Home Ideas

After a long, stressful day, nothing feels better than a relaxing soak. And adding a bath bomb to the water can take one of life’s little luxuries to the next level. The spheres are made of a blend of soothing oils and delightful scents that fizz and dissolve in warm water, leaving skin silky and smooth. Now, that’s self care!The best part? Making your own bath bombs is easy. All you need are a few basic ingredients and our step-by-step guide below. And don’t miss the expert tips from Good Housekeeping’s Health and Beauty Reviews Analyst, Chiara Butler. This project is also ideal for kids (with supervision) — imagine all the fun they’ll have choosing different colors to make their bath bomb pop, not to mention the scented oils, eye-catching accents (think rose petals, orange peels, dried flowers) and shapes (otherwise known as molds) that’ll make their fizzy mixture unique. Just keep in mind that it takes up to four hours for the bath bomb to fully harden. More From Good Housekeeping Getty ImagesWhat You’ll NeedHow to Make a Bath Bomb Pour the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt (if using) into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients until fully combined. Pour the essential oil, emollient oil and food coloring into the other bowl. Mix the ingredients together until the food coloring is fully incorporated. Slowly pour the oil mixture (from step 2) into the dry ingredients (from step 1). When the oil is all in, keep whisking and add drops of water in between. If you decide to add decorative accents, like rose petals or orange peels, to your bath bombs, drop them into the bottom of the mold. Then, tightly mash your mixture into the molds. Take note: When pressed in your hand, make sure the mixture clumps together. It shouldn’t be too wet and should be able to keep its shape. Mix quickly as the water will make your blend fizz. 5. Leave your bath bombs in the molds for two to four hours before removal. Now you’re ready to admire your new creations as they fizz away in your tub!When making bath bombs, what ingredients should I avoid? First things first: According to Butler, it’s advised to supervise children when handling essential oils or when adding them yourself. “Essential oils can potentially cause allergic contact dermatitis, which is when skin becomes irritated due to contact with an allergen,” she says. Some oils to be wary of include tea tree oil, lemongrass oil, sandalwood oil and clove oil. Consider diluting your essential oils in a carrier oil, like coconut oil, sweet almond oil or argan oil. “Even citrus oils such as lemon and bergamot can cause a photo-toxic reaction on skin in the presence of sunlight,” Butler notes. Do you have any concerns about baking soda and cornstarch? “Baking soda and cornstarch are generally very safe ingredients to use in a bath bomb,” says Butler. This includes handling them while they are dry and when they dissolve in the tub. “Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a relatively weak base that creates a mild alkaline solution in water,” she says. “In a typical bath bomb recipe, the concentration of baking soda in the water will be very low.”What are the benefits of including citric acid?Using this ingredient is how the real fun begins! Butler notes: “When dropped in the tub, citric acid reacts with the baking soda in the bath bomb and releases carbon dioxide, which creates a fun, fizzy effect!”Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

Whether you’re painting a landscape on an easel or changing the color of your bedroom, painting can be a relaxing pastime or a satisfying DIY project. Regardless of the kind of painting you’re doing, the cleanup can be a real chore, especially if you’ve gotten paint on a surface you didn’t intend to. It may be tempting to just ditch your now paint-stained jeans, but in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we spend a lot of time getting things dirty to find the best way to clean them, including paint-stained clothes.The trick to removing paint from clothing is treating it as quickly as possible because once the paint dries it may be impossible to remove. Knowing the kind of paint you’re trying to remove is also important — this will determine what you use to remove it. Another thing to keep in mind: While some materials may be able to stand up to these stain treatments, more fragile ones, like silk, may be permanently damaged. To make sure your cleaning products and method won’t do more harm to the material, always do a spot-test first. Expert Tip: When in doubt call in a professional. A dry cleaner will be able to treat stains without causing any damage to your precious garments. More From Good Housekeeping Latex or Water-Based PaintWater-based or emulsion paints are the most common type for interior home painting. They’re also relatively easy to remove from clothing if you spot stains quickly enough.What You’ll Need:Warm waterDish soapSponge AcetoneFlush the stain under warm water. If it’s dry, start by scraping off the excess paint before you wet the garment. Then flush the stain from the back with warm running water. Mix together an equal parts solution of dish soap and warm water. Sponge the stain with the solution. Use a sponge you don’t mind ruining or paper towels. Dip the sponge in the solution and tamp the stain vigorously to break up the paint. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat the steps above until no more paint is removed. If the stain remains and your fabric does not contain acetate or triacetate (acetone will melt these), you can try blotting it with a little bit of acetone. Rinse and wash as usual. Only move on to this final step once you’ve removed all of the paint from the garment.Oil-Based Paintmixetto//Getty ImagesWhat You’ll Need:Paint thinner Clean white cloths or paper towels Turpentine SpongeDish soap Pre-wash stain removerScrape off the excess paint. Scrape off the excess paint from the garment then use a clean white cloth to blot up as much paint as possible from the fabric. If the stain is dry, soften it by treating it with the paint thinner the paint manufacturer recommends.Rinse the garment. Rinse the stain under running water and move on to the next step before it dries.Sponge the stain with turpentine. Place the garment with the stain face down on a stack of white paper towels or cloths. Wet a sponge or clean cloth with turpentine and tamp the stain from the back vigorously to break up the paint. Replace the paper towels or cloths when they become too covered in paint and continue tamping until no more paint is removed. Apply dish soap to the stain and soak in water. Rub dish soap into the stain then place the garment in a tub of water to soak overnight. Rinse and wash as usual. If the stain still remains after washing, treat with a prewash stain remover and wash again.Expert Tip: Don’t dry garments until as much of the stain as possible is gone. The heat from the dryer will cause stains to set into the fabric and may make them impossible to remove. Acrylic Paint What You’ll Need:Warm waterDish soap SpongeFlush the paint stain with warm water. If the paint is dry, scrape off the excess before running water over the garment.Mix together an equal parts solution of dish soap and warm water.Sponge the stain with the dish soap solution. Dip a sponge into the dish soap and water mixture and squeeze out some of the excess water until the sponge is no longer dripping wet. Break up as much of the stain as possible by tamping vigorously. Repeat until no more of the paint is removed. Dip the sponge in the mixture periodically to remove any bits of paint that are removed from the fabric and to re-wet the sponge with the solution.Rinse and wash as usual. Are there other DIY methods for removing paint from clothing?There are a lot of DIY methods online for removing paint from clothing. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and even baking soda are touted as being effective. Hydrogen peroxide is great for removing fresh blood stains from clothes and vinegar is the first ingredient in many good DIY cleaners, but they likely aren’t strong enough to completely rid garments of paint stains. You’ll have a better chance at removing them using one of the methods above that use dedicated paint thinners, stain removers and soaps that have been formulated to tackle these kinds of messes.Can you get paint out of clothes after it’s been washed and dried? If you tried treating a dried paint stain and had no luck, you may have to accept that your garment is lost. Once paint dries, it is notoriously difficult to get off of fabric and it may even be impossible to remove. In fact, you may just cause more damage trying to remove the stain.More Expert Tips:Don’t rub. Instead, pat the stain to avoid spreading it to other parts of the fabric. Don’t throw stained garments in the washer with other items to avoid transferring paint to clean clothes. The best way to avoid having to treat paint stains is wearing protective coverings over your clothes or old clothing you won’t care if you damage.Related StoriesSenior EditorLauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Home Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews AnalystJodhaira (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tests and writes about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH in 2021, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens. More

When bedtime calls, you’ll want to have the best sheets at the ready without breaking the bank. Sheets are one of those things you know you need but don’t necessarily want to spend a ton of money on. Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab has you covered — our pick for the best value sheet set is Mellanni’s microfiber sheets, which you can conveniently order directly on Amazon. At just under $35, they’re well worth the spend. Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Bed Sheet SetMellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Bed Sheet SetNow 27% OffThe set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases and comes in 41 different color options so you can find a match for virtually any bedroom décor. Our Textiles pros tested the sheets and gave them a perfect score in mattress fit, meaning the set is generously sized and can fit taller mattresses. In a blind test comparing the softness of 20 different sheets, Mellanni sheets earned the highest softness scores, with consumer testers describing them as “smooth and luxurious” and “silky.”The $35 price tag is definitely a major selling point, but if you need to know more before you buy, over 244,000 reviewers rated it five stars on Amazon. “These sheets are honestly worth the hype,” wrote one reviewer. “There’s no doubt I would buy these sheets over and over again. First, the ‘you get what you pay for’ line does not in any way apply to here. I can’t believe these are so cheap for such great quality.” More From Good Housekeeping One GH staffer even bought a set of their own: “I’ve been using the sheets for about a month and find them comfortable, cozy and warm enough for the winter. The Mellanni Sheet Set is a great value pick when it comes to upgrading your bedding.” SHOP THE MELLANNI SHEET SALE ON AMAZON Commerce DirectorLindsey works with the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and review products including appliances, bedding, baby items, pet products and more.Commerce EditorEllen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools.  More

If you’ve ever accidentally grazed your sleeve on a piece of paper with still-wet ink or noticed a stain only after you wash and dry your garment, you know how difficult it can be to remove ink stains from clothes. Luckily, in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab we’ve tested dozens of commercial stain removers and DIY stain removing methods for many of the most common household stains, so we know just what to do to get garments back in tip-top shape. Different ink stains require different care, so make sure you follow the appropriate how-to guide depending on if you’re trying to remove ballpoint pen, felt-tip pen or permanent marker ink. All of these methods should only be used on washable fabrics and should first be tested on a small hidden corner of your garment to make sure they won’t cause any damage. Two of our recommended methods use rubbing alcohol as the main ingredient. Because it is flammable, always use it away from open flames and launder all garments thoroughly after treating an ink stain with alcohol. Never try to remove ink stains from dry-clean only garments at home.How to Remove Ballpoint Pen InkGood news: Fresh ballpoint ink is the easiest type of ink to remove from washable clothing like cotton blouses and denim jeans. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove.What You’ll Need: Flush the stain with rubbing alcohol. If it’s a small stain, place a paper towel under the stain and use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol onto the stain. For a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. Blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.Rinse and apply a pre-wash stain remover. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment on the hottest setting with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric — opt for a color-safe formula for colored clothes. Check that the ink stain is completely removed. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above one more time or until the ink is gone. Toss the item into the dryer only after the ink is completely gone. How to Remove Felt-Tip Pen InkRemoving felt-tip ink is a bit more time-consuming — but not impossible, as long as you follow this guide.What You’ll Need: Hot waterAmmoniaStain-removing laundry detergent Rinse the stain under cold water. Flush out as much of the ink as you can.Soak garment in a mixture of hot water, bleach-free laundry detergent and ammonia. Fill a basin with hot water and pour in a bleach-free, liquid laundry detergent, like one of the detergents we’ve tested in our Lab. The amount you’d use to hand wash a blouse should do, plus a couple of splashes of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment. Give the stain a rub with your fingers, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Allow stubborn stains to soak overnight, giving it a rub every so often. To help it along, mix up a fresh solution or add a bit more ammonia.Rinse and wash the garment as usual. When the stain is gone or lightened as much as possible, rinse the garment, rub in a bit more liquid laundry detergent and wash as usual. As with any stain, air-dry the garment until you are certain the stain is completely removed. Putting it in a hot dryer will set the stain, making it harder to remove.How to Remove Permanent Marker InkRemoving permanent ink isn’t always possible. In addition to being formulated to last forever, the success of removing this stain is largely dependent on the material, color of the ink and how long the stain has been allowed to set in. The steps below may work on some fresh permanent ink stains, but if they’re unsuccessful, try a dedicated stain remover for permanent ink like Carbona Stain Devils #3 or Amodex Ink & Stain Remover. As a last resort, if your garment is bleach-safe, try using bleach to remove the stain. What You’ll Need: Sponge rubbing alcohol into the stain. Place an old towel or a paper towel underneath the permanent ink stain. Pour rubbing alcohol onto another paper towel and use it to sponge around and directly on the stain. If the towel underneath the stain becomes too stained, remove and replace it with a clean one and continue to sponge until no more ink is being removed from the garment. Rinse the garment. Rinse the garment thoroughly in cool water. If the stain is not completely removed yet, you can try the above step once more or try an ink stain remover. Wash the garment as usual. If the stain is gone, wash the garment as you normally would and air-dry until you’re sure all of the stain is gone. How to Get Ink Out of LeatherIf your pen accidentally brushed up against your purse, don’t worry. Just dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and lightly rub the stain to wipe away the marks. If your purse has a shiny patina or a glossy surface, it’s probably been coated in a leather protectant and should be easier to treat. If rubbing alcohol doesn’t do the trick, try a commercial product designed specifically for cleaning leather, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. If that doesn’t work or your purse is made of unfinished leather, take it to a dry cleaner that specializes in treating leather. To make marks, like ink, easier to remove the next time, apply a leather protectant, like GH Seal star Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream, to purses, sofas and other finished leather items.Can you get ink out of clothes after drying?If you’ve realized a bit too late that the shirt you’re folding fresh out of the dryer has an ink stain you forgot to remove or you’ve let a fresh stain sit a bit too long, you may not be completely out of luck. You can try the methods above first, but if you’ve been unsuccessful, turn to stronger commercial stain removers. These products often contain ingredients to target all types of ink. Just be sure to follow the label directions when using them and test them in a hidden spot first to be sure they are safe for the fabrics you are treating. Another option is the Shout Advanced Action Gel, which even works to remove stains that have gone through the dryer.Can you use other DIY methods to get ink out of clothes?Over the years, hairspray has earned a reputation for removing ink stains because of the alcohol in its formula. However, many of today’s sprays contain less alcohol, so they aren’t as effective on ink stains as older formulas may have been, plus you still have to deal with removing the sticky hairspray residue. Other DIY methods that you may have seen touted as effective ink removers include vinegar, toothpaste and even hand sanitizer. Though the alcohol in hand sanitizer may budge it a bit (as will most other DIY methods containing alcohol), we’ve never found any of these alternatives to be effective. If you really want to tackle ink, stick with the above options.Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes? Rubbing alcohol in small amounts should not cause damage to most fabrics. As with any store-bought or other DIY stain remover, you should test it on small hidden spot before using it on the visible part of any garment. Related StoriesSenior EditorLauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things. More

You may be more familiar with the idea of cross contamination when it comes to your kitchen — but as Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst points out, the bathroom is a high traffic area where bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and more can be found. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning, it’s an inevitable breeding ground for bacteria that can rapidly spread elsewhere. When harmful bacteria is transferred from one source to different surfaces, people, or spaces, it’s known as cross contamination. The area around the toilet is especially prone to the phenomenon, which has also been colorfully dubbed a “toilet sneeze”. “Close the lid when you flush. Germy water can spray across the room up to six feet every time you flush, settling on the floor, counters and bathroom doorknob and light switch,” warns Rodriguez.If that gross fact has you wondering what else you can do to help prevent the spread of bacteria from your bathroom, there’s plenty—especially since you can’t control whether guests and kids are staying on top of closing that lid! One is using Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray daily. The multitasking product’s ability to kill 99.9% of bacteria for up to 24 hours* impressed Rodriguez and her fellow experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab that it earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for effectiveness.If taking steps against cross contamination in the bathroom isn’t second nature yet, read on for more tips to prevent the spread. 1. Minimize and Neutralize the Toilet Flush Plume Though widespread understanding of the toilet plume— aerosolized droplets that contain bacteria and mix with the air and settle on surfaces — is fairly recent, scientific knowledge of the phenomenon actually dates to a 1975 study published in Applied Microbiology, which found that aerosol contaminants were present in the air up to 12 minutes after flushing. After a thorough review, which included paying a visit to the manufacturer’s lab, and conducting their own tests, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab verified that Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray banishes bacteria that escape even in the tidiest bathrooms. Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing SprayMicroban 24 Hour Sanitizing SprayCredit: Microban“Microban’s 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray keeps killing 99.9% of bacteria for up to 24 hours on surfaces after proper application,” confirms Rodriguez. Making it a part of your daily routine is an easy way to fight bacteria — since there’s no need to wipe, just spray walk away to let air dry.2. Wash Your Hands ThoroughlyIt may be obvious, but it bears repeating: “Wash your hands after you go with a mild hand soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds to get rid of any germs you may have picked up in the bathroom,” says Rodriguez. While the pandemic has made us all more familiar with hand washing best practices, it can be easy to forget when you’re at home. 3. Use Your Cleaning Products Effectively It’s also important to keep your cleaning tools from becoming vehicles for bacteria to spread. Rodriguez recommends you keep a set of cleaning tools that you only use to clean the bathroom: “Never use these sponges, towels or cloths in any other part of your home, regardless of how well you clean them after each use.” Peter Dazeley//Getty Images4. Eliminate Bacteria Safe HavensIn your bathroom, any landing surface that isn’t cleaned and disinfected as part of your daily routine is at risk of becoming a hotspot. Keeping hard surfaces like tile, faucet handles, tubs, and light switches free of buildup and gives bacteria less to cling to.In addition to the Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray, the Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner is the best option to fight buildup and provide protection from bacteria for 24 hours on surfaces. When used as directed,”This spray will also prevent mold and mildew growth for up to seven days on hard surfaces,” says Rodriguez. Since the product, cleans, sanitizes and disinfects, it’s effective for quick and deep cleanings.Soft items like fabric shower curtains, washcloths, bathmats, towels, or face-washing headbands should be hung dry in an airy spot to dry thoroughly after each use, as bacteria is more likely to survive in moist environments. As a bonus, outside the bathroom, Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray can also be used on soft surfaces like couches, backpacks, or smelly gym bags, eliminating odors and initially killing 99.9% of bacteria.5. Don’t Ignore the Ick Factor of Phones “Keep phones and other electronics out of the bathroom. You are likely transferring bathroom germs onto the phone that you’re then using on the couch or even in bed after,” advises Rodriguez.This habit turns your device into a mobile microbial red flag. A comprehensive 2020 Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease review of 56 studies calculated that the average contamination rate of mobile phones was a whopping 68%. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your device with a disinfecting wipe or according to the manufacturer’s directions is always a good idea.*When used as directed, effective against Staphylococcus aureus & Enterobacter aerogenes bacteria for 24 hours More

Sharing an apartment with my roommate’s yellow lab means I practically live with a lint roller in hand. And not just for my clothing. Approximately 10 minutes before guests arrive, you can find this dog auntie furiously lint-rolling the couch, the rug, the chair and any flat surface within arm’s reach (because no, a vacuum just won’t cut it). So when I scrolled across this Floor Lint Roller on TikTok, it was love at first sight. Equipped with an adjustable handle and an oversized adhesive roller, this viral lint remover can cover serious ground.Smart Design Smart Design Floor Lint RollerSmart Design Smart Design Floor Lint RollerRoll it across furniture and rugs to clean up pet hair left behind from your fur baby’s afternoon nap. And it’s good for way more than just cleaning up after pets. Roll it over your bath mat after brushing your hair or trimming your bangs. Or roll it across the floor to pick up dirt, dust bunnies, and small debris that sweeping leaves behind. Amazon reviewers rave that the aluminum tubing and extendable design make it so easy to tackle hard-to-reach messes.Shorten the handle, and it can be used to remove lint and pet hair from your clothing just like any standard lint roller. But unlike the one you snagged from the dollar store, this baby has extra-sticky adhesive sheets that are wider than the average lint roller, so it cleans more lint with each swipe. You’ll waste less time and arm strength rolling, and you won’t be left with a mountain of used sheets to throw away when you’re done. But take it from #CleanTok, there appears to be no limit to what this retractable lint roller can do. Users shared videos of themselves using the 2-in-1 tool to pick up glitter after a party, grab dust bunnies from beneath the couch, clear cobwebs from vaulted ceilings, prep the bathroom floor for mopping, remove crumbs from car interiors and sweep up shedding hair extensions.This TikTok-loved lint roller is available on Amazon for only $26. Though it already comes equipped with 25 removable adhesive sheets, I highly recommend stocking up on a two-pack of refill sheets from the get-go. Because once you start rolling, you won’t want to stop!Check out Firstfinds to shop more of the internet’s favorite products, including viral hits, home hacks, fashion essentials and so much more.Commerce WriterSarah Maberry is a commerce writer at Hearst Magazines, covering trending products in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and beyond. She’s obsessed with being the first to wear, try, watch, and buy what’s going viral. More

The perks of silk pillowcases are many: They can help reduce wrinkles, split ends and frizzy hair, to name a few. They often come with a high price tag though, so you’ll want to take care of them properly to ensure they will last. Sweat, germs, body oils, hair products and makeup (though you are taking off your makeup before bed, right?) can accumulate quickly in bedding, especially your pillowcase. We consulted with experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab for how to wash your silk pillowcase. First, always check the care label or manufacturer’s website for detailed care instructions. If there is one, be sure to follow it. Our favorite pillowcase brands like Fisher’s Finery, whose silk pillowcases impressed us enough to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal, usually have detailed care instructions for their pillowcases on their website. Though it’s not common, some silk pillowcases are dry clean only, so be sure to check before you start laundering. There are two ways to wash your silk pillowcase: on a gentle cycle in the washing machine or by hand. Most silk pillowcases can be washed in the washing machine as long as steps are taken to ensure a gentle wash. Washing by hand is the most gentle approach and allows you to take extreme care when washing — important when washing a delicate silk pillowcase. The same basic step-by-step process as washing clothing by hand applies here too; just make sure to use a gentle touch and never wring or twist your pillowcase. What You’ll NeedMesh laundry bagGentle laundry detergent Clean white bath towel How to wash a silk pillowcase in the washing machineMost silk pillowcases have care instructions for washing in the washing machine, so make sure to follow the care label if the instructions differ. More From Good Housekeeping Place pillowcases in a mesh laundry bag or turn inside out. Select a delicates cycle with cold water and wash with a gentle laundry detergent. If you have a center agitator in your machine, be careful as it can damage the fabric if not on the correct setting. Some brands allow for tumble drying on an air-only or low-heat cycle, but other brands recommend keeping out of the dryer, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt: avoid the dryer. You can either gently squeeze (don’t wring!) the excess water from the pillowcase, or blot dry with a clean towel, and lay flat to dry. How to hand wash a silk pillowcase Hand washing your silk pillowcase is quite simple, and hand washing helps keep the fibers soft and shiny. Fill a clean sink or tub with cool water, and mix about a teaspoon of gentle laundry detergent. If there are any visible stains on your pillowcase, apply a few drops of detergent directly to the stain and gently work in with your fingertips. Agitate the water with your hands to create suds, then immerse the pillowcase and swish it around gently to help the water penetrate the fibers. Take care not to twist, wring or rub the fabric against itself as it can damage the fabric. Instead, just gently agitate the fabric (i.e., move it around in the water) with your hand to clean. Dump the water and refill the basin with cold water. Submerge the pillowcase again and agitate gently to get rid of any soapy residue. Repeat as needed, gently rinsing until the residue is gone. Gently squeeze out any excess water, taking care not to twist or wring the fabric in any way. Lay the pillowcase on a clean, white towel and roll up, gently squeezing to further dry the pillowcase. Lay flat to dry, preferably away from sunlight to protect from fading and discoloration. If there are wrinkles in the fabric after drying, you can either gently steam the pillowcase or iron on the lowest heat setting. Make sure to flip the pillowcase inside out and place a pressing cloth or clean piece of fabric between the iron and pillowcase.How often should you wash your silk pillowcase?”Silk pillowcases should be washed as frequently as regular cotton ones, which is once per week,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. If you have cotton sheets but silk pillowcases, make sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the fibers from tearing and try to avoid letting them go through the spin cycle. If all your bedding is silk (lucky you!) then you can follow this same guide for sheets too.How to treat stains on silk pillowcasesAccidents happen to everyone, so if you find a stain on your silk pillowcase it’s best to act fast as the longer the stain sits, the harder it can be to get out. To treat stains, work a small amount of mild detergent directly onto the stain gently with your fingers and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, wash the pillowcase following either of the above instructions. Pro Tip: Avoid using any stain treatment or detergent with bleach as it will break and discolor the fibers. How to remove wrinkles from silk pillowcasesBe very careful with heat around silk, as the high temperatures can hurt the fibers. If your pillowcases or sheets are wrinkly, either iron on the lowest setting with a pressing cloth, or bust out a steamer for a more gentle option. What You’ll Need to Wash a Silk PillowcaseTide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Credit: TideEgyptian Cotton 6-Piece Bath Sheet Towel Set Credit: Home DepotFisher’s Finery Mesh Wash Bag with ZipperCredit: Fisher’s FineryAssistant to the General ManagerIn addition to her job as the assistant to the general manager of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Abigail is also currently working toward her master of science in publishing in digital and print media at NYU. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she worked at LSU Press and The Southern Review. In her free time you can find her quilting, knitting, cross-stitching or working on any manner of craft. More

There’s nothing like putting on a brand-new pair of white sneakers for a crisp, fresh look. But a quick walk through the park later, you’ll notice scuffs and stains already starting to form on the rubber outsoles and sides of your favorite slip-ons. No matter how careful you are, wearing anything white (think jeans, shirts or shoes) can sometimes feel like a disaster waiting to happen. A drop of coffee during your morning commute or unexpected rain on your way home from the park and poof! Like magic, your white Vans have gone from bright white to dingy gray. And if you’re brave enough to skateboard in a pair of white high tops? You’ll definitely want to keep this step-by-step guide from the Good Housekeeping Institute cleaning experts handy. We’ve tested store-bought and DIY shoe cleaners to find the best way to clean all kinds of shoes, mastered the art of cleaning another much-loved white shoe, the Converse All Star Low Top Sneaker, and have even taken on the smelly task of testing tons of shoe deodorizers.This step-by-step guide will have all of your white Vans looking like new again. Best of all, most of the products our pros recommend you likely already have at home.How to clean white canvas VansWhat You’ll Need:Soft brush (or your vacuum’s round dusting brush)Baking soda Hydrogen peroxideToothbrush Microfiber cloth Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Remove loose dust or dirt. To avoid making a bigger mess of your white canvas Vans, remove the laces and use a soft brush or the round dusting brush on your vacuum to remove any loose dust or dirt on the surface of the shoes. Mix up a thin paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and warm water. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, ½ tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and ½ tablespoon of warm water until it forms a thin paste. The hydrogen peroxide acts like an all-fabric bleach to whiten the canvas fabric and the baking soda helps scrub away scuffs and stains. Gently scrub your shoes with the paste. Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into the paste and gently scrub your shoes in a circular motion. Wipe the surface of your sneakers with a clean, wet cloth to rinse them. Dip a clean cloth into water and wring it out until it is just damp. Thoroughly wipe your sneakers with the cloth, being careful to not to saturate the material. Clean the rubber outsoles with the same paste or GH Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If using the same baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and warm water paste, follow the steps above. To clean the rubber outsoles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, wet the pad, squeeze out the excess water and rub on the outsole until they are clean. Allow to air-dry. Set your canvas Vans to air-dry in a cool spot, away from the sun. How to clean white leather VansMost of the steps to clean white leather Vans are the same as above, with some small, but very important adjustments. What You’ll Need:Soft brush (or your vacuum’s round dusting brush)Baking soda Toothbrush Microfiber cloth Leather conditioner Remove loose dust or dirt. Remove the laces and use a soft brush or the round dusting brush on your vacuum to remove any loose dust or dirt on the surface of the shoes.Mix up a thin paste of baking soda and warm water. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and ½ tablespoon of warm water until it forms a thin paste.Gently scrub your shoes with the paste. Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into the paste and gently scrub your shoes in a circular motion. Wipe the surface of your sneakers with a clean, wet cloth to rinse them. Dip a clean cloth into water and wring it out until it is just damp. Thoroughly wipe your sneakers with the cloth. Clean the rubber outsoles with the same paste or with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If using the same baking soda and warm water paste, follow the steps above. To clean the rubber outsoles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, wet the pad, squeeze out the excess water and rub on the outsole until they are clean. Allow to air-dry. Set your leather Vans to air-dry in a cool spot, away from the sun. Apply a leather conditioner to the shoes. For extra protection, apply a leather conditioner, like GH seal holder Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream, to help keep the leather soft and supple. How to clean white suede VansSuede shoes are notorious for how easily they can get stained — water, dust and dirt can all cause unsightly stains on the material. Suede shoes that have been caught in a rainstorm should be allowed to dry in a well ventilated area overnight, with paper towels or shoe trees stuffed inside to keep their shape. To treat fresh or old stains and restore the suede nap of a pair of suede Vans, follow the steps below. For suede Vans with fresh stains:What You’ll Need:Blot the stain. Using a clean paper towel, blot (don’t rub) the stain on the shoe’s surface.Sprinkle baking soda over the stain. Allow the baking soda to sit and soak up the stain overnight, then lightly brush away the powder. If a stain still remains, use a suede cleaner. Our experts recommend the Kiwi Suede Cleaner. Gently brush the shoes to restore the suede nap. The key here is to brush in the direction of the fibers, not back and forth or in circles. This can cause further damage to the suede. If you used a suede cleaner, wait until the shoes are completely dry to brush the fibers. Clean the rubber outsoles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Wet the pad, squeeze out the excess water and rub on the outsole until they are clean.Apply a suede protector. A suede protector will help prevent further stains or other damage to your suede Vans. For suede Vans with old stains:What You’ll Need:Gently brush or scrape the stain from the shoe’s surface. Using a special suede brush (or a toothbrush) is your best bet for completing this step without causing any damage. Brush in the direction of the fibers. If this doesn’t work, you can try dabbing a suede eraser on the stain to remove it. Steam the matted area for a few seconds. If the stain is gone, but has left behind a patch of matted fibers, use your favorite garment steamer on a low setting to lightly steam the area, then brush in the direction of the fibers with the suede brush. If the stain is still there, take your suede Vans to a shoe repair shop so a pro can take a look at them. Clean the rubber outsoles with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Wet the pad, squeeze out the excess water and rub on the outsole until they are clean.Apply a suede protector. Can I put my white Vans in the washing machine?We think it’s safest to wash any pair of shoes by hand, especially when they’re new. But we get it, sometimes you might be tight on time. If you want to give it a try, only canvas Vans should ever be put into the washing machine. Note that the washer can cause your sneakers to shrink or lose their shape. Here’s the best way to wash your shoes in a washing machine: Place your sneakers in a mesh bag to help them keep their shape and toss in some old white towels to balance and buffer the load. Select a delicate cycle on your machine, cold or warm water, and a low or moderate spin speed.Skip the dryer. Instead, stuff the wet Vans with white paper towels and let them air-dry away from heat and sunlight.Should I bleach my white Vans?No! Keep the bleach away from your Vans! Bleach is too harsh for use on white Vans — especially leather and suede ones. Many people even note that after using bleach to clean their white shoes, they found that the shoes took on a yellow tint instead of being restored to their original white. Why do white Vans turn yellow after washing?A few things can cause your white Vans to turn yellow after you wash them. As mentioned above, many people find that using bleach causes yellow staining on white shoes after they are dry. Drying freshly washed shoes in direct sunlight can also cause discoloration. Additionally, residue from shoe cleaners that are not properly rinsed from white shoes can leave behind a yellow tint.Tips to keep your white Vans in tip-top shapeBefore your first wear and after every cleaning, spray Vans with a water and stain repellent spray to help them stay cleaner longer. The GH Cleaning Lab likes Kiwi Sneaker Protector for both leather and canvas shoes. The brand also has a suede and nubuck protector.Keep white Vans stored away from direct sunlight and out of humid, moist environments to prevent yellowing.Clean stains and remove light dust as soon as you spot them. The longer they sit on your Vans, the harder it will be to remove them later.Sometimes all your Vans need is a quick wash of the laces to look like new. Remove the laces and wash them separately in a mix of mild soap and warm water. Rinse and let them air dry before re-lacing your shoes. Before using any cleaning products on your white Vans, carefully read the instructions and test it on a small inconspicuous area of the shoe to make sure it does not cause any damage. Shop for Vans Cleaning SuppliesArm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Credit: Arm and HammerSwan Hydrogen PeroxideCredit: SwanAmazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning ClothCredit: AmazonBasicsMr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra DurableCredit: Mr.CleanHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.Home Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews AnalystJodhaira (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tests and writes about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH in 2021, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens. More