Home Ideas

There’s nothing better than sliding into a bed covered in freshly washed sheets, but getting to that end-of-day treat certainly takes effort. Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, shared her advice for how to wash this bedding essential and help extend their lifetime. The first step: Making sure you have these cleaners on hand.
What You’ll Need
Shout Advanced Ultra Gel
Gain Liquid Detergent
Now it’s time to get to work.
How to Wash Sheets
Sheets don’t wear like your gym shorts or jeans, but you do spend a lot of time in them — and night after night, germs, sweat, and body oils accumulate quickly.
“If there are no stains, there’s no need pretreat the sheets,” says Forte. “But it’s always a good idea to check pillowcases for makeup residue. A prewash stain remover like Shout Advanced Ultra Gel can help get any spots out.” Then add detergent, like Good Housekeeping Seal holder Gain Liquid Detergent.

The Best Sheets for Every Kind of Sleeper

Some new washers have dedicated cycles just for washing sheets. But if yours doesn’t, select the “normal” or “casual” cycle instead of “heavy duty.” “Sheets don’t need excessive agitation to get clean, and the heavy-duty cycle can cause tangling and wrinkling,” says Forte.
To boost cleaning (which helps if you suffer from allergies), increase the water temperature. Choose a cleaning cycle that uses the hottest water safe for the sheets’ fabric (check the care tag). “The hotter the water, the more germs you kill,” says Forte. Once done, fold and store your sheets until you’re ready to put them on your bed.
How Often Should You Wash Sheets
Bed sheets can accumulate so many things you can’t see, like dead skin cells, dust mites, germs — even fecal matter — and they should be washed regularly. “The longest you should wait before changing out your sheets is two weeks,” says Forte. “Weekly is even better.”
If you or anyone in your household has dust or pollen allergies, sweats excessively, or has an infectious illness (or if the family pet sleeps in the bed), you’ll want to consider laundering the sheets more often than once per week.
Now, avoid these common missteps to ensure you get a great night’s sleep on laundry day.
4 Common Sheet Washing Mistakes

Getty

1. Overloading your washer
It can be tempting to dump all of your family’s bedding in one load, but you’ll need to do a couple to get the job done right. “Sheets needs to circulate to get clean,” says Forte. “Today’s enormous washers can probably hold several sets, but you should never cram them in. And if your washer has an agitator in the middle, don’t wrap the sheets around it. This can cause them to wrinkle or tear. Instead, lay them in separately without wrapping them.”
2. Using the wrong setting
Choosing a heavy-duty cycle isn’t necessary (unless your sheets are a serious mess). “It’s fine to wash sheets on the normal, regular, or colors cycle; they’ll still get clean,” says Forte. “These options are gentler and shorter than heavy duty and (depending on the machine) will cool water gradually for less wrinkling.”
3. Drying them for too long
Bedding might take a little longer to dry than a regular load of clothes, but leaving sheets in the dryer longer “just in case” is what can cause them to shrink. “Over-drying is definitely a problem,” says Forte. “It’s best to tumble dry sheets on low heat for the shortest time possible (and yes, this could take some trial and error to get right). This minimizes shrinkage and helps reduce wrinkling too.”
4. Drying sheets with towels
Not all linens are created equally, so it’s best to keep very different loads separate to avoid over-drying issues. “Sheets dry faster than towels, so when the sheets are dry the towels will likely still be wet,” says Forte. If you’re aiming to combine loads, Forte says it’s probably okay to put some light cotton fabrics in with sheets, but towels are problematic.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Gone are the days you have to scrub and scrub… and scrub to get your oven to shine like new. The self-clean feature, first introduced by Thermador in 1963, was added to both gas ranges and electric ovens solely to make cleaning easier. And, though once regulated to high-end models, it’s now a near-universal setting on household ovens.
So whether you dropped an entire pie in your oven while trying to remove it, the cheese on your pizza bubbled over, or you’ve just let too many crumbs accumulate over time, it’s time to let that self-cleaning button on your oven work some magic for you.
What type of self-cleaning oven is best?
There are two different types of self-cleaning ovens: Those that clean with steam and those that clean with high heat, or “pyrolytic” cleaning. Both save you from heavy-duty elbow grease — they just function a bit differently:
With high-heat cleaning, the oven cranks to extremely high temperatures (usually between 800º to 875ºF) to burn off residue and turn it to ash. Most consumers find that high heat performs better with less elbow grease.
Steam cleaning works with heat and water to loosen soils, but a manual clean will still be needed afterwards — especially for heavy soils. Steam offers the advantage of no burn off, lower temperatures, and no odors.
How often should you self-clean your oven?
For most, a thorough self-clean every four to six months is plenty to keep your oven sparkling, says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab. Ultimately though, how frequently you need to self-clean your oven depends on how often you use your oven — and how diligently you manually clean it between uses.
“Some consumers use self-clean monthly, whereas others use it only once or twice a year,” said a brand rep from Thermador in an interview with Good Housekeeping. Frequency also depends on the consumer’s cooking habits. “For example, Thermador consumers who utilize the Sabbath Mode feature on their ovens sometimes use self-clean more often to make their ovens suitable between cooking meat or dairy products (ideal for those keeping Kosher).”
How long does self-cleaning take?
Though exact timing varies depending on the brand and type of oven you own, it’s safe to bank on a couple hours. You can always stop the self-cleaning feature mid-cycle if you need to: For specifics, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is it safe to self-clean your oven when home?
Though you may have heard otherwise and that burning plastic smell may spook you, it’s perfectly safe to run the self-clean feature whether you and your family (yes, babies included) are home or not, says Thermador.
In general, self-cleaning ovens do not pose a threat to typical household pets like cats and dogs, either. According to Molly Maids, the fumes self-cleaning ovens produce are harmful only to tropical birds. If you have this type of pet, arrange for them to be out of the house before proceeding with a self-clean.
That said, odors are common, particularly with ovens that clean using heat. For this reason, many consumers opt to ventilate (opening windows or running the hood) concurrently. And, if the smell is overpowering, you can always go into another room while the oven works its magic.
How to use your oven’s self-clean feature
No matter which method your oven’s self-clean feature works on, here are the general steps you’ll need to follow:
Prep the oven: Prior to using the self-cleaning feature, make sure the surface of the oven is free from any major spills. And, unless they are documented as self-cleanable, remove the racks to prevent discoloration and potential warping.
Lock the door: Though many models will lock automatically before the cleaning cycle begins, double check, and lock the door if need be.
Turn on the vent: Ensure there is good ventilation in the home — a ventilation fan or hood is ideal to help remove heat and any odors caused by everything burning off, according to Thermador.
Let run: Hit that button, and let your oven do its thing.
Wipe down: When completely cool, wipe down with a damp towel to clean up any lingering residue.
Note: Never use any household cleaners along with the self-cleaning feature.
How to maintain a clean oven between self-cleanings
Though self-cleaning is undoubtedly convenient, your best bet to keep your oven in good, working condition is to give it a little TLC in between more major cleaning sessions. If you really want to stay on top of things, wipe it down once a month or when it begins to look dirty, says Forte. Here’s how:
Wipe up spills immediately: Use a damp sponge or brush to nab loose bits of food. To avoid burns and inadvertently shattering any untempered glass, always wait until the oven is completely cool to wipe down glass, walls, and racks.
Clean racks: Remove the racks from your oven for more effective and comfortable cleaning. Then, wash each rack one at a time in warm, sudsy water or a quality oven cleaner. Rinse, let dry, and slide back into place.
Clean the door: Clean the outside of your oven the same way you would the interior — with warm, sudsy water and a sponge. For streak and spot-free glass, use a glass or grease-cutting multi-purpose cleaner like Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, then scrub with a scrubbing pad, rinse with a clean cloth or sponge, and let dry.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Monique Valeris, Good Housekeeping’s senior home editor, loves a one-of-a-kind find. On her travels to places like Greece and India, she likes to pick up colorful, patterned items for her home that express the spirit of the places she visits.
This philosophy extends to her writing: In her monthly column What’s In My Cart, Valeris scours stores to help readers find everything from bookends to shibori-dyed leather vases that are both affordable and beautiful. Writer Audrey Wachs spoke with her to learn more about two beloved items — one new, one old — in her New York City residence and how they reflect her approach to home decor.
AW: Can you tell me about your personal approach to decorating your home?

Decor Our Senior Home Editor Loves Now

MV: I’m inspired by interior designers like Rita Konig and Nate Berkus. Both of them believe that your home should feel like it’s been arranged over time. I don’t like when you walk into a space and feels like it’s straight out of a catalog. I love mixing it up — if you find a great piece of seating at West Elm, I want to complement that with some throw pillows that I found on a trip abroad.
I love patterns, colors, and prints, but I like to keep big pieces like a sofa more neutral and then elevate it with accessories. It should really just be a reflection of your lifestyle.
How does this elegant—and very sturdy-looking—white column fit into your overall approach to interiors?

Monique Valeris

I think every home should have that one special statement piece. Years ago, I went to the Brimfield Antique Show for the first time. It’s a huge outdoor venue where tons of sellers have all types of home decor items. You can honestly take days to shop. It’s kind of overwhelming, but I love the thrill of the hunt. I spotted this column and I thought it would be perfect for my home, though I didn’t exactly know what I would do with it. I believe it’s made of alabaster or something similar. It has a really great weight to it.

Being indoors much more, I’ve focused on having more greenery in my space.

The piece has male figures at the bottom, and as you go up, it has a leaf motif. It’s so intricately carved. That’s what I love about pieces like this; the attention to detail is just brilliant. You know, I try to carry that attention to detail when I’m shopping for anything really in my home.
I have two young kids, so it has to be out of the way so they don’t attempt to climb up on it. It’s currently in my home office, and I use it to display a plant that I have in a woven basket. Being indoors much more, I’ve focused on having more greenery in my space. Before, it was tucked away in my living room — I’ve moved it from room to room over the years, but it’s something that people always notice when they come to my home.
Can you tell me about the environment you try to create in your home office?
I’m drawn to color, that’s number one. My walls are a melon color. Having that color around me helps to boost my creativity and helps me stay focused and get me going throughout the day.
I also like to have little accessories around that reflect my style. For instance, I have this gold pineapple — pineapples symbolize hospitality, so it reminds me of the beat that I cover. I like to have art around me, and just really special items that you can’t really find anywhere else.
Let’s talk about this beachy print you have. Who gave it to you?

La Fontelina Beach Club, Capri II
graymalin.com

[Photographer] Gray Malin’s team gifted it to me earlier this year. He’s known for these beautiful aerial shots of beaches and beautiful outdoor spaces. The print is of a beach in Capri, and it’s part of La Dolce Vita, a month-long series where Malin travelled along Italy’s coastline to capture these beautiful shots.
I love to travel and often find inspiration from all types of countries. His print just makes me so happy. It’s both calming and uplifting to see the water. I love that the umbrellas have this retro feel to them. When it comes to patterns, I’ve always been drawn to stripes and seeing them in this classic blue and white palette is right up my alley. I have this piece on my bookshelf in my office and it adds the perfect pop of color. When I’m busy and stressed, looking at it really brightens my day.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Makers (and wannabe makers) unite — we are excited to invite you to join us in our new Stitch Club!
Good Housekeeping has partnered with the crew at Yarnspirations to create knitting and crocheting kits just for you. From 30-minute cowls to luxurious sweaters, easy baskets and cozy throws, our style editors and craft experts have curated six chic, pretty, fun patterns for all levels, both chunky and fine, that will let you while away the winter hours or finish in a weekend. (They also make great gifts!)
To start a project, head to the GH x Yarnspirations Stitch Club landing page, where you’ll find free patterns and shoppable Stitch Club kits that include yarn in your favorite shades and tools to get the job done easily. Our editor-tested and created patterns will also come with step-by-step instructions with links to video tutorials.

PICK YOUR PATTERN

Garter Knit Scarf
yarnspirations.com

Jiffy Cowl
yarnspirations.com

Chunky Crochet Beanie
yarnspirations.com

Twisted Crochet Headband
yarnspirations.com

Check out the video above to learn more about the club and get a full tutorial for creating our cozy bobble cowl.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Monica Wang; Design: Martha Mulholland

If you follow Jacey Duprie, the creative force behind the popular lifestyle blog, Damsel in Dior, you’re already familiar with her love of classic clothing rooted in a neutral palette, and her knack for making the most casual outfits look uber-polished. Whether she’s wearing a head-to-toe designer look or an ensemble that she proudly scored on Amazon, Jacey never fails to keep her audience, including 520,000 Instagram followers, coming back for more. Jacey’s followers not only crave content revolving around her approach to fashion — they’re also interested in her experience as a busy mother and wife living in Los Angeles.
On any given day, scroll through her Instagram and you’ll find everything from videos of her and her husband, real estate developer Grant Leavitt, dancing with their two-year-old daughter, June, to a snapshot of her morning routine, which, as of late, includes meditating. But there’s another part of her lifestyle brand that people have gravitated towards: interior design.
Jacey recently invited her Instagram followers to weigh in on every step of her kitchen renovation process, executed by designer Martha Mulholland, who also helped to revamp the rest of her 100-year-old Arts & Crafts property. “I like to push boundaries a little bit more with my home than I do with my personal style,” Jacey says. “I like to have a little more fun with it.”

Interior designer Martha Mulholland preserved the kitchen’s unique original details, including the patterned flooring, while introducing modern touches such as cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Lichen.
Monica Wang; Design: Martha Mulholland

And the fun Jacey had with the design process shows, but not without its own set of challenges. Considering that the historic Los Angeles residence is protected by the Mills Act (a state law that requires preservation of the property), there were design limitations to solve for, like accepting that an island didn’t suit the layout and needing to keep the kitchen’s quirky original black-and-white patterned flooring. “We had to work with what we had, and respect and enhance the architectural details from the early 1900s,” Jacey says. “We wanted to lean into those details as well as bring our own personality to the space.”
Martha encouraged Jacey to complement the kitchen’s hexagon mosaic floor tiles by painting the cabinets in Farrow & Ball’s Lichen, a striking muted green that takes on a different tone depending on the natural light that pours into the space at any given moment. “In the morning, it feels much brighter, and the green pops and is much moodier in the evening,” Jacey says.

“We chose to invest in pieces that make us happy,” Jacey says of her newly renovated kitchen.
Monica Wang; Design: Martha Mulholland

From there, the duo focused on small touches to add warmth to the cooking space. A small Lulu & Georgia table lamp set on top of a wooden counter stool, a sconce positioned directly above a piece of floral wall art, fixtures and appliances boasting mixed metals—the attention to detail is evident throughout every inch of the design scheme.
Now that the kitchen is complete, it’s proven to be the heart of Jacey’s family home. “When you are living and breathing in a room all day, every day, it should be a reflection of who you are and the person that you want to be,” Jacey says.
It’s safe to say that Jacey’s newly renovated kitchen is just that. It’s the perfect representation of her relaxed yet sophisticated style.

“I grew up on a farm in South Texas, so I wanted my kitchen to feel very warm and family friendly,” Jacey says.
Monica Wang; Design: Martha Mulholland

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Clorox 2 Laundry Stain Remover and Color Booster
target.com
$9.99

The after-hours of a holiday dinner — even an intimate one — often conjures the image of a home ransacked: Crumbs everywhere, stray linens, piled dishes, gaggles of dirty glasses. And usually, there are stains: often on the table, sometimes in the folds of clothes, and even in “how did that get there?” spots.
You’ve probably got all sorts of strategies to make clean-up quick and easy — but stains can be troublemakers. The secret to busting them? Clorox 2® for Colors Stain Remover & Color Brightener to the rescue! Watch the video above to see how it works to keep fabrics fresh all holiday season (and year!).
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

Embrace the best parts of the season with these easy DIYs. More

It goes beyond swiping your sweater for pet hair. More