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1Best Plant-Based CleanerSeventh Generation All Purpose CleanerCredit: Seventh GenerationThis four-pack works out to only a few dollars per bottle when you crunch the numbers. Plus, the multi-purpose cleaner can tackle various tasks throughout the home.Why our experts love it: In our tests, it cut through grease and grime and cleaned surfaces quickly without leaving behind streaks. Seventh Generation claims the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic too.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It’s surprising how much grime this stuff picks up, we’ve already gone through two bottles and plan on stocking up on some more,” said one five-star reviewer who called this their new favorite cleaner.2Top Tested Disinfectant WipesLysol Disinfectant WipesCredit: LysolLysol is a cult classic when it comes to cleaning products, and for a reason. These disinfecting wipes are easy to use and can take on highly trafficked areas like door handles, light switches and more. Why our experts love it: Lysol products consistently perform well in Lab evaluations and our pros were impressed with how quickly these wipes cleaned surfaces. We even recommend keeping a container in your car.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “The thickness of the wipes is perfect — they’re durable and don’t tear easily, even for tougher cleaning tasks,” said one five-star review out of the more than 114,000 five-star shopper reviews.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Viral Cleaning ProductScrub Daddy SpongesCredit: Scrub DaddyThe Scrub Daddy sponge debuted on Shark Tank in 2012 and has since started a dish-cleaning phenomenon.Why our experts love it: Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté tested out the viral sensation in her home and found that the Scrub Daddy sponge can take on tough cleaning tasks that require heavy-duty scrubbing.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Scrub Daddy sponges live up to the hype! They are gentle on dishes but tough on grime, and I love that they change texture based on water temperature — soft in warm water and firm in cold,” said one satisfied shopper.RELATED: Scrub Daddy vs. Scrub Mommy: Which Sponge Cleans Best?4TICARVE Car Cleaning GelNow 14% OffCredit: TICARVESome nooks and crannies can feel impossible to reach, but this unique cleaning gel makes it easy to nab dust collecting in your car vents, console panel and the like.Why our experts love it: It’s easy to knead the slime a few times before pressing it on a dusty spot, then slowly pull it away and voilà: even hard-to-reach areas look clean instantly.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It’s unscented and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue, which is a huge plus. You can reuse it multiple times until it gets too dirty,” said one Amazon shopper.RELATED: TikTok Amazon Finds That Make Incredible Life HacksAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Top Tested Cleaning GlovesCasabel Cleaning GlovesCredit: CasabellaNothing is more annoying than water sliding down your arms while washing dishes. These gloves are designed so you can roll over the ends to create cuffs that catch water. Why our experts love it: When testing, our pros found that the liner was soft and made the gloves easy to slip on and off. Even if you don’t roll them over, the longer length helps with any drips. What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I work as a private chef — my hands are constantly in water. These gloves are super easy to put on and take off (imperative in my life), very comfortable and great fit, have good longevity, and [have] a fair price for at least four months of heavy use,” said one satisfied Amazon shopper.RELATED: Best Dishwashing Gloves, Tested by Cleaning Experts6BEST QUICK STAIN REMOVER FOR WINEWine Away Red Wine Stain RemoverCredit: Wine AwayRemoving red wine stains from clothes, carpet or furniture can be a tricky business, which is why it’s helpful to have a designated stain remover on hand for fresh and dried stains.Why our experts love it: In Lab tests, this red wine stain remover completely erased wine stains, as well as purple grape juice stains. We observed no residue after use and found it easily washed out of carpet and fabric. These stellar results landed it a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award two years in a row.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It easily removed a huge, week-old red wine stain from my white linen sofa. Like seriously miracle status,” said one satisfied shopper.RELATED: Best Stain Removers, Tested by Cleaning ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best cleaner for delicate materialsCapture Carpet & Rug Dry CleanerNow 14% OffCredit: CaptureIf you have delicate fabrics in your home, like a velvet couch, this dry cleaner can freshen and brighten without causing damage. Why our experts love it: In our Lab tests, we found it was easy to use and offered a helpful solution to cleaning difficult materials. What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I was more than surprised at the results. I cleaned a 9×12 area rug that our dog has taken over. What a huge difference after using Capture. I will use it again…and again,” said one five-star reviewer. 8Best Screen Cleaner for Quick JobsiRoller Screen CleanerCredit: iRollerWe recommend this pocket-sized tool for lifting smudges from touchscreen devices — without needing to pull out a spray bottle and cloth. Why our experts love it: In Lab tests, the adhesive roller lifted almost all dust and grease from the screen. Dirtier screens can fill the tool up quickly, but you can rinse it under tap water and let it air dry to clean it off.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Compact, easy to use, and it actually works! Cleans lint, fingerprints from hand lotion, and anything else that clings to screens,” said one five-star reviewer. RELATED: Best Screen Cleaners for Every DeviceAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Best Steamer and Iron ComboSunbeam Power Steam Handheld SteamerNow 22% OffCredit: SunbeamThis dual handheld steamer and iron takes care of two appliances in one and delivers excellent power at an affordable price. Why our experts love it: In our Lab tests, this steamer scored well in our wrinkle-removing evaluations. It ran for 12 minutes without needing a refill. It also comes with a brush attachment that helps revive napped fabrics such as wool.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Love everything about this! Not too heavy, kicks out steam like a champ, water well is a good size, and….tada!! It looks like a hairdryer,” said one satisfied reviewer. RELATED: Best Clothes Steamers, Tested by Laundry Experts10Scotch-Brite Glass Cooktop WandNow 13% OffCredit: Scotch-BriteCleaning the stove can be a dreaded task after an elaborate recipe, but this wand from Scotch-Brite makes it easier. All you need is water to tackle stovetop messes — no cleaning liquid necessary.Why our experts love it: We previously gave it a GH Cleaning Award because we were so impressed with how well it cut through grease and stuck-on grime from a glass cooktop in the GH Test Kitchen.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “My glass top stove is beautiful, but not easy to clean. This cleansing pad solves the problem. It quickly distributes the cleanser and absorbs the greasy residue,” said one satisfied Amazon shopper. RELATED: Best Stovetop Cleaners Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum CleanerNow 20% OffCredit: ODISTARThis mini vac nabs small debris on your desk thanks to a 360° design that picks up dirt in every direction. It requires two AA batteries (not included) and will give you up to 90 minutes of run time.Why our experts love it: Its compact shape will look sleek next to your computer and if you want a pop of color, you can also choose an orange mini vac. Our pros like how easy this gadget makes cleaning your office desk.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “This mini vacuum is super efficient at picking up dust, crumbs, and small debris without being noisy or bulky,” said one Amazon shopper.RELATED: Best Office Gadgets and Accessories for Your Desk12Casabella SqueegeeCredit: CasabellaThis silicone squeegee grabs water in just one pass and can even clip onto your showerhead for easy storage.Why our experts love it: Our pros recommend wiping away water from your shower daily to help limit mold and mildew. This tool has a soft, comfortable grip and can maneuver around fixtures and into corners, making it easy to use regularly. What Amazon shoppers are saying: “It’s the best at removing water droplets in our shower and we have tiled walls that are textured. We go over the tile twice and this squeegee does the job,” said one Amazon shopper.RELATED: Best Shower Cleaners, Tested by Home Care ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Best Value Spin ScrubberKlever Electric Spin ScrubberCredit: KleverLittle elbow grease is required when cleaning tough stains thanks to this affordable electric spin scrubber that comes with four brush attachment types. Why our experts love it: It effectively removed soil during our tests and we found the ergonomic handle comfortable to hold. What Amazon shoppers are saying: “From hard to soft bristles, this scrubber has got all bases covered. I’ve used it in my bathroom, kitchen, and even on my patio, and it’s handled every job like a champ,” said one five-star reviewer.RELATED: Best Electric Spin Scrubbers, According to Rigorous Testing14Best Drain Cleaner for Kitchen Green Gobbler Drain Clog RemoverCredit: Green GobblerCleaning a clogged drain is a messy chore, but thankfully the Green Gobbler Drain Clog Remover features pre-measured cleaning packs for easy cleaning.Why our experts love it: We like how easy these no-fuss single-use packs are to use for unclogging a drain or toilet. Our testers appreciated the included manual clog remover tool, and our tests found that one pack of five can deliver two to five cleanings, depending on how substantial the clog.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “Put 3 scoops into a shower drain that was chronically stopping despite many attempts with a snake. Added a bit of hot water. Four hours later it was running like brand new,” said one five-star reviewer. RELATED: Best Drain Cleaners, Tested by ExpertsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning ClothNow 20% OffCredit: HOMEXCELWhen it comes to cleaning a glass shower door and wiping down other delicate surfaces like windows or a glass coffee table, these gentle microfiber cloths are our experts’ pick. Why our experts love it: Microfiber cloths won’t cause damage or leave behind streaks. These cloths are also designed to be ultra-absorbent so you can even use them to dry dishes or wipe up spills. One purchase comes with 12 cloths for just under $8.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “The cloths are durable, soft, and withstand multiple washes, making them a reliable choice for various cleaning needs,” said one five-star review out of the more than 32,000 five-star reviews.16Most Versatile Bathroom CleanerMr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath ScrubberCredit: Mr. CleanThis versatile scrubber can tackle almost every bathroom surface, from the tub to the sink. Just wet the pad and squeeze to activate the foam cleanser that helps you scrub away stains.Why our experts love it: We found that this Good Housekeeping Seal-Holder combined the perfect amount of cleaning solution and muscle power to successfully remove grime on hard surfaces like shower walls and even bathroom tile.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I have very hard well water. Have used a lot of cleaners that didn’t work all that well. These made cleaning my shower super easy and it sparkled afterward,” said one Amazon shopper.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Best Odor Fighter for KitchenFebreze Kitchen Odor EliminatorCredit: FebreezeA GH Seal Holder, the Febreeze Kitchen Odor Eliminator banishes lingering smells of food like fish and bacon, leaving behind a long-lasting fresh lemon scent. Why our experts love it: Even when we sprayed the odor eliminator into a stinky trash can, garbage smells dissipated immediately.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “In my opinion, these Febreze spray cans really work some magic in taking care of odors. And this is my favorite scent, which is a lemon citrus, very fresh scent,” said one Amazon shopper. 18Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop KitNow 17% OffCredit: SwifferThis GH Seal Star features disposable pads that have hundreds of scrubbing strips to provide a faster, deeper and longer-lasting clean. Why experts love it: In Lab tests, we found the PowerMop easy to assemble and the absorbent pads successfully picked up smeared ketchup without spreading it around.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “The mop glides right over every surface with ease and actually cleans the floor rather than just spreading dirt around,” said one five-star Amazon review.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Top Tested Dish SoapDawn Platinum Dish SoapCredit: DawnRated best overall in our list of dish soaps, this budget-friendly dishwashing liquid detergent produces long-lasting suds and can hold grease in suspension so as not to re-dirty your dishes.Why our experts love it: You can often find a bottle by the sinks in the GH Test Kitchen and Kitchen Appliances Lab, and our staffers also use it to get grease stains out of clothing.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “For the price and how far a little dab will last, it’s been my go-to for months now. Dishes are always clean, great smell and again last a long time,” said a satisfied Amazon shopper.RELATED: Best Dish Soaps for Sparkling Clean Dishes20Stardrops The Pink StuffCredit: StardropsThis (super affordable!) tub has more than 220,000 online reviews, making it one of the most popular cleaning products we have come across. Why our experts love it: It’s a multi-purpose cleaner that you can use on various surfaces around your home. Apply the paste to a cloth or sponge, rub the product into whatever you are cleaning and then rinse away.What Amazon shoppers are saying: “I used this to clean my grimy oven and it worked like a charm! It got off all the gunk on the oven lining, the racks, and even the windows with very little effort,” said one five-star reviewer. Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1ToysEvgeniia Siiankovskaia//Getty ImagesLet’s face it: Kids’ toys often end up in their mouths. Because all-purpose cleaners may contain hazardous ingredients, it’s important to avoid using it on these items. Instead, try placing plush toys in the washer or plastic toys on the top rack of the dishwasher. There are plenty of safer ways to clean toys, according to our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute. 2Unfinished Woodalexandrumagurean//Getty ImagesMany all-purpose cleaners contain chemicals that could potentially leave unfinished floors warped or stained. Instead, choose a dedicated wood floor cleaner and make sure to read all instructions before scrubbing. RELATED: 7 Best Hardwood Floor CleanersAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Shower and Bathtubtacojim//Getty ImagesYou’re going to need something a bit stronger to properly clean hard water stains, stubborn soap scum or mold and mildew in the bathroom. Our cleaning experts have tested a variety of shower cleaners, choosing their favorites based on how effectively they sanitize and disinfect grimy bathroom surfaces. RELATED: How to Clean Glass a Shower Door4Pet BowlsKinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesPets are family too. That’s why it’s important to keep harsh ingredients away from the bowls they drink and eat from. You can clean pet bowls as you would clean normal bowls — by hand in the sink or in the dishwasher if safe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Glassathima tongloom//Getty ImagesWhile it’s not necessarily unsafe to clean glass windows with an all-purpose cleaner, it’s more likely to leave streaks and smudges, according to cleaning experts at the GHI. We recommend the Cleaning Lab’s top pick: Invisible Glass Cleaner. RELATED: The Right Way to Clean Windows6UpholsteryGeorge Pachantouris//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Stainschanakon laorob//Getty ImagesTough stains are extremely frustrating. Don’t add to the problem by using a cleaner that’s not fit for the job. Instead of trying an all-purpose spray, apply a stain remover before throwing it in the wash. RELATED: The Best Stain Removers for Clothes8Granite or Marble CountertopsGrace Cary//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9ElectronicsYagi Studio//Getty Images10CarpetYulia Naumenko//Getty ImagesLaura 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

It’s no secret that shower curtains are prone to mold and mildew. Icky spots can grow on shower curtain liners, along tile grout and in moist corners due to poor ventilation. Turns out, how you leave the curtain after a steamy shower can make a huge difference. As a kid, my mom always insisted I close the shower curtain after showering — but, I’ve had roommates who prefer leaving it open. So, I’m curious: What method is better for moisture control and air circulation? Our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are here to settle the shower curtain debate once and for all — open or closed?Whether it’s a constant argument in your household or you’ve never actually considered why your shower grows mold, this cleaning advice may change your shower routine.Related StoryShould the shower curtain stay open or closed? The pros have spoken: It’s best to fully close the shower curtain. “After showering, you should pull open and stretch the shower curtain out, eliminating any folds that could retain water,” says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab executive director. Shower curtains and plastic liners that are left open can dry properly, preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. Not to mention, bathrooms with closed shower curtains tend to look tidier — especially when guests are over. Some argue that keeping the shower curtain open will help moisture evaporate faster and allow air to circulate in the bathroom. Forté argues, “enough air still circulates around the sides and the top for the walls and tub to dry with the curtain drawn.”Shower walls actually dry “pretty quickly,” adds Forté. With an open shower curtain, moisture is trapped in the folds of your curtain or liner, which take much longer to dry. Pro tip: Plastic curtain liners can be machine washed on a warm, delicate cycle and dried on low heat for a few minutes.More From Our Cleaning ExpertsAlyssa 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

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

From sharing a bedroom growing up to renting a one-bedroom apartment in New York City as an adult, I’ve involuntarily become quite familiar with the process of decluttering throughout my life. I’ve filled up bags of clothes to donate, given away boxes of knick-knacks and recycled old electronics time and time again. Whether I like it or not, decluttering is a big part of my life. So when I came across the latest viral organization method, I was intrigued. The 30 bags in 30 days challenge has over 20 million posts on TikTok, and users are swearing by it. As a city dweller with an overstuffed apartment, I decided to do some more research on the trend before testing it out myself. More on DeclutteringWhat is the 30 bags in 30 days challenge?In order to complete the 30 bags in 30 days challenge, you must fill up one bag’s worth of stuff you don’t need every day for 30 days. You can donate, throw away or recycle the clutter afterwards. “Completing the 30 bags in 30 days challenge has been incredibly helpful for me as someone with ADHD. Breaking it down into manageable daily tasks keeps me from feeling overwhelmed,” says Brittney Babbitt of @littlemissfitbrit. “Plus, the bag can be any size, which makes it flexible and realistic for my energy levels and day-to-day activities.”Although decluttering every day for about a month sounds like a great way to get organized, I still had my doubts. Are most people really able to stay consistent for 30 days? Is 30 bags a realistic amount of stuff? Is there some sort of plan that works best? I spoke to five professional organizers to find out more. Should you try the 30 bags in 30 days challenge?To put it simply, you should try the challenge if it motivates you. However, it’s important to note that the trend isn’t for everyone. “Some people find it manageable because it breaks decluttering into small, daily tasks. However, for those with busy schedules or decision fatigue, it can feel overwhelming. It can be especially tough toward the end when obvious clutter is gone and the harder, sentimental decisions arise,” says Lynda Reider, founder and chief clutter cutter of Cut the Clutter RVA. If you’re someone who finds several smaller tasks more manageable than a couple larger ones, the 30 bags in 30 days challenge is a clever way to keep yourself accountable. But if you like to get things over with in fewer, larger chunks, this might not be the trend for you. Still, organizers share tips and modifications you can make to the challenge as well as other decluttering methods to try out. Tips for trying the trend:Start small: “For example, one cabinet of drink ware and coffee mugs or one category of all the medicines and first aid items in the home,” says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing. Remember, bigger isn’t better: Schae Lewis, CPO® certified professional organizer and owner of Mission 2 Organize LLC, suggests filling a grocery-sized bag each day.Don’t overdo it: Victoria Tran, founder of Sorted, recommends setting a 15-minute timer to keep it manageable and celebrating small wins every day. You can even set a reminder in your phone to keep yourself on schedule. Make a plan: “Identify clutter hotspots so you don’t waste time each day deciding where to focus. Start with easy areas such as expired items in the pantry or the medicine cabinet,” says Reider. Designate a decluttering spot: “Choose a location that is removed from your daily living space, if possible, and big enough to hold everything in one spot,” says Lewis. More decluttering methods:AndreyPopov//Getty ImagesDaunted by the thought of adding another daily task to your list? Don’t worry. Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out suggests filling one bag every week instead. If you want to keep up with the pace of the challenge, use a larger bag so the amount of decluttering stays the same. And if that still doesn’t motivate you, consider one of these alternative methods:Set it aside: “If you are weary of letting go, place items in a box and set a reminder for a future date. When that date rolls around, and you haven’t needed any of the items in that box, you can donate the items with peace of mind,” says Tran.One in, one out: “This is a more realistic goal for most of my clients. For every new item you bring into the home, you get rid of one,” says Tomlin.The four-box method: “Label boxes keep, donate, trash and sell to sort items easily,” says Reider.Related 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

Like a cup of coffee in the morning or walking barefoot on the beach, fresh laundry is one of life’s simple pleasures — the type of thing that makes you breathe a sigh of relief and leaves you with that warm and fuzzy feeling. So it’s important to make the most of every single load. From using Downy Blends Scent Beads to minimizing annoying static, here’s how you can do just that.1. Add Scent Beads to Each LoadTake a shortcut to scent and softness with the Downy Blends Laundry Scent Booster Beads, which come in three serene scents: Seaside Spa, Meadow Rain, and Toasted Vanilla. They’re powered by breakthrough dual-bead technology: Freshness beads are deposited onto garments to leave behind a long-lasting scent, while softening beads dissolve during the wash cycle to coat and soften the fibers. All you have to do is pour the beads into your washer before you add clothing, then run the machine for towels, blankets, clothes and more that smell as good as they feel. 2. Warm Up Clothes in the DryerNo one likes leaving the warmth of their bed on a chilly winter morning. Ease the blow by tossing your clothes in the dryer while you take a shower or do your hair and makeup. This way, your outfit will be nice and toasty when it’s time to get dressed. You can even try this hack when winding down for the day: Put your pajamas and a blanket in the dryer before curling up on the couch to watch your favorite show or read a few chapters. PonyWang//Getty Images3. Say Goodbye to StaticGetting “shocked” by your own clothes is irritating, but there are steps you can take to minimize static buildup. Static electricity is caused by the friction of fabrics rubbing together, so softening garments with Downy Liquid Fabric Softener can lessen that friction in the wash cycle. Downy Dryer Sheets also help soften clothes (and reduce static). Dry air is another contributor to static cling, which is why your clothes might seem more prickly during the winter months. Consider running a humidifier in your home to help increase the amount of moisture in the air. 4. Fold Laundry With Dryer SheetsWhen it comes to achieving maximum freshness, how you store your clean laundry is just as significant as the products you use in the washer and dryer — especially for items you won’t reach for anytime soon, like winter blankets (or, come summertime, fleece sheets). Place Downy Dryer Sheets between the folded bedding and clothes to maintain that just-washed scent for as long as possible. 5. Deep-Clean Your Machine Regularly If you don’t take care of your washing machine, your laundry might not get as fresh as you want it to be. Routinely wipe down the washer’s drum, rubber door gasket (if you have a front-loading machine) and dispenser drawer to maximize the benefits of your detergent and Downy Blends Laundry Scent Booster Beads. Using washing-machine cleaner tablets once a month can also help. More

While there’s no one quick fix to make laundry day easier, the key to making this mundane task more manageable is a combination of using the best tools at your disposal — the best washing machines, the best stain removers and the best detergent, for starters — and creating systems that ultimately save time and effort. And it all starts with the hamper you’re tossing your dirty clothes into. While there are many great laundry baskets available, depending on your needs, divided hampers can help streamline the process from the start. Here’s how, according to Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté. The Best Divided Laundry HampersBest OverallPottery Barn Seagrass Handcrafted Divided HamperNow 20% OffBest ValueSimple Houseware Double Laundry Hamper with Removable BagsBest With Removable LidJoseph Joseph Tota Laundry Hamper Separation BasketNow 24% OffBest With Ironing BoardWhitmor 3-Section Rolling Laundry SorterSaves timeWith a divided hamper, you can separate your laundry into categories — most commonly, lights and darks — right from the start. When it’s time to do laundry, you won’t have to spend additional time sorting a huge load into different piles. Instead, everything in one section can go in one load; everything in the other in a second.Minimizes mistakesSorting clothes, whether by color or fabric type, helps avoid mishaps like color bleeding or shrinking. While standard two-section hampers are generally reserved for lights and darks, some have additional compartments.Depending on your sorter’s size and number of sections, one compartment can be reserved for hand-washables or dry-clean items, so these don’t get inadvertently mixed with machine-washable clothes and potentially damaged. Similarly, you could use one section for stained items that need extra pre-treating.Feels more manageableStarting with one huge pile of laundry can make the task seem overwhelming — like something you might want to put off for another day. But when you divide your laundry into more manageable sections from the start, the job can feel more approachable.Many divided hampers even have removable sections, making it easy to transport just one section to the washer and dryer when doing a single load.Easier to divide and conquerIf you share the task with someone else in your household, a divided hamper may make it easier to split up the workload. One person can tackle the darks, while another handles the whites. Assuming space allows, a divided hamper is also a great solution for siblings who share a room — each person claims one side of the hamper, eliminating squabbles about whose turn it is to do laundry.More of the Best Laundry HacksBrigitt 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

Everyone has a store they can get lost in for hours on end. For me, it’s HomeGoods, the home decor chain that’s known for amazing deals.If I happen to have a day off, chances are you’ll find me happily pushing my cart through aisles upon aisles of cozy bedding, kitchen essentials, abstract wall art, table lamps, you name it. I might be on a mission to find something specific (a new wooden cutting board, perhaps?), or on days when I’m feeling adventurous, I’m open to discovering quirkier gems (like the hand-carved wooden jewelry box I’ve owned for years). For me, it never gets old, and I love that I never know what I’m going to find.Since I’ve been shopping at HomeGoods for ages now — and I have years as a home design editor under my belt — I figured it was finally time to reveal my best shopping tricks. Here’s how to get the most of your next HomeGoods run.Courtesy of Monique ValerisThis is me, on the hunt at HomeGoods.Go early.I can’t stress this enough: Shopping at your local HomeGoods right when it opens is the best strategy. Early in the day, the store is well-stocked and as organized as it can be. Later on, you risk battling through crowded aisles (with carts in tow) and missing out on a well-rounded selection of the best products.Visit on a weekday.In my experience, shelves are more likely to be fully stocked during the week. That said, I’ve found that Mondays can be hit or miss, as staff may still be replenishing stock from the weekend rush. I personally prefer visiting my local store on Thursdays because, by then, I know they’ll have a good assortment of products across a range of categories, ready for weekend shoppers.That said, during a recent visit to a New Jersey location on a Monday afternoon, I saw several staffers busy restocking the shelves. One of them mentioned that shipments usually arrive on Mondays, and I still had a pleasant shopping experience, despite the flurry of activity around me.Courtesy of HomeGoodsBefriend a salesperson.If you’re serious about finding a specific product — say, bedding from a particular brand — it helps to build a rapport with one or two staff members at your local store. Once you’re on friendly terms, they might give you a heads-up when that elusive item finally arrives in store. Think of it as networking for your shopping needs: Just being nice and having a photo on hand to show exactly what you’re after can really pay off.Look out for red price tags. In case you aren’t aware, HomeGoods and other TJX Company stores (TJ Maxx, Homesense and Sierra) use red price tags to indicate clearance prices. Of course, it never hurts to browse the dedicated clearance sections, but I’ve had more luck spotting items with red price tags peppered throughout the store. Search every nook and cranny. Most shelves are packed with layers of products, particularly pillows and artwork, so you’ll need to get into the trenches and shift things around to find all the hidden gems. I’ve often discovered amazing products buried at the back of shelves, wedged between stacks or even misplaced in the wrong section of the store. These hidden gems are golden opportunities — take your time exploring the store, and you might just strike gold.I remember once purchasing a woven storage bin for my bathroom toiletries. A few days later, while reorganizing my bathroom shelf, I realized I needed a matching bin. Initially, I panicked, but then I headed back to that same HomeGoods. To my delight, I found the exact same bin tucked away at the very bottom of a stack, behind a bunch of other bins. I couldn’t have been more thrilled!Don’t skip the bedding and towels.Stearns & Foster pillows. Vera Wang comforters. Lauren by Ralph Lauren sheets. Calvin Klein towels. If you’re serious about finding high-quality bedding and towels at low prices, make it a habit to check the bedding and towel section of any HomeGoods store. The best part? The towels are often organized by color — an absolute dream for anyone decorating a room with a specific color palette. Monique ValerisA treasure trove of towels and bath linens, spotted on a recent shop.Always check the kitchen section. I usually find the best deals in this section of the store. Whether I’m hunting for a pack of new dish towels for a holiday like Easter or Christmas, or need a new baking pan to perfect my banana bread recipe, HomeGoods has me covered. On a recent visit, I spotted elegant white dishes from Mikasa, and in the past, I’ve found small Le Creuset baking dishes in white and cerise (the brand’s popular bright red shade).I also never buy wooden cutting boards anywhere else — whether for everyday meal prep or to complete my charcuterie board presentations, HomeGoods is my go-to.Monique ValerisThe cutting board offerings at my local HomeGoods.Be open to discovering new brands.In my experience, brand names don’t always guarantee quality. Often, I’ve discovered that high-quality products can come from lesser-known companies. This is especially true when I’m exploring new home decor trends or need multiples of an item for a special occasion — like cloth napkins or colored glassware.Don’t pay full price for defective items. Like any store, you might occasionally fall in love with an item that’s not in perfect condition — perhaps a small chip on a platter or a tablecloth with a few snags that can easily be hidden with a great centerpiece. In these situations, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask the cashier if they can offer a discount. They may be able to accommodate you after checking with the store manager. Feel free to put items on hold. How many times have you spotted the perfect piece of furniture or striking wall art at HomeGoods, only to pass on it because you weren’t sure how to get it home? Don’t let that happen again. Just ask any cashier to place the item on hold at the register. I once used this service for an entryway bench — I paid for it and returned later that day with a larger vehicle to bring it home. Score!More Shopping Tips and TricksMonique 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.” More