Home Ideas

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If you’re looking to create a more relaxing place to sleep, try designing your bedroom around feng shui principles. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese concept that showcases how the objects in your space can positively or negatively impact the flow of positive energy, known as qi or chi, and how certain factors and placements affect your well-being.According to feng shui experts Reiko Gomez of Reiko Design and and Anjie Cho of Anjie Cho Architect, the bed is an important place in your home. “The bedroom represents intimacy, romance, privacy, rest and well-being,” Gomez says. “Bed placement can have a large impact on your quality of sleep, as well as your overall health.” That’s why starting off with proper feng shui bed placement is a great way to introduce yourself to this practice — and we’re sharing exactly how you can incorporate it into your bedroom design.Tips for Proper Feng Shui Bed PlacementBased on feng shui, the bed is where you mostly spend your time in a passive energetic state. It’s a place for your body to rest and regenerate. “Metaphorically speaking, the bed represents you,” Cho says. “It’s a part of your home that can support you and literally holds you up to rest.” To continue feeling that sense of security and well-being, proper placement is essential. While some may feel the effects immediately, it might come later for others. And according to Cho, it’s sometimes based on if you’re ready to take command of your life. Here are a few tips our experts shared.The commanding position: Move your bed in a position where you can see the door while laying in bed (so that you’re “in command” of the room). You don’t want to be directly in line with the door, but more diagonal or in a kitty corner from the door. “You want to be able to see opportunities coming to you,” Cho says. ” You want to move through life with your eyes open rather than your eyes shut and then physiologically when you’re sleeping.”Keep under the bed clear. Clutter under the bed prevents qi from flowing around you as you rest. If you absolutely have to keep something underneath, Cho says pillows, blankets or other sleep-related items are ideal. Letters from an ex, divorce papers or anything that’s emotionally charged will only make you susceptible to negative energy. Declutter the space: Clearing clutter from a room can be beneficial to your mental health. Think calm thoughts, happier emotions and the feeling of more control over your area and life. When it comes to feng shui, you don’t want anything that will lead to stuck energy in your surroundings. Add blackout window coverings: “Too much light can impact deep sleep,” Gomez says. When it comes to the bedroom, warm-colored lighting combined with dim lights may enhance the feel of the space. Ensure good air flow: This will support sound sleep. You can do this by keeping the front door clean or displaying your favorite piece of artwork or furniture by the entrance.Use a feng shui crystal ball: This feng shui tool is great to use if you’re unable to place your bed in the commanding position. Hang one from the ceiling on a red string halfway between the door and the bed. “Because it’s faceted energetically, it takes any kind of chi or energy that’s coming in through the front door and disperses it,” Cho says. She recommends purchasing one that’s at least 40 millimeters in diameter. Aim for symmetry: For a classic and balanced layout, center your bed on the wall with bedside tables and lamps on both sides. “It represents a stable, harmonious relationship — either an existing relationship, or one that will come in the near future,” Gomez says.Consider a canopy bed: “Canopy beds have been around forever and they create a cocoon-like sleeping alcove which feels deeply restful,” Gomez explains. The fabric draped between the beams and the bed protects you as you sleep.”Feng Shui Tip: Gomez recommends having a feng shui expert tell you the best direction to sleep based on your birthday. “I’ve helped many clients improve their sleep by determining their best sleep directions, and then rearranging the bedroom so they are sleeping in one of those directions.”

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Common Mistakes With Feng Shui Bed Placement

Jean Allsopp

When you’re first starting out, you may find yourself falling into many of the mistakes people make when designing a feng shui-inspired bedroom. While feng shui designs can help to decrease your stress, this doesn’t mean that the factors you find relaxing match up with its principles. Here are a few misconceptions: Sleeping directly under a window: “Some people think this is good for air circulation; however, it can lead to a feeling of vulnerability,” Gomez says. “It is best to have a solid wall behind you where you sleep.”Sleeping under beams: “Beams break the flow of qi energy and can disrupt sleep, or even lead to health issues,” Gomez says. To overcome this issue, Cho recommends putting a piece of fabric over the beam to stop the feeling of pressure. Hanging a mirror directly across from the bed: Mirrors are seen as energy bouncers, where your chi becomes unbalanced, causing restlessness and worry as you rest. The headboard should be off the bed: “You want the head of your bed against the wall because you want that support,” Cho says. “A headboard can represent the connection between partners and ideally you want to have a headboard that’s solid without perforations.” Looking for more ways to incorporate feng shui principles into your home? Check out our guides to the best feng shui living room tips and the best feng shui plants.

Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

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If you’re new to the world of plants and caring for them, the idea of repotting may make you anxious — especially when it comes to keeping your indoor shrubs alive during the transfer. Although there are an array of houseplants you can buy that are almost impossible to kill, including air plants, yuca plants, spider plants and aloe, there might come a time when a new planter or pot is needed. That’s why we’re sharing an easy step-by-step guide on how to repot plants. Some plants outgrow their planters as time passes. Typically, you should be repotting your plant babies every 12 to 18 months. But if your greenery is a slow-growing plant, like a cactus, every two to four years may suffice. So follow along as we show you the best tips and tricks to keeping your vegetation safe during and after the process, and check out some of these cat-friendly and air purifying options. What You’ll Need to Repot Your Plants It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to repot your plant. However, if you find that the roots overflow and need space, a bigger planter might be necessary. Here’s what you should have on hand to get started. Your current plant (or new plant if you want to change your room’s look)Your planter: If you’re using an older one, make sure to clean it out before starting the repotting process.Fresh potting mix: Fresh soil that’s packed with nutrients is essential to keeping your houseplant thriving. Lava rocks: If your planter doesn’t have drainage holes, purchase lava rocks to help.Gloves: These will not only keep your hands clean, but will help with any irritating plants such as Ficus elastica.A watering can: If you don’t want to use your sink faucet, consider a watering can or water bottle. A potting tarp to keep your space clean. Newspaper will also suffice.
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How to Pinpoint When Your Plant Needs to Be Repotted It’s important to know the type of plant you have and to how to care for it. Knowing this will give you an idea of how often it should be repotted. Here are some general signs that might relate to your succulent, herb or shrub. Accumulation of nutrients: If you notice any residue on the soil’s surface, there may be a buildup of minerals and nutrients. This prevents water from penetrating the roots. Overgrowth of roots: Take notice if the roots are growing through the drainage holes of your planter. Also check to see if the roots are pushing the plant out of the pot.The plant is too big: This is one of the easier signs to catch. If the foliage becomes too thick to the point where your planter is hidden, it’s time to make a change. This also applies if the plant is about to tip over. Compacted soil: Soil compaction occurs when the soil particles are pressed together. This prevents water from getting to the roots (and you’ll notice how the liquid just sits on top instead of soaking in.)
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Here’s How to Repot Your Plants Remove the plant from its old planter: You have to be gentle during this process. Hold the plant by its leaves or stems and turn it sideways. Tap the bottom of your vessel until the plant slides out. If your greenery is struggling to slide out, gently tug on the base of the stems. Loosen the plant’s roots: If any of the roots are long, feel free to prune them, while making sure to leave the thicker ones at the base. Check to see if the roots are growing in circles around the plant’s base before carefully unbinding them for a trim. Get rid of old potting mix: As your plant baby grows, it removes the nutrients in its soil. Remove one-third or more of your old potting mix to have space for a fresh layer. Add new potting mix: Pour your new potting soil into the planter and pat it down to remove any air pockets. Adding lava rocks to the bottom will help drain the water if your pot doesn’t have drainage holes. Add your plant: Now it’s time to place your new or old plant into your pot! Make sure your plant is centered before setting it on top of the new layer of potting mix. Secure your botany with more potting mix around it.Tip: Don’t add too much soil to your pot, as your roots won’t have space to breathe.
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Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas is an Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers home decorating ideas, gift guides and DIY projects.

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Okay, here’s the dirty truth: Laundry day can be intimidating. Whether you’re a parent who feels like the wash-dry-fold cycle never ends or an on-the-go millennial who’s trying their best at adulting, dealing with dirty clothes can be a real drag.And while we can’t call upon a laundry fairy to handle all those overstuffed hampers (short of pointing you toward the local full-service laundromat), we can help make the process more enjoyable no matter what stage of life you’re in. Behold, a list of dependable tips and tricks for making this particular chore a little less daunting.If you’re an overwhelmed parent…Employ a bag to keep track of socks. You know those teeny, tiny, pretty-much-made-to-be-lost baby socks? Keep ‘em contained—along with the rest of your family’s footwear—in those mesh bags designed for delicates. Stash one in each person’s basket and never again wonder: Where do all the socks go?Use this secret weapon for life’s messiest moments.

Beecher LaFrance

One of the many Persil ProClean products that have earned the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal is Persil ProClean Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent. Meant for everyday use in all types of washing machines, it not only brightens, whitens, and lifts daily grime from your duds, it’s formulated to handle even the toughest of dirt, grass, and what-the-heck-is-that stains.If you’re always on-the-go… Deal with delicates using this handy kitchen gadget.

Beecher LaFrance

Salad spinners—they’re not just for produce. They can also be clutch when it comes to cleaning bras and other hand wash-only items. (Yes, we’d recommend getting a separate one for this purpose.) Simply soak your pieces in the bowl with a few inches of water and a touch of detergent for five minutes, spin, then rinse the garments under running water. Once the dirty water is dumped out, repeat the spin cycle to wring out excess water for a quicker air dry.If you’re living with someone for the first time…Keep track of do-not-dry items.Just because you’ve decided you and your partner have committed to cohabitation doesn’t mean you’ve mastered each other’s wardrobe preferences. Stash sticky notes on your washing machine to cement which pieces shouldn’t go in the dryer. This way, you’ll never have to explain why you accidentally shrunk their formerly favorite sweater.Make the process foolproof.

Beecher LaFrance

Consider Persil ProClean Original Scent Laundry Discs the ultimate softball for laundry newbies. Pre-measured with a quartet formula focused on stain removal, sealing in freshness, fiber care, and deep cleaning, it works with whites or colors and in all water temps. Simply toss in, add clothes, and let it get to work.If you’re striving to overcome your naturally messy tendencies… Deal with detergent drips.Listen, it can feel pretty much impossible to pour detergent into the washer without it dripping down the cap. Keep it clean by tossing the top of the detergent in with your clothes. Just be sure to fish it out before the load hits the dryer.Use this smooth move to deal with wrinkles.

Beecher LaFrance

No iron? Not a problem. Even if you left your freshly laundered clothes in the dryer (again), you’re just a few painless minutes away from wrinkle-free attire. Toss damp/wet towel in with your rumpled pieces and let the machine run for roughly 10 minutes. As the wet item dries, it creates a steamy situation that will zap out any creases.If you’re a perfectionist who’d never mix whites with colors…Avoid creases with an unexpected toy.Drying racks and hangers are great for sweaters and other items that can’t take the heat of the dryer, but the creases they can leave behind are so not smooth. Sidestep that particular wrinkle by slicing open a pool noodle and sliding it onto the rack or hanger for padded protection.Try this tool to have your shirts looking retail perfect.

Beecher LaFrance

Why, yes, your dresser can look like the inside of your go-to clothing store. For less than the cost of a few morning coffees, you can score a handy shirt-folding board. Not only will it make the most time-consuming part of the laundry process a cinch, but it will completely streamline your shelves.

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It’s never too early to plan ahead when it comes to your garden. And as fall approaches, you may find yourself wondering what blooms will enhance your collection. While there are an array of eye-catching florals for the autumn season, including balloon flowers, dahlias, sunflowers and cosmos, you can’t overlook the beauty that comes with chrysanthemums. These fall-blooming beauties come in multiple colors — from red, white and orange to yellow, pink and burgundy — so you’re sure to find a shade that matches your personal style. Whether you’re interested in a casual environment or more extravagent look, we’re sharing how to grow mums (and how to care for them).And if you’re looking for more green thumb tips, check out our guides on how to grow basil, aloe vera, spider plants, pumpkin plants and other healthy succulents. This content is imported from poll. 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.Chrysanthemums 101:ananaline//Getty ImagesIn late summer when other plants call it quits, mums hit their stride. Like poinsettias, they’re photoperiodic, meaning they rely on specific amounts of light to send the signal that it’s time to start putting on a show.On average, garden mums will not start to set buds until the nights last about 10 hours long. Blooms follow in six to 10 weeks. Cool temperatures don’t bother mums, either. In fact, chilly weather intensifies colors and keeps blossoms looking fresh until a hard, killing frost drops the curtain on the gardening year. If you choose early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties, you will enjoy a full seven weeks of bloom — a brilliant last act for any landscape.When selecting varieties, there’s wide range of types to pick from: decorative, daisy and low-growing cushion mums, as well as early-blooming anemones, quills and spiders. The new European-style Prophets Series — from Greenhouse Grower, an Ohio-based wholesale breeder and nursery — boasts more than 100 blossoms per plant. These sturdy-stemmed, ball-shaped beauties were inspired by varieties beloved in Belgium, where All Saints’ Day is celebrated each November first with lavish mum displays. When to plant mums:Kirkikis//Getty ImagesThough technically perennials, mums are often grown as annuals. If you live where winter can be frigid (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6), go with early-blooming varieties — they’re more likely to come back in subsequent years. Those of you who live south of Zone 6 can push the envelope, opting for varieties that need more time to reach their full potential. When winter looms, apply a mulch of crisscrossed evergreen boughs to help plants make it through the cold weather ahead.Several years ago, horticulturists at the University of Minnesota developed a new chrysanthemum hybrid described by perennial breeder Neil Anderson, Ph.D., as a “hardy shrub mum.” Dubbed the My Favorite Series, the robust plants were touted as reliably perennial as far north as zone 3b. They have been hard to find the past couple of years but returned to the market this year under a new name, the Mammoth Series. True to their new designation, these oversize mums can measure 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet across by their third season, with a massive canopy of flowers — up to 5,000 per plant. Monarch butterflies adore these shrubby wonders.Finally, to further increase the odds that your chrysanthemums will survive winter, consider planting them in spring as opposed to late summer, to give root systems ample time to become established.How to grow and care for mums: Zen Rial//Getty ImagesSoil: While mums thrive in just about any soil type, they do benefit from generous helpings of homemade compost. Dig in a spadeful at planting time and top-dress with more. Soil must be well drained or the plants will rot.Sunshine: Mums planted in full sun bloom more profusely than those in partial shade. An optimal site receives six to eight hours of direct light.Water: Shallow-rooted mums dry out quickly. Be sure to water consistently, especially during dry spells and in fall, when plants are storing up energy for winter survival.Pinching Back: If you don’t like the leggy look (who does?), remove the tips of stems early in the season to encourage branching. Repeat the process every two weeks until mid-July. Mums purchased as annuals in late summer do not require this treatment. Taking cuttings from mums:MonochromProfi//Getty ImagesCreating new plants from your favorite mums is easy, says Galen Goss, executive director of the National Chrysanthemum Society. Simply snip off a 4-inch stem with leaves on it and put it in a pot filled with a soilless medium, such as vermiculite. Keep it moist and outdoors in a bright spot. After a couple of weeks, repot the cutting (which has sprouted roots) to a small container filled with potting soil. Fertilize once a week. Two to three weeks later, transplant it to the garden and keep fertilizing. You’ll enjoy flowers that very autumn! Types of mums:For stopping traffic: The spider mum Senkyo Kenshin stands 3½ feet tall. You’ll find that it blooms about 27 reddish-bronze blossoms per plant.For brilliant color: Jessica has joyful, bright yellow blossoms. This midseason decorative mum is from the Prophets Series.For double duty: An old favorite, French Vanilla has 3½ inch white flowers. Grow in a mixed border or cutting garden.For cold climates: Minnautumn is an extremely cold-hardy mum. It’s only 15 inches tall with vivid orange-red flowers.For the vase: Carousel is a purple quill mum that can measure up to 4 inches across. Other mum gardening tips: Use shorter cushion mums to carpet a slope. Foot-tall mounds of lush foliage make an attractive ground cover until late summer, when colorful flower heads steal the show.Start a nursery bed where you can grow your own mums from cuttings. In late summer, transfer the ready-to-bloom plants into the garden to take the place of tired-looking annuals.When a killing frost is predicted, pot up your mums and bring them indoors to adorn the Thanksgiving table.Plant taller varieties for use as cut flowers. After cutting, split the stem ends so they can take up water more efficiently.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

If it’s been a while since you last ran your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, take a peek inside. You’ll likely see burnt-on sauce or greasy drips hanging out in the bottom from recipes long forgotten. Not only is oven grime a fire hazard, it also influences how your food cooks and tastes. To prevent buildup, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, recommends deep cleaning your oven two to three times a year. But if you really want to stay on top of things, wipe it down once a month or when you notice it’s starting to look dirty.For a full deep clean, follow these steps to make your oven look — and cook — as good as new. Looking to deep clean more of your kitchen appliances next? Check out our guides to how to clean stainless steel and how to clean your dishwasher.What You’ll Need: Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Oven1. Remove the wire racks Remove the racks from inside the oven before cleaning the interior, especially if you have a self-cleaning oven. The self-clean cycle works by setting the temperature inside the oven incredibly high (some ovens go as high as 900° F!) to burn off any leftover food and grease. While your oven’s racks are meant to withstand high cooking temps, these elevated temperatures are too much for the racks and can cause irreparable damage to them.2. Remove any loose food bits from inside your ovenAfter you’ve removed the wire racks, use a wet rag or sponge to remove any loose bits of food and grease that are in the oven. 3. Run the self-cleaning cycle or apply the oven cleaner if your oven doesn’t have a self-clean cycleIf you’re using an oven’s self-cleaning cycle, great news: You don’t have to do anything during this step. Just make sure to open several nearby windows in your home and run your kitchen exhaust fan, if you have one, throughout the entire cycle to minimize odors and smoke build-up. If you can’t remember the last time you ran a self-clean cycle, the odors released will likely be pretty unpleasant, but you shouldn’t leave your home until the self-clean cycle is completely finished.For ovens without a self-cleaning cycle, follow the directions on the label of the oven cleaner of your choice. Many of them should sit for some time to loosen stuck-on debris and grease. You should never spray an oven cleaner onto your oven while the self-cleaning cycle is running. Pro Tip: Running the self-clean cycle once every four months will minimize the unpleasantness of using the function. The odor and smoke that many find uncomfortable about self-cleaning ovens is produced by the burning bits of food and grease, but with more regular cleaning, less of this debris is accumulated making for an easier, odorless self-clean experience.4. Wash wire racks in the sink While the oven is self-cleaning or the oven cleaner is sitting inside working its magic, wash your racks in the sink in warm, soapy water. For stubborn gunk and grime, scrub the racks with a scrub sponge or scouring pad. Then, rinse them and let them air dry until you’re ready to load them back into the oven. If racks are especially dirty, soak them overnight in a cleaner like Carbona 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner.5. Clean up debris or oven cleaner inside the ovenAfter the self-cleaning cycle is over and the oven is completely cooled down, use a wet sponge or cloth to remove the ashy food bits at the bottom of the oven. If using an oven cleaner, now is the time to wipe it away with a wet sponge and rinse the interior with water. 6. Replace the wire racks and clean the glass window Finally, place the racks back inside the oven and clean the glass window, inside and out, using a degreasing multipurpose cleaner or glass cleaner and microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. Remove any stuck-on grease splatters with a non-scratch scrub sponge. “You should never disassemble the oven door to clean between the glass layers,” says Forté. “This should only be done by an authorized technician to help prevent damaging the glass or the door or voiding your oven’s warranty.”Can I clean my oven with baking soda? Many others recommend using a baking soda paste to clean your oven’s interior, but we don’t. It’s messy and requires more scrubbing and rinsing, plus who wants to spend two days cleaning their oven? Baking soda is mildly abrasive and a great spot cleaner for your oven, but not something we recommend cleaning your entire oven with. Likewise for other DIY cleaners like baking soda with vinegar or lemons in an oven-safe tub of water. While these might be effective cleaners and we understand the hesitation to use oven cleaners because of the fear of fumes and strong odors, it is simply much easier to use an oven’s self-cleaning function or a cleaner formulated specifically to clean the burnt-on foods left behind in ovens. And oven cleaners on the market today are very different from products of the past. Many are formulated for reduced fumes or to be fume-free.How to keep an oven tidy between deep cleaningsJust because you now know how to effectively clean your oven doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try preventing a mess in the first place. As a general rule of thumb, cover pans with lids or aluminum foil to prevent splatters and place baking sheets on the bottom racks when baking pies and casseroles to catch anything that might bubble over. As soon as you suspect a spill, carefully sprinkle table salt on it while it’s still warm to absorb it and wipe it up with a damp sponge or cloth once the oven is cool.

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Amanda Garrity
Editor
Amanda Garrity has over seven years of experience writing lifestyle content, including almost five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.

Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping Institute
Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab Analyst
Jodhaira Rodriguez is a test analyst in the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute who graduated from Hofstra Unversity with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science before going on to work as an analyst in an environmental lab.

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Summer weekends bring the thrill of yard sale season. Vintage finds can lend so much warmth and history to your home, but there’s a fine line between a piece having charming patina and it being so scuffed it looks shabby (and not in a chic way). Stocking up on a toolkit of restorative products like Furniture Clinic’s line of wood and leather-savers can make that bargain chair or armoire worthy of a front-and-center spot in your home. Breathe new life into your second-hand furniture finds with this advice.How To: De-Gunk Solid Wood Aleksandr Zubkov//Getty ImagesAnything made of solid wood, as opposed to thin laminate or particleboard, is a great candidate for restoration — but what to do about that weird sticky residue obscuring the finish? Furniture Clinic Wood CleanerThat tacky feeling that you can’t seem to clean away is almost always built-up furniture polish or wax. Use a product like Furniture Clinic Wood Cleaner, recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal, to remove it. Follow Furniture Clinic’s detailed instructions, but know that for extra oomph the brand recommends applying the cleaner undiluted, applying it in a circular motion using a clean cloth. In addition to polish residue, the cleaner can also clear away odors like smoke and stubborn water rings. So don’t pass over that otherwise perfect coffee table — it’s easier to fix than you’d think. How To: Clean or Switch Out Hardware Rebecca Smith//Getty ImagesNever underestimate the power of drawer pulls and knobs. Like accessories for your furniture, the right ones can elevate the look of the entire piece. So, if you’re saving with a budget-friendly garage sale find, splurge a little on new hardware. Vintage-inspired glass knobs, bone drawer pulls, or painted ceramic handles can add a lot of personality with your choices, while sleek brass options infuse a modern touch. What if you love the hardware as is? If you score a dresser or nightstand with brass fixtures, a little elbow grease and patience can restore their former luster. There are a number of home remedies, including vinegar or lemon juice, that can bring back that brilliant glow and offer a so-satisfying before-and-after. How To: Update A Funky Dresser It’s often easy to find a great chest of drawers that is much cheaper and better quality than what you’d find new in the stores. Don’t dismiss a stylish version with good lines because of imperfections on the drawer fronts. Instead, use a temporary wallpaper to cover them. With tons of patterns to choose from — marble, bold florals, and even cool textured versions like grasscloth — you can add a lot of interest without breaking the bank. Measure carefully and cut using a sharp utility or craft knife to make sure there’s no overhang or messy edge. Use a credit card to smooth out any bumps on the surface. How To: Restore a Faded Leather Chair Click&Boo//Getty ImagesFurniture Clinic Leather Re-Coloring BalmAs a natural material, leather goes through a lot of changes over the years. It can dry, crack, lose its color, or absorb grease and oils from skin.Grab another Good Housekeeping Seal product, Furniture Clinic Leather Re-Coloring Balm, to add richness back to faded leather, making it softer and more supple along the way. Deep clean the leather first for best results, and be sure to apply the recoloring balm in a circular motion, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth. How To: Refinish and Paint blackCAT//Getty ImagesIf the material of your piece isn’t worth salvaging, don’t be afraid of a coat of paint, which can camouflage any number of flaws. The prep is everything: Remove all hardware and sand down any textural imperfections until the surfaces are smooth (or as close to it as possible). Use a medium-to-fine grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust residue.A high quality spray paint will eliminate brush strokes and cover any intricate carvings or details evenly. Just be sure to use a light touch and let each layer dry between coats to avoid any unsightly drips. Happy treasure hunting!Caylin Harris is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, crafter, stylist, and branded content creator. Follow her on Instagram @caylinharriscreative More

Americans are focused on outdoor living like never before. In fact, according to a recent Houzz survey, more than half of respondents said they recently redid their outdoor space. The same way restaurants embraced outside dining, the pandemic left homeowners eager to expand their open-air living space, and the deck is center stage for outdoor entertaining.“A deck is no longer a space you use for an occasional BBQ, but truly an extension of the home,” says Blythe Yost, CEO and co-founder of Tilly, an online landscape design company. “With so much emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, outdoor spaces are truly treated, designed and decorated the same as indoor spaces.” And perfect deck design starts, naturally, with the decking material.The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested decking materials for decades, back when most decks were made of pressure-treated pine. We look at how well materials resist stains, scratches, fading and more, plus our style experts weigh in on appearance of the products. These days, there are many options to choose from, including better wood species and low-maintenance synthetics. Our decking buying guide will help you find the best decking materials according to our Lab experts as well as the nuts and bolts of pricing, design trends and installation tips. While you’re at it, up your sanctuary with our best-tested outdoor projectors, outdoor decor, small patio decorating ideas and more! More From Good Housekeeping Solid WoodThe use of solid wood on this deck coordinates with the interior hardwood floors, integrating the two spaces.itchySan//Getty ImagesSolid wood delivers the most warmth and authenticity in decking. The tradeoff for the natural beauty of any solid wood decking is the regular upkeep required.Pros: The advantages differ from species to species. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant species with attractive coloring and grain patterns. Tropical hardwoods like ipe and mahogany combine beauty and durability. Pressure-treated pine is the low-cost favorite, and its softness makes it relatively easy to work with.Cons: All wood needs to be refinished every year or so, or it will change color and crack, raising the risk of splinters. Even with diligent maintenance, the lifespan of a wood deck usually maxes out around 15 years. Wood decking is also on the expensive side, especially if you opt for cedar, redwood or one of the tropical hardwoods. As for pressure-treated pine, many consumers aren’t crazy about the chemicals used to make it resistant to rot from moisture and insects (even if arsenic is no longer used in the process after it was banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2004).Cost: Pressure-treated pine, $2 to $5 per square foot; Cedar, $3 to $7 per square foot; Redwood, $5 to $30 per square foot; Ipe, $10 to $30 per square foot.PlasticCertainTeed’s EverNew line of plastic decking comes in three colors and features a textured, non-slip surface.CertainTeedAlso referred to as vinyl decking, this synthetic option made from PVC or polyethylene is not as common as composite, but it’s worth a look if you’re on a tight budget, with some options starting under $5 per square foot. Pros: Besides its low cost, plastic decking does a decent job resisting the weather and it doesn’t need to be stained. The material is also lightweight and relatively easy to cut, so it installs more easily than other decking materials.Cons: The biggest negative to plastic decking is that no one would ever mistake it for real wood (as they might with a high-quality composite). The material can also be a little slippery and because it’s flexible, sagging can be an issue.Cost: $5 to $13 per square footCompositeComposite looks like real wood, but doesn’t need to be stained or treated.TimberTechThe earliest versions weren’t great looking as they were prone to fading and damage, but the technology is so much better and less maintenance. Today’s best composite decking looks like real wood, with convincing grain patterns and color-blended boards that offer a naturalistic variation. “Composite decking is definitely rising in popularity,” Yost says. “Manufacturers have really nailed the stains making them look natural.”Pros: Made from plastic and wood fibers, composite decking doesn’t need to be stained or treated. Today’s top formulations come with some or all sides encased in plastic to prevent mildew growth.Cons: While composite can be very beautiful, our experts generally find it’s the premium lines that look the best, and they can end up being even more expensive than wood. Composite decking is also quite heavy, which makes installation more difficult, maybe prohibitively so for the average DIYer.Cost: $15 to $36 per square footAluminumAluminum decking is durable, fire-resistant and low-maintenance.Nexan LockDry Though aluminum is another less common decking material, its popularity is on the rise, especially with the uptick in wildfires and other home damages related to extreme weather. Pros: It’s super durable. Though it might dent if you drop a heavy object on it, aluminum makes for an incredibly firm, rigid deck with little bounce or flexibility. The baked-on finishes that are common in the category tend to hold up well. It’s also fire-resistant, a nice attribute if you live in a wildfire area, plus it shrugs off termites and other wood-ravaging insects. Finally, aluminum decking requires very little maintenance beyond a periodic hosing down with a garden hose or pressure washer.Cons: The biggest negative to consider is appearance since synthetic aluminum looks nothing like wood. It’s also on the expensive side.Cost: $15 to $20 per square footMasonryMasonry gives a stable surface and a contemporary feel to your deck.CrossvilleIf your project calls for a patio or another on-grade structure, decking boards aren’t the best option, since they’re not meant to come in direct contact with the ground. A better option is tiles or pavers made of concrete, porcelain or other masonry material.Pros: This material gives you an extremely stable surface, often with clean, geometric lines that are particularly well suited to contemporary homes, though the option can work with any style of architecture.Cons: The biggest downside with masonry materials is the difficulty of installation. The material tends to be heavy, so a crew with serious equipment is needed to haul it around. Site preparation is critical as well to create a firm, level base for the tiles or pavers. The outdoor flooring material also tends to be on the expensive side.Cost: $10 to $20 per square footHow we chose the best decking Our experts constantly cover the marketplace to identify the decking materials you’re most likely to find at home centers, lumber yards and specialty dealers. We also regularly attend trade shows and industry events, including the International Builders Show, to keep up with all the latest trends and innovations in outdoor living. When it comes to hands-on testing, we focus on brands with a proven track record for performance and reliability. In our Labs, we run stain tests to determine how well a material resists mustard, wine, mud and more. We also run abrasion tests to see how materials withstand scratches and dings. Finally, whenever possible, we use the decking materials for actual installations at consumer testers’ homes to see how they perform under real-world conditions. What to consider when building a new deck✔️ Cost: While the national average cost to build a deck is around $8,000, according to HomeAdvisor, a home services marketplace, costs vary depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the choice of material. Given inflation and ongoing supply chain issues throughout the building industry, it’s even harder to estimate the price of materials. Because periods of high volatility tend to produce wide price variation, it’s a good idea to shop around for multiple prices on decking and quotes from installers. We estimated pricing by material based on an analysis of data from sites like ANGI, HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack.✔️ Durability: Aluminum’s attributes make it the longest-lasting decking material. But it doesn’t look like wood. If your heart’s set on a natural wood deck, look for a material that scores well on the Janka Scale, used by the industry to measure hardness. With a Janka score of 3,680, ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood that will fare well against scratches from pets, kids and the like. Western red cedar, by comparison, has a Janka score of 350, so it will wear easily. And if you want a more traditional look, premium composite decking offers the best combination of aesthetics and durability.✔️ Care: Whatever decking material you choose, proper care will extend its life. Even low-maintenance aluminum, composite and plastic benefit from a thorough cleaning a few times a year. Wood decks must be refinished to prevent fading and cracking. Solid stains offer the most protection and might only need to be reapplied every few years.Why trust Good Housekeeping?The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including garden hoses, power saws and more. As the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, reviewing thousands of products (including decking and deck stains) for Good Housekeeping and previously for This Old House and Consumer Reports. He has also helped install many decks over the years — most recently, the ipe-topped terrace at his home in Brooklyn, NY. Dan worked closely with the Institute’s Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman who oversaw the testing protocol for decking. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. Like Dan, she has plenty of real-world experience, both with her own projects and those she advises on at the homes of consumer testers. Dan DiClerico has written about home improvement for more than 20 years, including countless how-to articles and product reviews, ranging from appliances to smart home technology. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and kids, in a 19th century brownstone that he renovated using everything he’s learned from his day job. When not covering home improvement for the Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan can often be found on the soccer field.  More

When your new stainless steel fridge, dishwasher, oven or other appliance first arrives, its pristine gleam instantly brightens up your kitchen. The same goes for a new sink and even cookware. But by week two or three, the luster on these items may be starting to dull, thanks to little fingers, water spots, grease splatters and just plain old wear and tear. Luckily, there are easy ways to restore the glow to your stainless steel kitchen items no matter how old or well-loved they may be. Using a cleaner formulated specifically for stainless steel — like Good Housekeeping Seal star Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes — is a quick fix, especially around appliance door handles and controls. But it is possible to make your stainless steel kitchen items sparkle again with cleaning products you may already have on hand. Follow these tried-and-tested tips from Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab for how to clean all types of stainless steel, including sinks and cookware, and how to remove streaks and add shine.Note: For any new stainless steel appliance, always consult the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Not all finishes are the same. Some have special protective coatings that may need special treatment, so it’s always best before trying any cleaning product to confirm it’s what the manufacturer recommends, especially when your appliance is still under warranty. How to Clean Stainless Steel AppliancesDespite how quickly it gets marred, stainless steel is surprisingly easy to clean, especially if you wipe it with a cleaner and microfiber cloth made specifically for this finish. Stainless steel appliance cleaners are formulated to dissolve grease without scratching and many leave behind a protective coating to help deter future fingerprints. Microfiber cloths lift and trap dirt and grease and do a better job zapping streaks more quickly than plain cloths or sponges do. Apply a little extra elbow grease when you come to any oily smears or stubborn fingerprints. If you don’t have any stainless steel appliance cleaner on hand, there are other at-home alternatives you can use for a quick spiff up. But, never, ever use cleaners or scrubbers designed solely for stainless steel sinks or cookware on appliances. They can be too abrasive and scratch the finish. Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaning Don’tsAvoid abrasive scouring powders, scrubbers, bleach and ammonia to keep from damaging the appliance’s finish.Never wipe stainless steel against the metal’s grain. Always wipe with the grain to prevent streaking. Try not to allow your stainless steel appliances to air dry after cleaning. Buffing them with a clean microfiber cloth minimizes streaks and spots and restores the shine. DIY Spot Cleaners for Stainless Steel AppliancesDish Soap: Mix 1 teaspoon of a good grease-cutting dish detergent, like GH Seal star Dawn, and 1 quart of hot tap water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and rub the marks, going with the metal’s grain. Rinse with clean hot water only and dry immediately with a clean cloth. This technique can also be used to remove any buildup left behind by other cleaning products. More