Home Ideas

Itching to break out the gardening gloves? Winter is almost over, which means it’s time to start preparing your yard for a healthy spring garden. However, timing is key when it comes to planting your seeds, and it all depends on location. The Old Farmer’s Alamanac has released a new easy-to-read “How Soon You Can Plant” map that shows each region’s anticipated conditions — including precipitation, soil moisture, frost thaw and more — at the start of the season. According to data from The Old Farmer’s Alamanac, the start of planting this year is on track or even slightly earlier than normal. Typically, the gardening season in Southern Mainland U.S. starts between March and May, Central and Northern Mainland U.S. starts between April and June and Southern Canada starts between May and June. However, there are a few key notes to keep in mind if you live in an area labeled one of the following:Wet StartSoil that is wetter than usual can lead to a slow start of the gardening season, which means you might have to a wait a bit before grabbing your shovel. Be patient and avoid starting while the soil is still too wet. To figure out if your soil is ready, The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests digging a 6-inch hole and grabbing a handful of soil. If the dirt keeps its shape, it’s too wet. Dry StartSoil that is dryer may slow plant growth even when temperatures are favorable for an early start to the gardening season. Before getting started, plan an irrigation system and opt for drought-resistant plants like beans, lavender and sunflowers. Organic materials like mulch can also help maintain moisture in your garden. Cold StartColder temperatures lead to a later start of the season. There are a few different methods you can try for warming up soil, one being through a cold frame — a box with a clear top that keeps heat in and protects plants from harsh winds. You can also opt for plants and vegetables that thrive in colder conditions. Hot StartAlthough warmer temperatures, when paired with enough rain, can promote early planting and growth, too much heat can also put stress on plants. To combat hot conditions, choose heat-tolerant seeds and use shade cloth to filter out some of the sun’s rays. Prepare for SpringLaura 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

1Neutrals With a Pop of ColorAimee RyanNot a fan of color-drenching? Designer Liz Curry of Liz Curry Studio says bright colors in small doses can also make a statement. “Mixing in color with neutrals is a perfect way to create a sophisticated environment that is elevated and whimsy at the same time. In 2025, we’ll be seeing a splash or two of color for a bolder look.” Photo by: Aimee Ryan2Fluid Patterns Heather Ison PhotographyDesigner Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt is excited about the return of organic movement in design. “Think fluid patterns, hand-formed textures and nature-inspired shapes that add depth and personality to a space,” Cloud says. Rather than rigid lines and uniformity, Cloud believes there will be more furniture designs and decorative accents with free-flowing silhouettes and wavy details. “It’s all about embracing a sense of ease and livable beauty this season,” she adds. Photo by: Heather IsonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Shades of Green Brian WetzelVerdant hues will be everywhere this season. “Expect all shades of green from dark hunter to chartreuse,” says Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. “Whether it’s just a pop or color-drenching, green is here to stay and is giving blue a run for its money.” Photo by: Brian WetzelRELATED: The Biggest Paint Color Trends of 20254Retro-Inspired AccentsSarah BakerWhat’s old is new again, right? According to designer Erin Laméy of LoBello Designs, expect a resurgence of retro-inspired pieces layered with antiques that add personality to an interior. “Retro revival is all about bold colors, sculptural furniture and playful patterns—reinterpreting iconic styles with a fresh perspective,” says Laméy. “We like to take it a step further by sourcing vintage pieces that go beyond trends, because authenticity is key.” Photo by: Sarah BakerRELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Antique ShoppingAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Personalized Touches Photography by Rob Grosse // SpacecraftingSometimes, all it takes are simple yet thoughtful decorative accents to pull a room together. “This spring, it’s all about adding small, personalized touches to your home that make a big impact,” says Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors. “From custom cushions for a barstool to unique, handpicked knobs for cabinets, these little details bring character and charm to any space. It’s an easy way to refresh your home without a major renovation — just a few thoughtful swaps can turn everyday items into one-of-a-kind statement pieces.” Photo by: Rob Grosse // Spacecrafting Photography6Organic Textures Brian Wetzel“Live teak root coffee tables or seagrass mirrors are great ways to add a natural and interesting piece of furniture to your home,” says designer Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms. Layers of texture never fail to make a space feel more lived-in and inviting. “The instant warmth that comes from this texture is something that can’t be matched,” Storms adds. Photo by: Brian WetzelAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Hidden SpacesAlejandro EspanaKeeping clutter at bay is key in any home, and designer Lindsay Olson of Lulu Designs has noticed that hidden rooms and storage solutions are trending. “People want more from their homes,” Olson says. “Houses working hard to keep things in place, along with creating hidden spaces for the clutter, is essential for spring.” Photo by: Alejandro EspanaRELATED: Closed Kitchen Storage Is Trending 8Biophilic DesignZeke Ruelas“Biophilic design, or the essence of bringing the outdoors in, will continue to be a favorite trend this spring,” says Brad Ramsey of Brad Ramsey Interiors. From an abundance of greenery to beautiful natural light and oversized, airy windows, interiors will embrace the beauty of nature. “There’s a focus on plants not just as decor but as essential design elements to improve mood and air quality,” he adds.Photo by: Zeke Ruelas Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Organic Curves Life CreatedWhen it comes to furniture, designs with curves are all the rage, says designer Lauren Lerner of Living With Lolo. Organic curves boost a room’s visual appeal and “create a soft, inviting look.” Try dining chairs, an accent table or a great mirror with curves. “Their fluid shapes also bring a sense of comfort and renewal, making them perfect for the season of growth.” Photo by: Life Created10Wallpapered Ceilings Richard LawCeilings are one of the most overlooked spaces in a home and designer Kerith Flynn of Margali & Flynn Designs says they can add depth and visual interest to a space with one element — wallpaper. “This creative approach incorporates natural tones and earthy materials, with patterns inspired by nature like botanical prints, stone textures and organic shapes,” Flynn says. For this living room, Flynn settled on a Thibaut wallpaper made from real wood. “This design choice truly helped our client step out of the box and take a bold design risk that paid off in the most beautiful way,” he says. Photo by: Richard LawRELATED: Why Designers Don’t Want You to Overlook the “Fifth Wall”Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Lilac Erin KestenbaumGone are the days when lilac was reserved only for nurseries — it’s showing up elsewhere too, says Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors. “We’re seeing lilac accents throughout a variety of spaces — like in this project where we used lilac accents throughout to add a pop!” Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum12Outdoor Rooms Robert Peterson / Rustic White InteriorsWhether it’s a cozy patio lounge or a stylish al fresco dining setup, designer Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors appreciates welcoming outdoor rooms that mirror interior spaces. “Blurring the lines between indoors and out, these spaces incorporate plush seating, weather-resistant rugs and stylish lighting to create a seamless extension of the home,” Ward says. “Advances in durable materials and smart outdoor technology make it easier than ever to enjoy the comfort and sophistication of an indoor living room—under the open sky.”Photo by: Robert PetersonRELATED: 55 Stunning Backyard Decor Ideas to Add Pizzazz to Your SpaceAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Bright, Bold PatternsLotty BunburyIndoors and out, you can never go wrong with incorporating a fun pattern into your home this spring, says designer Colleen Bennett of CBB Design Firm. “We’re seeing lots and lots of big, bold, bright patterns and greens are always big,” Bennett says. “There’s floral, toile, tassels and beautiful trims. It’s classic and always comes back around in the spring.” Photo by: Lotty Bunbury14Mixing Old and NewErin KellyThis season, expect to see rooms that blend old and new seamlessly. “Incorporating heirloom pieces, particularly in older homes, is often the best ways to make your home feel the most personal and bespoke,” says Mindy Kelson of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture and Interiors. “Re-using furniture is good for the environment, and also adds an individual charm that can’t be easily replicated with only brand new pieces. Juxtaposing those pieces against modern artwork, furnishings and fabrics can work a certain magic that is hard to replicate in other ways.” Photo by: Erin Kelly Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Crafters across the country are mourning the loss of their favorite fabric store, JOANN. The company announced this past week that it will be closing all of its stores, with going-out-of-business sales commencing immediately. For the time being, you can still shop at JOANN or on their site, Joann.com, for special deals as the fabric retailer clears its inventory. But soon, crafters everywhere will have to find a new spot for high-quality fabric. While there are plenty of big-box stores and online retailers that sell fabric, there’s nothing quite like shopping somewhere that specializes in high-quality fabric like JOANN. We asked our textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute for their advice on what to look out for when searching for the best fabric.”It’s good to go to a store that specializes in what you’re shopping for (especially important for quilting fabrics!),” says Emma Seymour, the associate director at the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. “I also like to make sure the fabrics are clean, they have a range of materials and the material isn’t damaged at all. Also, if you’re sewing with a pattern, make sure you choose compatible fabrics.”We searched high and low for the best places to buy fabric, from trusted brick-and-mortar stores to top online retailers. With insights from some of the experienced DIYers and crafting experts on the Good Housekeeping staff, we’ve rounded up the best spots for crafters to shop for fabrics now that JOANN is going out of business.Mood FabricsWith locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami, Mood Fabrics is a great store to check out if you love to look at and feel fabrics in person before you buy. If you don’t live in one of these three cities, they also have a wide selection of high-quality fabrics online.“I was looking for fabric once, and they were kind enough to show me a range of quality options in various colors within my budget. I never felt rushed and was able to take my time to make the best decision,” says Home Design Director Monique Valeris. SHOP MOOD FABRICSGray Lines LinenLocated in New York City, Gray Lines Linen offers a variety of fabrics, including 100% linen, 100% silk, 100% cotton embroidery and other blends for all sorts of projects. And if you don’t live close by, don’t worry. The retailer sends sample swatches of the type of fabric and color you’re looking for so you can see it before making a purchase. SHOP GRAY LINES LINENStone Mountain FabricStone Mountain Fabric is located in Berkeley, California, although their online inventory is pretty impressive. “Our extensive selection includes top-quality fabrics in every category: knits, wovens, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool and many fiber blends sourced from around the world,” the company states on its site.SHOP STONE MOUNTAIN FABRICB&J FabricsWith a storefront in Manhattan’s Garment District, B&J Fabrics is a go-to for Good Housekeeping Visual Styling Director Elisabeth Engelhart. “B&J Fabrics is a staple in New York City’s Garment District, known for its carefully curated selection of textiles from around the world,” says Engelhart. “The store is well-loved by fashion students, designers and stylists, and it’s not uncommon to bump into high-fashion couturiers while browsing their wide range of fabrics, including velvets, cotton lawn, embellished tulle and linens. Their collection is neatly organized by material, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need. B&J also offers a well-organized online inventory, providing convenient access to their fabrics for those who can’t visit in person.” SHOP B&J FABRICSChiara Sakuwa//Getty ImagesFABSCRAPLooking for a fabric retailer that’s trying to also do some good for the planet? Look no further than FABSCRAP. “FABSCRAP is a nonprofit organization that has pioneered a system to recycle and reuse fabric waste from brands, creating an accessible materials resource for creative communities while reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the planet,” the company explains on its site. With a warehouse location in Brooklyn, New York, and an online shop, you can source recycled materials for your next project at an affordable price. SHOP FABSCRAPA Thrifty NotionA Thrifty Notion sells secondhand fabric from their warehouse store located in Ogden, Kansas. Its site offers a wide variety of fabrics with plenty of filter options so you can find just what you need online. SHOP A THRIFTY NOTIONBrooklyn General StoreBrooklyn General Store is a Good Housekeeping staff favorite for its vintage atmosphere and beautiful selection. If you’re located in the area, it even offers classes in knitting, sewing, quilting, felting, spinning, rug hooking and embroidery.”Brooklyn General Store is a hidden gem with a vast array of high-quality fabrics and yarns in a small, cozy setting,” says Good Housekeeping Editorial Stylist Alex Mata. “Shopping there is a delightful experience, sparking creativity the moment you walk in the door. As a regular customer, I’m constantly impressed by the fresh selection of unique fabrics it offers. For those seeking exceptional and one-of-a-kind fabrics, Brooklyn General Store is an outstanding choice. They also offer the convenience of online ordering, making the unique selection accessible wherever you are.” SHOP BROOKLYN GENERAL STOREFabric MartFabric Mart’s retail store is located in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t stop crafters around the country from calling it home. As a small, family-owned business, customers appreciate the high-quality service and materials offered. SHOP FABRIC MARTBritex FabricsBritex Fabrics moved from New York City’s Garment District to San Francisco in 1952. “Generations of fabric lovers describe Britex as a delight to the senses, a visual candy store,” says the retailer on its site. SHOP BRITEX FABRICSRelated StoriesLaura 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

It’s a sad day for crafters, quilters and makers of all kinds. JOANN Fabrics, the staple fabric store for many creatives, recently announced that all 800 of their stores will close this year. I’ve been a JOANN devotee for over a decade, essentially since I learned how to sew. I’m not just sad, I’m also not sure what the future holds for my hobbies — or for beginner crafters. I love to make things. I cycle through creative hobbies as they catch my interest — you name it, I’ve probably tried it! I’ve personally used JOANN supplies to quilt, sew, make Halloween costumes, cross-stitch, knit, crochet, embroider and more. I love being able to keep my hands busy and end up with something unique that nobody else has. Watching Abbot Elementary while cross-stitching? Don’t threaten me with a good time! I’ve been slowly filling my house with my own art, from pillows and plushies to coasters and wall hangings. And I have a reputation for being a DIY queen at Halloween that I’m determined to uphold. But with JOANN closing, I worry about how to keep sewing and how to encourage others to learn. “Access to cheap fabric makes a world of difference in how fun and affordable sewing can be.”JOANN isn’t the only craft shop I frequent, but it is easily the best for buying fabric. The reason it’s such a big deal that it’s closing is because other stores don’t have the same range and quality of fabrics — or the same sales.Local fabric stores are commonly quilt shops, which carry mostly higher end (read: expensive!) cottons. If you want felt, fleece, fur, flannel, minky, apparel fabrics, cosplay fabrics or anything else, JOANN was the best place to find it. Now, I’m not sure where to look. A lot of what let me try new projects is that I could start them inexpensively by waiting for a 50% off coupon at JOANN. Especially for people new to sewing, your first few projects will look a little wonky. Squiggly seams, uneven corners, that’s just part of the learning process!Having access to cheap fabric to learn on makes a world of difference in how fun and affordable sewing can be. My absolute favorite moment at JOANN is when holiday fabric goes on sale for 70% off. Their Halloween fabric sale is what got me into quilting. It only cost me a few dollars to teach myself something new, and I found a new passion in the process! Having less access to inexpensive but quality supplies means less creativity, which is a loss for everyone. It’s easy enough to get basic craft supplies online. A quick hop on Amazon will let you grab basics like crochet hooks, knitting needles, buttons, zippers, et cetera. But fabric shopping really needs to be done in person, where you can feel the fiber content and weight of a fabric, match the colors with different patterns and find coordinating thread. Color matching like that online is next to impossible, as is determining the quality of a fabric just from a picture. If you buy fabric that is too low quality, it will unravel while you sew it or after only a short amount of use, wasting your hard work and contributing to the amount of fabric waste in landfills. I’ve spent a lot of happy hours in the aisles of JOANN. Like most crafters, I have a sizable fabric stash of projects I haven’t started yet. But when those run out or I want to encourage a friend to start sewing, I don’t know where to tell them to go. So thank you JOANN for all the memories — I know I’ll be there stocking up at the closing sales. Related StoriesSarah Vincent (she/her) covers the latest and greatest in books and all things pets for Good Housekeeping. She double majored in Creative Writing and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, where she sat in the front row for every basketball game. In her spare time, she loves cooking, crafting, studying Japanese, and, of course, reading. More

While there are no shortage of fantastic cleaning products out there – from multi-purpose sprays to vacuums that’ll have your house sparkling in no time — some of the most reliable are versatile basics like baking soda and washing soda. What’s the difference between baking soda and washing soda?Though washing soda (also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash) may not get quite as much attention as baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate), it’s another type of chemical compound that has plenty of household uses. The main difference between the two is that baking soda can be used for both cooking and cleaning, while washing soda can only be used for cleaning and laundry only. Washing soda also has a larger crystal-like texture, while baking soda has more of a powdery texture. You should also wear gloves when handling washing soda, since it’s a stronger alkali that could cause skin irritation. How to clean with washing sodaArm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household CleanerNow 10% OffCredit: Arm & HammerLike baking soda, Arm & Hammer is the most popular brand of washing soda, and it can generally be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. Its applications go way beyond refreshing dirty clothes, though. There are a dozen household items you can clean with washing soda, according to the cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute: 1. StainsFor heavily soiled laundry, use one full cup of washing soda along with the typical amount of detergent at the beginning of the wash cycle. You can also pre-treat stains with a paste of 4 tablespoons washing soda and ¼ cup warm water. Use rubber gloves to gently rub the paste into the dampened stain and wash as normal.RELATED: The Best Laundry Stain Removers2. Soap scumBecause washing soda is a natural water softener, it can help clean stubborn soap scum from areas like toilet bowls, tile, sinks and tubs (just don’t use it on fiberglass). To clean these areas, dissolve ½ cup washing soda in a gallon of warm water, scrub thoroughly and rinse well. Connect Images//Getty Images3. A greasy stovetop, oven, range hood or exhaust fanTo eliminate stubborn grease and grime from surfaces, mix a solution of ½ cup washing soda and a gallon of warm water and apply with a damp sponge. For burners, remove them and let them soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and drying. 4. CookwareTo clean heavily soiled pots and pans, sprinkle washing soda on a damp sponge, scrub and then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, you can make a paste of two parts washing soda, one part water and apply to stained areas. Let stand for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. RELATED: How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans5. Plastic garbage binsTo clean a stinky garbage can, dissolve ½ cup of washing soda in a gallon of warm water, wash the the surface, rinse and let dry. Peter Dazeley//Getty Images6. Small appliancesIf your toaster oven or food processor is caked in grease or could simply use a refresh, wipe the exterior with a solution of ½ cup washing soda dissolved in a gallon of warm water.7. Outdoor furniturePlastic and wrought-iron furniture can be revived with a solution of ½ cup washing soda dissolved in a gallon of warm water. For plastic furniture, simply wipe down with a cloth or sponge. For wrought iron, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, hose off and let dry. 8. Garden toolsIf shovels, clippers and other yard tools have seen better days, you can use a damp stiff-bristled brush to scrub them with washing soda. Once clean, hose off the tools and let them air dry. Hannah Yelverton//Getty Images9. Grill grates and utensilsWhen your barbecue is caked with grease, scrub the grates with washing soda using a damp stiff-bristled brush and then rinse well. You can also soak grates and tools in a solution of ½ cup washing soda dissolved in a gallon of warm water before rinsing and drying. 10. Shower curtainsBanish mold and mildew from your shower curtain by soaking it in a solution of washing soda and water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. RELATED: How to Clean a Glass Shower Door11. Silver jewelryTo remove tarnish, line a bowl with aluminum foil, then fill with hot water and a small amount of washing soda. Let the crystals dissolve, then add your silver jewelry and let soak for up to 15 minutes. Once it stops fizzing, rinse and buff with a soft lint-free cloth until thoroughly dry. RELATED: How to Clean Jewelry12. Concrete floorsApply a paste of washing soda and water on oil and grease spills, let stand overnight, then scrub with a damp brush, hose down and wipe dry.Don Mason//Getty ImagesBrigitt 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

1Clean a Cutting BoardDejan Ilic//Getty ImagesSprinkle some salt on top of your cutting board, cut a lemon in half and get scrubbing! Then, wash your cutting board in the sink to get rid of any leftover residue. 2Refresh Your Oven DoorIsabel Pavia//Getty ImagesSpruce up your oven door with some natural cleaner. Fill a spray bottle with water and juice from one whole lemon. Spray the oven door and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and wiping it down with a cloth or sponge. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Deodorize a Garbage DisposalAygul Bulte//Getty ImagesSmelly garbage disposal? You’re not alone. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a lemon cut into slivers down the drain. Run cold water, then turn on the disposal to grind it all up. 4Polish GlasswareOscar Wong//Getty ImagesNo one likes drinking from a cloudy glass. Let your stemware soak in lemon juice for a sparkly finish. The fruit’s natural acid will begin to dissolve the mineral deposits. Then, rub on some baking soda to scrub them off once and for all.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Make an Air Freshenerimv//Getty ImagesWhether an unwanted odor has found its way into your home or you just love the smell of citrus, consider creating your own air freshener. Add two lemons cut into slices and a handful of cloves to a pan of water and bring the mixture to a simmer for 30 minutes. 6Wipe WindowsEyeEm Mobile GmbH//Getty ImagesIf you’re distracted by fingerprints when you look out the window, it might be time to give them a good wipe. To clean the glass, follow the same instructions for cleaning the oven door and create a lemon juice and water mixture in a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. RELATED: The Right Way to Clean WindowsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Shine MetalSimon McGill//Getty ImagesWith just lemon juice and salt, you can break down rusty metal for a shinier finish. Squeeze lemon juice onto a sponge, pour some salt on top and scrub the rust or area of metal that needs shining. If you need something more abrasive, try adding more salt or using a tougher cleaning brush to break it down. 8Remove Soap ScumImage Source//Getty ImagesActing as a natural acidic cleaner, lemon juice, when mixed with water to create a solution, breaks down soap scum. Spray the surface and scrub away. However, if you have marble in your bathroom, avoid using this mixture as it can damage the surface. RELATED: How to Clean a Glass Shower DoorAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Freshen up a MicrowaveMarianVejcik//Getty ImagesCut one lemon into slices and place them into a bowl with one cup of water. Put the mixture in the microwave, and warm it up on high for two to three minutes or until the window steams up. Let the bowl cool for five minutes before taking it out and wiping the inside clean with a sponge. RELATED: The Easiest Ways to Clean a Microwave10Wipe Down Your StovetopIsabel Pavia//Getty ImagesWhen life gives you a greasy stovetop, make a lemon and baking soda paste! Sprinkle the baking soda across your stovetop. Then, cut a lemon in half and use it face down to scrub all over the surface until it forms a paste. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping the stove with a damp cloth. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Fix Stained ContainersInes Fraile//Getty ImagesAdd stained containers to the long list of things lemons can fix. The citric acid present in lemon juice breaks down stains so they can be easily be rinsed away with water. To get started, just scrub half a lemon face down onto the stain, squeezing out the juice. Then, wash the container as you normally would. 12Restore a GrillTonkovic//Getty ImagesCleaning the grill doesn’t have to be a long and strenuous process. Turn your grill on high to heat it up. Once heated, turn it down so you can safely scrub off any grime or buildup using half of a lemon face. Make sure to use tongs to hold the lemon in place to avoid burning yourself. RELATED: 8 Best Grill Brushes for Cleaning Your GrillAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Clean a Cheese Grateromersukrugoksu//Getty ImagesGetting in between each and every opening on your cheese grater can be nearly impossible with a standard sponge. Skip all the hard work and replace your sponge with half a lemon. Rub the surface of the cheese grater with lemon to get any leftover chunks of cheese out. Then, wash as you normally would. 14Tackle Build-up on Pots and PansGrace Cary//Getty ImagesIf you’ve ever scrubbed a burnt pot or pan for what feels like forever, try this hack. Cut up two full lemons into slices and place them in the pan. Fill it with water so it covers the burnt area and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn off the stove and let it cool off before dumping it into the sink. At this point, you should be able to get all the gunk off with a gentle scrubbing and rinse. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15DIY a Cleaner for Miscellaneous Surfaceswera Rodsawang//Getty ImagesFor a lemon-infused all-purpose cleaner, combine one part white vinegar, one part water, a lemon rind and rosemary sprigs and pour everything into a spray bottle. Let the mixture infuse for a week before using. However, avoid using lemons and lemon-based cleaners on surfaces like natural stone, wood, electronics and upholstery as the natural acidic properties have the potential to leave them damaged. RELATED: The Best All-Purpose CleanersLaura 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. Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Spring often feels like a fresh start — the ideal time to tackle cleaning and organizing projects you’ve been overlooking all year. Cleaning the entire house isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Rather than stress over where to begin, follow our spring cleaning checklist, which includes detailed instructions for every room and what must be done throughout the house.Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says you should do most of these tasks year-round, but the change of season is a great time to play catch-up. “Spring is the time to do the tasks that have been nagging at you, and that will give you the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to check off your to-do list.”Our advice? Set a realistic cleaning schedule and once the weather is warm enough, open up the windows and get to deep cleaning. What You’ll Need:If you’re planning to clean the entire house, you’ll need an assortment of cleaning supplies — starting with these must-haves. Your pre-spring cleanup is also “the perfect time to treat yourself to new cleaning tools,” according to Forté. Think microfiber cloths, dusters, mop pads and vacuum filters, or an upgraded vacuum cleaner.Quality vacuum cleaner with attachmentsTop-tested mopMicrofiber clothesHeavy-duty spongesRubber glovesEssential cleaners, including dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, all-purpose spray and glass cleanerSpring Cleaning Checklist:What to Clean in All Rooms:Before you deep clean individual rooms, consider what should be done throughout the house — think dusty baseboards, dirty walls and dull windows in every room. You may choose to divide your to-do list by room, or start by tackling these tasks one by one. Clean baseboards: Vacuum baseboards with the brush attachment. If needed, follow with a wet microfiber cloth (use water or all-purpose cleaner). Dust ceilings, vents, fans and light fixtures: Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water to wipe away dust.Clean walls: Your walls might be dusty or dirty (think food splatters in the kitchen). Dust walls with a dry floor mop and tackle grime with a mixture of dish soap and water.Wipe down mirrors: Try a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. Wash windows and window treatments: Before cleaning windows with glass cleaner, wipe down the screens and frames. Dust window treatments or clean them in the washing machine if the care label permits. Vacuum and mop floors: Use a vacuum to pick up dust, dirt and debris (using attachments to tackle corners and moldings). Use a damp mop to clean floors — don’t forget a cleaner that is safe for your flooring.Related StoryYour Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklists:BedroomsKseniya Ovchinnikova//Getty ImagesBathroomsMark Lopez//Getty ImagesRelated StoryKitchenJohn keeble//Getty ImagesLiving RoomCreativaStudio//Getty ImagesOutdoor SpacesJohn keeble//Getty ImagesClear out guttersPressure wash deck, patio and siding Wash outdoor furnitureClean and organize the garageRelated StoryLaundry RoomYinYang//Getty ImagesStay Committed to a Cleaner Home More

People often dream of large houses — dedicated rooms solely for working or practicing hobbies, extra bedrooms for house guests and spacious living areas for entertaining. But, a bigger house also means expensive mortgage payments, more frequent maintenance and additional rooms to clean. So, is it worth investing in a big house?Organizing expert Shira Gill doesn’t think so. Since 2013, Shira’s family of four has lived in a 1,200-square-foot house in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 1916 craftsman bungalow has only three bedrooms, one bathroom, two closets and a very small basement, but the pro organizer finds her family thrives in a cozier environment. The Beauty of Small SpacesWith more financial freedom and less time spent cleaning the house, Shira is a believer of “less is more” and doesn’t dream of upgrading to a larger property. “Our small home isn’t a compromise — it’s a conscious choice that aligns perfectly with our values and lifestyle,” says Shira, author of three organizing books, including the recently published LifeStyled. “It gives us the financial freedom, time and energy to focus on meaningful experiences, travel and adventures.”Whether you’re considering a move or thinking critically about your current abode, here’s a few major reasons why a small home may improve your quality of life — and the environment.Vivian Johnson for Shira GillShira’s light and airy dining room is used for family meals, homework and entertaining friends. Photo by: Vivian JohnsonWhat are the perks of a smaller house?It limits financial stress.Smaller houses tend to cost less to buy and maintain, plus less square footage tends to be cheaper to heat, cool and power. A smaller footprint means saving money in most areas — from lower mortgage payments and smaller utility bills to reduced expenses on furniture, house paint and cleaning supplies. “Because we have chosen to live within our means, we don’t feel the financial strain that comes with investing in a bigger or more impressive plot of real estate,” says Gill. “Being able to comfortably pay for our home and maintain it leads to less overall stress and relationship strain, and frees up resources we can use towards travel, personal development and even philanthropy.”There’s less to clean and maintain.Smaller rooms means it’s faster to clean, declutter and organize on a regular basis — which means more time for yourself. “A quick vacuum and wipe down of surfaces takes us less than 15 minutes and leaves us with more time, energy and freedom for all the things we actually want to be spending time on,” says Shira.Vivian Johnson for Shira GillShira’s bedroom is simple and minimalist, reserving the largest bedroom in the house for her two girls. Photo by: Vivian JohnsonIt’s better for the planet.If you’re worried about the environmental footprint, a smaller house requires less energy and resources. “Heating and utility bills are smaller because there’s less space to heat and cool,” says Shira. “A smaller home requires less furniture and decor, so small space dwellers can consume less, which also means less packaging and less waste.”It’s more reasonable to invest in quality home items. Furnishing a home can get expensive, but when you have limited space, it’s easier to justify a splurge. “With less to buy, we can invest in higher quality essentials — even little luxuries like fresh flowers each week,” says Shira. “I truly love every item in our home from our plush towels and bedding to the wooden dish brush by our kitchen sink.” There’s a more comfortable, cozy feel. Often, a smaller house feels warmer and more inviting. It encourages family members to spend more time together, whether that’s kids sharing a bedroom or the whole family gathering in the living room for movie night. “Our kids have had to learn how to share, compromise and be team players,” says Shira. “In the end, the small space not only brings us closer physically — it builds character and collaboration that they’ll carry into adulthood.” More From Professional OrganizersAlyssa 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