Home Ideas

Today’s vinyl floors are a far cry from the shiny, plastic-looking sheet or tile floors your grandmother might have installed in her home. Although yesterday’s were prone to tears, scratching and scuffing and looked so artificial, today’s feature more durable matte finishes and more realistic, natural designs that get installed as click-together planks. They’re the newest members of a category called “resilient flooring,” and because they come as individual planks, replacing damaged sections is easier too. For these reasons, modern vinyl plank flooring has become a popular alternative to wood floors in homes across the globe, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. These floors are not only easier to maintain than traditional hardwood floors, but they’re more moisture-resistant too, so they’re better equipped to withstand heavy traffic — ideal for families with kids and pets. But that doesn’t mean vinyl floors don’t need routine TLC. Even these fuss-free, wear-resistant floors need a proper cleaning once in a while, so it’s a good idea to incorporate the task into your regular cleaning schedule. We checked in with Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, for the best cleaning tips and advice. More From Good Housekeeping How to clean vinyl plank flooring after installationFirst things first: If your vinyl flooring product was installed with glue, you may notice excess glue seeping to the surface. Avoid cleaning this mess or walking on the flooring for at least 24 hours to give the adhesive time to set properly. Once set, you can safely remove the excess product without damaging your brand-new floors by following these steps: Gather the proper tools: You’ll need a scraper, a spray bottle and a floor stripper or an acetone-based nail polish remover to help loosen the excess glue. Spray the floor: Put the cleaning solution into a spray bottle, then spritz a small amount on the glue you intend to remove. Let it sit for a few minutes. Scrape up the glue: Once the glue begins to soften, position your scraper so that the blade is parallel to the floor and apply gentle downward pressure to carefully remove the adhesive. (You want to get under the blob of glue to gently lift it up off the floor.)Wipe clean with water: Once the glue is gone, rinse the area with water using a damp microfiber cloth. Then dry the area with a second clean cloth. Alternatively, you can mop the area for a deeper clean.How to regularly clean vinyl plank flooringVinyl plank flooring may be low maintenance, but there are a few things you should know to help extend the life of this surface. Namely, dust, sand and other gritty particles are “the enemy,” according to the World Floor Covering Association. As such, it’s important to sweep or vacuum frequently — and especially if there’s visible debris on the floor. Remove dust with a soft broom, a microfiber mop or a good vacuum cleaner designed for hardwood floors. Use your vacuum’s soft-bristled oblong floor brush or fluffy roller attachment if you have them, or at least switch off the vacuum’s rotating brush. Avoid using stiff scrubbing brushes or your vacuum’s beater bar (the rotating brush attachment that vibrates to loosen dirt from carpeting), as these cleaning tools can damage the surface of the floor.Wet-clean the floor using a damp mop and a vinyl-safe floor cleaner once you’ve eliminated any dry dirt and debris.If needed, rinse after mopping, being careful not to over-wet the floor. Let it air-dry.How to clean spills from vinyl plank flooringThough vinyl floors are moisture-resistant, it’s not a good idea to let spills set. And you should never use a steam mop on these surfaces. The high temperature combined with excess moisture and pressure can seep into the cracks, loosen adhesive and cause the floor to swell. Here’s what to do instead:Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. For tougher stains, you can use a soft nylon brush and a baking soda paste (combine baking soda and enough water to form a paste). Simply use the brush to gently rub the paste into the affected area, then wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.Alternatively, you can use a mild cleaning solution made with equal parts vinegar and water. There are also cleaning products, like Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner, that are specifically manufactured for this type of flooring. No matter what you use, it’s good practice to test your cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the flooring. How to remove scuffs from vinyl plank flooringOccasional scuff marks from shoes or furniture are unavoidable, but thankfully there’s an easy way to get rid of these unsightly spots:Dip a microfiber cloth into a sudsy mix of dish soap and water and use it to buff the area. Then, rinse clean with a damp microfiber cloth or a mop.For stubborn scuffs, try a lubricant like WD-40 or Goo Gone. Put a small amount on a towel and rub the affected area until the scuffs clear. Then, follow the cleaning steps above, using baking soda, vinegar and water or another cleaning product marked safe for vinyl floors to remove any remaining lubrication.The Best Cleaning Products for Vinyl Plank FlooringO-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dust PanNow 30% OffCredit: O-CedarSwiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Starter KitCredit: P&GBona Hard-Surface Floor CleanerNow 10% OffCredit: BonaGoo Gone Original Goo & Adhesive RemoverCredit: Goo GoneHow to keep vinyl plank flooring clean longerWhile regular maintenance is vital, there are a few steps you can take on a daily basis to keep your vinyl plank floors cleaner and in better condition, reducing the frequency of deep cleans and repairs. Place a doormat or an area rug in front of the entryway to your home, since this will minimize the amount of dirt and debris tracked in.Attach felt or rubber pads to furniture legs — especially items that regularly move, such as barstools and dining chairs.Put down a protective floor covering whenever you are doing heavy home-improvement work — rearranging furniture or repairing and painting drywall, for example.Contributing WriterBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in creating SEO and e-commerce content across a range of lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She also has significant experience creating native and branded content.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

After completing any crochet project — whether it’s a stocking, basket, hat or scarf — weaving in the ends is crucial to prevent your stitch from unraveling. This process can be tricky for those who are new to the world of crocheting. But don’t worry! Good Housekeeping’s Design Director and crochet maven, Mariana Tuma, explains how to fasten off in crochet. While basic crochet stitches can take a few days to learn (the single crochet being one of the shortest of all the stitches), more advanced techniques may take longer. That’s why it’s important to tie off your crocheting properly to ensure that all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste. Follow the quick step-by-step video above for this easy how-to, then take a look below for our written guide. And if you want even more trendy DIYs, ranging from knitting to macramé, join the GH Stitch Club for patterns and tutorials to try at home (this daisy granny square is just one example). Happy crafting!Related StoryHow to Fasten Off in Crochet Liudmila Chernetska//Getty Images Step 1: When you’re ready to end your project, work your last stitch, cut the yarn from the ball (leaving about 6″ to 8″) and then pull the tail through the loop on your hook. Slip Stitch: a basic crochet stitch used to add decorative elements or join pieces together. Step 2: Now it’s time to weave in the loose ends with your crochet hook. Insert the hook into an adjoining stitch and pull the tail through.Step 3: Repeat the process until you’ve worked through a few stitches and you’re ready to cut the tail, leaving it hidden inside one of the stitches. Step 4: Go to your beginning tail, where you started your project. Weave the yarn through your work (repeating the process from step two) before cutting the end. 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. Mariana is the Design Director of Good Housekeeping.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

With a $5,000 budget and only 24 hours, interior designer Kerrie Kelly and her team reimagined a primary bedroom and the adjoining walk-in closet in for Good Housekeeping’s very first episode of Designer for a Day, available on the VeryLocal network.Homeowners Jennifer and Jason of Roseville, California, hadn’t upgraded their primary bedroom in about 13 years. Excited for the redesign, Jennifer was looking for a “cozy farmhouse style,” while Jason hoped to turn their bedroom into a “modern, hotel-like oasis.” Kerrie chatted with the couple about their preferences, then got to work on crafting an aesthetic that married the two.Homeowners Jennifer and Jason live in Roseville with their two children: eight-year-old Kayla and six-year-old Cayden.Very LocalReimagining a space in a single day doesn’t come without challenges. “It takes lots of planning to successfully install a design project in one day,” says Kelly. “Everything must go right — from moving to painting, closet installation, furniture assembly, drapery hanging and finishing touches.”Kerrie sits down to choose finishes, textures and colors.Nick Franco PhotographyTo map out her design, Kerrie starts by sketching the primary bedroom.  Courtesy of Kerrie KellyKelly’s big piece of advice: “Remain flexible — every project has its hiccups and there is always a solution if you stay open-minded.” BEFORECourtesy of Kerrie KellyThe first task for any space Kelly designs? Decluttering. “The key to any room upgrade is to edit, edit, edit,” she says. There’s also the opportunity to breathe new life into your existing pieces: reframe artwork, re-orient rugs, move furniture and paint or reupholster buffets, hutches and chairs. Finally, take advantage of simple upgrades like adding wallpaper, swapping out lighting fixtures and upgrading hardware. Tip: If you’re tight on budget or timeline, find creative ways to repurpose what you already own. AFTERCourtesy of Kerrie KellyLumbar Throw Pillow CognacCredit: TargetArea RugCredit: SARRANTFaux Leather BenchCredit: HomepopTo save money, Kelly decided to stick with the couple’s original bed frame. She put it on an entirely different wall, making the space almost unrecognizable. She also elevated the look with a headboard wall, adding trim pieces for architectural design and painting the accent wall in Sherwin-Williams’ Grizzle Gray SW 7068. She placed a bench at the foot of the bed, increased the height of the curtains to create a sense of drama and layered in textures with throw pillows. BEFORE & AFTER: THE WALK-IN CLOSETCourtesy of Kerrie KellyCourtesy of Kerrie KellyWhen Kelly realized that a refurbished vintage console table that was intended to be a statement piece of the bedroom wouldn’t arrive in time, she had to practice quick thinking. She kept the couple’s original dresser and, with money freed up in the budget, turned her attention to the walk-in closet — tapping into the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute and Good Housekeeping Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris for inspiration and advice. “Storing your clothes is important to keeping them looking their best,” said Valeris, who suggested that Jason and Jennifer start by editing their closet, donating unwanted items to a local thrift shop. To save time and energy, Kelly went with a white reach-in closet from the Container Store to achieve a custom look. She then added in decorative touches, like an accessory stand, to give the walk-in closet a “shoppable” feel.HOW TO EDIT YOUR CLOSET Pull everything out of your closet and put each item into one of three piles: keep, toss or donate.Categorize your collection by color. For example, arrange pieces from light to dark.For visual harmony and space-saving benefits, use a consistent thin hanger such as white wood or slim, non-slip black velvet wire hangers.Take advantage of vertical space. For example, place a rolling cart with pull-out baskets on the floor.Repurpose baskets and boxes to corral bulkier, less used items. Stream the full episode of Designer for a Day for free on the Very Local app, available on smart TVs (Roku, Amazon Fire TV) and mobile apps.Associate Lifestyle EditorAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

When you’re a DIY’er, nothing’s more satisfying than finding crafty ways to add personality to everyday items like handbags, blankets or holiday packages (’tis the season). One of our favorite ways to give humdrum items a little flair? Yarn tassels!As part of the GH Stitch Club’s goal to teach the joy of crochet, knitting, macramé and more to craft lovers, we’re sharing an easy step-by-step guide on how to make a yarn tassel. The video above is less than four minutes and explains exactly how to embellish all kinds of items with a simple yarn tassel. And the best part is that it doesn’t require a ton of time or money to bring this fun project to life. Only four basic supplies are needed — and you may even have some of them already at home. In addition to the video tutorial, follow the written instructions below for more details on the process. Related StoryHow to Make a Yarn TasselWhat You Need:YarnCardboard Scissorspet hair brush (or any brush) Step 1: Cut your cardboard. Cut the piece of cardboard into a rectangle. Make sure it’s the desired length of your tassel. Step 2: Wrap the yarn.Wrap your yarn around the tallest part of your cardboard. Keep wrapping until you have the desired thickness for your tassel. Cut the end when finished. Step 3: Secure the tassel.Cut a small piece of yarn from the ball and tuck it underneath your tassel. Tie it into a knot at the top to keep everything secure.Tip: Make sure your knot is tight so nothing unravels. Step 4: Remove the cardboard.Cut the bottom threads so the tassel is no longer attached to the cardboard. Step 5: Make another knot.Take another piece of yarn from the ball. Wrap it around the tassel about one inch down and tie a knot. Step 6: Fluff the ends and cut.After trimming the ends, use a pet hair brush (or any brush you have on hand) to fluff up the fibers. Depending on the yarn you use, the results will be different. If preferred, do one last trim for a cleaner look. Tip: We’re using rover yarn: a thick, bulky yarn that is not twisted or plied.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. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Countertops might be the most important element of kitchen design. Hear us out: Not only do you interact with them every day, but they’re one of the first things a person notices when they walk into the space, making them a key focal point. “The countertop is also one of the few continuous materials in the kitchen, so it goes a long way toward tying the room together,” says Carrie Schulz, head of design at Block Renovation, a service that streamlines the planning, designing and building process for homeowners.At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing countertops for a long, long time. In fact, way back in 1908, based on experiences in the Experiment Station (a precursor to the Good Housekeeping Institute), our early experts persuaded a builder to install its kitchen counters at a comfortable height of 36 inches, establishing a standard still used today.For this report, our experts pulled together a list of the six best countertops available now, based on our latest tests, as well as insights from designers, installers and other pros in the field. There are many other options to choose from — glass, concrete and stainless steel, to name a few — but the process is daunting enough without these niche materials causing more second guessing.More From Good Housekeeping Besides being integral to kitchen design, countertops aren’t the kinds of things you swap out frequently. Choose wisely, and they’ll serve you well for as long as you live in in your home. QuartzLight, bright quartz countertops can make a kitchen feel more expansive.John KeebleA favorite of our experts, this engineered stone is named after its principal ingredient, quartz, which is held together by polymer resins. The result is an exceptionally durable, low-maintenance material that’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including those that resemble natural stone. Invented in Italy in 1977, quartz has emerged as a top countertop choice only in the last decade or so. “We’ve had it installed in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs for 15 years now, with no signs of wearing,” says Rachel Rothman, executive technical director at the GH Institute. New quartz countertops from Cosentino and Caesarstone won 2022 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation awards, the former for interior use and the latter for outdoor applications. One caveat: Although quartz is extremely hard-wearing, its edges and corners can chip, so be careful with heavy pots and pans; choosing a rounded edge can also help reduce the chance of chipping. ProsLow-maintenanceWide range of colors and patternsNo sealing requiredConsSquare edges are prone to chippingHighest-grade lines are priceyCost: $60 to $230 per square foot, installed. (Note that the wide price range is due to the different available grades, from low to mid to high quality.)Use and care: One of the best things about quartz is that it doesn’t need to be sealed. But you still need to wipe spills promptly and do an occasional deep-clean with a nonabrasive cleaner; Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, likes Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach Cleaner.GraniteGranite countertops remain popular in traditional-style homes. JamesBreyThough its prevalence has waned some since the granite heyday of the 1990s and 2010s, this natural stone remains popular, especially in traditional-style homes. It comes in an array of colors, from blue pearl to Vyara gold, and its pattern can be flecked, speckled or veined. As with any natural stone, uniqueness is a big part of the allure, since no two slabs are the same. “In our tests, granite has fended off knife cuts, scratches and heat, making for a highly durable work surface,” says Alec Scherma, test engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Sealed granite is also stain-resistant. But as with quartz, edges and corners can chip, so it’s worth considering a rounded edge if your kitchen gets a lot of use.ProsExtremely durableNatural beautyComes in a rich array of colorsConsNot as popular as in the pastNeeds sealing to be stain-resistantCost: $50 to $130 per square foot, installed.Use and care: Wipe counters with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth dipped in warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. Once a year, apply a spray-on sealant, following the manufacturer’s instructions. After allowing the sealant ample time to dry, buff the counter with a dry cloth.MarbleDistinctive veining is a hallmark of marble countertops.PBNJ ProductionsThis classic building material is synonymous with luxury, and it remains in fashion today, thanks in part to the enduring popularity of all-white kitchens. You can also find marble slabs in other colors, including captivating greens, reds and blues. Marble’s biggest differentiator is its incredible veining, which can bring mesmerizing pattern play to the kitchen. On the other hand, marble is a soft, porous material, meaning it stains and scratches easily. Some people are OK with this and think of the blemishes as a patina. But if you want your pure-white marble countertops to stay that way, you’ll need to be extremely fastidious. ProsConveys enduring luxuryDeep veining and pattern playMakes for an excellent baking stationConsProne to staining and scratchingVery expensiveCost: $70 to $130 per square foot, installed.Use and care: Because marble stains easily, treating it at least once a year with a food-grade penetrating sealer will provide some measure of protection. (When a drop of water soaks in, it’s time to reseal.) Marble also chips and scratches easily, so be sure to use trivets under heavy pots and pans.LaminateLaminate is a less-expensive way to give the kitchen a face-lift.AlphotographicDeveloped by Formica, decorative laminate was first used as a tabletop surface in restaurants, cafes and nightclubs of the 1930s. Then, it took off in kitchens in the 1950s with the rise of graphic patterns. It’s still in vogue today, especially with homeowners who are going for a retro, mid-century modern look. The biggest upside to laminate is its low cost. Laminate is also excellent at resisting stains, impact and heat. Keep in mind it clearly looks like a synthetic material (most versions have a colored top layer over a dark base, which shows at the edges). It also has seams, which can be unsightly and are also a source of potential water penetration, especially if installation isn’t just right.ProsExcellent valueRetro appealResists stains, impact and heatConsLooks synthetic, even natural patternsSeams can lead to water penetration Cost: $40 to $80 per square foot, installed.Use and care: Though laminate will generally fend off stains, it scratches easily, so always use a cutting board while working in the kitchen. Self-cleaning waxes made for cars can heighten the shine on dull laminate countertops.WoodButcher-block countertops offer a naturalistic look.Andreas von EinsiedelAnother timeless material, wood has been used as a work surface in kitchens for centuries. It became a go-to countertop material in the 1970s with the emergence of butcher block, a chopping-friendly surface made of bonded-together strips of maple or another hardwood. Nowadays, you might also see wood countertops made of less-familiar species, like teak and mahogany.ProsNatural warmth and beautyExcellent surface for chopping and meal prepCan last indefinitely if properly maintainedConsMonthly treatments requiredDings easilyCost: $30 to $170 per square foot, installed.Use and care: Treated butcher block can last for decades. To prevent cracking, apply a monthly coating of food-grade mineral oil, like GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Wood Cutting Board Oil. Let it penetrate overnight, then buff with a cloth.PorcelainPorcelain can bring a unique beauty to kitchen countertops. CrossvilleThis material is a relative newcomer to the countertop category, but we’re including it in this roundup because it’s fast becoming a favorite of designers and homeowners alike. Made from fine, dense clay and fired at a high temperature, porcelain is nonporous and exceptionally hard, making it durable and easy to maintain. It comes in large-format tiles and panels, allowing for countertops with a clean, contemporary look and minimal seams or grout lines. Crossville porcelain tile panels by Laminam were named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Awards on the strength of those attributes. ProsExtremely hard-wearingLow-maintenanceTrendy “newcomer” appealConsProne to chipping and crackingOn the pricey sideCost: $70 to $130 per square foot, installed.Use and care: The glaze on porcelain countertops means they don’t need to be sealed. For daily maintenance and cleaning, use hot water and a mild dish soap applied with a soft cloth. Despite its strength, some porcelain is prone to cracking and chipping, especially ultracompact panels, so be careful not to drop heavy items on it.How we choose the best countertopsOur experts deploy a range of Lab tests to measure countertop performance. To assess stain resistance, they slather stubborn ingredients, such as wine, mustard and chocolate, onto countertop samples, let them dry and then remove them with paper towels and all-purpose cleaner. A tester removes dried-on wine, ketchup, chocolate and mustard from a porcelain countertop sample to measure its stain resistance.Philip FriedmanOur experts use an abrasion machine to determine each material’s ability to fend off scratches; top products can withstand hundreds of passes with a fine-grit sandpaper wheel without any signs of distress. An impact machine is used to determine a countertop’s ability to withstand dents and dings, like those from a falling cast-iron pan. Over the decades, we’ve also installed various countertops in our labs and the homes of our experts, which enables us to assess performance, longevity and maintenance in real-world conditions.Although quartz is extremely durable, it can chip at the edges, as one of our testers learned from a prolonged at-home evaluation.Dan DiClerico/Good Housekeeping Institute In addition to comprehensive testing, our experts keep tabs on the countertop market by attending trade shows and industry events, including Surfaces and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. We also check in regularly with the design community, as well as contractors, fabricators and installers, to stay ahead of design trends and issues related to the supply chain and labor market. What to consider when choosing countertops for your homeIt’s natural to focus on looks when choosing a new kitchen countertop, but there are other factors to consider too. Schulz talks about the three-legged stool of aesthetics, functionality and cost when zeroing in on the perfect countertop material. “You want to make sure the countertop will fit into your budget before you fall in love with it,” she says. “How the material wears and how hard you’ll have to work to keep it looking new are also key to the decision process.”Here are more expert insights into those three key factors:✔️ Aesthetics: Our experts say it’s best to ignore trends and choose the pattern and color that you love the most. But if you think you might be selling your home soon, it pays to stay close to current design trends. Light, neutral hues with minimal pattern play continue to curry favor, which has helped drive interest to quartz. “A lot of homeowners still want to keep it simple and clean,” Schulz says. For those looking to make more of a statement with their countertops, materials with dramatic veining, including marble and other natural stones, are a popular choice.If you go the dramatic route, it’s important to work closely with your installer on the placement and positioning of adjoining slabs so that veining lines up. “If you end up with a pattern mismatch, it will drive you crazy every day,” Schulz says.Don’t forget about the backsplash, since it’s another strong visual element in the kitchen. Whereas subway tile and other contrasting surfaces still have their place, many homeowners are now choosing to use the same material from the countertop up the backsplash, creating a sense of continuity and cohesion. ✔️ Care and maintenance: Think about the porosity of the countertop and the finish. A nonporous material with a polished finish is unlikely to absorb anything, making it stain-resistant. Honed finishes, in which the surface has been ground down to give the countertop a softer, matte feel, require a bit more care, but you might be willing to put up with that for the softer feel and reduction in glare. A porous material like marble with a honed finish will require near-obsessive upkeep (regular sealings throughout the year, lightning-fast cleanup of spills, treatment of etch marks with a special poultice, etc.) to keep the surface looking new. Bottom line: Do you want to fuss over your countertops or keep maintenance mainly to a daily wipe down?✔️ Cost: Most homeowners spend about $3,000 on the installation of new countertops, according to Angi, the home services marketplace. But the price tag can go as high as $8,000 (and even higher for imported materials, like calacatta marble from Italy or a Van Gogh granite from Brazil) and as low as $400 for entry-level laminate. Of course, the actual cost depends on the size of the countertop, so it’s good to look at square-footage prices. You should expect to spend around $40 per square foot for affordable materials, like entry-level laminate and butcher block, and $150 or more per square foot for a rare natural stone or top-quality quartz. That doesn’t include edge treatments, which add another $5 per linear foot for a standard square edge, all the way up to $60 per linear foot for an S-shaped ogee, which adds decorative flair and also reduces the risk of chipping. Where are the best places to shop for kitchen countertops?If you’re working with an architect or a designer on a full kitchen remodel, they can help guide you through the shopping process. But if you’re managing the project on your own, you’ll need to do your own research. Keep in mind that the lead time on countertop deliveries can be several months, especially amid ongoing supply chain challenges. Here are three places to get a jump on the process:✔️ Home centers: Big-box retailers like The Home Depot and More

Painting a room is one of the most DIY-friendly home-improvement projects, but it’s not like you do it every day. It’s easy to forget the basics, from surface prep to mixing the paint. Then there’s the matter of cleaning your brushes after calling it quits for the day. Most of us have had the experience of returning to a paint project, only to find brushes that are a hard, clumpy mess. Given the rising price of quality brushes (upwards of $15 for a single pack), that’s a waste of money, not to mention the time lost running back to the home center or hardware store. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts have been testing paints for decades, so they know the best ways to get brushes clean and ready for the next task at hand, whether it’s in a few hours or a few weeks. For this how-to article, we also checked in with pros in the field — the ones who really are tackling paint projects every day. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for getting the longest life out of your brushes. More From Good Housekeeping 1. Choose your cleaning agent based on paint typeFor water-based paints, like latex and acrylic, which most projects these days call for, plain water will do the trick. “We also like to use a little drop of dish soap to help with ease of cleaning brushes,” says Shannon Duvall of HD Painting and Stain, based in Belleville, Illinois, and member ambassador of the Painting Contractors Association. Here’s how to get cleaning: Fill a small bucket or tray with soapy water. For best results, use warm water.Press the brushes into the bottom of the container in a rapid back-and-forth motion. That will work the water into the heel of the brush, all the way to the ferrule, where the bristles connect to the handle. Replace the water two or three times, continuing to press and work the brushes back and forth, until most of the paint is removed. Squeeze the bristles by hand. Then, rinse the brushes thoroughly at the sink, again using warm water. For oil-based paints — whose hard, durable finish is suited to furniture, stair banisters and other high-touch surfaces — you’ll need to use a chemical cleaner, like mineral spirits, paint thinner or turpentine. Fill a small cup or jar about halfway with chemical cleaner. Submerge the bristles for 30 seconds.Remove the brush, and wipe the bristles against a hard, clean surface.Repeat the process until the paint is gone. Then rinse at the sink in warm water.Caution: When using chemical cleaners, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area, since solvent fumes are toxic.2. Do a deeper cleanNo matter how aggressively you clean your brushes in water or solvent, some paint is liable to remain. If you waited too long to clean the brushes and the paint has started to harden, this will certainly be the case. Use a wire brush — the same kind used for surface prep — to remove any dried-on paint. Deploy long, gentle strokes, like brushing your hair, so as not tug too many bristles loose from the ferrule. 3. Dry and store the brushes Once your brushes are clean and ready for the next project, it’s important to dry them out as much as possible. Start by giving them a few vigorous shakes. Then squeeze them in a bunch of paper towels or a clean cloth towel.Store the brushes properly to prevent damage to the bristles. If you’re planning to use them again the next day, wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. For longer-term storage, many pros keep their brushes in resealable plastic bags. Or you can invest in plastic paintbrush protectors.How to clean paint rollers Paint rollers, the ideal tool for large expanses of wall or ceiling, are even more important to clean thoroughly after every use, since their fibers (a.k.a. “nap”) hold so much paint. The same choice of cleaning agent applies: warm, soapy water for water-based latex and acrylic paints, and a chemical solvent for oil-based paints.Squeeze excess paint back into the can. You can put gloves on and use your hands for this, but our experts recommend a five-in-one paint tool, whose curved scraper is the perfect shape for the job. A putty knife or other straight edge will also do the trick. Roll off any remaining paint. Going back over a freshly painted section of wall is one strategy, or reach for some old newspaper — anything that will let you make a few passes to get off the last remnants of paint. Do a deep-clean. At this point, it’s best to take the cover off its roller frame and put on plastic gloves.• For water-based paints, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and wash the cover by hand with repeated squeezing motions; replace the water as needed until it runs clean with every squeeze.• For oil-based paints, add enough solvent to a long, flat container to submerge the cover (a paint tray is ideal). Let the cover sit for about five minutes, agitating it by hand every so often to loosen the paint. If necessary, repeat the process with a fresh supply of solvent. Dry the covers. Stand them on end to prevent the fibers from getting crushed. If you used chemical solvents, make sure to dry the covers in a well-ventilated area. Store dry covers in resealable plastic bags or another airtight container. Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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Cleaning has always been a part of home life. But if there’s anything we’ve learned in the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that knowing how to clean your home essentials and spaces properly is crucial to helping protect the health and safety of ourselves and those we love.Good Housekeeping’s Discover Cleaning 2022: The Clean, Healthy & Happy Home summit, in partnership with the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), focused on this increased need while highlighting the latest advancements in the world of clean. Industry experts, including Good Housekeeping’s very own Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab, gathered for the two-hour virtual event on October 26 to focus on providing helpful, affordable solutions for consumers to clean kitchens and bathrooms, maintain good air quality, eliminate dust and conquer the laundry room. For those who couldn’t attend, we have all the highlights right here. Stream the entire summit for yourself on our event site or watch the individual panels below. WATCH THE ENTIRE SUMMIT HEREOpening RemarksCarolyn ForteExecutive Director, GH Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab+Brian SansoniSenior Vice President, Communications, Outreach & Membership, American Cleaning Institutejames kegleyGood Housekeeping’s Carolyn Forté and ACI’s Brian Sansoni happily welcomed streamers to the third annual virtual Discover Cleaning summit. Brian introduced the wide variety of experts that would be featured spanning across industries including cleaning, medical, indoor air quality, apparel, appliance and home design.WATCH NOWKickoff ChatLaurie JenningsDirector, Good Housekeeping Institute+Melissa HockstadPresident & CEO, American Cleaning Institute+Laurie Jennings and Melissa Hockstad began the summit by elaborating on the longstanding partnership between Good Housekeeping and ACI, and how cleaning has been a core part of the magazine brand’s 137-year history. Melissa made the note that no matter where you come from or what you do, everyday hygiene and cleaning practices are essential to our public health and our quality of life. She even touched on last year’s theme, Cleaning is Caring, a theme that will continue well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.WATCH NOWGerm Warfare: A Kitchen & Bathroom CounterattackLisa YakasSenior Products Manager, Home Product Certification/Consumer Products at NSF International+Adam GibsonPresident, Adam Gibson Design, CMKBD, CPP, CLIPP, CAPSAdam GibsonHeidi KapustR&D Manager Retail Core Cleaning, The Clorox Company+Monique ValerisSenior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping+Monique Valeris led a lively discussion with Lisa Yakas, Adam Gibson and Heidi Kapust about germ exposure, specifically in the kitchen and bathroom, the hot spots for bacteria that can often be overlooked and home design trends that can make cleaning easier. Lisa discussed studies that show most consumers forget to clean the germiest areas, which are often places that are moist or dark and contain cracks or crevices. Heidi emphasized the importance of consumers understanding what their cleaning products actually do and using the right one for the surface they are cleaning. Adam shared insight on different home trends that actually make cleaning more manageable, like the use of copper, which is a natural antimicrobial. The conversation also highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, the high-contact areas that need to be cleaned more frequently, how new products are using less packaging to cut down on waste and the one cleaning tool that actually might be breeding more bacteria than killing it.WATCH NOWLaundry Lowdown: Discovering the New & ImprovedKen RudolphSenior Director, Product Management, GE Appliances+Jennifer AhoniScientific Communications Director, Principal Scientist, P&G+Bethany BonneyRaw Materials Specialist, L.L. Bean+Carolyn ForteExecutive Director, GH Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab+Carolyn moderated this panel, which tackled all things laundry — detergents, appliances, fabrics, clothing and more. Jennifer tackled the common mistakes many make when washing clothes. She highlighted that some use products incorrectly, like confusing fabric softener for detergent and over-stuffing the machine with clothes. Ken emphasized Heidi’s point from the previous panel about reading labels and touched on how smart machines have helped consumers wash clothes more efficiently by taking out the guesswork. Bethany discussed ways to lower your carbon footprint when doing laundry and the need to understand the fabrics of your clothes. The panel also addressed what consumers specifically look for and prioritize in their machines nowadays, how big brands use the power of social media to educate consumers and common questions about laundry safety.WATCH NOW ACI’s Safety Tips The American Cleaning Institute shared a video message discussing the evolution of liquid laundry packets and safety tips parents and caregivers need to keep in mind to prevent accidental exposures from happening at home. WATCH NOWA Sensitive Subject: Dealing with Dust and Other AllergensDr. John RyanChief Strategy Officer, Allergy Standards LTD+Lenny SciarrinoPresident/CEO, Granite Gold/Guardsman, Inc.+Glory Dolphin HammesCEO, IQair North America, Air Quality Expert+Jeffrey PhillipInterior Designer & Professional Organizer+Those with sensitive noses were happy to get some answers on dealing with dust and allergens. Led by Jeffrey Phillip, this panel discussed the common problem and consequences of air pollutants within the home. Glory Dolphin Hammes shared that the air quality in most homes is actually five to 100 times worse than outdoor air because of some heating sources. She also revealed how using candles to make the home smell better can contribute to poor air quality and how some cleaning methods create more dust and allergens. Lenny Sciarrino shared the importance of using proper fabrics to dust and clean, like cotton rags instead of a feather duster. Dr. John Ryan went on to talk about the extra issues that come with pet dander. The panel also talked about “damp dusting,” whether you should vacuum before or after you dust and the need to focus on preventing buildup. WATCH NOW Fireside Chat: Cleaning House for Today and TomorrowJane FranciscoEditor in Chief, Good Housekeeping, and Editorial Director, Hearst Lifestyle Group+Jan HeckPresident and CEO, Miele USA and Board of Directors, NKBAJosh LeClairJane Francisco had a one-on-one chat with Jan Heck. The two discussed what it is like being at the forefront of innovation in the cleaning industry. Jan talked about the need for better laundry care and creating sustainable practices and products. The two also chatted about the differences in cleaning patterns and behaviors among places like North America and Europe and how global data allows Miele USA to provide products that check the boxes for consumers across the world. WATCH NOW Closing RemarksCarolyn ForteExecutive Director, GH Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab+Brian SansoniSenior Vice President, Communications, Outreach & Membership, American Cleaning Institutejames kegleyCarolyn and Brian returned to wrap up the summit. They recapped the panels and elaborated on new information they learned over the course of the event and again emphasized that when it comes to keeping ourselves, loved ones and homes healthy and happy, cleaning is a crucial way to show that we care. WATCH NOWAnnie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content. More

Whether you’re a beginner DIYer or an expert crafter in search of your next project, the GH Stitch Club has you covered with crochet, macramé and knitting projects you can make at home. Follow this easy guide on how to knit a scarf for beginners using one simple stitch. It’s the perfect colorful accessory to keep you warm all season long. In the video above, Mariana Tuma, Good Housekeeping’s design director and textile crafts extraordinaire, demonstrates how to knit a garter stitch scarf from beginning to end. Follow our simple guide for instructions and watch the video for step-by-step visuals.How to Knit a Garter Stitch ScarfWhat You Need:Order our kit for all the necessary materialsFour balls of Patons Norse yarnPair of 8.00 mm knitting needles ScissorsTip: On the yarn’s label, you’ll see a guide noting what size knitting needle or crochet hook to use. Step 1: Create a slip knot. Create a slip knot to place on your needle by making a loop with your yarn and pulling it through the tail. Insert one of your needles and tighten it slightly. Tip: Make sure your working yarn is on the left side and your tail end is on the right side.Step 2: Use the backward loop method.Loop the yarn around your thumb, then insert the needle from left to right to move the loop to your needle. Do this until you have 40 stitches on your needle. Tip: Make the stitches loose, as you have to slip the other needle underneath each loop. Step 3: Start knitting. Create the first knit stitch on your right needle: Insert the needle from left to right into the first stitch. Wrap yarn over from left to right. Pull the yarn through to create a loop on your right-hand needle. Slide off a stitch from the left-hand needle. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the row.Next row: Turn your work around, so that the needle with the stitches is in your left hand and the loose needle is in your right hand. Repeat the previous instructions to knit this row. Continue knitting each row until you’re ready to incorporate the next ball of yarn. Tip: Knitting each row is called a garter stitch. Step 4: Switch colors.Cut the working end of the yarn from the ball, leaving a tail. Insert your needle and loop your new color yarn over the top, making sure you’re pulling from the ball and not the tail end. Knit the stitch per usual.Continue the original knitting pattern until you’ve finished the new yarn. Step 5: Cast off.Knit the first two stitches in your row. Using your left-hand needle, pull the first stitch over the second stitch on your right-hand needle and remove the left-hand needle. You should now have just one stitch on your right-hand needle.Knit the next stitch on your left-hand needle. Then repeat, pulling the first stitch on the right-hand needle over the second and removing the left-hand needle. You should have just one stitch on your right-hand needle.Repeat these steps until only one stitch remains on the right-hand needle.Cut the yarn away from the ball to leave a 6″ tail and pull through the last stitch to secure. Don’t forget: Using a darning needle, weave the tail end of the yarn in and out of the stitches. Mariah 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. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More