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Just like your home, your car can get messy from time to time. Crumbs, grime, and trash can build up in crevices and on surfaces. But if you’re wondering how to clean your car interior like a pro, we’ve got step-by-step instructions on how to get your car sparkling clean. We’ve tested plenty of car cleaning products, so we know which ones are the best. And we’ve tapped the pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab for the best methods to clean everything from car seats to floor mats to steering wheels. Here’s how to clean your car interior like a pro. What you’ll needFor the most part, common household cleaners like a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner are all you need to get the job done. But a few car-cleaning extras, including compressed air, can help tackle hard-to-reach areas like vents and cup holders for a more thorough clean. (You can even purchase a car cleaning kit for added convenience.) It’s also important to keep in mind that some cleaners contain harsh ingredients that can damage certain surfaces — leather upholstery and GPS screens in particular. In general, we recommend stocking the following items for at-home car detailing:Common Household Cleaning ProductsTrash bagUpholstery cleanerHandheld vacuumGlass cleanerMicrofiber clothsDish soapDisinfecting wipesSmall brush setTrash BagGlad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash BagsNow 14% OffCredit: GladUpholstery CleanerBissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery CleanerCredit: BissellHandheld VacuumDirt Devil Grab & Go+ 8V Cordless Handheld Vacuum CleanerCredit: Dirt DevilGlass CleanerInvisible Glass Cleaner for Auto and HomeCredit: Invisible GlassMicrofiber ClothsAmazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning ClothsCredit: AmazonAll-Purpose CleanerSimple Green All-Purpose Cleaner ConcentrateCredit: Simple GreenDish SoapDawn Dish Soap Now 17% OffCredit: DawnDisinfecting WipesLysol Disinfectant Plant Based WipesCredit: LysolSmall Brush SetOXO Good Grips Deep Clean Brush SetCredit: OXOProfessional Car Interior Cleaning ProductsStep-by-step instructionsvictorass88//Getty Images1. Do a quick sweep. Bring a trash bag out to your car and toss wrappers, empty cups, old receipts and anything else that belongs in the waste bin. I also find it helpful to have a reusable bag or two on hand in the car for anything I come across that doesn’t belong in the trash: rogue kids’ socks, pet leashes, travel cups and more. Bring the reusable bag inside when full, so you can return each item to its proper place.2. Remove and clean car seats and floor mats. If your car is home to car seats, take those out first. Once you’ve removed them from your vehicle, shake them out and vacuum using a crevice tool. There are lots of nooks and crannies in these items, and this attachment will help you do a more thorough job without damaging the seat. You can also use a damp cloth to spot-clean any trouble spots.Next, remove and shake out car mats. If any stains lurk beneath, use a portable cleaner like the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. It’s efficient and effective, thanks to a long hose that allows you to maneuver in a tight area like the car. For stubborn spots on rubber mats, use a garden hose to remove stuck-on bits, then scrub any remaining spots with a mixture of dish soap and warm water.Jecapix//Getty Images3. Wipe the windows. Brush away any visible dirt from the inside of the windshield and windows and the tracks below them. Then spritz with a glass cleaner like Invisible Glass, which has a fine mist so the spray drips less — important when you’re working with automatic windows. (You can also use Windex Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes if you find that more convenient.) Wipe away all traces of the product with a clean microfiber cloth. (Because they’re super absorbent, they’ll leave the glass shiny and streak-free.)4. Dust the front panel, dashboard and console. Because it’s the focal point in your car, this is where you’ll first spot dust and dirt. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or vacuum away any dirt and grime for a quick fix. To give your dashboard a like-new look, spray nooks and seams with compressed air and wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaner like Car Guys Super Cleaner. Finish it off by sanitizing any high-traffic spots with disinfectant wipes. If desired, you can also add an air freshener to remove odors.AndreyPopov//Getty Images5. Clean out cup holders. Don’t sleep on your cupholders. Those hardworking spots can be one of the grimiest — and stickiest — areas in your car’s interior. To clean out these spots before they begin to harbor bacteria, immerse removable plastic cupholders in soapy water, rinse clean, then wipe dry. If yours aren’t removable, you can wipe them down with warm, soapy water. (A small brush set can help you get into those hard-to-reach spots.)6. Clean the seats. Whether you have leather or cloth seats, the first step to clean your car seats is to vacuum. For best results, use a cordless handheld vacuum with the upholstery or brush tool. Then use the crevice tool to reach crumbs and dust stuck in seams and between the seats. The next steps vary based on what type of seats you have:If you have cloth seats, use your upholstery cleaning machine, or for stubborn stains, a carpet and upholstery cleaner like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. Just spray it on and work it into the stain with a cloth or soft brush, then let it sit according to the label’s directions. Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.If you have leather seats, work a mild soap or a leather cleaner, like GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Leather Cleaner, into the leather with a soft, damp cloth. Then, rinse with another damp cloth before buffing with a dry cloth. Finally, apply a protectant like GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to help prevent future stains.Vinyl upholstery car seats are easy: Spray an all-purpose cleaner, like Car Guys Super Cleaner, over trouble spots, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.aire images//Getty Images7. Do a full pass on the carpet.Once the rest of the car’s interior is clean, vacuum the base carpet completely using the mini rotating brush attachment if your vacuum has one. If not, use the upholstery/brush tool. (You want to save this step for last, since debris may fall onto the floor during the cleaning process.) Use smaller nozzles to clean crevices, including seat tracks and even seat pockets. After vacuuming, you may want to use your upholstery cleaner to tackle any stubborn spots you might have previously missed.8. Wipe down the steering wheel and door handles.Finally, since these high-touch areas can harbor germs and bacteria, spritz the steering wheel and all door handles with a disinfectant spray. Let sit for the time indicated on the manufacturer’s instructions and air dry, then buff with a microfiber cloth. For leather-covered steering wheels, use a disinfecting wipe.How often to cleanCleaning your car may seem like a daunting task, but here’s a bit of good news: It’s something you really only have to do about once per month. And if you’re diligent about regular maintenance cleaning, the task will become easier to tackle since you won’t have to do such a deep clean every time. Another nice bonus: When you have a clean car, it’s easier to maximize space, which means you’ll be able to fit more sports gear, groceries or whatever else you need to tote around town. Additional tips to keep your car interior cleanTo minimize the amount of work you have to put in each time you clean your car’s interior, follow these tips to keep things in order: Don’t eat in the car. This goes for both you and the kids — especially messy foods that crumble easily or sticky things like lollipops.Wipe down your pets’ paws before placing them in the vehicle — and, if you have an SUV, consider securing pets safely in the cargo area. You might also want to keep a lint roller in the glove compartment to quickly tackle any pet hair each time your cat or dog rides with you. Keep a small trash can in the car for snack wrappers, empty cups and all of those pesky receipts that build up. Place protective car seat covers over the seats. If you have young kids, you can also get kick mats to place on the backs of the front seats to keep muddy footprints off the leather, vinyl or cloth seats. Apply a leather conditioner such as Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream, or a fabric protector such as Scotchgard Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield, to seats to help repel spills and make stains easier to remove.Why trust Good Housekeeping?Brigitt Earley is a seasoned freelance writer with extensive experience writing about consumer products, including household cleaning supplies. She’s also a mom of four kids ages 3 through 6, so she’s no stranger to a dirty car. To write this interior car cleaning guide, she worked under guidance from the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab.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.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Now 29% OffThis two-piece dining-chair set captures the simplicity of Scandi design with added warmth via white oak frames and latticed faux-leather seats (available in both light and dark options).Yes the Home Depot — purveyors of lumber and paint — sells collectible Lenox dinnerware. This traditional bone china set features the brand’s classic holly design for a nostalgic holiday touch at the dinner table. Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 40% OffA sleek sofa has the power to completely redefine your living room, and this mid-century modern piece easily blends into a variety of interior designs. The silhouette has crisp lines, a generous three-seat cushion, and two coordinating bolster pillows for a tailored, designer look. Choose from five colorways and either a fabric or faux leather finish.Now 35% OffA crinkled blanket tossed over the edge of an accent chair or sofa has all the makings of a wabi sabi, at-ease moment (and it’s pretty much a necessity for the chilly months). This super soft blanket from Eddie Bauer flaunts one side with an ultra-plush faux Sherpa material; the other features a red and cream plaid pattern.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 29% OffYou can never have enough storage or surface space in the kitchen. Whether yours has a tiny or large footprint, a kitchen cart can make all the difference when it comes to meal prep. This sleek option from StyleWell has two shelves, two drawers, and a spacious countertop for an instant kitchen upgrade.Now 38% OffKids won’t have a problem with bedtime if they’re sleeping in a bed shaped like a race car. This life-like design has accounted for all the details: wheels, headlights, and eye-catching decals. Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 28% OffAnd for the adults, a new handsome duo of nightstands could be the very thing that makes your primary bedroom feel more like a retreat. Available in either walnut or acorn, these bedside tables are made from solid wood and feature three smooth-gliding drawers — the top one is a charging station.Now 30% OffTake advantage of the savings on bedding linens to have your holiday guests feel like they’re staying in a hotel. This reversible quilt from Laura Ashley comes in white, cream, gray, and blue and features a decorative raised scroll design for subtle texture. It’s a lightweight option that you can easily layer for year-round use, and includes two shams for full, queen, and king options, and one for the twin size.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 40% OffFluffy, soft towels are one of life’s littlest luxuries. This luxe, 100% cotton set from Vera Wang includes two bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths, and comes in a variety of colors. Now 26% OffWork’s easier when you’re comfortable, and the right home office chair can make all the difference. This one has an elevated design with built-in amenities like lumbar support, reclining, adjustable arms, and a 360-degree swivel.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 28% OffFirst impressions and “welcome home” moments are made in entryways. Keep things tidy with an organizer with a craftsman feel, this sturdy shelf and bench set. Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Haley and Adam Weidenbaum thought they were destined to be small-space dwellers—until they became smitten with a 5,000-square-foot residence in the Valley. “This one felt really special,” says Haley, who is the co-founder of Everhem, a direct-to-consumer destination for personalized window treatments. “I grew up in the Valley, so coming back from Los Angeles proper to an area I already had such a connection to, with so many fond memories, felt really meaningful.”While the extra square footage might’ve seemed superfluous when the couple first purchased the house in 2018, it soon became essential: Haley and Adam already had one child and quickly learned they were expecting twins, so the extra space was welcomed. The residence dates back to the 1950s—and was renovated by designer Windsor Smith in the early aughts—but under the Weidenbaum family? This property is in its cozy era. Jessica AlexanderIn Everhem founder Haley Weidenbaum’s living room, a tufted RH sofa, woven Everhem shades, and lighting from Serena & Lily bridge the gap between classic and California contemporary.”I wanted the flow to feel inviting and functional for family life, while still being elevated enough for entertaining,” Haley says. “For me, the balance of function and beauty is what makes a home truly livable.” In order to create a space that’s “calm, cozy, and collected,” Haley juxtaposed classic California elements with more traditional details. ” I love blending classic design with modern comfort, rooted in traditional elements but layered in a way that feels fresh, warm, and thoughtful,” Haley says. Step inside the living room, where a neutral palette and Everhem’s woven Roman shades are juxtaposed with a tufted sofa from RH and Serena & Lily sconces. A similar mix is seen in the primary bedroom, which is drenched in Farrow & Ball’s Grove Green and dotted with a beaded chandelier from Ro Sham Beaux as well as a mixture of patterned bedding, courtesy of Parachute and McGee & Co. Jessica AlexandraWeidenbaum outfitted her dining room with floral wallpaper from Chasing Paper, a RH dining table, as well as chairs from Rejuvenation. A vintage rug and Serena & Lily chandelier rounds out the room. Ditto for the dining room, where Chasing Paper’s whimsy floral wallpaper hangs above traditional wainscoting details. Meanwhile, the RH dining room table is peppered with caned seats from Rejuvenation, bringing a dash of West Coast cool to this classy setup. For a personal touch, Haley sprinkled in large-format photographs taken by her father. “Photography is his passion, and I love showcasing his work,” she notes. “It adds a personal layer of meaning to the space as well.” Perhaps the home’s most Californian room is the kitchen, which Haley calls the heart of her home. “When we moved in, the kitchen felt a little dark, dated, and heavy, ” she explains. “So when it came time for a refresh, I wanted something completely different from what we had lived with for a few years.” She transformed the kitchen into an “open, bright, and grounding” space with a walnut wood island, crisp cabinets covered in Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White, and marble countertops and backsplash. Jessica AlexanderThe all-white has a touch of texture, thanks to pendants and stools by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel.”Since the kitchen has a large footprint, I wanted to avoid breaking it up with too many materials,” she explains. “The continuous marble backsplash provides a wonderful sense of flow and intentionality.” For Haley, it was crucial to bring that meticulous detail to everything—right down to…well, the window treatments. “I feel strongly that window treatments should complement the design of the space, but I like finding small ways to insert drama and layers,” she shares. “Like a meticulous pinch pleat or contrasting a soft green Roman against a white wall.” Jessica AlexanderWeidenbaum creates a cozy primary bedroom by awashing her space in Farrow & Ball’s Grove Green. “My husband is actually the color guy,” Haley says. “She really loves color and we often color-drench a room.”While Haley’s always switching up the window treatments in her home—all Everhem, of course—she’s currently loving dual treatments such as the setup in her primary space. “I like to pair Romans with curtains on the same window for a little drama, or I’ll do blackout curtains over sets of sheers,” she says. “Delicate, airy fabrics make layered pairings feel modern, and effortlessly elegant.” In the years since the Weidenbaum family moved into their Southern California home, they’ve learned how to make the most of their generous footprint. However, one of their favorite areas came about during the shelter-in-place order. Jessica AlexandraThanks to House of Hackney’s tropical wallpaper, the family’s private speakeasy is equal parts intimate and exhilarating. “In 2020, like many people, we were feeling restless during quarantine and decided it was the perfect time to update a few spaces,” she explains. “We really missed going out and being social, so we thought, ‘Why not bring that experience into our home?'” Haley and Adam decided to transform a walk-in closet off the kitchen into a speakeasy, complete with a busy House of Hackney wallpaper, cocktail tables from School House Electric, and a neon sign by Glo.In doing so, the family proved that extra square footage isn’t just a perk: It can be a toast-worthy feature, too. Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

We surveyed 15+ interior designers on the latest design trends. Designers agree: ‘Refined Layering’ is the new style to look out for.Read on for more on the latest interior design style, plus ways to get involved. Grandmacore, nostalgia decor, and retro design trends—it’s clear by now that homeowners are seeking comfort through their interior design choices. And there’s another new style pro designers are noticing come to life. It’s called “refined layering.””Timeless, tactile, and deeply personal, it blends the warmth of traditional design with the clean lines of contemporary living. Think rich natural materials, heritage craftsmanship, and soulful vintage finds—balanced with technology-forward wellness features and modern comfort,” says Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Studio, who coined the name of the style.To dig deeper into the latest design trends, we asked 15+ pro designers for their honest takes on what homeowners are craving in their spaces—and plenty agreed: Curated, collected spaces with a thoughtful mix of vintage decor and modern technology are here to stay. But what makes refined layering different from other vintage-inspired design styles? We spoke to three designers on what makes this new style stand out, plus how to nail the look.Refined Layering, ExplainedAccording to the pros, refined layering is about more than just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. “It’s curation with a point of view. Instead of piling on patina, we thoughtfully edit. This way, heritage craftsmanship can meet clean lines, richer textures can complement restrained silhouettes, the room feels collected instead of cluttered, and timeless instead of ‘themed,'” says Kelly. Phil CrozierWhile the vintage look is certainly popular right now, we all want spaces that prioritize function and modern technology. “True layering comes from juxtaposition—the balance between old and new is what makes a space feel interesting and personal,” says Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design.Refined layering isn’t about chasing one aesthetic. It’s about creating your own original look through careful curation of decorations, materials, and colors you love over time.How to Nail the LookBecause refined layering calls for creating your own aesthetic, it’s going to look different for everyone based on stylistic preferences and vintage finds. Follow these tips to get started, but remember, creating a carefully curated look takes time.Madeline Harper Photography✔️ Mix and match: “Display cherished vintage family heirlooms or flea market finds alongside more modern collections. Mixing the old and the new adds soul and individuality to a space, creating that layered, collected look,” says Alanna Dunn of Reena Sotropa In House.✔️ Contrast with texture: “If you already have lots of natural materials like wood, stone, or leather, mix in something sleek, like a lacquered table or glass accent, to add contrast and depth,” says Erickson. ✔️ Practice the 3–2–1 rule: “Three textures, two finishes, one statement color. It provides enough depth to feel layered, yet is edited enough to last,” says Kelly.More 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

If you’re dealing with an ant infestation in your home, you want those critters gone ASAP. We tapped a pest control expert to tell us how to get rid of ants in the house and how to keep them from coming back. The first thing you’ll want to do is identify what type of ants you’re dealing with: sugar ants, carpenter ants, or another type of ant. Then, you’ll want to get rid of them. We’ve tested the best ant killers, including several DIY methods that make use of items you probably already have at home. Once you’ve gotten rid of the colony, you’ll want to be extra tidy to ensure they don’t come back looking for spills or crumbs to feast on. Here’s everything to know about how to get rid of ants in the house. 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. How 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 KillerNow 12% OffRaid Ant Killer BaitsCombat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing GelNow 16% Off3. 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.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. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Spending time in the kitchen can be joyful, but there’s no denying that it can also be messy. Food splatters and greasy fingerprints can make your cabinets look a little grubby, but don’t worry. If you’re wondering how to clean kitchen cabinets of grease stains, we’ve got expert-backed advice that makes it easy. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, has tested dozens of methods and degreasers to find the most effective way to clean your kitchen cabinets, whether they’re made of finished wood, glass, laminate, or something else. Here’s everything to know about cleaning kitchen cabinets, from how often you should do so to which products to use. How often to clean kitchen cabinetsDaily: Wipe spills and splatters with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Cleaning as you cook will make the need for a deeper clean less frequent.Weekly: For a quick touch-up, wipe the outside of the cabinets once per week using a cabinet cleaner and microfiber cloth.One to two times per year: For a deeper clean, empty cabinets completely and clean both the inside and outside of every cabinet, paying attention to grooves and trim where grime may hide.izusek//Getty ImagesHow to regularly clean cabinetsWhether your cabinets are finished wood, laminate or painted wood, these simple steps will keep your kitchen looking clean and bright. Apply a safe, but grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water to a cloth. Ensure the cloth is damp, but not overly wet.Wipe both sides of the cabinet door, paying special attention to knobs and drawer pulls where you’ll likely find greasy fingerprints.For stuck-on grime (likely for cabinets above the stove), wrap a delicate scrub pad in a cloth and wipe clean.Use a damp cloth to rinse the cabinet doors until there’s no soap or cleaner residue. Buff dry with a microfiber cloth. If you’re using a cabinet cream for finished wood cabinets, buff afterward but also, read label directions. RELATED: The Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts How to deep clean cabinetsYou should regularly wipe cabinet doors and knobs. Don’t neglect the inside of kitchen cabinets and drawers as they can accumulate crumbs, dust and stains. Once or twice a year, a deep clean is in order. Starting from the upper cabinets and working your way down, begin emptying each cabinet and drawer. Tip: You can go one-by-one or empty a few at a time, but avoid emptying them all at once. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mild all-purpose cleaner or dish soap mixed with warm water. Wipe down the inside of the cabinet, including any shelving and the back of the cabinet door. Optional: If you have glass-front cabinets, wipe down glass with a microfiber cloth and a top-tested glass cleaner.Don’t forget to clean any hardware, grooves or trim where dust and grease can build-up. If your cloth can’t reach small crevices, use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the area.Rinse and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.What You’ll Need to Clean Kitchen CabinetsAlyssa 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.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

It’s not the most pleasant task, but it’s important for keeping everyone in your home healthy. We asked cleaning experts about the best way to clean and disinfect a toilet, and they gave us plenty of helpful tips. According to Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, many people don’t allow disinfectants to sit on the surface for long enough to be effective. So be sure you read the labels on your cleaning products to understand how long it takes for them to kill germs and bacteria. We’ve tested plenty of toilet bowl cleaners and different methods for tackling the toilet. Keep reading to find out more about the best way to clean and disinfect your toilet. What You’ll Need to Clean Your Toilet Before you get started, you need to be well-equipped for the job. Forté recommends keeping a separate set of cleaning supplies in your bathroom for the job (that aren’t used on other surfaces across your house). How to Clean Your Toilet the Right Way Wattanaphob Kappago / EyeEm//Getty ImagesClean the Toilet Bowl: When you clean your toilet, start with the bowl first so you can give the cleaner time to work while you tackle the remaining surfaces. Put on your rubber gloves.Coat the toilet bowl’s entire interior, starting underneath the bowl’s rim, with a product formulated to clean and disinfect, like Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach.Use your toilet brush to scrub away stains and deposits. “Be sure to scrub well, with the cleaner, around the inside of your bowl, the toilet bend if possible and underneath the rim of the bowl,” Forté explains. Let everything sit for five minutes, then flush it away.If you run out of toilet bowl cleaner, the next best thing to use is actual bleach, Forté says. Simply measure out half a cup’s worth of bleach and pour it into your toilet bowl. Use your brush to scrub the sides and beneath the bowl’s rim, also allowing five minutes to pass before you flush it all away. Clean the Outside of the Toilet: To clean the outside of the toilet, Forté recommends using an all-purpose bathroom disinfecting spray, like Lysol Power Bathroom Foamer, which sanitizes hard surfaces in 30 seconds and disinfects them in 10 minutes. Tackling one area at a time, spray the cleaner on the tank, outside of the bowl and the sides, and let it sit for 10 minutes.Wipe each area thoroughly with a sponge or cloth, then rinse well before moving on to the next area, Forté says. Don’t forget to clean the small area between the toilet seat and the tank.Remember, surfaces need pre-cleaning before they can be disinfected and need to stay wet for the recommended time on the label to effectively kill germs. If you don’t want to leave the cleaner on for as long as recommended to disinfect — 10 minutes in some cases — after the toilet is clean and dry, go over all the surfaces again with a disinfecting wipe or apply a disinfecting spray, like GH Seal star Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray, making sure they stay wet for the required time to kill bacteria and viruses.Clean the Toilet Seat: Finally, don’t forget to clean the seat, then give your toilet one final flush.Use the bathroom cleaner to clean both sides of the lid and toilet seat thoroughly, as you did with the tank and outer surfaces. Remember: the surfaces need to remain wet for the time recommended on the product label to be properly disinfected.Lower the seat back on top of the bowl once you’ve finished.Give the toilet flush handle — a high-touch spot — an extra pass with a disinfecting wipe and allow it to air dry. In between cleaning sessions, it’s also a good idea to use a disinfectant wipe to rub the handle down.How Do I Clean My Toilet With Vinegar and Baking Soda? Andrei Zonenko//Getty ImagesGive your toilet a simple yet effective refresh using a white vinegar and baking soda mixture. According to Forté, vinegar is best for removing hard water stains. First, drain the water out of your toilet bowl. Pour enough cups of white vinegar into the bowl to cover the water line, “so the vinegar dissolves the minerals that build up there,” Forté notes. Close the seat and let the vinegar sit overnight. Then, pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl and add more vinegar, if needed, to create a fizzier solution. Throw on a pair of gloves, then start scrubbing inside the bowl. When done, flush and repeat the process, if needed, until the stains are gone.You can also quickly clean the toilet bowl without scrubbing by simply stirring the vinegar and baking soda solution with your toilet brush. Flush to rinse everything out. How Often Should I Clean My Toilet?bymuratdeniz//Getty ImagesForté says you should try to clean your toilet as often as possible, but that you should fully disinfect it every two to three days if someone is sick in your home. Outside of flu season, once a week — or biweekly, depending on how frequently the toilet is used — should suffice.Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona, explains that viruses, in general, can live on your toilet’s surface anywhere from a few hours to a few days. “Most cold and flu viruses survive from a few hours to up to nine days, [depending] on temperature and relative humidity,” he says. Forté also recommends factoring in time to actually disinfect your cleaning supplies. A toilet scrubbing brush can grow mold on its own if it’s left in a watery holder. Forté says you should periodically clean the brush after you’ve finished scrubbing the toilet bowl and surfaces. To do so, spray it thoroughly with a disinfectant spray, and let it air dry by placing it between your toilet seat and the bowl itself (allowing the scrubbing head to hang above the water in the bowl). For gloves, sponges or any other plastic cleaning supplies, you can make sure they’re germ-free by soaking them for five minutes in a solution of three tablespoons of bleach mixed in one quart of water. Air-dry afterward.Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women’s lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More