Home Ideas

It’s no secret that more and more homeowners are giving neutrals a rest and embracing bold colors instead. The latest example? Color-blocking, which has been popping up in the interior design world lately. The concept, which has also gained popularity in fashion, is straightforward: mix a few contrasting paint colors in a room to make a big design statement. And the pros say the more vibrant, the better. “Color-blocking is one of the simplest ways to bring structure and visual rhythm into a space,” says Lauren Saab of Saab Studios. “Instead of painting an entire room one shade, color is applied in precise bands across walls, ceilings, even built-ins to highlight features and guide the eye.”Designer Kim Dee of Kim Dee Designs is also on board with the trend. “People want their home to spark something, whether that’s creativity, inspiration or fun. And color does that instantly. Color-blocking allows you to tell a story with hues and shapes, and homeowners are ready to be the authors again.” onurdongel//Getty ImagesAnd unlike wallpaper, which can be pricey, you don’t have to blow your budget on paint for your color-blocking project. It’s as easy as choosing a few paint shades within your preferred price range. “Color blocking is growing in popularity among homeowners—not just because it’s more budget-friendly than wallpaper, but also because it allows for a playful, creative approach to design,” says Erika Hollinshead Ward of Erika Ward Interiors, who believes it’s the perfect DIY project for the adventurous. Color-Blocking Tips From the ProsIf you’re curious about how to put the trend to the test in your home, consider this expert advice to show off your personality and achieve the best look possible. ✔️ Showcase architectural features. From archways to built-in shelving and nooks, designer Sabah Mansoor of Sabah Mansoor Design says color-blocking allows these details to shine. “You can use color blocking to highlight the scale of an architectural detail such as floor-to-ceiling bookcases, an archway entrance to a room bathed in the same color or tones or to highlight a window seat alcove.”✔️ Keep the lines clean and deliberate. When it comes to color-blocking, the goal is to achieve an effect that’s both “composed and compelling,” says Saab. “Picture a painted border around a hallway opening, or a ceiling done in deep slate to ground a light, airy room. Even a soft sage stripe can add quiet contrast without making the space feel busy.” ✔️ Focus on your ceiling. Designer Heather Kirk of Kirk Riley Design has a tip to accentuate high ceilings or make them appear higher: “Start by painting a deep color about 3/4 of the way up the walls. Next, apply a high-contrast, light color on the remaining wall section and same as the ceiling. That simple trick will have your room feeling elongated and super chic.”✔️ Create separation between spaces. If you want to set distinct areas in an open-concept layout — a kitchen and dining space, for instance — color-blocking is a good solution. “It’s an effective way to define and delineate spaces within an open-plan living area, adding depth and interest to the full space,” says Mansoor. ✔️ Think beyond paint. According to Dee, believe or not, color-blocking doesn’t just work with paint. Consider showing off the technique with upholstery, drapery, bedding and even rugs:”Think: a terracotta sofa frame paired with blush seat cushions, or contrasting back and seat cushions in complementary hues.””Drapery styles where the bottom quarter or the top band is a completely different color.””A comforter that features more than one color, paired with coordinating accent pillows, can create a bold, layered look without overwhelming the room.””Try layering two rugs in bold, opposing tones for a curated color-blocked effect, or go with a large-scale rug that features a two-tone design. It’s a low-commitment way to bring energy into a room, no paintbrush required.Experiment With Pattern & ColorMonique 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

HomeGoods is a design lover’s dream. Step foot into any location (there are more than 900 in the U.S.), and you’ll find just about anything you need to bring your decorating plan to life. You can hunt for affordable furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath essentials and so much more. But considering the wide inventory, it can be overwhelming to find the best buys for your space. Shelves tend to overflow with merchandise, you have to navigate a constant flurry of shoppers, and sometimes the shopping experience can feel like a test of your patience. That’s why we reached out to interior designers for some guidance to make the most of every shopping trip. Here, design pros share the top finds to look out for at any HomeGoods.”When shopping at HomeGoods, it’s really all about the hunt,” says Katherine Moore of Murphy & Moore Design. “There’s always something fresh, unexpected and genuinely useful, especially for designers like us who are constantly sourcing both practical pieces and finishing touches.” Stylish DishwareYou can usually find everything from everyday dinner plates and cereal bowls to special pieces that can enhance a dinner party. “We like to search for beautiful platters, glassware and serving pieces that can elevate a staging moment or client install,” Moore says. Towels Designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt says don’t overlook the towel section. She has one rule for picking the right style: “I’m always looking for plush textures, subtle patterns or elevated neutrals that bring a spa-like feel to bathrooms or add that perfect finishing touch when staging,” Cloud says. “They’re an easy, affordable way to layer in softness and make a space feel intentional.”Related StoriesThrow PillowsHomeGoods usually categorizes pillows by color, which makes it easy to find the right design for your home’s palette. “They are fun, cozy and the simplest way to refresh any space without breaking the bank,” says Tehilla Bennett of Teela Bennett Design. It’s also simple to change them seasonally if you want. Bennett says to think “fresh, bright colors in spring when everything starts to bloom, and warm, textured fabrics in the fall to make the space feel cozy.” Decorative Vases and Trays Home Made by Carmona’s Ursula Carmona, who uses her platform to spread the word about the retailer as a HomeGoods Featured Finder, tends to frequent this section of the store. “HomeGoods is my emergency run for those final decorative accessories after completing a room,” says Carmona, who often looks for eye-catching trays, vases and sculptural pieces. “They are more than just fillers; a room doesn’t feel complete without these charming touches.” Related StoryPicture FramesIt’s easy to find frames to arrange a gallery wall or a unique pick to display a favorite family photo on a console table. “You really can’t beat [its] prices on frames, and they are such an easy upgrade,” Bennett says. You can usually spot wood styles, gold designs, patterned options, you name it.Images By Tang Ming Tung//Getty ImagesKids’ Bathroom AccessoriesOutfitting a bathroom for a young kid or teenager? You can look to the retailer for bath mats and vanity countertop accessories. “Though HomeGoods is more temporal in nature, we love the thrill of finding perfect pieces for rooms that will be outgrown in a few years,” says designer Lara Apelian of Lara Apelian Studio. LightingTable lamps and floor lamps are another area where the retailer shines. “Everyone is obsessed with ‘the small light’ for good reason; this is where ambiance makes a home feel cozy,” Carmona says. “HomeGoods is always my go-to for stylish and affordable lighting. From trendy table lamps, to show-stopping floor lamps, to the most adorable little cordless lamps we’ll take with us from room to room. More Shopping TipsMonique 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

Of all the mistakes people make when caring for their lawns, cutting the grass too short might be the most harmful. “Grass blades are like solar panels, absorbing energy from the sun and sending it down to the roots,” explains Frank Rossi, associate professor of horticulture at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. “When you cut off all that foliage, the grass is forced to live off its energy reserves, and a stressed-out lawn is not going to look very good.” Besides being more disease-resistant, taller grass does a better job of blocking out weeds, meaning fewer dandelions to deal with; and it provides thicker shade cover for the soil, reducing evaporation and helping the lawn through dry spells. To avoid scalping your grass, Rossi recommends following the 1/3rd rule, whereby you never take off more than 1/3rd of the height of the grass. That’s probably longer than you’re used to, but besides reducing plant stress and water-loss, it means you won’t have to mow as often, “about 25% to 35% less frequently,” says Rossi.Here’s what the math looks like on that claim: For best results, lawn care experts recommend letting the grass grow to a little more than 5 inches, then cutting it back to around 3.5 inches, removing about 1/3rd of the blade.Compare that with someone who cuts their lawn down to 2 inches, going for a more manicured look. To do that and still follow the 1/3rd rule, they will need to cut the lawn when it reaches 3 inches. That’s 1 inch of growth between cuttings versus 1.5 to 2 inches under the best-practices scenario. Which translates into mowing every 5 days instead of every 8 or 9 days. Multiple that out over the course of the entire growing season, and you get back a few extra Saturdays! Rossi is a big fan of robotic lawn mowers, which he estimates are now used on about a third of the lawns in Europe, though they’re just starting to gain popularity in the U.S. Robotic mowers only trim a little of the lawn at a time using small, razor-like blades. That more frequent mowing keeps the lawn healthy and also providers natural fertilizer in the form of nutrient-rich fine clippings. How to Set Your Mower Height Most of the lawn mowers tested by our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute have an adjustable deck, usually with a notched lever that raises or lowers the wheels in 1-inch or 1/2-inch increments, adjusting the distance between the deck and the ground. It’s a good idea to measure the height of the mower blade from the ground (use the driveway or other level surface to get an accurate reading). You might find that the notches are a bit off, maybe in such a way that the 4-inch setting is best for cutting your lawn to the desired 3.5-inch height. Toro Stripe 60-volt Cordless Lawn Mower Now 48% OffCredit: Toro RYOBI Zero Turn Riding Mower Now 17% OffCredit: Ryobi Segway Navimow i110N Robot Lawn MowerNow 15% OffCredit: Segway More Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid For a lush, healthy lawn, avoid these other common lawn care mistakes:✔️ Mowing with a dull blade. It will tear at the grass blades, leaving behind jagged edges that loose water and invite disease. Experts recommend sharpening your blade every 10 hours of mowing. It’s a good idea to have a second blade that you can use while the first is at the hardware store or lawn mower repair shop. ✔️ Bagging, instead of mulching. Lawn clippings are a natural source of nutrients for the lawn that can reduce fertilizing needs by 25% or more. So instead of bagging them (which adds time and effort to the chore), use your mower’s mulching mode to deposit the clippings back onto the lawn. ✔️ Pulling every last weed. Forget about the perfect, weed-free yard. It’s tough to achieve without pumping the lawn full of chemicals. Plus, some weeds are actually good for turf grass. Clover, for examples, pulls nitrogen from the air and feeds it to the soil. ✔️ Watering every day. A daily sip won’t help your lawn’s root system. A good long soak once a week (or every few days during high summer) is a better irrigation strategy. Lawn’s need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. An empty tuna can is a good way to keep track. More Yard Tips and ProductsHaving 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

With summer travel is in full swing, it feels like I’ve barely spent a full week in my apartment. As a renter in Jersey City with window units, I can never decide if I should turn my AC off before I head out of town. Most people say it’s more expensive to turn the AC on and off, but I also feel guilty wasting energy while traveling. I tapped an expert to find the definitive answer. Short answer: Don’t turn off your AC when you’re away — but you should raise the temperature. Below, Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, shares why you should NEVER turn your AC off and the ideal temperature to set your system while on vacation. Everything You Need to Do Before VacationIt’s never a good idea to turn off your air conditioning (it’s true, it can cost more money in the long run), but you should raise the temperature when you’re away. “A lot of people make the mistake of turning the AC on and off because they think it will save money,” explains DiClerico. In reality, the system has to work harder to bring the temperature back down to a comfortable level. “My standard advice is to set the temperature anywhere from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit,” says DiClerico. “If it’s a long trip — say a week or more — you should be on the higher end of that spectrum, up around 85 degrees. If you’re just going away for the weekend, you can keep it at it 80 degrees, or even 78, so that the home will be relatively comfortable when you return.” Cost aside, too much heat and humidity can actually harm your house. Not only can steamy conditions invite mold and mildew, but it can create a fire hazard — especially if appliances overheat. “If it gets sweltering hot in the home, that can take a toll on electronics and large appliances,” says DiClerico. “For example, the refrigerator will have to work harder to maintain safe food-storage temperatures.”Don’t worry: DiClerico assured me the same rules apply for window units. Set them to auto, if your unit has that setting (one of my ancient AC units doesn’t, so I plan to set it to low on a higher temp). “Most modern window ACs have a built-in temperature sensor, so they’ll cycle on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Depending on the weather, it might only kick on for a few hours during the hottest time of the day.”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

1There’s not enough food. Mike Bons//Getty ImagesAccording to Birds & Blooms, hummingbirds may eat up to three times their body weight in one day. As a result, they need to eat pretty consistently. “Probably the number one reason hummingbirds are not visiting is they don’t see your garden as offering enough food sources. If you are trying to attract hummingbirds without feeders, you need to have a good number of plants, and they should be blooming throughout the spring, summer and early fall,” says Alice Madar, executive director at International Hummingbird Society.2You need more tubular flowers.wulingyun//Getty ImagesHummingbirds have long, narrow beaks that allow them to reach deep inside tubular flowers for nectar. “Plant plenty of annuals, perennials and shrubs with tubular flowers, making access to the nectar source very easy,” says Shauna Moore, director of horticulture at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Your garden is lacking in native plants. real444//Getty ImagesNative plants are especially important for pollinators like hummingbirds as they offer a rich source of nutrients. “Ideally you are planting red-blooming, native species of penstemon, agastache and salvia. Hummingbirds also love trumpet vine and honeysuckle,” says Madar.RELATED: 18 Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Home Garden4The feeder isn’t clean.Carlos Luis Camacho Photographs//Getty ImagesIf you’re going to incorporate feeders into your garden, it’s essential to care for them properly. “Feeders are a bit more of a pain to maintain. You can use one part table sugar in four parts water. You have to check them regularly — any black growths indicate fungus. Make sure to either boil the feeders in water or use a diluted vinegar to rinse and scrub them. Then rinse 3-4 times with water to wash the vinegar out. Hummingbirds can fall very sick and even die if they consume these fungi. So it’s better to avoid putting a feeder out if you cannot maintain the feeders well,” says Anusha Shankar, integrative biologist and physiological ecologist.RELATED: 7 Best Bird Feeders, Reviewed by ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5The timing is wrong. Prue Heron//Getty ImagesYou might be waiting for hummingbirds to visit your garden at the wrong time. Research their migration patterns to make sure you’re prepared when the time is right. “It’s always best to check the migratory pattern to know when they are coming. The change in climate and bloom time for some plants in the garden can have a gradual impact on their migratory patterns,” says Moore.RELATED: Find Out When Hummingbirds Will Reach Your Yard With This Interactive Map6You’re working with the wrong colors. Masahiro Makino//Getty ImagesLuckily, hummingbirds love colorful gardens, particularly ones with bright, hot shades. “Hummingbirds love red, orange and purple flowers. Increasing the number of flowering plants with these colors, with tubular corollas, will help attract more hummingbirds,” says Shankar.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Chemicals are deterring them. Sirisak Boakaew//Getty ImagesHummingbirds feed on insects as a source of protein, so be sure to avoid all sorts of pesticides and herbicides in your garden. “Insects and plants that have been treated with chemicals can pose an inherent risk to hummingbirds if ingested,” says Moore. 8You’re missing a water feature. pr2is//Getty ImagesGive hummingbirds a place to bathe and hydrate in your garden. “It’s important to have a shallow, slow-moving water feature in your yard — something like a bubbler or gentle waterfall. Hummingbirds also love water misters,” says Madar.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9There’s not enough protection.Dan Ripplinger / 500px//Getty ImagesDue to their small size, hummingbirds appreciate a safe atmosphere. “Hummingbirds don’t really like coming to an isolated food source in the middle of open ground. They’ll more easily visit areas which feel more protected — near some trees or a wall or some sort of continuous habitat,” says Shankar. 10Cats are scaring them off. nomadnes//Getty ImagesUnfortunately, hummingbirds do not get along with our furry friends. If you have cats in your yard, there’s a chance they’re scaring away hummingbirds (and other birds, too). “It is important to keep cats out of your garden. Estimates are that domesticated cats kill one billion birds in the U.S. every year,” says Madar.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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Some paint colors have a special way of exuding a vintage flair, and regardless of where you use them — a dining room, bedroom, living room — they feel relevant year after year. They add more charm to older properties and can even imbue newer homes with a sense of character. That’s why we decided to turn to the pros to find out the top vintage paint colors that are worth keeping on your radar for a home refresh. From rich green tones to earthy neutrals, keep reading for designers’ favorites. Green Tones ArtjafaraLean into the beauty of nature with shades of green. You can go moody (think forest green) or opt for olive hues for a vintage touch. “Green has always been a staple of historic interiors,” says designer Lauren Saab of Saab Studios. “It echoes the natural world, flatters almost every material and never feels trend driven.”A few of Saab’s go-to green paint colors include Benjamin Moore’s Saybrook Sage, “a quiet, olive-toned green that brings soft contrast without feeling trendy. It has the kind of softened depth you often see in historic interiors, especially when used on cabinetry or millwork.” There’s also Sherwin-Williams’ Rosemary, which the designer says is versatile enough to elevate spaces like pantries and home offices. “It’s a deep, moody green with an old-world richness that instantly anchors a space. It adds weight and dimension without overpowering the room.”For designer Heather Kirk of Kirk Riley Design, forest and Kelly green are worth considering and work well with wood tones as well as whites and cream colors. “They were huge hits in the 80s, and they’re back — just don’t pair it with mauve,” Kirk says. She also suggests the “fresh and crisp” pairing of dark green with light blue. If you’re up for color-drenching a room’s walls and ceiling, Suzanne Barrow of Barrow Interiors often turns to Farrow & Ball. “Farrow & Ball offers a range of paint colors inspired by vintage and rich historical palettes, and Green Smoke is an amazing, smoky color with a hint of blue that was popular in interiors during the late 19th century,” Barrow says. Deep PlumsYKvision//Getty ImagesThese days, designers are embracing purple hues, too. Stick to rich tones to give rooms a feeling of warmth and luxury. Designer Susan Petrie specifically favors deep plums. “The color is a nod to an iconic 1970s palette and offers a vintage vibe that is moody and sophisticated,” says Petrie, founder of Petrie Interior Designs. “It also creates a sense of depth that can be both dramatic and soothing at the same time.”Related StoryGreigeArtjafara//Getty ImagesAnother designer favorite is greige — a blend of gray and beige. Designer Lina Galvao of Curated Nest Interiors points to Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak as an example, since it complements both warm and cool shades. “We love how it looks with vintage decor or traditional decor, providing a hint of color, but serving primarily as a supporting character for other tones in the room,” Galvao says. BluesCourtesy of Farrow & BallCalming blues are another no-fail option for an old-world vibe. “One of my favorite vintage-inspired shades is Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball (No. 85),” says designer Peggy Haddad, who finds the blue-green hue to be a great match for navy. “Oval Room Blue has depth without feeling heavy, with a subtly aged quality, thanks to its black undertones, that make it feel like it’s always been there. In fact, it’s named after the oval-shaped rooms of the late 18th century.”Saab is also drawn to Sherwin-Williams’ Daphne and recommends it for breakfast nooks or just about any room that can benefit from a timeless feel. “It has a powdery, vintage softness that brings instant nostalgia in the best possible way,’ she says. “It’s a muted blue with just enough gray to keep it subtle and serene.”Creams + Warm Whites Suchada Tansirimas//Getty ImagesFrom Benjamin Moore’s White Down to Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin, Saab says shades of cream and warm white make a room feel inviting. “They lend warmth without weight and have long been used to brighten spaces without losing character.”She suggests pairing shades like Slipper Satin with oak floors and unlacquered brass. White Down, a warm white, is a go-to for creating classic setups. It has “a creamy base and a soft depth that keeps it from feeling flat or sterile,” Saab says. Warm Neutrals + Earth Tonesnegoworks//Getty Images”Warm neutrals and earth tones draw from the materials that defined early interiors like clay walls, worn leather and raw wood,” says Saab. “They bring a sense of permanence and patina, grounding any space in something that feels storied and lasting.”Think a muted rose-beige such as Sherwin-Williams Renwick Rose Beige, which Saab suggests for powder rooms, bedrooms or a library with low, ambient light. “It has a sepia undertone that instantly softens modern lines and adds a touch of age and elegance,” Saab says. And for home libraries and offices with traditional details, Saab goes for a Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan, a muted gray. “It’s part of the brand’s Historical Color Collection and offers a deep, burnished brown that instantly adds depth and character to a space,” she says. More Paint Color InspirationMonique 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

Some TikTok users claim trimming your broom will expand its life. Cleaning experts reveal whether it’s recommended, plus tips on how to store your broom.Social media is full of so-called hacks and advice, especially when it comes to cleaning. #CleanTok — TikTok’s hashtag for all-things-cleaning — has taken over feeds with everything from laundry tips to viral product recommendations and beyond.While some of it might be helpful, it can be difficult to parse through what’s not (and what might actually be causing more harm than good). As a home editor who has tested TikTok-approved products like the damp duster and electric cleaning brush, I always like to dig a little deeper before adding a hack to my cleaning routine. When I scrolled past a few videos of users trimming their brooms with just a pair of scissors, I was skeptical. The idea is simple — trim off the frayed or uneven ends so that your broom lasts longer. But is it actually recommended?To get to the bottom of the broom trimming debate, I spoke to a few cleaning experts. Read on for whether or not you should trim your broom, plus how to keep it in the best shape possible. Should You Trim Your Broom?The answer is both yes and no. According to Katie Kanopka, senior product manager for brooms at O-Cedar, you should not trim your broom, particularly if it’s made of synthetic fibers: “Most broom manufacturers, including O-Cedar, flag the ends of the broom’s bristles. Flagging means they split the ends of each bristle, similar to what you might imagine when thinking about split ends in your hair. Flagged bristles make the broom fuller, and therefore more efficient in each sweep, leaving less dust and debris behind. Unlike the split hairs on your head, you don’t want to trim these off of your broom, as you’ll lose sweeping performance.”Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty ImagesHowever, that doesn’t necessarily mean trimming is off limits for all brooms. Becky Rapinchuk, also known as Clean Mama, recommends the process only for natural fiber brooms. “Trimming removes damaged ends and helps maintain the broom’s sweeping efficiency. A well-maintained natural fiber broom can last years longer with occasional trimming,” says Rapinchuk. Tips for TrimmingIf you do choose to trim your natural fiber broom, keep these tips in mind before whipping out the scissors. Don’t trim too much: Rapinchuk recommends trimming only uneven ends. “Trim straight across to maintain an even sweeping surface,” she says. Use sharp scissors: For a clean cut, make sure to avoid dull shears. Rinse after trimming: Clean off any debris with a quick rinse. “Allow it to dry completely before using,” says Rapinchuk. How to Store a Broomsergeyryzhov//Getty ImagesAlthough you shouldn’t give synthetic fiber brooms a haircut, there are plenty of other ways you can keep them alive and thriving for longer. “Store it in a way that avoids bending or flexing of the bristles. We recommend hanging it from its handle or storing it upside down (head up). Occasionally clean your broom by combing out tangled debris and giving it a wash with mild soap and water,” says Kanopka.More Cleaning TipsLaura 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

The bags are packed, the mail is on hold and you’ve enlisted a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things while you’re away. But before you leave for the big vacation, run through the following home security checklist, from our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Then you can sit back and relax, knowing your home will be just as you left it when you return.Set the thermostat. Though you don’t want to waste money cooling your home when you’re away, an excessive build-up of heat and humidity can invite mold and mildew. Steamy conditions can even create a fire hazard, for example if the refrigerator or other large appliance overheats from working too hard. Setting the temperature between 80 ° F and 85° F will prevent dangerous conditions without eating up too many energy dollars. Smart thermostats make it easy to program temperatures for your home, and you can also control and monitor the device remotely through the smart phone app, in case you forget to set the temp before leaving. Temperature control is even more critical during winter trips, because freezing conditions inside the home can lead to frozen pipes. Set the temperature to at least 55° F to stay safe while you’re on the ski slopes or tropical island.Arm the security system. After you lock the windows and doors, be sure to check the security system. It’s a good to get in the habit of arming the system every time you leave the house, even if you’re just running to the supermarket. If you have a professional security system, notify the company with your plans. If you’re going to be away for a few weeks or longer, let the local police department know as well.Don’t have a security system? Consider one of the DIY-friendly smart home security systems available to consumers. Our experts were impressed by the ease and efficacy of SimpliSafe, which invented the category 15 years ago. The Ring Alarm Pro won a Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award on the strength of its comprehensiveness, protecting against not just break-ins, but also floods, freezing temperatures, fires and more. ecobee Smart Thermostat PremiumCredit: Ecobee Tp-link Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini Credit: Kasa Ring Spotlight Cam ProCredit: RingUnplug electronic devices.Plugged-in devices pose a serious fire hazard, since a sudden power surge can cause them to overheat. Many electronics also use electricity when they’re not in use (“vampire power,” as it’s known), so you’re losing money by leaving them plugged in.Rechargeable batteries, like those used for e-bikes and power tools, are among the most dangerous devices, so be sure to unplug them and store them at room temperature. Heat-generating small appliances, including toaster ovens and electric kettles, are also on the must-unplug list.Related StoryPut the lights on a timer.One of the oldest tricks in the book is still tops at deterring would-be burglars, by making the home appear occupied. Our experts are big fans of smart plugs and smart bulbs, both of which let you program lights to turn on and off at random times of the day — unlike mechanical timers, which tend to be more predictable, turning lights on and off at the same time every day.Safeguard the yard. Store any valuables, like expensive patio furniture or outdoor speakers, in the garage or shed. Our experts also recommend putting away lawn chairs, outdoor toys, and any other items that could become airborne in heavy winds, say if a hurricane or tropical storm blows through while you’re away.Make sure any outdoor security cameras are fully charged. If you don’t own any, now is a good time to make the investment. Studies show that the mere presence of an outdoor camera is enough to make burglars think twice about hitting your home. Related StoriesHaving 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