Home Ideas

A fleece tie blanket is one of the easiest no-sew crafts for kids, teens and adults. It’s a simple, inexpensive project made by cutting, tying and knotting together two pieces of fleece. So, if you’re looking to exercise your creativity, add this tie blanket to your list of projects, especially once it’s time for winter crafts. Whether you purchase a kit or start with your own fabric, the end result is a soft, cute and warm blanket. Materials Needed: Mike GartenFabric Requirements For this project, we used two yards of the Rainbow Blizzard Fleece and the Mint Blizzard Solid Fleece from Joann. The fabric is soft, warm and manageable for cutting and tying. Heavy fleece, like anti-pill polar fleece, may be too thick for this project. Two yards is ideal for adults and one yard works for children. How to Make a Fleece Tie Blanket: Step 1: Measure and cut 5 x 5-inch squares. Start by layering the fleece on a desk or craft surface. Make sure both coordinating pieces are correctly aligned on top of each other. Cut a 5 x 5-inch square out of each corner of the blanket. These cut-out squares help make the corners neat once the ties are finished. Plus, they’ll help you create the lengths of fringes around the blanket. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playNote: Make sure you cut through both layers of fleece. Mike GartenStep 2: Cut five-inch slits, every one inch.You want to make a 1 x 5-inch fringe around the entire edge of the fleece blanket. This means that each strip should be the same length as the starter square (5 inches). Use a yardstick to space out the cuts every inch. The yardstick will also help to keep the cuts straight. You want to cut five-inch slits on all four sides of the blanket. Mike GartenStep 3: Tie the fringes. Here’s how to tie the fringes. Repeat this process for every cut. Pull the fringe over your finger. Mike GartenPush the fringe through the loop.Mike GartenPull the end through to create a knot. Continue pulling until fully tightened. Optional: Tie a double knot if you think your basic knots won’t hold.Mike GartenStep 4: Continue tying the fringe.Keep tying the pieces of fleece together until you finish all four sides. Then, your new tie blanket is done! Mike GartenAnd if you want even more DIYs for beginner and expert crafters alike, check out the GH Stitch Club, where we show you how to crochet, knit and more!Assistant EditorMariah 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

If you’re home-upgrade curious, your social media feed is likely filled with carefully curated, ultra-stylized living room setups prime for afternoon naps, movies and game nights. “What makes those couches look so cozy and inviting?” you wonder. The answer is simple: throw pillows. There aren’t too many. The patterns don’t clash. They look like you can melt right into them. But how did they get so perfect?There might not be a science to throw pillows, but there is an art. To help make your couch more alluring, we asked Cathleen Gruver, lead interior designer for Gruver Cooley Interiors, and Margaret Cashman, interior designer and co-founder of Cashman Interiors, to share their best throw pillow practices. Check out their tips, then stock up on affordable options from homedepot.com/decor. Consider the space (and how it’s used) Not all pillows are created equal, so the throw pillows you keep on your bed should differ from the ones on your living room couch. “When you’re choosing pillows for a living room, you have to factor in comfort,” Gruver explains. “Sure, a beaded pillow may look beautiful, but it will not feel great to sit against or lay on.” Instead, she suggests saving the fancier embellished or tasseled styles for spots that won’t be used for lounging, such as the entryway.Brielle Home, Teagan Multi-Color Textured Boho Geometric57 Grand by Nicole Curtis, Yellow GeometricTriangle Home Fashions, Hygge Row White Pillow CoverUse a variety of sizes Different silhouettes add interest to a room — and that goes for pillows, too. “The goal would be to have a staggered look, where the pillows all feel like they are close enough in size to connect, says Gruver. “The only reason I would add a bunch of pillows in the same size would be if the sofa or seat was super deep and needed more support.”Cashman agrees. “Try using 22-inch pillows on either side of the couch and something fun in the middle to keep the space feeling unique.”David TsayMix things upUltimately, Cashman just wants people to have fun — and be a little daring — with their pillow choices. “Adding accent pillows that aren’t matchy-matchy will help the space feel more unique and organic and less overstyled,” she says.“The first approach is to keep it simple and let textures and neutral patterns be your friend, and have art be the real focus,” Gruver adds. “The second approach is to tie in [your pillows] with any art you may have by pulling colors from it.” Each method provides an opportunity to reinvigorate the space. LR Home, Striped Teal Over Tufted SolidMina Victory, Lifestyles Yellow Striped Artistic Weavers, Brunehill Navy Graphic PolyesterWork in threesYou don’t want to risk overwhelming anyone with too many throw pillows, which is why both Cashman and Gruver recommend sets of threes (two pillows on one side of the couch plus one on the other). People don’t typically feel overwhelmed at the thought of sitting down with three pillows, explains Gruver. “I’ve noticed most people like to curl up with a pillow, so it also gives the opportunity for that to happen naturally.” David TsayKeep your throw pillows fresh Cashman and Gruver suggest ordering inserts that are one to two inches bigger than the covers so the pillows look taught and tailored. Flat pillows look — and feel — uncomfortable. “Rotating your pillows helps if you know you use one side [of the couch] more than the other, or if one side is more exposed to sunlight,” Gruver explains.In addition to washing them, Gruver notes the importance of proper storage and suggests having an organized box or bin, as well as a vacuum-sealed bag for pillows you’re not using. Prioritize quality and durabilityHigh-traffic areas, like your family’s living room, call for furniture and accessories that can survive pet hair, food spills and lots of lounging. Cashman prefers pillow covers made with durable fabrics. “Using performance fabrics like nylon or polyester ensures that pillows will hold up longer and can be cleaned from the everyday messes of life,” she says.Similarly, Gruver is a fan of down alternative inserts. “They’re super comfortable, easy to shape, and you don’t get poked with feathers popping out,” she explains. “They can also easily be thrown into the wash for care, which I recommend doing at least once a year.”Photographer: David Tsay; Art Direction and Production: Armine Altiparmakian and Sabrina Contratti; Prop Stylist: Olga Grigorenko; Merch Team: Two Coast Productions; Local Production: Right Arm Productions More

Accidental spills, splatters and greasy fingerprints are bound to happen, especially if you cook every day — yet, most people don’t clean their kitchen cabinets regularly. No matter if your kitchen cabinets are glass, wood, laminate or painted, they lose their visual appeal when they’re covered in grime, stains or dust. Not only will your kitchen aesthetic suffer, but dirty kitchen cabinets might harbor bacteria or viruses that can cause harmful side effects. To help clean and refresh your kitchen, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, shares everything you need to know about cleaning kitchen cabinets. Follow these easy instructions, whether you’re looking for a quick or a deep clean — and keep scrolling for our recommendations for the best multi-purpose cleaners and cabinet cleaners.How to regularly clean cabinetsWhether your cabinets are finished wood, laminate or painted wood, consider these simple instructions to 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: 8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts How to deep clean cabinetsFor a quick touch-up, you should regularly wipe your cabinet doors and knobs — but don’t neglect the inside of your kitchen cabinets and drawers forever, as they can accumulate crumbs, dust and stains. Every few months, 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 all at once. Using a damp microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner, wipe down the inside of the cabinet, including any shelving and the back of the cabinet door. 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.Buff dry.Grace Cary//Getty ImagesHow often to clean kitchen cabinetsDaily: If you splatter or spill food as you cook, it’s best to wipe up the mess with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Cleaning as you cook will make the need for a deeper clean less frequent. Monthly: For a quick touch-up, you can wipe the outside of your cabinets once per week using your cabinet cleaner of choice.One to two times per year: Every once in a while, kitchen cabinets benefit from a deeper clean, which means taking everything out and cleaning both the inside and outside of every cabinet. Our advice? Plan a deep cleaning in the fall and spring.Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa 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

With all the food that winds up in your sink’s grinding chamber, it’s only natural for it to start smelling and require cleaning. But don’t fret! The task might seem overwhelming, but in reality, it’s simple to handle with baking soda, vinegar, ice and even rock salt. Below, you’ll find expert garbage disposal cleaning tips from Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Forté shares easy DIY cleaning solutions and cleaning products that’ll not only make your garbage disposal look clean, but smell fresh, too. How Often Should I Clean My Garbage Disposal? Forté suggests cleaning your garbage disposal about once a month if you use it regularly. Her favorite cleaning products include Affresh’s Garbage Disposal Cleaner, CLR’s Fresh & Clean Garbage Disposal Pods and Lemi’s Shine Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer. “Most garbage disposal cleaners recommend using them monthly,” Forté says. “Of course, if it’s particularly dirty or you smell odors coming from it, it needs to be cleaned more often.” When it comes to maintenance, Forté has a few tips: More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playFlush the garbage disposal well with water after grinding food, as “leftover bits will smell,” Forté notes.If your garbage disposal has a rubber gasket at the top, it needs to be cleaned underneath as food bits splash up onto it. Some rubber gaskets are removable, so follow your brand’s cleaning directions. “If it’s not removable, make sure to flush the underside with water or clean it with a brush, cloth or sponge to remove debris,” she says.Use a garbage disposal cleaner monthly to clean and freshen the blades and wall surfaces.To prevent the pipes from getting clogged, avoid putting anything down the disposal that is stringy or too tough to grind up easily. Egg shells and husks are a few picks Forté advises against. How to Clean a Garbage Disposal With Soap, Baking Soda and VinegarAndrei Zonenko//Getty ImagesUse a sponge and dish soap to clean the disposal baffle and around the drain. Scrub around the top of the grinding chamber, too, all while rinsing your sponge throughout the process to remove the gunk. Once the surface feels clean, you can start a deeper refresh with baking soda. “Baking soda removes odors and when you add vinegar to it, it will foam up,” Forté says. American Home Shield recommends sprinkling half a cup of baking soda into the disposal. Then, pour a cup of white or apple cider vinegar in after. Make sure your disposal is off before starting the cleaning process. They recommend letting the mixture sit for five to 10 minutes before turning the disposal back on and running cold water inside to flush everything out. How to Clean a Garbage Disposal With Ice and Rock Salt or Vinegar An alternative cleaning solution is to pour a cup of rock salt (or vinegar) into the garbage disposal. Add ice cubes before turning the disposal on and running cold water to flush it. How to Deodorize a Garbage Disposal”I throw a few ice cubes down there and grind them up when I smell odors to help clean the blades,” Forté says. “It’s a quick fix to freshen it.” American Home Shield also suggests using citrus peels as a “great DIY garbage disposal deodorant.” Simply cut your citrus peels (limes, oranges, tangerines, lemons or grapefruits) into small pieces. Turn the garbage disposal on and run cold water as the peels grind. You can also purchase Lemi’s Shine Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer. Based on Lemi’s instructions, just drop one of the pods into the empty disposal, while running cold water at a low-speed setting. With the water still running, let the pod sit for 20 seconds before turning your disposal on and letting it grind for five seconds. After five seconds, turn the disposal and water off, wait two minutes, and then rinse the foam away. Assistant EditorMariah 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

Britain is known for introducing us the best of the best — think Princess Diana, Harry Potter and fish and chips. Now we can thank the UK for bringing us a fantastic sun safety idea: the 3-hour-gardening rule. The concept is simple: don’t go out in the sun to tend to your plants during its strongest rays, which generally occurs between 11 AM and 2 PM. After British gardener Shannen Goodwin explained that the 3-hour gardening rule can offer powerful protection from sun-related health problems, the internet took note and the idea went viral.Really, though, the 3-hour rule is just excellent common sense. “I treat many skin cancers on gardeners on their hands, arms, ears and neck,” says Ellen S, Marmur, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and founder of Marmur Medical in New York City. Not to mention the fact that too much sun can adversely affect the rest of your body: think dehydration, heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Top Sun Protection PicksMany gardening pros already follow the rule religiously. “Unless I’m in the middle of a big project, I’m not outside working in the heat of the day,” says Tara Nolan, co-owner of Savvy Gardening and author of Gardening in Your Front Yard. “If I am working on a project, I’ll only stay in the sun for a couple of hours at a time, well covered.” How can you adopt the 3-hour rule effectively and easily — and still find enough time in the day to spoil your roses rotten? Use these 6 key tips, and then get your bloom on! Editor’s note: Here’s how to interpret the index: UV Index 0-2 means sun exposure danger is at a minimum. UV Index 6-7 means moderate risk of harm from the sun. UV Index 8-10 means high risk of sunburn and sun damage. UV Index of 11+ means a very high risk to your health from the sun.Time your trimming. Choosing the chillest part of the day to garden is first and foremost. “When the temperatures are high and the sun is out, I would recommend gardening early in the morning, or early in the evening when it’s cooler,” says Nolan. “I try to get out as early as possible in the morning to water the vegetables and herbs in my raised beds. At this point, I’ll sometimes do a bit of weeding or pruning as I go while it’s still cool outside.” If that’s not possible, and you just have to head outside when the sun is a little stronger, you can actually track the intensity of rays in your area. Enter your zip code here at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Index Search to find out the precise UV measurement for where you live is up-to-the-minute. Slather on the sunscreen. It’s vital to be covered on every exposed part of your skin, period. “Apply sunscreen every 1–2 hours during summer sun exposure, especially since you will likely be sweating while gardening,” says Dr. Marmur. “This is key for fighting wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. I reapply sunscreen every hour – I am proudly geeky about my sun protection! The lowest SPF I would recommend is SPF 30 – anything lower, and you run the risk of sun damage.” Nolan makes sunscreen her top priority, too. “Any task I do outside in the yard starts with applying sunscreen,” she says. “It’s by my patio door, so I can grab it as I go outside and not forget. I have a SPF 60 spray that I’m using right now. It goes on my arms, legs and neck, and ears, depending on the hat I’m wearing. I often buy sport sunscreens–they tend to stay on longer when you sweat. ”It’s important to choose a sunscreen that you really, really like–it should smell delicious to you, and the texture should feel great. That way, you’ll never be tempted to skip it. And don’t be skimpy: the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying the amount that would fit in a shot glass, or two tablespoons, of SPF to each part of your face or body that’s touched by the sun–including when you top up. So keep it convenient. “Bring your sunscreen spray with you in your gardening tool kit,” suggests Dr. Marmur.Dress smart. You want your clothes to offer protection, but not be so heavy they make you overheat. The solution: choose a loose-fitting natural fiber outfit. “Try wearing long-sleeve lightweight shirts with a neck scarf,” suggests Dr. Marmur. You absolutely need to protect your head, too. A recent study found that 34% of surveyed patients who had gotten skin cancer always or frequently wear a hat in the sun–a good habit for everyone. “I always wear a hat,” says Nolan. ”I wear a wide-brimmed straw hat and a selection of baseball caps in the garden to protect my face and scalp from burning.” Dr. Marmur is also a big proponent of hats. Pick a chapeau that offers lots of coverage – hat on Amazon also has an optional face net, which, bonus, can protect you from bug bites. Or, choose clothes with built-in sun protection. “I have some tech fabric t-shirts that are cooler than a cotton tee,” says Nolan “If it’s not too hot, I’ll wear long pants in the garden when I’m weeding, and gloves. The good thing about gardening gloves is they can also protect your hands from the sun. When I wear gauntlet gloves, I have even more arm protection!” Take breaks.Take frequent breaks – as often as every 15 minutes – to escape the rays. “When it heats up and the sun is out, but I still want to garden, I’ll often follow the shade around my yard,” Nolan explains. “If I’m potting up a container arrangement or building a raised bed or other project, I’ll move the project to the shade, if possible. Or, I’ll choose a shady spot that needs weeding or tidying up so I’m not working in the blazing sun. I also bring a water bottle around the yard to stay hydrated.”Stay hydrated.Keep drinking water as you work. The Centers for Disease Control recommend sipping 8 ounces of water every 15–20 minutes when you’re in the sun to avoid heat exhaustion. Know the signs of heat exhaustion, too.According to Mayo Clinic, sun exposure, high temps  and physical activity can bring on this potentially dangerous condition. When you have heat exhaustion, your body gets too warm. Symptoms to watch out for:*Cool, damp skin*Goose bumps, even in the heat*Excessive sweating*Feeling faint or dizzy*Feeling tired*Having a fast, weak pulse*Having muscle cramps*Feeling nauseous*Having a headache*A drop in your blood pressure when you stand upIf you experience any signs of heat exhaustion, stop gardening, go to a cool place and drink lots of water, or sports drinks. Heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, can be even worse — it stops your body from being able to cool itself. Confusion, heavy sweating and loss of consciousness are signs. If you or someone you’re gardening experience these signs, call 911.Remember, gardening is lots of fun — and has a lot of health benefits associated with it — but only when done safely. Contributing WriterLisa is an internationally established health writer whose credits include Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Oprah Daily, Woman’s Day, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Parade, Health, Self, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including The Essentials of Theater. More

While your present thoughts might be on vacations and the perfect beach read, there’s something a bit less pleasant that summer often brings with it: high energy bills. To help, we tapped experts to find proactive ways to lower your energy costs, whether you live in a house or an apartment. Put their simple yet surprisingly effective tips into action, and you’ll be spending the rest of your summer the way you ought to: without a care.Filter out inefficiency.A recent survey found that less than half of homeowners who plan to spring-clean take into account appliance, structural or preventative maintenance. That’s a mistake, since “regular maintenance and upkeep of critical appliances and systems can help reduce energy use — and your electric bill — during extreme weather conditions,” says Courtney Klosterman, insights expert at a national home-insurance company.Just for starters, you could save anywhere from 5 to 15 percent off your summer energy bill from simple HVAC-filter maintenance. Clogged filters reduce airflow, negatively affecting your system’s efficiency. But restoring it to its proper level can just be a matter of either cleaning or replacing your old filter. (Which is necessary will depend on your device: Look up your model and manufacturer to find out.)Replacement is simple enough, but there are a few different cleaning options: You can use a vacuum to suck out dust, or wash the filter with water and a little vinegar for a deeper clean. Check with your manufacturer for its suggestions.YorkCool off with a heat pump.While the name might sound a bit counterintuitive for summertime, an efficient heat pump like those made by York can very efficiently keep your home cool. Simply put, it uses a refrigerant to transfer heat either to or from your living space. “In the summer, it acts as an air conditioner, and in the winter, it reverses the refrigerant flow and becomes a heating unit,” explains Dave Budzinski, VP of global residential & light commercial at Johnson Controls, York’s parent company. “Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, they can reduce home energy use significantly.” All while providing consistently pleasant indoor temperatures year-round, no matter the season.And not only will you end up saving money on cooling your home, you’ll also be able to take advantage of some incredible tax credits. As part of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, households can claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000. Unplug electronics whenever possible.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the term “energy vampires” to describe devices that continue to use energy while plugged in even when not in use. Some of the biggest culprits include phone chargers, TV and gaming systems, small kitchen appliances like toasters and air fryers, laptops and computers, and even hair dryers. AvailableLightClose up cool air’s escape hatches.Weather-stripping is the process of sealing openings around doors and windows to prevent airflow from your home to the outdoors and vice versa. And while it’s perhaps more well known as a means of keeping your house toasty in the winter, it’s just as crucial in summer. You don’t want your air conditioner working overtime to keep things cool because you’re constantly losing that precious chilled air to the outdoors. Happily, weather-stripping products are easy to come by, and most are equally easy to install. Options include adhesive-backed foam, which compresses to seal gaps, and tubular rubber-gasket weather strips, which conform to openings and fill up space.Get yourself out of hot water.The second-highest expense in an average American home comes from the water heater, which accounts for just under 20 percent of its energy use. Do the math, and this means the average U.S. household spends between $400 and $600 a year just on heating water. To reduce these costs, consider this recommendation from both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the DOE: Set your water-heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees F, both to prevent scalding and to conserve energy. To save even more, try washing dishes and doing laundry in cooler water than usual when possible. It might not seem like much — but remember, all the little changes you make can together add up to big savings. More

When I was a teen, my bedroom was constantly a mess. Everything was everywhere, but I had a nice little path carved out to get to my closet, my desk and into bed. And, like most teenagers who don’t want to clean their rooms, I told my parents it was “organized chaos.” Of course I knew where my math book was! It’s right there under that pile of socks, papers and magazines. But let’s be real — I didn’t really know where anything was. It took at least 10 minutes to find anything in the turmoil of my bedroom. I also was hesitant to have friends over, lest they see how messy I was.When I moved out on my own, I didn’t want that mess to follow me around. So I created a very organized life, where everything has its own place and it’s all easy for me to find. It was surprisingly easy to do, and I enjoyed being able to grab things right when I needed them.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playAnd that’s not an uncommon phenomenon, according to Gail Saltz, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the More

It’s almost impossible to keep white shoes clean 24/7. No matter how bright and spotless they were when you first bought them, scuffs, stains and spills accumulate over time. Before you know it, your favorite pair of Converse or Vans are in a less-than-pristine state. But rather than getting rid of your sneakers for good, try our easy guide below on how to clean white shoes. We share expert tips on making your canvas, suede and leather shoes look brand new, along with pointers to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Throwing your shoes in the washing machine might be the first thing you think of when it’s time to clean your shoes. But, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, suggests hand-cleaning them with a cloth or a soft brush instead. It’s a gentle process compared to a washing machine’s aggressive cycle. Plus, it’s a better solution for sneakers, loafers and slippers made of leather. With our simple steps below, we also share the best products needed to clean your shoes, including Dawn, Clorox and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. And while Forté can’t tell you exactly when it’s time to clean your shoes, she suggests taking note: “The dirtier they get, the harder they are to clean.” Depending on wear, she recommends “washing them every month or so and removing obvious spots and stains as soon as you see them to keep shoes looking cleaner longer.”So, use our step-by-step instructions below to bring your white shoes back to life — no matter the material. And as another preventative measure, consider these shoe organizer ideas to store your shoes for long-time wear. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Dishwashing LiquidFurniture Clinic Leather Protection CreamMulti-Use Soft Nylon BrushHow to Clean White Canvas Sneakers kieferpix//Getty ImagesTo restore white canvas sneakers, like Vans or Converse, back to their bright white color, follow these steps: Untie and remove the shoelaces.Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, including along the rubber edge and tongue.Mix a few drops of dish soap, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the soapy water and gently go over both shoes. Clean rubber soles and sides with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.Wet another cloth with plain water and wipe the shoes to rinse.Stuff the sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain the shape.Let the shoes dry at room temperature.How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With Bleachplay iconThe triangle icon that indicates to play “Bleach or a bleach solution is okay to use on white canvas sneakers, but I wouldn’t use it on leather or on the rubber trim, as it may turn it yellow,” Forté says. Clorox shares step-by-step instructions on how to wash your shoes with bleach, which you can easily follow below: Remove the laces and use a long brush to remove loose dirt and soil from your shoes.Mix 1 tablespoon of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach and 1 quart of water in a measuring cup. Dip the brush in the solution and gently scrub your shoes in a circular motion. Wait one minute before spraying hydrogen peroxide on the treated areas. Rinse the shoes clean with water. If the stains remain, repeat the process. Let your shoes dry overnight. For tough stains on white canvas shoes: Dip a brush in hydrogen peroxide and scrub. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth and air dry.How to Clean White Leather SneakersMaksym Azovtsev//Getty ImagesFor leather shoes — like white Adidas or Nike sneakers — follow a similar method:Untie and remove the shoelaces.Use a soft brush to brush off loose dust and dirt.Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the soapy water and gently go over the entire shoe. Clean rubber soles and sides with GH Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.Wet a cloth with plain water and wipe the shoes to rinse them.Stuff the sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain the shape.After they dry at room temperature, apply a leather conditioner, like Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to help keep the shoes soft and supple.For tough stains on white leather shoes: Dip a wet brush in baking soda and rub gently. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth and air dry.How to Clean White Suede Shoes yuriyzhuravov//Getty ImagesAccording to Forté, “white suede should only be cleaned with a suede cleaner.” She recommends the KIWI Suede and Nubuck Cleaner. “I wouldn’t risk using any home method and suede shouldn’t get too wet,” she says. But if you’re worried that your stains have been on your suede shoes for too long, Nike suggests using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol mixed with water. The entire shoe shouldn’t be drenched, but lightly dampened. Note: Washing the entire shoe in water can cause stains to settle into the fabric. How to Clean White ShoelacesSo what about those grimy laces? Give ’em a quick spruce with dishwashing liquid before threading them back through:Untie and remove the laces from the shoes.Soak them in warm, soapy water. Rinse the shoelaces with fresh water.Squeeze the excess water out.Lay flat to dry.How to Keep White Shoes Whiteplay iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playTo keep your shoes sparkling, guard them against the elements and remove spots as soon as they appear: Contributing WriterCaroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  Assistant EditorMariah 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