Home Ideas

1Bamboo Stackable Bin OrganizerStackable bins are an excellent space-saving solution all throughout the house. Sarah Anthony, founder of Organize & Design, uses these in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, playroom, office and beyond. “They’re stylish, versatile and functional,” she says. 227 Gallon Storage Bin, 4-packSizable storage bins like these are useful for stashing away holiday decorations, off-season clothing and so much more. Kristina Pinkerton, founder of Organizing Huntsville, finds them “perfect for keeping items organized and easy to access while protecting them from dust and moisture.” Their stackable setup will help you maximize precious garage, basement or closet space. Amanda Bernal, founder of Peace by Piece Home Services, is also a fan of this storage set: “Not only do these black and yellow bins boast quality and versatility, but the price point is unbeatable.”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Clear Storage Bin with Buckles, 6-packIf you prefer transparent storage bins, Kenika Williams recommends this six-pack. “The grooves on the lids also make stacking easier to optimize storage space,” says the founder of Tidied by K. 4Flocked Hangers – Two 50-packsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Indoor Wire Shelving RackNow 17% OffCorral bins, boxes and more on this utilitarian wire shelf that’s built to do some heavy lifting (each individual shelf can accommodate up to 350 lbs!). “This versatile storage piece can be used in garages, storage closets, sheds, attics, basements and more,” Kersh says. Plus, she adds, the shelves are height-adjustable, making it easy to customize for your needs. 66-Tier Wire Shelving RackNeed something even more heavy duty? This six-tier unit can accommodate 1,000 lbs. per shelf and it’s on wheels, making it easy to move around a space as needed. Raychel Klein, founder of RayBayBay, often uses these in garages and basements. “They’re great for overstock and bulk items, as well as sports gear, tools and outdoor supplies,” she says. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7OXO Food Storage Containers, Set of 8Anna Napier has come to rely on the OXO brand often and appreciates this versatile set of storage containers. “The variety of sizes in the Costco pack are perfect for everyday use leaving none to waste—which is a common issue we find with many other assorted packs of storage pieces,” says the founder of In | Line Organizing. RELATED: We Tested 24 Food Storage Containers to Find the Best8Collapsible Storage Bin, 4-packWhether you’re looking to store items or just transport them from one space to another, don’t underestimate the power of these collapsible crates. Klein loves their durability. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Recycled Star Bottom Trash Bags, 40-45 galBernal often goes through six sizable trash bags per organizing session. “As we work with clients to optimize their homes, such a high volume of superfluous items are leaving and large, durable bags are indispensable,”she says. 10Room Divider with 8 Storage BinsNow 19% OffAmy Delaplain and Cynthia Lindsey, co-founders of Its Arranged, swear by this room divider when working on spaces like playrooms, children’s rooms and closets. “Each of the eight bins offers dedicated space for different categories, making it easier to keep items organized and prevent clutter from accumulating,” Delaplain says. Better yet, she adds, the low height (the shelf can be positioned vertically or horizontally) makes it a breeze for young ones to clean up after themselves on a day-to-day basis. Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Properly loading the dishwasher can feel like an acquired skill. It involves angling dishes so they get clean and often, playing a game of trial-and-error to fit items without overcrowding. Depending on the size of your dishwasher, you might find it difficult to arrange stemmed wine glasses on the top rack, or find you’re lacking enough space for cookie sheets down below. It turns out, your dishwasher might have a feature you’ve never noticed before. After talking with our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we discovered many dishwasher models allow you to quickly lower or raise the top rack. The next time you load the dishwasher, take a closer look at the top rack. Are there little levers or multiple rows of wheels? This might be a clue that your top rack is adjustable. Although simple, a lot of people forget to adjust their dishwasher racks — or they don’t know it’s possible. When it comes to loading water bottles, wine glasses or tall items in the dishwasher, lowering the top rack can be a game changer.If your dishwasher rack has levers, you may be able to quickly change its position. Other models have top racks with multiple rows of wheels, requiring you to remove the top rack from its tracks and re-insert it using the other row of wheels.Before you try this clever tip, here’s one piece of advice from our Cleaning Lab: “When adjusting the rack, make sure that the rotating spray arm attached to the bottom has enough space to spin freely without hitting dishes on the bottom rack,” says Noah Pinsonnault, Home Care and Cleaning Reviews Analyst. More Cleaning TipsAlyssa 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

Vacation homes often hold treasured memories — late night bonfires, sunny days on the water and special meals with friends and family. But as the years pass, family dynamics change. A home that may have once worked for a family with small children may not be suitable in 20 years when those children are adults themselves. Bedrooms become too small, bathrooms are rundown and suddenly, the space no longer functions the way it used to.That’s exactly what happened to one Chicago family after a couple decades of owning their lakefront vacation home near Lake Michigan. “They now have two grown children and were ready to build what we called ‘the legacy lake house’ — the home that would be there for their kids and their grandkids,” says Rachel Alcorn, owner and principal designer of Two Hands Interiors. Tasked with expanding this family’s summer cottage into a modern living space that could accommodate friends and family for years to come, Two Hands Interiors and builder DeGroot Construction began the renovation process with the homeowners, keeping a nautical theme in mind. Think shades of blue, coastal decor and wood touches.Enter the coastal-inspired great room. Stoffer PhotographyWe all know the saying: “You never know how many friends you have until you have a beach house.” Or in this case, a lake house. Alcorn ensured that the kitchen, dining and living room areas were fit for entertaining. It was important for the homeowners to host lots of guests without worrying too much about anything breaking or getting damaged.“This family is all about entertaining friends and family. We want the kitchen to be super hard-working for big groups of people — lots of space at the island, lots of chairs at the table for playing games and eating meals,” says Alcorn. “We don’t want anything too precious.”Take a seat at the island or unwind in the sunroom.Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyIf the seats at the kitchen island are all taken, that’s not a problem. Just a few steps to the right is a stunning sunroom with even more seating. Because who doesn’t love a dining nook?“You can see the dune in the background through the windows and that’s a very private spot in the house,” says Alcorn. “The family could sit in there and not need window treatments. They get a view of the changing seasons.”Embrace the nautical life at the home bar. Stoffer PhotographyIncorporating meaningful artwork was important to this family, especially pieces that contributed to the coastal feel of the space. Conveniently, the husband of this household’s parents were sport fishermen in Florida, and his mother actually caught the marlin pictured above the home bar in the 1970s. “That hung in his parents’ home for a long time,” says Alcorn. “And now they were like, ‘We’ve got to hang the marlin somewhere, but where?’ We were like, ‘Let’s lean into it, you know?’ How cool is that?”Head outside from either entrance.Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyWhether it’s the sand that’s tracked in or the wet water shoes and dripping bathing suits entering and exiting at all times, lakefront homes can get messy pretty quickly — which brings us to our next stop, the entryway and mudroom area. On the left is the front door entryway, walls adorned with Orissa Panel Schumacher wallpaper. The space has ample cabinets, or what Alcorn likes to call “overflow pantry.”On the right is the downstairs entrance mudroom area, where the homeowners and guests can enter after spending time on the lake. “That’s meant to be an uber-functional mudroom. There’s a laundry room down there. It’s where they’re going to wash all the beach towels, and where all the stuff gets stored,” says Alcorn.Bunk with friends in this outdoorsy bedroom. Stoffer PhotographyHow many college-aged boys can you sleep comfortably in one bedroom? That was the million-dollar question, according to Alcorn. With three beds and two sleeper sofas, turns out it’s up to 10. To go along with the bunk-style atmosphere, Alcorn went with a camp, woodsy theme for the space, decking the walls with flannel wallpaper. “This room is at the front of the house, which faces woods more than it does the beach. We leaned into that green, kind of boy scout kitschy palette there,” says Alcorn. Head upstairs and relax in the reading nook. Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographyThere’s no better way to bring the lake vibes indoors than with gold fish accents on the wall, yacht cabling along the staircase and a giant rope light fixture hanging from the ceiling. “It’s such a big staircase, and it’s such a feature in the home,” says Alcorn. “It looks fabulous.”The best part? The homeowners can take it all in while relaxing comfortably in their reading nook.Doze off to cool blues. Stoffer PhotographyStoffer PhotographySticking to the nautical theme, Alcorn used shades of blue in these two bedrooms, incorporating more family history into the home. “The cool thing about this bedroom (left) is that those flags used to fly on the wife’s dad’s sailboat,” says Alcorn. “They’re family heirloom flags that we had framed and installed in the room.”With a bit more of a saturated shade of blue, Alcorn took on the second bedroom. “We liked the idea of shiplap in that room, because it’s one of the smaller bedrooms. And so sometimes when a space is smaller, we want to lean into making it cozy,” says Alcorn.Related StoriesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates. More

1Lucky Bambooasiantiger247//Getty ImagesWith “lucky” in its name, there’s no surprise that this houseplant brings good fortune. “One can use lucky bamboo with the intention to bring in its qualities: strength, expansiveness and quick, steady growth,” says Cho. “I like to recommend a pair in one vase to cultivate support for an existing or desired romantic relationship. They’re also typically very easy to care for.”If you’re looking for more specifics about the symbolism behind lucky bamboo and how to care for the plant, check out our ultimate care guide.SHOP LUCKY BAMBOO2PileaDmitrii Marchenko//Getty ImagesSymbolizing wealth and prosperity, the Pilea (also known as the Chinese money plant) is a low-maintenance addition to any space. Plus, these plants are easy to propagate, meaning you can spread the luck to friends and family! SHOP PILEAAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3PhilodendronKristina Strasunske//Getty ImagesWith beautiful heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons are believed to channel love. Feng shui experts even recommend having two at once, symbolizing the balanced partnership you’d like to have in your home. “They can be placed anywhere in your home for growth and some self-love,” says Cho. “They also do great as hanging plants.”SHOP PHILODENDRON4OrchidImages say more about me than words.//Getty ImagesIt’s almost impossible not to fall in love with orchids — their bright, colorful blooms and easy-to-maintain nature make them a go-to houseplant pick. But if that’s not good enough reason to pick one out for your windowsill, orchids have also been known to symbolize fertility, beauty and creativity. And if you want to get into the specifics, each color flower is said to represent a different form of good luck. SHOP ORCHIDAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Peace LilyAngel Santana//Getty ImagesAnother plant with positive vibes right in its name, the peace lily can bring — you guessed it! — inner peace and happiness to you and your home. Plus, this plant thrives in indirect sunlight, making it a low-maintenance pick and therefore a great choice when it comes to bringing in positive energy. “It’s never a good idea to have more plants than you can manage or ones that you have difficulty caring for,” says Cho. “This all translates to challenges that are typically the opposite of the vibe you want to bring in.”Luckily, peace lilies don’t require much effort — just occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry. SHOP PEACE LILY6Olive TreeCrystal Bolin Photography//Getty ImagesYes, olive trees can be grown inside your home, as long as you’re able to provide the plant with 8-10 hours of direct sunlight. If you’re living in an apartment or smaller space that doesn’t get as much light, consider going for a faux olive tree. Regardless, these plants represent friendship and peace — that’s where the phrase “extending an olive branch” comes from!SHOP OLIVE TREEAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Rubber Treesarayut Thaneerat//Getty ImagesAnother feng shui plant, rubber trees bring wealth, abundance and happiness to a home. The gently curved leaves bring soft, smooth texture to harsher areas, making it a great fit for any corners throughout your home. “Rubber trees are great as feng shui plants because they can grow to larger plants when cared for well,” says Cho. “So that means your qi, or life force energy, doesn’t stay small, but has the opportunity to flourish.”SHOP RUBBER TREE8EucalyptusLiudmila Chernetska//Getty ImagesWith a refreshing scent and medicinal properties, it’s not a surprise that eucalyptus is thought to bring positive energy into your home. This houseplant needs around six hours of direct sunlight each day, plus occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry. SHOP EUCALYPTUSAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Jade PlantFirdausiah Mamat//Getty ImagesIn feng shui practices, the jade plant’s round leaves represent good luck and fortune. To keep this houseplant alive and thriving, simply place it in a bright indoor area and water it when the soil is completely dry. “The jade plant, Crassula ovata, is known to help with financial prosperity,” says Steinkopf. “It is also called the coin plant as the leaves resemble coins.”SHOP JADE PLANT10BasilSimpleImages//Getty ImagesAccording to feng shui practices, basil represents abundance. Regardless of the plant’s symbolic meaning, basil is the perfect addition to any kitchen — you’ll never have to buy the ingredient again! Plus, you’ll always have that delicious aroma lingering as you cook. SHOP BASILAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Money TreeMatthew Lloyd//Getty ImagesAnything with money in the name has to bring good fortune, right? Considered to be one of the best housewarming gifts, money tree plants are seen as a sign of prosperity and good luck. Plus, they’ve been known to reduce stress, making them the perfect bedroom plant. “The Pachira aquatica or money tree is used in feng shui, with the belief that it brings good luck,” says Steinkopf. “It should be placed by a door to invite prosperity to enter. Often it can be purchased with a braided stem and the braid is supposed to create positive energy.”SHOP MONEY TREE12PeonyDmitrii Marchenko//Getty ImagesKnown to represent romance and friendship, pink peonies are perfect for weddings and other romantic occasions. Other colors carry a range of meanings — yellow stands for new beginnings, coral represents success and purple is known for nobility. SHOP PEONYAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13OxalisMelissa Ross//Getty ImagesOxalis plants, also known as shamrock plants, are often associated with St. Patrick’s Day — and therefore good fortune — for their three-leaf clovers. Although some mistake them for the four-leaf clover, these plants are still believed to bring good luck, according to Steinkopf. With bright, indirect light exposure and watering every 1-2 weeks, this houseplant will bloom beautifully. SHOP OXALIS14Lavenderelenaleonova//Getty ImagesUsed in aromatherapy, it only makes sense that lavender represents harmony and love. Whether you’re hoping to relieve your stress or just want to incorporate the gorgeous purple color into your home, lavender plants are the way to go.SHOP LAVENDERLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Don’t let a cluttered medicine cabinet or chaotic under-the-sink storage slow down your morning routine or turn your nightly skincare regime into a stressful chore. Not only is an organized bathroom more visually appealing, but it helps the day run smoother. Without things like stray packaging, expired medications or stacks of perfume samples crowding up cabinets, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need when you need it. Imagine a cleaner, more beautiful bathroom that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed. If you’re sick of dealing with a disorganized space, take the advice of these professional organizers who urge you to donate or recycle items that are no longer useful. Below, we’re sharing their complete list of things you need to get rid of as soon as possible.MORE TIPS:Free cosmetic samplesIt’s fun to receive free samples of makeup, skincare and perfume, as long as you actually intend to use them. “Almost every bathroom I’ve ever organized has TONS of cosmetic samples that are never, ever used,” says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven. “Use it within two weeks or say goodbye to it — don’t let dozens or hundreds clutter up your bathroom counters, drawers and storage.”Abandoned toiletry productsFrom toothpaste, shampoo and body wash to a new face serum, we’ve all tried out a personal care product that we didn’t love. Don’t let half-used bottles clutter up your space. “Instead of letting them sit around, consider a product swap with friends,” says Ashley, founder of The Tailored Life. Reminder: Check expiration dates and period after opening symbols before giving unloved products away.Meaghan Skinner Photography//Getty ImagesExpired medications and beauty productsilyast//Getty ImagesThe Period After Opening (PAO) Symbol identifies how long a cosmetic product is safe to use after opening.Check your bathroom for expired skincare, cosmetics, sunscreen and medications. “Expired medications can lose effectiveness or even become harmful, and old beauty products can irritate the skin or harbor bacteria,” says Jackie Pittman, the expert behind Chez Nous Organizing. Some beauty and skincare products — especially eye products — have expirations as early as three months from opening. Hint: Look for the period after opening symbol. Most likely, your toothbrushThink about it: When’s the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Experts agree that you need a new toothbrush at least every three months — “sooner if the bristles fray,” adds Pittman. Toss your old toothbrush immediately! Related StoryAnd, your razor bladeYou probably aren’t replacing your razor often enough. Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D, recommends swapping the blade after about seven uses — which is typically when the blade starts to dull. “When using a dull razor, you have to press harder to get a good shave and this increases your risk of getting skin nicks,” says Du Bois. Not to mention, razors that are stored in the shower can develop rust and bacteria. enviromantic//Getty Images Duplicates of anythingTake stock of duplicates or items seldom used. Whether it’s hot tools, cleaning supplies, soap dispensers or toiletries, recycle duplicate items that are taking up valuable space. “Minimizing down to the essentials of what you use everyday will save you counter space, time and money,” says VonderHaar. Old or worn towels Not only can towels fade, tear and stain over time, they may become less absorbent. “As a guideline, bath and hand towels should be replaced every two years,” says Violetta Elezovic, the owner of VS Organized Interiors — although they may last upwards of five years depending on wear and tear. Before you toss towels in the trash, consider recycling or donating them (many animal shelters will accept old towels). Or, repurpose them into cleaning rags. 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

Delicate upholstery fabrics like silk brocade, while beautiful, can be problematic to clean. Silk is usually not safe for wet cleaning and can be damaged by the majority of upholstery cleaners on the market. And some water-based cleaners also caution against using them on velvet upholstery, whether silk or synthetic. As a result, furniture covered in delicate fabric is often labeled with the cleaning codes S or X, for solvent cleaning only or no wet cleaning at all. Regular vacuuming with an upholstery tool is essential to keep delicate fabrics looking good, but when it’s not enough, a dry powder formula like Capture can freshen and brighten delicate fabrics or carpets without damage. To use it, liberally sprinkle the porous Capture granules on the cushions, back and armrests then gently work it into the fabric with a brush (pictured). Let sit 30 minutes to give the granules time to absorb embedded dirt and fresh stains, then vacuum. We like that it’s easy to use and offers a dry, safe cleaning option for fussy fabrics. For very heavy soil and set-in stains on delicate upholstery, it’s best to call in a professional. More

You may think you’re a master of laundry and ironing, especially if you’re used to washing and drying dress shirts and other wrinkle-prone materials on a day-to-day basis. However, there might be one teeny-tiny thing you’re missing that will change the way you iron your clothes forever. If you have your iron nearby, take it out. Have you ever noticed that groove around the edges? You may have seen it and ignored it, assuming it was just part of the product’s design. Well, after talking with our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’re here to tell you that it actually serves a real purpose — one that’s actually so helpful. “It’s a button groove,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. “It allows you to iron under and around buttons, and shields them from the hot sole plate so they won’t melt.” So if you’re dealing with an extra-wrinkly piece of clothing that’s creased all the way through (even down to the buttons), you can get as close as you need without damaging them. Pretty clever, right? If you weren’t aware that that groove even existed in the first place, don’t worry, you’re not alone. When we polled Redditors (yep, we’re on Reddit!), many people also didn’t know there was a groove. But now that you do know, you’re about to have dry cleaning level dress shirts without having to go to the dry cleaners. More From Our Cleaning ExpertsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant 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 product reviews to pop culture updates.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

When it comes to household maintenance, there’s a lot that needs to be done — from the floors to the ceiling fans and everything in between, including tough spots, like toilets and nooks and crannies behind the couch. And while you might know a thing or two about the best vacuums or the best multi-purpose sprays to get the job done, the people who really know how to tackle a home in the most safe and efficient way are the ones who do it every day: professional cleaners. And according to the experts, some of the most common household cleaning mistakes — like sweeping up crumbs before clearing countertops — not only waste your time, but others can even be potentially hazardous, like mixing incompatible cleaning agents. Correcting even the most innocent of the bunch could add precious minutes back to your day, and we’re all about efficiency here.To help you get the job done the right way, we asked professional cleaners to dish on the top mistakes homeowners make and how to correct them. Using too much of a cleaning product“Many people think that using more cleaning solutions or sprays will lead to cleaner surfaces resulting in cleaner areas,” says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa in Phoenix, Arizona. “Overusing cleaning sprays, solutions or bottled products can leave behind heavy residues on surfaces that may attract debris and dirt or cause streaks that you never want.” Mixing cleaning products”People often think that if one product works, mixing it with another one will make it even better,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. But certain duos that can pose a serious threat to your health and the environment when mixed together. Take bleach and vinegar, for example. “Together, they produce chlorine gas, which even at low levels, can cause coughing, breathing problems and burning, watery eyes,” says Forté.PSA:Using the wrong cleaner for the wrong surfaceYou know how most carpet cleaning products come with a disclaimer that suggests you try a test spot before tackling a larger area? That’s because some cleaning products aren’t compatible with certain fabrics or surfaces and can cause irreparable damage. For example, when cleaning your laptop screen, you should never use a glass cleaner, says Forté. Another example? Though vinegar may sound like a gentle and all-natural cleaner, you should never use it to clean natural stone surfaces, as the acid can damage the stone, she says.Cleaning out of orderA lot of people take out the vacuum first, but you should really start at the top, says Knoll. Clean the curtains, the fan in the living room, the pictures, the TV, the entertainment center… everything else goes before the floor. Why? While you’re cleaning these spots, dirt will inevitably fall, littering your freshly vacuumed or mopped hardwood floors or carpeting, says Knoll. In the end, you’ll have to repeat a task you thought you’d already completed — a complete waste of time. FotoDuets//Getty ImagesNeglecting high-touch spotsHigh-touch spots are areas in the home that get touched by hands constantly throughout the day: door handles, light switches, remote controls, gaming controls, refrigerator door handles, microwaves, etc. These small areas may seem insignificant, so they often go overlooked, but can harbor a significant amount of dirt and bacteria because of how much they get used, says Knoll, who recommends cleaning these areas at least weekly. “Wipe them down with a solution of soap water, or disinfecting product or wipe,” he says. TOP-TESTED CLEANING PRODUCTSSteaming hardwood floorsEven though some steam mop manufacturers claim it’s safe to clean hardwood with steam, Forté does not recommend these appliances for use on wood (sealed, waxed or unfinished) and laminate floors — even on the lowest steam settings. Since most wood floors are not completely sealed, steam can penetrate the finish and warp the wood. When cleaning wood floors, we recommend a good old-fashioned wet mop instead. sefa ozel//Getty ImagesIgnoring nooks and cranniesWhen you ignore hard-to-reach spots — like the space behind the toilet — the dirt builds and may even get embedded into floors or woodwork, making it much more difficult to clean, says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. Buying into all of the cleaning hacks out thereYou could easily find yourself scrolling TikTok’s #CleanTok for hours on end, but our pros say you shouldn’t believe everything you see on the internet. Take laundry stripping, for example. While it is technically safe for sturdy white, off-white or colorfast fabrics, Forté says the process of laundry stripping can be time-consuming and inconvenient — and that there are other, better ways to avoid build-up in your fabrics. Using dirty cleaning toolsAlways clean your tools immediately after using and replace them as needed. Dirty cloths, mops, and full vacuum cleaner bags won’t effectively remove dirt and debris, Forté, who says you’ll end up working extra hard with minimal results to show for it. More of Our Latest Cleaning StoriesBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More