Home Ideas

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1. Fill your dishwasher with everything but dishes.Plastic toys, soap dishes, plastic hairbrushes and more can get clean in dishwasher — zero effort required. Take a lap around your house and gather the stuff you rarely (err, never?) clean and run an everything-but-plates load.2. Sprinkle and suck up.Toss a bit of baking soda onto carpeting, upholstered furniture, and even your mattress, and let the stuff work its de-stinking magic for 15 minutes. Then, vacuum it away for an instantly fresher space.3. Walk around with a lint roller.This portable, versatile closet staple is a master at lifting dirt, crumbs, and dust from all of those spots you’ve let languish. Run it over a lampshade, the bottom of your purse, stuffed animals, and other hard-to-reach spots to spiff them up.

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4. Pick up pet hair quickly.A pair of damp rubber dish gloves is all you need to finally get Fido’s fur off your favorite pillow or armchair.5. Banish dust from baseboards.You can tackle dingy spots without stooping. Lightly spray an old sock with some cleaning solution and run your foot over the baseboards to whisk debris away in a flash.6. Give your gadgets some attention.Your cell phone probably harbors more germs than your toilet seat (um, ick), and you probably never clean it. Run an alcohol wipe over the surface of your often-handled electronics (that includes your TV remote). 7. Wipe down your purse.It’s kind of remarkable how some things we touch daily are the ones we rarely clean — your purse is another one of those spots. About half all women’s bags have fecal bacteria on them, so give it a swipe with a disinfectant wipe.

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8. Freshen your garbage disposal.Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? Try running a couple of lemon rinds through your garbage disposal, and follow with cold water to dispel the smell. 9. Clear dust from ceiling fans.Before the first hot day makes you flip your fan’s switch, make sure it won’t fling dust all over the room. An old pillow case makes quick and tidy work of making your fan blades sparkle again.10. For goodness sake, just toss that pile of catalogs.There are certain things you just don’t need to think about before you get rid of them. Recycle that stack cluttering your nightstand, no questions asked, and feel the lightness of free space in seconds.

Lauren Piro
Senior Web Editor
Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies).

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Ah, paper. They keeping telling us that tablet computers, high-tech wristwatches, and all other things digital will soon replace the need for Post-its and flyers — and yet, every available surface in your home is littered with mail, catalogs, forms, and more. Here’s how to keep the paper monster at bay.1. Admit that the paper isn’t the problem. It’s you.”Paper comes into our homes two ways — either we print it or we carry it in,” says Maeve Richmond, founder and organizing coach at Maeve’s Method. “There’s no paper fairy that dumps clutter onto our desks at night. To begin reducing the volume, be more conscious about the paper you bring inside.” 2. To do this, adopt a paper-banishing alter ego.”Conjure your inner super villain, and be heartless about keeping paper out of your space,” says professional organizer Seana Turner. “Visualize paper as a culprit that steals your real estate, and then only keep to what you desperately need.” Ask yourself if you really need another pamphlet from your doctor’s office or another school flyer — especially when all of the information is probably available online. 3. Create opportunities to toss paper, not keep it around.”Use the time walking from your mailbox to sort out junk mail, and toss it before you even get inside,” says professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. Place a recycling bin (or better yet, a shredder) in your mudroom or garage, or at least not very far from your front door. Then you’ll be left with stuff you actually want to read (magazines, catalogs), and items that require action (bills, invitations), instead of piles of paper that still need sorting. 4. Devote one spot (just one!) to paper clutter.Chances are you can’t eliminate all paper from your home, but you can limit its reach. “Create a dedicated drop zone, like a bowl or a tray.” says Richmond. Give yourself permission to drop papers there (and only there!), and sort them after you’ve had a chance to settle in at the end of a long day. 5. Realize that mail stops being mail when you bring it inside.”Clients often ask me, ‘Where’s the best place to keep mail?'” writes professional organizer Matt Baier. “That’s like asking ‘Where’s the best place to keep groceries?'” Just like you’d immediately store milk in the fridge and canned tomatoes in the pantry, recognize that the different kinds of mail shouldn’t all just languish on your dining table. They deserve a home that makes sense (new magazines might go on your nightstand, and bills filed in a “to do” folder), and tidiness will follow.6. Replace lots of pieces of paper with one big one.”Hang a large monthly calendar,” says professional organizer Lauren Silverman. “Every appointment, party, school event, or sports practice gets recorded on the calendar as soon as the paper comes through the door, and the invitation or flyer gets tossed. By keeping track of stuff in one visible, accessible sport, you’re less likely to misplace something important, which is a reason people tend to hang onto paper in the first place.” 7. Park pretty objects where you would ordinarily pile paper.Make it difficult for paper to clutter places it doesn’t belong. “Empty surfaces act like paper magnets, so fill them with framed photos, houseplants, or other decorative pieces when you can,” says Richmond. “Choose something that anchors the spot and makes you smile.”8. Stop paying for guilt.”Many people are over-subscribed to magazines and newspapers, resulting in a pileup,” says Turner. “We look at the pile and feel guilty that we haven’t read them, which keeps us from recycling them. Limit yourself to two or three subscriptions, and if a new issue arrives before you’ve read the old one, let it go.” 9. Fight fear with technology.”People are really afraid of losing something or not being able to retrieve it later,” says professional organizer Marcia Bennett. “The truth is that 80% of the papers we file, we never use again.” If that stat doesn’t help you part with old bank statements or greeting cards, embrace the digital revolution (instead of the filing cabinet) to hold onto things. “Take documents and other papers worth saving to Staples or a copy center and have them digitally scanned,” says Richmond. “With rare exceptions, printing out a scanned copy of paperwork is just as good as the original.”Drowning under a deluge of kids’ artwork you just can’t bare to toss? “Photograph or scan the little masterpieces and turn them into photo books,” says Silverman. “This way, an extra copy can even be shared with Grandma and Grandpa.”

Lauren Piro
Senior Web Editor
Overseeing all things home for GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com, Lauren swoons over midcentury design and employs tough-love approach to decluttering (just throw it away, ladies).

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Sharing recipes is so easy now with the internet. If we need any kind of recipe at all, we just Google it. We also read magazines like Good Housekeeping and clip the ones that sound great to try. Unfortunately none of that fits into the little 3×5″ card files we might still be trying to manage. Using a recipe binder is a strategy that is easy, sturdy and flexible for all sizes and types of recipes. Choose a binder that is very sturdy with reinforced edges and room to grow; at least 2″ width is best for most recipe collections. Buy one with pockets on the inside covers and ideally a clear sleeve on the spine and front to creatively label your collection.Use a combination of full-page sheet protectors and 3-ring photo sleeves (3×5″ or 4×6″ or a combination) to hold the recipes inside the binder. Using sleeves like these enables quick inserting of new recipes without needing to punch holes, and it also protects the pages from splatters while you are cooking.Purchase tabbed dividers that are extra wide, so that the tabs extend beyond the edges of the sheet protectors. (Avery #11222 is an example of these.) You may need to buy two packages of dividers depending upon the number of categories you have.Choose from these recommended headings, or create your own: Appetizers & Beverages, Breads & Breakfasts, Cakes/Pies/Desserts, Candy/Cookies, Main Dishes, Salads/Side Dishes, Sauces/Spices, Soups, Take Out Menus.When you clip or print a new recipe, tuck it into the front inside cover pocket and keep it there until you try the recipe with your own family. Once it is declared a keeper, file it away in your sheet protectors in the right category. If there are so many new ones that it’s overwhelming to have them in the pocket together, try an accordion folder with the same category slots as a temporary home for the “untried and untrue” clippings.

3-Ring Recipe Binder

Jot & Mark
amazon.com

$34.99

The back inside cover pocket can store small manuals and instructions that you reference often, such as the instructions for sharpening your knives or the timing chart for your steamer or rice cooker. Share your recipe collection thoughts in the comments!

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Victoria’s Secret model and founder of the matcha company, Nekohama, Sanne Vloet recently redecorated her kitchen. Her space is modernly designed and bright — items beautifully (and expertly) placed and stored in her cabinets and drawers. Keeping your kitchen organized isn’t an easy feat. It can be daunting, especially when you’re shopping weekly or bi-weekly and your utensils and pantry items increase and overflow. Lucky for us, Sanne welcomed Good Housekeeping into her home, giving us a tour of her brand new kitchen and how she keeps it clutter-free. During the walkthrough, you’ll be impressed by the size of Sanne’s kitchen. It’s so spacious! Most of her ceramic kitchenware (she loves buying them for cooking videos and at-home group dinners) are neatly stored in drawers featuring built-in organizers. She uses trays on the counter to place her most-used items (including having her bamboo tea tray next to the coffee machine for her matcha) and keeps her spices together in labeled glass jars so they’re easy to find. Along with showing us her pantry — where she uses baskets labeled Breakfast, Snacks and Cans — Sanne gave us a look into one of the most challenging spaces for her to keep tidy: the laundry closet. For those seeking advice, Sanne recommends using wire baskets and labeling everything — from your tape and umbrellas to your tote bags and detergent. Tip we love: Sanne keeps her pots, pans, plates and bowls in her kitchen island’s drawers. She also uses drawer liners to keep them from slipping.
Organize Your Kitchen Like Sanne

Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizer

Pipishell
amazon.com

$25.99

$22.09 (15% off)

ZRAZ Kitchen Wire Baskets

ZRAZ
amazon.com

$17.99

Natural Bamboo Vanity Tray

Qttify
amazon.com

$14.99

Talented Kitchen 24 Glass Spice Jars & Labels

Talented Kitchen
amazon.com

$37.50

Mariah Thomas
Mariah Thomas is the Assistant Editor for Good Housekeeping, where her coverage includes decorating ideas, gift guides, and DIY projects.

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We’re always looking for DIY crafts to share during this cheerful season. From showing you how to make a bow as a present or decoration to how to DIY a Christmas stocking to hide your small (and delicious) treats. This time, you can learn how to make a snowflake in two different ways. Paper snowflakes make great craft ideas for kids (and unique home decorations if you’re looking for a wintery feel). You can glue them to your windows, hang them on your walls and even turn them into a snowflake wreath for all of your guests to admire. Follow our simple steps for instructions on how to make regular and 3D paper snowflakes. You can also watch our video above for step-by-step visuals. How to Make a Classic Paper SnowflakeMaterials:

Instructions:Get to folding: Fold your paper diagonally.

Snip snip: Cut off the excess paper at the bottom.

Fold your paper in half.

Fold the paper in thirds.

Flatten out the top of your paper by cutting off points.

Get creative: Draw your own pattern for your snowflake.

Mark all of the empty spaces you didn’t draw on with an x.

Reveal your pattern: Cut out the marked sections and unfold to reveal your snowflake.

Tip: Use a low setting to lightly iron your paper snowflakes to smooth out any creases. How to Make 3D Paper Snowflakes

Materials:Instructions:Fold your paper diagonally.Cut off the excess paper at the bottom.Fold the paper in half.Cut three diagonal lines along the non-folded edge of your paper.Unfold your paper after trimming.Tape your center flaps together. Flip and tape all of the flaps to the middle of your snowflake. Repeat all of the previous steps for the other 5 pieces of paper.Combine all six of the papers together at the middle point and use your stapler to hold them in place.Staple each section together using your stapler.

Mariah Thomas
Mariah Thomas is the Assistant Editor for Good Housekeeping, where her coverage includes decorating ideas, gift guides, and DIY projects.

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Many ’90s trends have come flying back into fashion, especially scrunchies! Lucky for us, scrunchies are super simple to make at home. It’s easy to get started on your DIY journey: Use fabric scraps from old bedding, cut off the bottom of a T-shirt that’s too big or just buy new fabric you love. Homemade scrunchies also make a great gift for birthdays, holidays and any other occasion.Whether you’re a newbie who just invested in a sewing machine or a pro who wants to teach children how to sew, scrunchies make an excellent first project for sewing beginners. Follow these simple instructions for our DIY scrunchie tutorial: What you’ll need:FabricIron (optional)Fabric scissors (or rotary cutter)Elastic, 1/4″ thickSewing pinsThreadSewing machineSafety pin (optional)Instructions:Get your materials ready: Gather all of your materials. Lay your fabric flat and iron if it’s wrinkly. Using fabric scissors, cut a 4″ x 25″ strip of fabric and a 6″ to 8″ piece of elastic (depending on how tight you want the finished scrunchie). For an oversized scrunchie, cut your fabric wider than 4 inches!

Hearst

Secure the elastic in place: Pin the elastic to each of the shorter sides of the fabric on the wrong side (aka the back side). Make sure it’s centered, and then stitch with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Hearst

Hearst

Stitch the initial tube: Fold the fabric in half longways right sides together, and stitch with a 1/2″ seam allowance. For best results, press it flat first and pin it in place.

Hearst

Turn the scrunchie right side out: Turn the tube inside out, so the right side of the fabric is facing out. Tip: If you pin a safety pin to one end, you can use it to help guide the material through to the other end.

Hearst

Hearst

Create a circle with the tube: Pin the two ends of the elastic together and stitch straight across with a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving an opening. (Make sure the scrunchie isn’t twisted before sewing.)

Hearst

Hearst

Finish your scrunchie: Your project should look almost finished! Seal the final opening by folding in the raw edges, so they are hidden. Stitch across the folds to create the final seam, sewing as close as possible to the edge.

Hearst

Hearst

Bonus tip! To add a cute tie look to your scrunchie, cut a 4″ x 10″ piece of fabric, then fold in half lengthwise and trim off a 1″ diagonal piece on each end. Stitch around the sides with 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a small opening in the front to turn it inside out. Turn it inside out and then stitch the final opening closed with a small seam allowance. Then, tie this piece onto your scrunchie.

Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping Institute
Product Testing Analyst, Textiles, Paper and Plastics Lab
Emma Seymour is a test analyst in the Textiles, Paper and Plastics Lab at The Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates fiber-based products ranging from bedding to clothing.

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Great as a gift or to mount on your own mantel, this easy DIY monogrammed stocking comes together in less time than a holiday dinner. Learn the basics of how to crochet a Christmas stocking with this simple tutorial and pattern — you’ll discover it’s easy to crochet a stocking, even the tricky heel! DOWNLOAD THE PATTERNWhat You’ll Need:You can also use comparable yarns from Sugar Bush Chill, Loopy Mango Marino No. 5 and Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool. If you want to invest in more sizes of crochet hooks for just a few dollars more, try a full set of Soft Grip Crochet Hooks.How to Crochet a Stocking, Step by StepGLOSSARY: CH: Chain // ST: Stitch // SL ST: Slip Stitch // SC: Single Crochet // DC: Double CrochetRow 1: Create a magic circle. CH 2, then work 12 DC into the middle of the magic circle. SL ST to join to first stitch. (12 DC made)Row 2: CH 2, *DC in first stitch, 2 DC in next stitch* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. SL ST to first DC to join. (18)Row 3: CH2, *DC in next 2 STs, 2 DC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. SL ST to first DC. (24)Row 4: CH2, *DC in next 3 STs, 2 DC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. SL ST to first DC. (30)Rows 5-12: CH2, DC in next 30 STs. SL ST to first DC. (30)Row 13: CH2, DC in next 20 stitches. Leave last 10 stitches unworked. (20)Rows 14-20: CH2, turn, DC in next 20 stitches. At the end of row 20, SL ST to join heel together.Row 21: Chain 2. DC 12 stitches across heel, spacing the stitches evenly. Skip stitch in corner. One SC stitch where toe begins. DC 8 across top of toe. One SC. Skip stitch in corner. DC 12 across top of heel. SL ST to join. (34 stitches)Row 22: Chain 2. DC 12 across heel. Skip over the SC stitch from the previous row. DC 8 across top of toe. Skip the SC stitch. DC 12 across top of heel. SL ST to join. (32 stitches)Rows 23-38: Chain 2. DC around top (32). SL ST to join rows.Finishing: Chain to make a loop at your desired length. Tie to top corner of stocking. Weave in ends. Add a monogram or pom pom if desired.Download and print the full crochet stocking pattern to complete the project and deck out your home this holiday season.

Mariana Tuma
Mariana is the Design Director of Good Housekeeping.

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