray on any surfaces you’ve spotted ants. Just be sure to avoid using this spray on natural stone. 5. Hire a professional. If you’ve tried everything without much success, it’s time to seek out professional assistance. “As a professional, we use a gel bait in key areas where activity is present. We also apply an exterior treatment of the foundation with a pesticide. With the use of gel bait inside and an exterior treatment along the foundation, this usually eliminates the ants,” says Zaccone. How to Prevent Ants Once the ants are all gone, take these preventative measures to ensure they don’t make their way into your home again. PATSTOCK//Getty ImagesCut off all food sources: If ants can’t find food, they’ll be less likely to invade your home. Eliminating all food sources means cleaning up any spills, putting all food away after meals and keeping everything in airtight containers. Landscape your home: Lining your home with rocks or pebbles could help deter ants that don’t want to cross those barriers. Wipe off all surfaces: This includes crumbs, sticky floors and countertop spills. Make it a habit to wipe off all surfaces before bed.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

Martha Stewart’s newest book, Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and Growing, is her first in-depth gardening guide in over 30 years. From planning to design, the manual is filled with helpful information like how to choose the healthiest plants for your specific climate. Plus, the book includes gorgeous images, many of which are from Martha’s own gardens. Below is an excerpt from the book, out now.Introduction Gardening is an ever-evolving relationship, making it both immediately gratifying and a source of long-term awe and enjoyment.Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and GrowingNow 30% OffThose bulbs you planted in the brisk days of fall emerge once the ground thaws in spring and continue to do so year after year. A thicket of scrawny saplings grows into sturdy trees, casting shade, sporting blossoms, or yielding fruit (or all of the above). Nursery-bought perennials and shrubs settle in, take root, and become big and bountiful. Tiny seeds sprout, send up shoots, and provide delicious sustenance or showy flower heads. It all unfolds gradually, and there’s great pleasure in checking on each plant’s progress. Or as celebrated British horticulturist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll sums it up: “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” Growing Native PlantsNative plants are the heart of a healthy ecosystem, removing carbon from the air, providing shelter and food for wildlife, and promoting biodiversity.”Native plants support more species and larger numbers of bees than non-native plants.”A plant that is native to an area grows there naturally, without any cultivation. It is also cold-hardy for the area, though that same plant is not necessarily cold-hardy in other areas within the same zone or region where it is not native. Picture the vastly different natural landscapes in Utah and Kentucky (both in zones 5–7) or Montana and Maine (zones 2–5)—or even a rural, inland county versus coastal towns in South Carolina (zones 8–9). Numerous studies have shown that native plants support more species and larger numbers of bees than non-native plants, too. When growing native plants and supporting pollinators, look past hardiness zones to your particular “ecoregion,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, you can learn about “keystone” plants—the top native plants used by pollinating butterfly and bee species, without which the ecosystem and wildlife would suffer.North America has been divided into 15 broad “level I” ecological regions with 50 level II and 182 level III ecological areas. The ecoregion maps can be hard to decipher—instead, focus on keystone plants for each level I ecoregion on the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder, which also lets you search by zip code.The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is another excellent resource, with convenient downloadable one-page plant lists, or you can search by zip code via the National Audubon Society. You can also consult your local nursery, botanical garden, or cooperative extension to learn about native plants that will thrive in your area.Native PlantsHere is just a sampling of some native plants that thrive in Pennsylvania. Consult your local nursery to learn what will flourish in your garden.Harvest1. Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium)2. Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)3. ‘Little Henry’ sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Little Henry’)4. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)5. Hubricht’s bluestar (Amsonia hubrictii)6. Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis)7. ‘Autumn Bride’ coral bells (Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’)8. Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)9. Aster Spp.10. White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)11. Blue wood aster (Aster cordifolius syn. symphyotrichum cordifolium)12. ‘Proud Berry’ coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus ‘Proud Berry’)13. Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium dubium)Read More News on Martha StewartJamie (she/her) is the news and SEO editor at Good Housekeeping. She oversees GH’s digital news strategy, assigning and editing celebrity and entertainment news content. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she was the digital editor at Woman’s Day. She has over 7 years of professional experience writing and editing lifestyle content for the Rachael Ray Show, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, Elite Daily and more. She holds a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and lives in Brooklyn with her cats Lumos, Linus and Milo. More

If you’re at all interested in home design, you’re probably familiar with one of the more recent popular styles: modern farmhouse. Think rustic wood beams, sleek white kitchens and sliding barn doors. While homeowners have been embracing this style for years now, there’s a new trend that’s taking over home design — and consequently, the real estate market. According to Zillow’s latest research, organic modernism is the new modern farmhouse, and buyers are becoming more willing to pay for homes with nature-inspired design choices that align with the style. In fact, homes with these features sell for as much as 3.7% more than expected (that’s an extra $12,500 on the typical U.S. home).So what exactly is organic modernism? Here, we break down the trend along with its most sought-after features. What is organic modernism?Vasyl Cheipesh//Getty ImagesAccording to Zillow’s Home Trends Expert Amanda Pendleton, organic modernism has been on the rise since the early days of the pandemic.”Organic modernism feels like an evolution of the modern farmhouse look. It’s a design style that blends modern minimalism with natural elements and materials — think lots of wood, natural stone, patinated metals and texture. It’s become so popular lately because it offers a balance of comfort and style, and it feels attainable yet luxurious,” says Pendleton.Plus, the trend is rooted in sustainable design, which is becoming increasingly important to younger homebuyers who want to feel connected to the nature. Organic modernism gives them “refuge from a chaotic world,” according to Pendleton. What features are homebuyers looking for?Organic modernism is all about raw yet refined features, connecting homeowners to nature both inside and outside their homes. According to Zillow, there are a few key design elements related to this desire for serenity that can boost a home’s sale price.IndoorsSoapstone countertopsWhite oak floorsVenetian plaster wallsOutdoorsOutdoor showerOutdoor kitchenBluestone patio Wirestock//Getty ImagesFor example, soapstone is now more in demand than quartz as a countertop material, contributing to a sale premium of 3.5% versus 2.6% for quartz. And it doesn’t stop there — functional outdoor spaces are continuing to sell for more. Listings with mentions of outdoor showers, outdoor kitchens and bluestone patios can boost resale value by 2.2 – 2.8%.Is organic modernism here to stay?Trends come and go, yet the desire to stay connected to nature while at home has grown stronger and stronger among homeowners since the pandemic. Buyers want sustainable, natural materials incorporated into the spaces they spend the most time in. That desire has been present for years now — even if it’s just now reaching the mainstream — suggesting that this trend has some real staying power. “This style has saturated social feeds and media to the point where a typical home buyer now associates these features with an up-to-date home. As a result, they’re willing to compete for a home that has these trendy features and pay more than expected,” says Pendleton.More Interior Design TrendsLaura 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

Professional organizers are always discussing what to get rid of around the house, and paper clutter is usually at the top of the list. For parents with piles of cute drawings, paintings and crafting projects, it’s not so simple. Children’s art projects carry memories and showcase developmental milestones, which can create guilt when parents choose to throw them away.Since children’s artwork is sentimental and can be incredibly difficult to declutter, should you toss it? I asked three pro organizers, who also happen to be moms, and they all agreed: Most of your kids’ artwork should get thrown out. Why you should throw away your kids’ artwork?Paper clutter takes a toll on our mental well-being, impacting stress levels and productivity. “As both a professional organizer and a mom, I’ve seen how excess paper creates this constant visual noise that disrupts our functionality, focus and even our family harmony,” says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze. “When papers are scattered everywhere, we waste time searching, feel guilty about the mess and lose those truly special items in the shuffle.” Kinsella, who throws out 75% of her kids’ artwork, says it’s important to be selective. “The real value lies in the creative process: When kids make art, they reduce stress, build confidence and stimulate their minds. We don’t need to keep every piece to preserve those benefits.” The pros stress the importance of quality over quantity. “It can be more impactful to save and display a few prized masterpieces than to keep boxes of artwork stashed in a closet,” says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. “But, no need to feel guilty if you don’t want to keep any of it.”Jamie Grill//Getty ImagesWhat to do with your kids’ artwork:For the small percentage of art you keep, don’t toss it in a drawer and forget about it. The pros suggest digitizing or displaying your kids’ artwork, so you can eliminate paper clutter without throwing away cherished memories. Organize a photo album. Ask yourself: Is it important to keep the art in its original form or could you take a photo of it, instead? “Take a photo and make a digital or printed album of items that are too big or that don’t make sense to store,” says Zaslow.Hang refillable frames.Modern frames with a front opening design allow you to easily swap in artwork. Some options hold up to 50 papers at once, so you can continue to stack artwork as your little one creates. Upload photos of art to a digital frame.Before you toss a masterpiece, take a photo and upload it to a digital photo frame, like the Aura frame, so you can keep admiring it. Use a service that digitizes artwork. There are various brands that specialize in turning kids’ artwork into something special — think coffee table books, collages, gift wrap or T-shirts.”Artkive — popular for its framed mosaics — “is fantastic if you want a done-for-you service,” says Kinsella. Fill a box with artwork, send it in and they’ll professionally photograph everything. Turn drawings into wall art. Sites like Shutterfly and Artifact Uprising allow you to transform photos into personalized art — whether it’s a framed print, photo display box or canvas print.ARTKIVE Framed MosaicsScribble Kids’ Art Wrapping PaperFront Opening Kids’ Frames Now 17% OffTips for decluttering kids’ artwork:To alleviate guilt and decision fatigue, pro organizers suggest creating realistic systems for organizing your kids’ artwork. Sort through artwork daily. “I recycle anything that is schoolwork-related such as worksheets or spelling tests,” says Lightfoot. Dedicate a storage bin to each child’s art, and keep only what can fit inside. “Twice a year — mid-school year and end — I review everything we’ve collected,” says Kinsella. Get rid of anything that doesn’t feel meaningful. “I always remind myself: Nothing is precious if everything is saved.” At the end of the school year, file pieces into portfolio boxes. Anything that isn’t thrown away or put on display can be neatly organized and labeled for long-term storage. “These boxes create a natural physical limit for what we keep, which helps prevent overwhelm,” says Kinsella.Share the love. Gift creative pieces to grandparents and other family members. Reassess over time. “What feels precious now might feel less so in a few years, and that’s okay,” says Kinsella. “Your system can evolve as your needs change — especially as the volume of artwork ebbs and flows.”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

Gone are the days of all-white kitchens, muted bedrooms and other minimalist spaces. In 2025, homeowners are expressing themselves through their interior design style, leaning into personality-fueled trends like dopamine decor and wallpapered ceilings. Unsurprisingly, people are looking to the past — think retro design features like decorative molding and antique mirrors — to inspire their current home design. Specifically, interior designers are noticing a revival from one decade in particular: the 1980s. “The 1980s were a vibrant and lavish decade when interior design embraced bold, eclectic styles, mixing luxury with playful, futuristic elements. Neon colors, as well as pastels, were popular, thanks to shows like Miami Vice,” says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. While certain 1980s trends are making a comeback today, they’re resurfacing with a modern twist. We spoke to three interior designers about the ’80s design elements they’re seeing in 2025 and how homeowners are incorporating them into their spaces today.Cozy MaximalismEmily J FollowillThe term ‘maximalism’ might bring to mind wild patterns and clashing colors — but that doesn’t truly capture the essence of the style. While maximalism often involves bold design choices, the style can be cozy too. In the 1980s, pops of color throughout the home were commonplace, but these spaces still felt comfortable.”One of my favorite aspects of 1980s home design is the cozy, lived-in feel of the spaces,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design. “I love that the cozy, maximalist aesthetic is back where there’s a balance between comfort and style, and spaces feel lived-in and character-ful — while also feeling modern!”Wooden AccentsMatching wooden chairs and tables are part of the 1980s signature style. While you might not see those sets often these days, wooden accents are making a comeback in other forms. “Wood hardware is trending, whether it is integrated into cabinets or designed to stand out,” says Jessica Flake of Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Think wooden knobs on cabinets, stained bookcases and vintage wooden picture frames. Regardless of how it’s incorporated, wood adds character to any space, and homeowners are rediscovering that in new ways. Colored TilesMARC MAULDINDesign by Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Photo by: Marc MauldinHomeowners are continuing to move away from neutral color palettes, welcoming vibrant furniture, daring patterns and unique wall design and flooring into their spaces. Designers are noticing that their clients are especially becoming more adventurous when it comes to their walls, opting for bright colors and new textures around the house. “Colored tile specifically has seen a big revival,” says Flake.Oversized FurnitureChunky furniture is a defining characteristic of 1980s interior design. While it might not sound appealing to have extra-large furniture all over the house today, there’s been a reinvention of this furniture style that designers are loving. “The 1980s were known for their big, bulky furniture, such as oversized sofas and armchairs with thick cushions and large frames. While oversized sofas are still popular, they now have cleaner lines. The focus is on comfort without the oppressive bulk, so you’ll find lower-profile sofas, with a narrow track arm, covered in visually lighter upholstery fabrics,” says Jay. Curved DetailingAnastasia AlkemaContrary to the more modern emphasis on simple, clean lines in home design, the 1980s style was all about curved furniture and detailing around the house. Not only can curved lines be more visually interesting, they can also add character and charm to a home like this fluted marble surface does. “Some trends making a comeback today include curved, fluted and reeded detailing,” says Flake. “We see it in materials such as wood, marble, tile and even glass — applied to cabinets, furniture and walls.” Bold Wallpaper LooksIt’s no surprise that wallpaper is making a major comeback in 2025. While homeowners are taking a step back from the patterns seen in the 1980s, they’re experimenting with all kinds of different colors and designs.”In the 1980s, floral wallpaper was everywhere, and the patterns often featured rich, jewel tones that overwhelmed a space. We’re now seeing wallpaper being used in more creative ways, not just the traditional four walls. My clients are always open to wallpapering a ceiling, or adding a touch of wallpaper in the backs of bookcases,” says Jay.Neon and PastelsRobert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors If bright colors are your thing, you’re in luck. Neon hues and pastel color schemes are working their way back into interior design. “The use of bold color from the 1980s is making a strong comeback, offering a refreshing contrast to the dominance of neutral tones like gray,” says Williams. “Small doses of vibrant colors, such as neon accents or jewel tones, are being used in modern interiors to add energy and personality, often through accent walls, colorful furniture and textiles.”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

Duvet covers are supposed to make life easier. They’re easy to wash, long-lasting and interchangeable, meaning you don’t have to buy a new comforter every time you want a different look. However, the process of putting one on can certainly be a hassle. And if you dread that chore, all the benefits of using a duvet cover go out the window. Luckily, we have just the trick for you. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has a three-step method for inserting a duvet, including one crucial tip that makes life a whole lot easier. Below, you’ll find our step-by-step guide, plus the duvet covers that earned GH’s 2025 Bedding Awards if you’re looking to switch up your style. 1. Lay everything down on the bed. First, lay your duvet insert on your bed. Once each corner of your duvet is aligned with the four corners of your bed, lay the duvet cover directly on top. 2. Flip the duvet cover inside out and attach. Reach inside the duvet cover and pull all four corners inside out. The top of the cover should match the top of the insert. Tie all four corners to secure the insert to the cover. 3. Flip it back to the right side. Reach inside again and flip the duvet cover to its original side, which now fully covers the duvet insert. Close the cover and fluff as needed. That’s it! Now your duvet should be all set for a restful and cozy night of sleep. GH 2025 Bedding Awards: Duvet Cover WinnersRelated 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

Brigitt 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

1Make your own all-purpose cleanerJamie GrillCombine one part white vinegar, one part water, a lemon rind and a few rosemary springs into a spray bottle. Shake and let it infuse for a week before using. This natural cleaner can remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges and much more. Keep in mind: Vinegar is not safe for all surfaces, including natural stone and finished wood.RELATED: 8 Things That Should Never Be Cleaned With Vinegar 2Clean oven racks in the bath tubgerenme//Getty ImagesRather than struggling to scrub your oven racks in the sink, give them a soak in the bath tub. Scrub racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad and grease-fighting dish soap. Our advice? Lay down towels in the tub first to prevent scratching from the metal racks.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Refresh window treatments in the dryerArtjafara//Getty ImagesPut your dryer to work! Toss drapes, curtains and soft valances in the dryer for 15 minutes on air-only or the lowest temperature your model offers, then immediately rehang to avoid wrinkles.4Vacuum blindsChalabala//Getty ImagesAttach your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment and turn the suction down to the lowest setting available. Close the blinds, hold the slats taut and vacuum slowly. (Move from left to right for horizontal blinds, top to bottom for vertical blinds.) Open and close the slats in the opposite direction, then vacuum each slat again.RELATED: How to Clean Blinds FastAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Clean cutting boards with lemonMaria Forbes//Getty ImagesWith regular use, even the best cutting boards can become stained. If you think that nasty mark on your cutting board is permanent, you could be wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to help remove food stains and smells. Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first for extra oomph. Follow up with a coating of a cutting board oil to nourish the wood.6Wash pillows in the washing machineArtjafara//Getty ImagesMost bed pillows can go straight into the washing machine! You need to clean these items only two or three times a year, so they should be at the top of your list during spring cleaning season. Just make sure you check the manufacturer’s label for care instructions. RELATED: How to Wash Pillows Properly, According to a Cleaning ExpertAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Use dish soap to tackle carpet stains. aquaArts studio//Getty ImagesCombine ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish soap and one cup water into a spray bottle, shaking to combine. Spray a microfiber cloth with the solution and dab the stain. Once the stain is removed, fill another spray bottle with fresh water and spray the area to rinse any suds. Blot well with a clean microfiber cloth and allow to air dry. You can also refresh carpets between deep-cleanings by using a portable carpet cleaner. RELATED: How to Make Simple Homemade Cleaning Sprays8Tackle soap scum with lemonConnect Images//Getty ImagesLemon juice acts as a natural acidic cleaner, so it can tackle soap scum. Mix it with water and spray it on tubs and showers, then scrub. Keep in mind: Never use this mixture on marble to avoid damaging the surface. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Clean the toilet with white vinegarAndrei Zonenko//Getty ImagesUse a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to refresh the toilet bowl and remove hard water stains. Drain the water out of your toilet bowl. Pour white vinegar into the bowl until it covers the water line and let it sit overnight. Add one cup of baking soda to create a fizzy solution. Start scrubbing until stains are gone, then flush.RELATED: How to Disinfect and Clean Your Toilet10Vacuum door mats on both sidesConnect Images//Getty ImagesGoing over the backs of the mats will push trapped dirt out onto the floor, where it will be easier to pick up. To refresh outdoor mats, hose them off, then air-dry. Pro tip: You can trap more dirt by using two mats, one mat outside and one inside. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Dust with dryer sheetsWirestock//Getty ImagesDitch a store-bought disposable duster for something you may have at home — used dryer sheets. Collect dust on furniture, air vents, ceiling fans, baseboards and much more. The anti-static properties are also great for wiping down TVs, mirrors and computer screens. 12Steam clean the microwaveAndrewRafalsky//Getty ImagesClean up those pesky tomato stains once and for all. To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a lemon, lime or orange cut into thin slices — or several tablespoons of vinegar — and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside and outside of the microwave with a sponge.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Clean your washing machine with bleachHero Images//Getty Images14Use ketchup to shine copper pots and pansGetty ImagesKetchup helps dissolve tarnish on copper pots and other copper cooking accessories. Just massage the sauce over the surface, and add a pinch of salt if you come across exceptionally stubborn spots.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Clean kids’ toys in the dishwasher or washing machineGetty ImagesWhen it comes to cleaning kids’ toys, don’t overlook the convenience of your dishwasher or washing machine. For plastic toys, choose the crystal or quick cycle on the dishwasher and skip the heated dry. For stuffed animals, check the care labels, and if machine washable, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before throwing it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. A quick once-over with a lint roller can help too. RELATED: Easy Toy Storage Ideas and Tips That Will Get Kids Super Organized16Clean your mattress with a garment steamerjopstock//Getty ImagesIt’s the ideal time to pay attention to what’s under the sheets. To clean your mattress, first use a top-performing clothing steamer to kill dust mites near the surface. Vacuum the mattress afterward, making sure to press firmly with your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After vacuuming, sanitize the mattress with a disinfecting spray like Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Freshen up carpets with baking sodaJohn keeble//Getty ImagesTo rid your carpet of odors, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet. Using a soft brush, work the baking soda into your carpet and let it set for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda off the carpet with a fresh bag or clean dirt cup.18Donate clothes you’ve only worn onceKostikova//Getty ImagesGo through clothes and shoes, purging anything you’ve only worn once and likely won’t wear again. Think a bridesmaid dress, Halloween costume or formal dress you’ve outgrown. Try on anything you’re unsure about before giving it closet space. Keep an eye out for anything stained, in need of repair or worn out. RELATED: 6 Types of Clothes to Get Rid of ASAP, According to Pro OrganizersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Remove (and clean) bins from the fridgeIn addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep-clean every now and then. Pop out the door shelves and bins and wash them in warm, soapy water to help get rid of food bacteria and spillage. Don’t forget to rinse and dry everything well before putting the shelves and bins back in. 20Clean windows on a shady dayGetty ImagesWait for an overcast day to clean windows. Choosing a sunny day is one of the most common window-cleaning mistakes to avoid. “Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth,” Forté says.Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  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