Home Ideas

While it’s common to make your bed right after waking up, experts actually recommend giving your bedding time to air out.Our Good Housekeeping Institute cleaning expert shares why and reveals how long you should wait before making your bed.As a home editor, it’s no surprise I take home organization and cleanliness pretty seriously. And there’s one thing I absolutely cannot stand—an unmade bed. Once I’m up, the first thing I do is neatly straighten out my sheets and comforter, fluff my pillows, and move on with my day. It’s almost automatic at this point. When I heard that you actually shouldn’t make your bed immediately, I took it hard. What do you mean I’m supposed to leave the room with an unmade bed? Skeptical, I reached out to our cleaning expert at the Good Housekeeping Institute for backup. Read on for the reasoning behind why you shouldn’t make your bed right away, how long you should wait, and more mattress cleaning tips. Why You Should Wait to Make Your Bedsalez//Getty ImagesIt’s normal to sweat throughout the night, which leads to moisture buildup on your sheets and pillows. When you make your bed right away, you’re not giving your bedding any time to air out. “If you sweat at night, there’s dampness there and the bedding is warmed from your body heat, so you want to give it a chance to dry out and cool off before making the bed. Allergens, like dust mites, and germs, like bacteria, thrive in warm, moist conditions,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab.How Long Is Long Enough? If you make your bed right away (like me), the good news is you don’t have to change your morning routine too much. By the time you’re done with your morning cup of joe, it should be okay to resume your bed-making habits.”Pull down the covers a bit and remove and fluff the pillows. Then in about 30-60 minutes, it should be good to make. You can always give the sheets a feel to make sure they’re dry,” says Forté. “Making the bed everyday is an important step to keeping your home organized and tidy and a good habit to get into.”Related StoryHow to Keep Your Mattress CleanWhile airing out your bedding every morning will help you avoid excess moisture buildup, there are a few other tactics you can try as well. “To keep the mattress and pillows clean and dampness free, I recommend using pillow liners and mattress pads for extra protection,” says Forté. “Some are even moisture-resistant.”Regardless of how you make your bed or the type of bedding you use, you should still clean your mattress regularly. That means using the upholstery tool on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, steaming it with a garment steamer to kill dust mites, and spot-cleaning stains throughout.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

Grandma’s house is full of vintage charm, especially when it comes to the kitchen.Designers reveal the antique items hiding in grandma’s kitchen that may be worth a lot of money. A trip to grandma’s house typically involves a home cooked meal in the heart of the home: the kitchen. While it might be difficult to keep your eyes off the main course, you should take a closer look at the surrounding china and decor. Whether it’s vintage glassware, embroidered linens, or cast iron cookware, there are probably a few items hiding in grandma’s kitchen that are worth a lot of money. Ahead, designers reveal the valuable antique finds and collectibles you might not even know are there. Read on for 14 hidden gems to keep an eye out for next time your munching on grandma’s homemade cookies. Cabbageware ChinaQuirky cabbageware china is having a moment. “These colorful, highly detailed ceramics are increasingly collectible. Majolica pieces from the 19th century can go for high prices, while Bordallo Pinheiro’s whimsical designs have surged in popularity, especially among younger collectors. Dodie Thayer’s cabbageware is especially prized—handmade and harder to find, her pieces can command significant sums at auction and from collectors,” says Liz Williams, founder and principal designer of Liz Williams Interiors.Related StoryVintage PyrexJennifer Tabb//Getty ImagesStill a household name today, it’s no surprise older Pyrex pieces can be worth hundreds. “Mid-century Pyrex in patterns like ‘Butterprint,’ ‘Gooseberry,’ and ‘Pink Daisy’ have a cult following. A complete nesting bowl set in great condition can go for $250–$600, and some rare Cinderella casserole dishes have sold for over $1,000. Bonus points for lids and anything in turquoise, pink, or limited runs,” says Heather French of French & French Interiors.Jadeite GlasswareIf grandma loves colorful design, chances are she might have jadeite glassware lying around. “These iconic green mixing bowls were once a staple in Americana kitchens, and some pieces in pristine condition fetch hundreds. We love their cheerful color, which evokes a playful yet timeless feeling, and of course reminds us of being in our grandmother’s kitchen,” says Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design. Sterling Silver FlatwareWirestock//Getty ImagesWhile it definitely depends on the brand, grandma’s vintage sterling silver flatware shouldn’t be overlooked. “That fancy silverware pulled out only on holidays? It could be worth its weight in, well, silver. Brands like Gorham, Wallace, and Towle can fetch $800–$8,000+ for full sets, depending on the pattern and weight. Even mismatched pieces can bring $30–$80 each,” says French.Related StoryPancheonsA pancheon—or a wide, shallow mixing bowl—is another hidden gem to look out for. “Originally used for bread-making or separating cream, these weighty earthenware bowls are both practical and sculptural. With their rich glaze and gentle wear, they make striking centerpieces,” says Kate Cox of HÁM Interiors. Valencia Culver GlasswareBest known for their decorative glassware, Valencia Culver is a classic. “Valencia Culver glassware has seemed to maintain its popularity throughout the years and can definitely fetch a pretty penny. Again, it is most valuable if it comes in mint condition, and in full sets,” says Kate Pearce of Kate Pearce Vintage.Vintage LinensStefania Pelfini la Waziya//Getty ImagesThat decorative doily or table runner could be worth more than you think. “Hand-embroidered tea towels, aprons, and tablecloths in good condition can sell for $20–$100 each, and full sets or pristine pieces go even higher. Stylists and collectors snap them up fast. I’ve been collecting these since I was a teenager, and not only are they worth more, but the quality of the fabric is just better for the day-to-day in a kitchen,” says French. Milk GlassTypically white or off-white in color, milk glass is often used for tableware and other decorative items. “Produced in the late 19th and 20th centuries by companies like Fenton, Westmoreland, and Anchor Hocking, milk glass pieces—especially hobnail vases, cake stands, and covered dishes—are now highly collectible. Rare patterns and well-preserved sets often sell well above their original prices,” says Williams.Related StoryCopper MoldsVoisine//Getty ImagesUsed to bake cakes and make Jell-O, copper molds were a go-to back in the day. “Copper molds and pans are also worth keeping on your radar. Whether hanging from a rack or styled on a shelf, they’re as decorative as they are practical,” says Cox.Jean Roger FrogsWhether placed on the windowsill or used as a charming centerpiece, Jean Roger’s frog planters are certainly eye-catching. “Jean Roger’s whimsical ceramic frog planters, especially mid-century pieces made in Paris, are beloved by collectors for their playful designs and artistry. They come in many different colors and sizes and have become highly sought-after decorative accents, often fetching impressive prices at auction or in antique shops,” says Williams. Antique Dough BowlsOften handcrafted from a single piece of wood, antique dough bowls are typically used for mixing dough and letting it rise. “These seemingly simple, hand-carved bowls are highly sought-after and will never go out of style. They are especially popular at the moment, as they fit into nearly any design style from minimalist to eclectic to farmhouse, and add such a great organic vibe to the kitchen,” says Pearce.Cast Iron CookwareVICUSCHKA//Getty ImagesCast iron cookware is undeniably charming, even if it requires a bit more scrubbing to keep clean. “An ultimate cooking pan, if by certain brands like Wagner or Lodge (made in the beginning of the 20th century), is more superior to the ones made today and is not only valuable, but also cooks better,” says Evan Krenzien and Pierce Jordan of Shane & Pierce.Depression GlassIronically, depression glass—once made to be inexpensive—is now considered a valuable collectible. “Despite its humble origins, originating in the Depression Era, this colorful glassware is beloved for its nostalgia and historical significance. These very collectible pieces come in a variety of colors, with specific rare patterns and colors which can surprise in value,” says Hillery.Crystal StemwareCyndi Monaghan//Getty ImagesDepending on the condition, crystal stemware—especially as a full set—can sell for quite a bit. “Traditionally speaking, when couples got married in the past, it was time to give them items like crystal stemware. It’s strictly for entertainment purposes, and many of these items have a very high value,” says Alexandra Azat of Plaster & Patina.Let’s Go AntiquingLaura 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

Interior designers have been saying it for a while: Minimalism is out and colorful, lived-in interiors are taking over. That’s why lately creators on TikTok are embracing the “Messy Girl” aesthetic, a home style that prioritizes personal expression, imperfections and curated clutter. The trend contrasts the ultra-polished “Clean Girl” aesthetic, where minimalist and uncluttered interiors reign superior. The “more is more” philosophy is all about intentionally layering colors, patterns and textures. The rise of messy girl aesthetic follows the resurgence of ’90s fashion and home trends, with many comparing the chaotic home style to iconic characters like Friends’ Phoebe Buffay and Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.”The messy girl aesthetic—it’s effortlessly stylish, a little disheveled, and completely captivating,” says Carla Royder, an interior designer. “It’s the vibe that says you’ve got better things to do than obsessively fluff pillows. It’s about harnessing the allure of lived-in spaces without teetering over into full-on chaos.”To learn more about the messy girl aesthetic, I tapped content creators who have gone viral for embodying the trend, plus interior designers to get their advice for pulling off the look. What is Messy Girl Aesthetic? The messy girl aesthetic is a viral trend that romanticizes an imperfect, carefree lifestyle. The popular design style is similar to maximalism, where individuality is expressed through layering bold colors, patterns and textures. “I’d describe it as a collection of memories, passions, and personal interests, like a living museum of yourself,” says Melody Verkerk, the content creator behind @SaltyyMelody. “It’s less about following trends and more about surrounding yourself with things that tell your story.” Think curated clutter, like eclectic trinkets scattered around a room, a colorful gallery wall or one too many crochet pillows on the bed. “It’s a junk journal come to life,” says content creator Susie, whose most viral videos are showing her “messy” bedroom. “Everything has been collected or created over time and every item has a memory attached — from a market stall on holiday, foraged from a flea market, handmade long into the night, handed down from beloved grandparents, or picked up on a beach.” @sus.ie@sus.ieWhy Are People Embracing Mess?People (and design experts) are ditching minimalist interiors and leaning into personalized spaces. A curated collection of home decor items—what some may call “clutter”—makes a space feel inviting and cozy. “People want to express individuality more than ever,” says Verkerk. “The messy girl vibe offers warmth and personality. For me, it brings joy. I love admiring my things—rearranging them, flipping through books, picking up a perfume bottle just to smell it. Everything has a story, and that creates such a sense of home.” “There is joy in individualism,” agrees Susie. “We are bombarded with posts on the value of being ‘your authentic self’ in terms of looks and self-expression—and it’s extended into our homes. We are no longer made to feel that minimalism is the gold standard, but that creating a home that reflects our personalities and captures the stories of our lives is important.” @ saltyymelodyHow to Pull Off the Messy Girl AestheticThe golden rule of the messy girl aesthetic in one word: Intentionality. “This look may be carefree, but it’s not careless,” says Royder. “If your space is drowning in last night’s takeout containers, streaked with abandoned coffee mugs, or has tissues scattered like fallen leaves, that’s not messy girl chic—that’s just messy.” Follow this expert advice to craft a messy girl space that is perfectly imperfect: Rely on stylish trinket dishes and trays. “It’s about making clusters of clutter around your room,” says Susie. There’s a difference between untidy mess and aesthetic mess—and you should be able to find things when you need them.Make the bed. “Your bed can be slightly undone, but you still need to set the scene,” says Royder. “Toss a lovely throw blanket over it and fluff the pillows just enough.”Try linen bedding. “Linen is the queen of the casually luxurious look,” says Royder. “Its naturally wrinkled texture is more charming than a perfectly pressed sheet set.”Hang oversized art. “One large, dramatic piece of art can anchor your room and draw the eye, especially if it features bold, surprising colors. Prop it against the wall rather than mounting it—effortless, remember?” says Royder. Mix patterns with purpose. “Combine stripes, florals, and geometrics, vary the scale and keep one shared color running through,” says Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios. Don’t overthink it. “Whatever you’re drawn to, whether or not it matches, will naturally come together because it reflects you,” says Verkerk.What’s Trending in Home DesignAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

You’ve seen countless homes with a simple tiled kitchen backsplash, a tiled bathroom floor or even a tiled fireplace surround. But now? Homeowners are thinking a bit more outside of the box. They’re embracing unexpected tile applications, and the latest example is tile drenching. The concept is simple: Cover or “drench” a room (or most of the room) in tile for a dramatic effect. You can pick the same tile or a few different tiles with similar colors or patterns. Imagine a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tile or a kitchen backsplash that extends all the way to the ceiling. “Drenching a space in tile creates architectural coherence in a way that feels both effortless and grand,” says designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design. “From an aesthetic perspective, simplifying materials unifies a space and lends a sense of permanence because it presents a single, definitive point of view.”Amy Courtney Design; Photo: Alexander Severin“In this bath, seafoam green tile with ship motifs wraps the ceiling and tub surround for a fully immersive feel,” says designer Amy Courtney. Photo by: Alexander SeverinWhy Is It Popular Now? So why is this specific design trend all the rage now? For one, it’s about practicality. It removes the frustration that comes along with choosing multiple materials. “Repeating the same tile greatly reduces the number of choices needed when designing a space – it’s almost impossible to make a mistake since every choice coordinates with itself,” says Williamson. Plus, any room can benefit from the eye-catching look, according to designer Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design. “Tile drenching works in both large and small areas,” she says. It’s also in line with similar buzzy design trends, including color and pattern drenching, Meisgeier adds. “It provides the same opulent and stylish look that the latter two trends achieve in a space, both which have proven to be so well liked in recent years,” she says. “It was only a matter of time before tile drenching followed suit as well!”How to Nail the TrendHere, pros share some tips to keep in mind when putting the tile drenching trend to the test in your own space. Choose your tiles wisely. “The key is selecting a tile with tonal variation or texture, like a hand-glazed or embossed finish, to avoid a flat effect,” says Courtney. Meisgeier agrees, sharing that if she’s using multiple tiles in a space, she picks the dominant one first: “I start to conceptualize a tile drenching design by finding a tile that I know I want to use as the main focal point in the space,” she says. “Once that has been determined, I look for other tiles that have complementary colors to achieve balance.”Don’t overlook durability. “Because it’s being permanently installed on multiple surfaces, it’s critical to ensure your chosen material is rated for use on all of them. For example, a significant amount of wall tile can’t be used on floors. Likewise steam showers, outdoor spaces and materials that transition to countertops, all require special consideration,” says Williamson. “If you’re designing a bathroom or kitchen, steer clear of porous or highly textured stones that can be hard to clean or absorb moisture. Beautiful design should always live hand in hand with how a space is actually used,” says Britany Simon of Britany Simon Design.Related StoryPick the right space. “The tile drenching approach works best in contained spaces like powder rooms, showers and bath niches, where you can lean into bold design without overwhelming the space,”says Amy Courtney of Amy Courtney Design.Think floor-to-ceiling. “Using a decorative tile floor to ceiling is one of my favorite ways to make a small space feel more intentional and visually cohesive. It draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height while also adding that extra layer of design detail that makes the space feel thoughtfully styled and complete,” says Simon. Highlight a room’s quirks. “Unusually shaped rooms with low sloped ceilings or dormers are a great opportunity to transform an awkward space into something special,” says Williamson. “It seems counterintuitive, but a lack of contrast between materials can actually create the perception of a larger space by blurring the edges and contours of the room.”Aim for a “jewel box” treatment. “If you’ve ever worried about going too dark or fanciful in a highly visible space, a small enclosed room is the perfect place to go bold and create an immersive jewel box moment. After all, who doesn’t love opening a door to a grand and unexpected surprise?” says Williamson.More Design TrendsMonique 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

The formal living room is an elegant space for entertaining, often filled with high-end furniture, artwork and lighting to create a welcoming first impression. Your grandma’s house—with plastic sofa covers and fragile knick-knacks—might come to mind. While the family room is for casual everyday use (think watching movies or playing board games with the kids), the formal living room is typically reserved for adult-only gatherings or special holidays. Formal living room design has evolved—many have become more flexible and multifunctional to accommodate modern lifestyles, but interior designers still advise clients to rethink this outdated room. I recently asked over 15 interior designers to share their honest take on the rooms that are most overrated, and the majority of them agreed: Formal entertaining spaces are rarely used. “Formal living rooms are at the top of the list — beautifully furnished, barely touched,” says Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio. “In most homes, they become museum spaces that gather dust.””The room that’s often the most expensive to decorate beautifully—and the most underutilized—is the formal living room,” agrees Nancy Davilman, principal designer of ND Interiors. “The formal living room is a holdover from our parents’ era, when it was the most cherished and protected room in the house.” Designers Are Ditching These Popular Home FeaturesWhile formal entertaining spaces might look beautiful, they get very little use unless you’re frequently hosting large events. Even during holidays or small family gatherings, people tend to avoid these overly formal setups. “Most families gather in kitchens, around islands, or in more casual great rooms,” says Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley. Still, interior designers often receive requests for formal living rooms. “Clients with young kids often say they want ‘an adult space,’ but when it comes down to it, they rarely leave the kitchen or family room to use it,” says Davilman. “Now that we live in a more casual society, the days of the formal living room are largely behind us, unless the room features something special, like a great bar or pool table, that actually entices people to gather there.” Just because the formal living room has become obsolete, doesn’t mean you can’t design two distinct living areas. Rethink these formal spaces. Instead, consider crafting practical rooms that can be used on a regular basis.Vostok//Getty ImagesEmily Rand of Emily Rand Interiors tries to steer clients in a different direction. “Converting these extra rooms into more functional areas like a bar room, cozy den, or game room tends to serve homeowners much better.”Think of multifunctional spaces that are arranged with flexibility in mind. “Spaces that can evolve—like a media lounge that doubles as a guest room—tend to get the most real use,” says Botrie. 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

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There are aspects of historic kitchens that not many people would want to return to. Tuscan themes and orange-hued cabinetry are just two examples from the past, but there’s another one that design experts say deserves a second look—sculleries. Yes, sculleries, or prep kitchens, are making a major comeback.Common in 19th century aristocracy as an area for doing chores like washing dishes and laundering clothes, a scullery can be thought of as a zone where the more hard-earned tasks of running a home take place. A scullery was often adjacent to a main kitchen, keeping that area clear of the scrubbing, dunking and general water-logged quality of the room. “Essentially, they were a ‘dirty’ utility space subservient to a kitchen,” says architect Nicholas G. Potts. “It wasn’t a place where food was stored.” Related StoryRecently, the term has reemerged as a prep kitchen, a term Potts says is more flexible to how homeowners may use this space today—without any of the complicated class implications. “The archaic use of a scullery as a dishwashing-only room is not something that’s relevant to us given that we now have dishwashers and far fewer specific pieces of tableware,” he says. “But a prep kitchen is a great solution for homeowners with a lot of available space who entertain frequently. Because a prep kitchen can be sealed off, it’s also a nice fit for pickling, canning and so on.” Here’s why more and more homeowners are investing in prep kitchens. Design: Dunham Robinson; Photo: Nicholas VeneziaWhy Prep Kitchens Are Popular NowRachel Robinson, architect and founding partner of Dunham Robinson, says that the trend of finding extra square footage for this prep space makes sense given how many tasks modern kitchens oversee. “Today’s kitchens almost invariably do double duty,” she says. “They’re workhorses for daily cooking while often serving as the heart of the home: for entertaining, hanging out as a family, or decompressing and catching up after work. And that’s a lot to ask of one space. I would hypothesize that sculleries, or prep kitchens, have re-emerged because they take off some of that pressure.”This secondary kitchen could be used to store items that only come out for a crowd, as well as specialty pieces that emerge from cabinets every so often. “It’s a modern twist on a traditional idea—separating private working spaces from public entertaining spaces—that just makes life easier. In that sense, a scullery is like the backstage of a home: it holds all the supporting cast so the main kitchen can be the star.”Melissa Oholendt, founder and design principal at Oho Interiors, agrees that prep kitchens have staying power, even if it’s a room from the past. “It’s highly functional and can serve a larger purpose in a home,” she says. “We don’t see this trend dying in popularity but rather taking the shape of a modern family’s needs, and that is exciting!”Design: Oho Interiors; Photo: Judith MarilynHow to Know If a Scullery Is Right for YouTrends are not for everyone, particularly if they involve construction. But if you think a scullery should be a part of your home, here’s what you should consider:Planning is key. A prep kitchen won’t necessarily need as much space as, say, a dining area, but it does usually require precious square footage to make it worthwhile. More so, it has to be very functional—otherwise, you likely won’t use it. “Space planning is critical here,” Potts says. “It should be easily accessible (with direct garage or hallway access), have a sink, adequate counter space (with power), refrigeration and some closed or shelf storage if it’s also used for bulk ingredients.”Cooking must be a passion. If your calendar is routinely booked with events at home where you’re the chef, this is likely the right move. “If our clients are big on hosting—especially for the holidays—or if the client really wants a simplified kitchen, we will encourage a scullery for function,” Oholendt says. “But if we have clients who order more takeout than cook, a scullery would drive construction costs up in a way that doesn’t feel productive!”It can work for apartments, too. While a scullery harkens back to an era where a large estate’s staff worked behind the scenes, a modern take on this space can be introduced into a smaller home. “We recommend a scullery when clients love to entertain or have a treasured collection of glassware, serving pieces or appliances that can overwhelm a single kitchen, especially in a city apartment,” Robinson says. “It’s also ideal when the main kitchen is meant to feel open and minimal. Having a separate zone for storage and prep ensures that look is easy to maintain.”More Kitchen Design InspirationKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

If you own a home, you know how much goes into maintaining it. No one gets to every last item on the to-do list. (Seriously, who lubricates their door locks and hinges once a year, the way manufacturers recommend?) We get it: home maintenance can be a little tedious. But there are some upkeeps that you absolutely must stay on top of, since skipping them could lead to catastrophe, including fires, floods, mold and more. Our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute pulled together this essential to-do list, aimed at keeping your home and everyone in it safe throughout the year.Clear the dryer vent. Of the nearly 3,000 home dryer fires that are reported to fire departments each year, the leading cause is inadequate cleaning, since it allows the buildup of combustible lint inside the machine. Cleaning the lint screen on a regular basis is important, but at least once a year you also need to clear the vent.Start by turning off the power to the dryer at your home’s electrical panel. To access the vent, you’ll probably need to pull the machine away from the wall. Separate the vent from the dryer, then use the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up lint and other debris from both ends of the duct. Our cleaning experts are fans of the Hurricane Lint Lizard, which saves you from having to move the dryer. Instead, simply attach the plastic contraption to the end of your vacuum, insert it into the dryer through the lint screen compartment, and it will suck lint from deep inside the vent.Insulate water pipes. A single burst pipe in your home can cause upwards of $5,000 in damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many homeowners think frozen pipes only happen in cold parts of the country, but the truth is they’re a bigger threat in mild regions. That’s because pipes in these areas tend not to be insulated, making them susceptible to freezing and bursting during unexpected cold snaps. Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, attics and garages are vulnerable, as are water lines that run through cabinets or exterior walls. Wrap these pipes in foam insulation sleeves, available at home centers and plumbing supply stores for less than $1 per linear foot.Check smoke alarms. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or none that are working, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. For maximum protection, alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Once a month, make sure the alarms are working by pressing the test button.Carbon monoxide is another danger that claims about 400 lives every year in the U.S. Known as “the silent killer,” it’s an odorless gas that can escape from faulty gas-fired equipment, like clothes dryers and water heaters. Our experts recommend combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that protect against both threats. Most of the devices are interconnected, meaning you’ll be alerted to danger in one part of the house when you’re in another. Keep gutters clean. Clogged gutters lead to a host of problems, including leaky roofs, damaged foundation walls and mold outbreaks. Climbing up on the roof is dangerous work, so this is a good project to hire out, at an average cost of around $150.If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground and at a safe angle from the house. Wearing work gloves, scoop out leaves, pine needles, and any other muck that’s preventing rainwater from reaching the downspout. Then spray water from a garden hose to remove smaller debris, and to check that water is draining freely through the downspout to the ground below.Our experts say that installing gutters guards is a great way to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. In our tests, micro-mesh screens were excellent at keeping debris out of the gutter while withstanding even the heaviest of rainfall.Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter GuardNow 20% OffCredit: Raptor FlowGuard Gutter Cover SystemCredit: FlowGuardA-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Leaf & Debris ProtectionCredit: A-M Gutter GuardSweep the chimney. If your wood-burning fireplace gets a lot of action in the winter, a smoke residue called creosote will start to form on the chimney walls. Left unchecked, it can block the flow of smoke up the chimney, and even release carbon monoxide back into the home.Sweeping the chimney is not a DIY project, since it involves a lot of specialized equipment, like cameras and long wire brushes. The website of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) lets you search its online directory of some 2,000 members by zip code. The service will likely cost around $250.Chimney sweeps get busy during the winter, when fireplace issues arise the most. So take advantage of their downtime by scheduling your tune up during the summer or early fall.I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More