Home Ideas

Britain is known for introducing us the best of the best — think Princess Diana, Harry Potter and fish and chips. Now we can thank the UK for bringing us a fantastic sun safety idea: the 3-hour-gardening rule. The concept is simple: don’t go out in the sun to tend to your plants during its strongest rays, which generally occurs between 11 AM and 2 PM. After British gardener Shannen Goodwin explained that the 3-hour gardening rule can offer powerful protection from sun-related health problems, the internet took note and the idea went viral.Really, though, the 3-hour rule is just excellent common sense. “I treat many skin cancers on gardeners on their hands, arms, ears and neck,” says Ellen S, Marmur, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and founder of Marmur Medical in New York City. Not to mention the fact that too much sun can adversely affect the rest of your body: think dehydration, heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Top Sun Protection PicksMany gardening pros already follow the rule religiously. “Unless I’m in the middle of a big project, I’m not outside working in the heat of the day,” says Tara Nolan, co-owner of Savvy Gardening and author of Gardening in Your Front Yard. “If I am working on a project, I’ll only stay in the sun for a couple of hours at a time, well covered.” How can you adopt the 3-hour rule effectively and easily — and still find enough time in the day to spoil your roses rotten? Use these 6 key tips, and then get your bloom on! Editor’s note: Here’s how to interpret the index: UV Index 0-2 means sun exposure danger is at a minimum. UV Index 6-7 means moderate risk of harm from the sun. UV Index 8-10 means high risk of sunburn and sun damage. UV Index of 11+ means a very high risk to your health from the sun.Time your trimming. Choosing the chillest part of the day to garden is first and foremost. “When the temperatures are high and the sun is out, I would recommend gardening early in the morning, or early in the evening when it’s cooler,” says Nolan. “I try to get out as early as possible in the morning to water the vegetables and herbs in my raised beds. At this point, I’ll sometimes do a bit of weeding or pruning as I go while it’s still cool outside.” If that’s not possible, and you just have to head outside when the sun is a little stronger, you can actually track the intensity of rays in your area. Enter your zip code here at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Index Search to find out the precise UV measurement for where you live is up-to-the-minute. Slather on the sunscreen. It’s vital to be covered on every exposed part of your skin, period. “Apply sunscreen every 1–2 hours during summer sun exposure, especially since you will likely be sweating while gardening,” says Dr. Marmur. “This is key for fighting wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. I reapply sunscreen every hour – I am proudly geeky about my sun protection! The lowest SPF I would recommend is SPF 30 – anything lower, and you run the risk of sun damage.” Nolan makes sunscreen her top priority, too. “Any task I do outside in the yard starts with applying sunscreen,” she says. “It’s by my patio door, so I can grab it as I go outside and not forget. I have a SPF 60 spray that I’m using right now. It goes on my arms, legs and neck, and ears, depending on the hat I’m wearing. I often buy sport sunscreens–they tend to stay on longer when you sweat. ”It’s important to choose a sunscreen that you really, really like–it should smell delicious to you, and the texture should feel great. That way, you’ll never be tempted to skip it. And don’t be skimpy: the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying the amount that would fit in a shot glass, or two tablespoons, of SPF to each part of your face or body that’s touched by the sun–including when you top up. So keep it convenient. “Bring your sunscreen spray with you in your gardening tool kit,” suggests Dr. Marmur.Dress smart. You want your clothes to offer protection, but not be so heavy they make you overheat. The solution: choose a loose-fitting natural fiber outfit. “Try wearing long-sleeve lightweight shirts with a neck scarf,” suggests Dr. Marmur. You absolutely need to protect your head, too. A recent study found that 34% of surveyed patients who had gotten skin cancer always or frequently wear a hat in the sun–a good habit for everyone. “I always wear a hat,” says Nolan. ”I wear a wide-brimmed straw hat and a selection of baseball caps in the garden to protect my face and scalp from burning.” Dr. Marmur is also a big proponent of hats. Pick a chapeau that offers lots of coverage – hat on Amazon also has an optional face net, which, bonus, can protect you from bug bites. Or, choose clothes with built-in sun protection. “I have some tech fabric t-shirts that are cooler than a cotton tee,” says Nolan “If it’s not too hot, I’ll wear long pants in the garden when I’m weeding, and gloves. The good thing about gardening gloves is they can also protect your hands from the sun. When I wear gauntlet gloves, I have even more arm protection!” Take breaks.Take frequent breaks – as often as every 15 minutes – to escape the rays. “When it heats up and the sun is out, but I still want to garden, I’ll often follow the shade around my yard,” Nolan explains. “If I’m potting up a container arrangement or building a raised bed or other project, I’ll move the project to the shade, if possible. Or, I’ll choose a shady spot that needs weeding or tidying up so I’m not working in the blazing sun. I also bring a water bottle around the yard to stay hydrated.”Stay hydrated.Keep drinking water as you work. The Centers for Disease Control recommend sipping 8 ounces of water every 15–20 minutes when you’re in the sun to avoid heat exhaustion. Know the signs of heat exhaustion, too.According to Mayo Clinic, sun exposure, high temps  and physical activity can bring on this potentially dangerous condition. When you have heat exhaustion, your body gets too warm. Symptoms to watch out for:*Cool, damp skin*Goose bumps, even in the heat*Excessive sweating*Feeling faint or dizzy*Feeling tired*Having a fast, weak pulse*Having muscle cramps*Feeling nauseous*Having a headache*A drop in your blood pressure when you stand upIf you experience any signs of heat exhaustion, stop gardening, go to a cool place and drink lots of water, or sports drinks. Heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, can be even worse — it stops your body from being able to cool itself. Confusion, heavy sweating and loss of consciousness are signs. If you or someone you’re gardening experience these signs, call 911.Remember, gardening is lots of fun — and has a lot of health benefits associated with it — but only when done safely. Contributing WriterLisa is an internationally established health writer whose credits include Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Oprah Daily, Woman’s Day, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Parade, Health, Self, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including The Essentials of Theater. More

While your present thoughts might be on vacations and the perfect beach read, there’s something a bit less pleasant that summer often brings with it: high energy bills. To help, we tapped experts to find proactive ways to lower your energy costs, whether you live in a house or an apartment. Put their simple yet surprisingly effective tips into action, and you’ll be spending the rest of your summer the way you ought to: without a care.Filter out inefficiency.A recent survey found that less than half of homeowners who plan to spring-clean take into account appliance, structural or preventative maintenance. That’s a mistake, since “regular maintenance and upkeep of critical appliances and systems can help reduce energy use — and your electric bill — during extreme weather conditions,” says Courtney Klosterman, insights expert at a national home-insurance company.Just for starters, you could save anywhere from 5 to 15 percent off your summer energy bill from simple HVAC-filter maintenance. Clogged filters reduce airflow, negatively affecting your system’s efficiency. But restoring it to its proper level can just be a matter of either cleaning or replacing your old filter. (Which is necessary will depend on your device: Look up your model and manufacturer to find out.)Replacement is simple enough, but there are a few different cleaning options: You can use a vacuum to suck out dust, or wash the filter with water and a little vinegar for a deeper clean. Check with your manufacturer for its suggestions.YorkCool off with a heat pump.While the name might sound a bit counterintuitive for summertime, an efficient heat pump like those made by York can very efficiently keep your home cool. Simply put, it uses a refrigerant to transfer heat either to or from your living space. “In the summer, it acts as an air conditioner, and in the winter, it reverses the refrigerant flow and becomes a heating unit,” explains Dave Budzinski, VP of global residential & light commercial at Johnson Controls, York’s parent company. “Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, they can reduce home energy use significantly.” All while providing consistently pleasant indoor temperatures year-round, no matter the season.And not only will you end up saving money on cooling your home, you’ll also be able to take advantage of some incredible tax credits. As part of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, households can claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000. Unplug electronics whenever possible.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the term “energy vampires” to describe devices that continue to use energy while plugged in even when not in use. Some of the biggest culprits include phone chargers, TV and gaming systems, small kitchen appliances like toasters and air fryers, laptops and computers, and even hair dryers. AvailableLightClose up cool air’s escape hatches.Weather-stripping is the process of sealing openings around doors and windows to prevent airflow from your home to the outdoors and vice versa. And while it’s perhaps more well known as a means of keeping your house toasty in the winter, it’s just as crucial in summer. You don’t want your air conditioner working overtime to keep things cool because you’re constantly losing that precious chilled air to the outdoors. Happily, weather-stripping products are easy to come by, and most are equally easy to install. Options include adhesive-backed foam, which compresses to seal gaps, and tubular rubber-gasket weather strips, which conform to openings and fill up space.Get yourself out of hot water.The second-highest expense in an average American home comes from the water heater, which accounts for just under 20 percent of its energy use. Do the math, and this means the average U.S. household spends between $400 and $600 a year just on heating water. To reduce these costs, consider this recommendation from both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the DOE: Set your water-heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees F, both to prevent scalding and to conserve energy. To save even more, try washing dishes and doing laundry in cooler water than usual when possible. It might not seem like much — but remember, all the little changes you make can together add up to big savings. More

When I was a teen, my bedroom was constantly a mess. Everything was everywhere, but I had a nice little path carved out to get to my closet, my desk and into bed. And, like most teenagers who don’t want to clean their rooms, I told my parents it was “organized chaos.” Of course I knew where my math book was! It’s right there under that pile of socks, papers and magazines. But let’s be real — I didn’t really know where anything was. It took at least 10 minutes to find anything in the turmoil of my bedroom. I also was hesitant to have friends over, lest they see how messy I was.When I moved out on my own, I didn’t want that mess to follow me around. So I created a very organized life, where everything has its own place and it’s all easy for me to find. It was surprisingly easy to do, and I enjoyed being able to grab things right when I needed them.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playAnd that’s not an uncommon phenomenon, according to Gail Saltz, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the More

It’s almost impossible to keep white shoes clean 24/7. No matter how bright and spotless they were when you first bought them, scuffs, stains and spills accumulate over time. Before you know it, your favorite pair of Converse or Vans are in a less-than-pristine state. But rather than getting rid of your sneakers for good, try our easy guide below on how to clean white shoes. We share expert tips on making your canvas, suede and leather shoes look brand new, along with pointers to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Throwing your shoes in the washing machine might be the first thing you think of when it’s time to clean your shoes. But, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, suggests hand-cleaning them with a cloth or a soft brush instead. It’s a gentle process compared to a washing machine’s aggressive cycle. Plus, it’s a better solution for sneakers, loafers and slippers made of leather. With our simple steps below, we also share the best products needed to clean your shoes, including Dawn, Clorox and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. And while Forté can’t tell you exactly when it’s time to clean your shoes, she suggests taking note: “The dirtier they get, the harder they are to clean.” Depending on wear, she recommends “washing them every month or so and removing obvious spots and stains as soon as you see them to keep shoes looking cleaner longer.”So, use our step-by-step instructions below to bring your white shoes back to life — no matter the material. And as another preventative measure, consider these shoe organizer ideas to store your shoes for long-time wear. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Dishwashing LiquidFurniture Clinic Leather Protection CreamMulti-Use Soft Nylon BrushHow to Clean White Canvas Sneakers kieferpix//Getty ImagesTo restore white canvas sneakers, like Vans or Converse, back to their bright white color, follow these steps: Untie and remove the shoelaces.Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, including along the rubber edge and tongue.Mix a few drops of dish soap, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the soapy water and gently go over both shoes. Clean rubber soles and sides with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.Wet another cloth with plain water and wipe the shoes to rinse.Stuff the sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain the shape.Let the shoes dry at room temperature.How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With Bleachplay iconThe triangle icon that indicates to play “Bleach or a bleach solution is okay to use on white canvas sneakers, but I wouldn’t use it on leather or on the rubber trim, as it may turn it yellow,” Forté says. Clorox shares step-by-step instructions on how to wash your shoes with bleach, which you can easily follow below: Remove the laces and use a long brush to remove loose dirt and soil from your shoes.Mix 1 tablespoon of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach and 1 quart of water in a measuring cup. Dip the brush in the solution and gently scrub your shoes in a circular motion. Wait one minute before spraying hydrogen peroxide on the treated areas. Rinse the shoes clean with water. If the stains remain, repeat the process. Let your shoes dry overnight. For tough stains on white canvas shoes: Dip a brush in hydrogen peroxide and scrub. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth and air dry.How to Clean White Leather SneakersMaksym Azovtsev//Getty ImagesFor leather shoes — like white Adidas or Nike sneakers — follow a similar method:Untie and remove the shoelaces.Use a soft brush to brush off loose dust and dirt.Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush into the soapy water and gently go over the entire shoe. Clean rubber soles and sides with GH Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.Wet a cloth with plain water and wipe the shoes to rinse them.Stuff the sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain the shape.After they dry at room temperature, apply a leather conditioner, like Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to help keep the shoes soft and supple.For tough stains on white leather shoes: Dip a wet brush in baking soda and rub gently. Wipe with a clean, wet cloth and air dry.How to Clean White Suede Shoes yuriyzhuravov//Getty ImagesAccording to Forté, “white suede should only be cleaned with a suede cleaner.” She recommends the KIWI Suede and Nubuck Cleaner. “I wouldn’t risk using any home method and suede shouldn’t get too wet,” she says. But if you’re worried that your stains have been on your suede shoes for too long, Nike suggests using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol mixed with water. The entire shoe shouldn’t be drenched, but lightly dampened. Note: Washing the entire shoe in water can cause stains to settle into the fabric. How to Clean White ShoelacesSo what about those grimy laces? Give ’em a quick spruce with dishwashing liquid before threading them back through:Untie and remove the laces from the shoes.Soak them in warm, soapy water. Rinse the shoelaces with fresh water.Squeeze the excess water out.Lay flat to dry.How to Keep White Shoes Whiteplay iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playTo keep your shoes sparkling, guard them against the elements and remove spots as soon as they appear: Contributing WriterCaroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

Moths are one of the worst critters to have in your home. These insects love invading spaces, all in search of dark areas to lay their eggs and find food. This means you’re likely to spot them in basements, attics or closets. They’re not fun to cohabitate with, especially since they love chewing on things like sweaters and leaving their icky insect casings around your household. While they’re primarily harmless creatures, it’s still disturbing to see them fluttering throughout your space. That’s why we’re sharing tips on how to get rid of moths for good.Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about moths and the best ways to rid these insects from your home. The first step? Figure out which moth type — clothes moths or pantry moths — have invaded your home. While both are equally annoying, they have different food sources. Clothes moths swarm your linens and wardrobe and pantry moths multiply in the kitchen. That’s why it’s key to implement effective preventative measures, including throwing away contaminated materials and sealing up seasonal clothing and pantry items. And if you want to skip the typical moth balls and store-bought moth traps, we have DIY ideas that can help keep moths away from your everyday items, along with a simple solution to trap and kill them overnight. When it comes to our tips, we consulted with our Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts as well as professional pest exterminators. Follow their pointers below to learn exactly how to deal with moths and keep them out of your home forever. 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.YOUR PEST PREVENTION GUIDE2. Pinpoint whether you have clothes or pantry moths.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playHomeowners usually come into contact with one of two types of moths: pantry moths and clothes moths. Just like their categories imply, these insects go after different food sources in different parts of the house. For the pantry variety, also sometimes called flour moths, most are attracted to grains and dry goods: cereals, crackers, rice and other stored foods, according to Orkin entomologist Chelle Hartzer. They typically hitch a ride home from the grocery store, having arrived there from contaminated warehouses or factories. When they invade your space, you might notice icky webbing or tiny caterpillars inside your snacks, a not-so-pleasant gift from the pupae and larvae. Clothes moths naturally like closets and wardrobes, with the caterpillars relying on natural fibers like linen, wool, silk or fur for sustenance. These little buggers find lots of ways into your home or apartment — they can fly in through an open door or window, ride in on store-bought clothing (particularly used clothing) or even make their way through small cracks in your facade.An adult Indian meal moth, a pantry moth, is usually half an inch long with gray and bronze wings.Getty ImagesThe common clothes moth, also called the webbing clothes moth, looks whitish-gold in color.Getty Images”While clothes moths mainly munch on natural fibers, they have been known to eat through synthetics to get to a food source, like a stain,” adds Carolyn Forté, Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “That’s why it’s imperative to clean your clothes before storing them. Even stains you can’t see, like perspiration or clear drinks, can oxidize over time in storage and attract insects.”Besides holes, these pests can also leave behind pupae skins, webbing, frass and insect excrement that looks like large grains of sand, according to pest management brand Woodstream.According to Terminix Pest Control, food-infesting moths are typically much larger than clothes moths — double the size, even. Another identifying characteristic: If you look at a food moth under a microscope, it doesn’t have any hair. Clothes moths, on the other hand, have tiny tufts of hair. 2. Start cleaning and throw out infested materials.If you’re trying to get rid of pantry moths, the first step in stopping an infestation is getting out the trash bags. Throw out any potentially contaminated food and remove it from the house. If you’re dealing with clothes moths, start by making a laundry pile. Wash what you can with hot water and detergent, then dry on medium to high heat to kill larvae, unless the care label recommends otherwise, Forté says. Dry cleaning can also debug garments.In both the kitchen and the closet, vacuum everything: the carpet, walls, baseboards… you name it. Use the crevice tool to clean along edges and in corners. Then throw out the vacuum bag right away or empty the dust cup outside and wash it thoroughly, as it may contain eggs. Finally, scrub shelves and walls thoroughly with a soap-and-water mix. Pantry shelves can also be wiped with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. If you can’t identify the source of the problem, call in a professional. A pest control operator can also help with widespread infestations or hard-to-clean items like moth-infested furniture or rugs.3. Skip the mothballs and seal everything up.Giacinto Canini//Getty ImagesYour grandma’s favorite method is on the outs now that many experts consider the chemicals in mothballs — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — a health risk. California already considers the pesticides known carcinogens, and the European Union has banned naphthalene. Children and small pets may also be tempted to eat mothballs because they can look like treats, the National Pesticide Information Center states.Play it safe and deter clothes moths in other ways, Forté advises. A multi-pronged approach of thorough cleaning and tightly sealing items will protect your home from moths — without the lingering smell. Seal seasonal clothing in airtight bags or boxes; the vacuum-sealed variety are a good bet. Store them in the main part of the house, not in a hot, humid attic or basement. “Items like expensive cashmere can even be placed in a zippered plastic bag with some cotton batting to absorb moisture and stored in your freezer, if you have room,” Forté says.And contrary to popular belief, experts at Terminix say cedar chests are not the most effective storage solutions. While you can try the natural repellent, don’t rely on cedar as a quick fix or a lasting remedy. The wood’s oils may prevent infestations by harming small larvae, but it won’t clean up existing ones and the effect loses potency after a few years.In the pantry, stash foods in glass or hard plastic airtight storage containers. This has the bonus effect of deterring moisture-loving mold and other pests like ants and cockroaches. It’s also a good idea to check food from the grocery store before placing it in your pantry too, as that’s how infestations usually start.4. Consider homemade solutions.There are various DIY traps you can make using what you already have at home. Some will kill these pests instantly, while others are effective ways to prevent them from invading.Create a herb mix: Herbs are great moth repellants, as they don’t like the smell. Fill a plastic bag with herbs — lavender, rosemary, cloves, etc. — and hang the bag anywhere you want moths to avoid. Or, dilute your essential oils to spray on your clothes and belongings. Use light and dish soap: Blogger Merissa Alink of Little House Living created her fly trap to rid her home of the plant-eating miller moths, also known as “army cutworms.” She poured water into a bowl and then filled it with foamy dish soap. Place the bowl under a light — in her case, it was under the stove light — before turning off all the lights in the rest of the space. The following day, she had a bowl full of drowned moths. Wipe with vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleansing agent so it helps to wash and scrub the areas where you found the larvae and eggs. When using vinegar, be mindful that it can corrode wood and stone surfaces. 5. Vacuum and clean regularly.Prevent future pest problems with regular housekeeping. Wiping down surfaces and getting rid of dust, fibers and crumbs will go a long way. Monitor for signs of moth activity not only in your clothes and food, but in other places as well. For example, pantry moths often go for birdseed, Hartzer says, so keep that away from the house and garage.According to Woodstream, clothing moths will also find homes in antiques like wool rugs, horsehair-stuffed furniture, preserved animals, piano felt and old dolls with real hair. Check these items before you purchase them at an estate sale, and inspect them regularly afterward. Another favorite? Pet fur, so check your dog’s supplies too. Keeping a watchful eye could prevent you from another major moth headache later on.What You Need to Control Moths20 Pack Vacuum Storage BagsNow 17% OffCredit: Cozy EssentialFlour and Pantry Moth TrapsCredit: BioCareClothes Moth Traps Credit: Maxguard 6-Pack Home Storage BinsCredit: Minekkyes Contributing WriterCaroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

If spring cleaning has you itching to reimagine your home but your budget doesn’t allow for a full renovation, we’ve got the fix. A whole host of them, actually — because rethinking your setup doesn’t require a stacked bank account and a trip to the home-furnishings store. There are plenty of remarkably simple (and affordable) tweaks that will elevate your existing decor — many of which you can accomplish without purchasing a thing. Read on for your easy DIY to-do list.Refresh your sleep space.A revamped headboard will let you score the bed of your dreams. Even better: Our tips mean you don’t have to set foot in a store. The craftier among us can build their own with a bit of reclaimed wood and some power tools. Or you can reupholster an existing headboard for the trendy tufted look.CreativaStudio//Getty ImagesStep up your flooring. One classic way to pull together a room is by adding an area rug or two. But you can also make your existing ones look newer by treating them with Furniture Clinic’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, a Good Housekeeping Seal recipient. Crafted using non-hazardous plant extracts, the spray loosens dirt and stain molecules in about 15 minutes, leaving even a years-old purchase looking cleaner and brighter.Furniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery CleanerFurniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery CleanerChange your colors.Though it’s troubled many prospective home buyers, repainting really is an easy fix. It’s easier to imagine (and to accomplish) when you home in on just one accent wall rather than an entire room. Trust us: One gallon of paint (ideally in a bold, vibrant tone) will go a long way. “In our latest interior-paint tests, some budget brands performed as well as paints costing two or three times as much,” says Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Kinga Krzeminska//Getty ImagesAdd a new twist to cabinets and drawers.Give them a face-lift by swapping out the old hardware for fun new knobs and drawer pulls. Then finish the job with a coat of Furniture Clinic’s Wood Stain, which comes in 12 long-lasting, protective shades.Furniture Clinic Wood StainFurniture Clinic Wood StainStick on an updated vibe.For an advanced take on the accent wall, think wallpaper. Look beyond the floral variety you remember from Grandma’s place at the myriad appealing options in exciting patterns and colors. For the commitment-averse, there’s also an abundance of attractive peel-and-stick wallpapers to choose from.Decorate artfully.Gallery walls are nice, but they’re not the only option for livening up your walls. Consider framing your favorite photographs, moving existing pieces around for variety (pro tip: try propping a few against a shelf or mantel), or even busting out the watercolors to create a masterpiece of your own for the space. Oscar Wong//Getty ImagesSlip into a fresh look.A new sectional might not fit the budget — but a revitalized slipcover can accomplish nearly as much. Furniture Clinic’s FabriCoat can be used to restore the color of old upholstery, or you can also choose to change its color entirely (without affecting the texture of the fabric). If you have some veteran leather pieces, restore them to their former selves with the brand’s Leather Re-Coloring Balm, another product that has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.FabriCoat Fabric PaintFurniture Clinic Leather Recoloring Balm More

When you have an inviting outdoor space, you’ll find yourself making any excuse to move everything there, from holiday meals to casual hang time with friends. But how do you create such a space? Michelle Sturgis, owner and principal designer of Slate Studio, recommends treating your patio just as you would any room inside your house. “Make sure all the comforts of indoor living translate outdoors,” she advises. “You’ll double your space!” Here are some of Sturgis’s top tips for making yours the place to be this season.1) Resist the urge to match everything.Those 12-piece furniture sets at a discount might be tempting, but it’s much more eye-catching to curate various complementary pieces. Have fun by mixing and matching different textures, like a concrete coffee table with teak furniture, or rattan side tables to accent a fabric couch. Consider including existing furniture or antique-store finds as part of the collage — but you’ll want to be sure the older items don’t look worn out. For instance, for any wooden outdoor pieces, you can use Furniture Clinic’s Garden Furniture Restoration Kit, a recent Good Housekeeping Seal recipient, to keep them well-maintained throughout the season.Furniture Clinic Garden Furniture Restoration KitFurniture Clinic Garden Furniture Restoration KitKate Stoupas//Getty Images2) Level out your lighting.Give your space a glow-up by thinking about it from three perspectives: low, middle and high. Ways to introduce light at ground level include low-voltage LEDs on step risers, solar lights to adorn a pathway and floor lanterns with battery-operated candles. For mid-level lighting, think about your tabletop space and the area surrounding it. Opt for a table with a built-in fire pit, spring for some pretty candelabras or pick colorful centerpiece-style lanterns. Incorporate uplighting around your landscaping for an eye-level effect. And while string lights are one of the most popular ways to add high-level lighting, other fun options include rattan drop pendants, or chandeliers if you have a pergola.3) Create texture with outdoor fabrics.The more layers you have, the more comfortable your vibe will be. Consider hanging curtains in a pergola or covered patio to add privacy and softness. Outdoor rugs can go a long way toward creating a cozy atmosphere. And mix and match floor poufs, pillows and blankets for a warm, casual feel. If your outdoor fabrics ever start looking worse for wear, spruce them up with Furniture Clinic’s FabriCoat, which lets you restore them to their original tone or even alter their shade. Go a step further and help your fabric resist spots and stains with Furniture Clinic’s Carpet & Upholstery Protector.FabriCoat Fabric Paint FabriCoat Fabric Paint asbe//Getty Images4) Be strategic with color.Even fabrics designed for the outdoors will eventually fade with constant exposure to the sun. For longevity’s sake, lighter colors like creams and pale grays are good choices for furniture upholstery — even if they do fade a bit, the color will still look as it should. Save darker colors for items like outdoor rugs, especially if they’re shaded by trees or furniture. And for brighter pops of color, use throw pillows and blankets that can easily be stored away when not in use.5) Make it user-friendly.The better-organized your outdoor space is, the more often you’ll use it. So make sure odds and ends like paper towels, spray bottles, compostable utensils and a lighter are always on hand in attractive storage bins. Or, if you’re not one for scattered pieces, consider options like a storage bench that doubles as seating or a beautiful outdoor shelving unit.hiphunter//Getty Images6) Don’t forget the sunscreen … for your furnitureA little TLC goes a long way when it comes to outdoor-furniture care. Wooden pieces get hit especially hard by the weather, causing the loss of natural oils, deterioration and warping. But regular use of a high-quality furniture oil, like Furniture Clinic’s Wood Teak Oil, another Good Housekeeping Seal holder, provides UV protection, replaces natural oils and prevents dryness and splitting.Furniture Clinic Teak OilFurniture Clinic Teak Oil More

In terms of cleaning, your microwave may be the appliance you overlook most often. Over time, food, dirt and grease build up, making it harder to scrub or easily wipe away any spills or splatters. If you’ve had enough of your smelly and grimy microwave or are unsure of how to get it back in tip-top shape, follow our easy guide below on how to clean a microwave. Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, and Jodhaira Rodriguez, Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews analyst, share the best ways to clean stuck-on food. You can use everyday cleaning products, like dish soap and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or opt for more natural ingredients, like baking soda, lemon and vinegar. “Vinegar works well on grease,” Rodriguez says. “The lemon-water method for the interior helps steam up the inside and loosens up any food that’s stuck.”We even share tips for all types of microwaves — think over-the-range, built-in and countertop models. Plus, you’ll learn how to rid your microwave of unpleasant smells (lemon can help here!), and we’ll share pointers on washing over-the-range filters and turntables.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playSo, go ahead and follow our detailed directions to make the microwave cleaning process as easy as possible. How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave With Lemon and Vinegar AndreyPopov//Getty ImagesSplatters can leave your microwave looking sad. To target your microwave’s interior – turntable included — consider this step-by-step:Combine 1 cup water and lemon, lime or orange slices (squeeze juice from the fruit slices into the water) in a microwave-safe bowl. Or, if you have white or apple cider vinegar on hand, combine a few tablespoons and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on high power for several minutes until the mixture boils and the window steams up. Let it cool for five minutes before opening the door, then remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean with a sponge.This content is imported from Tiktok. 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.How to Clean Greasy Microwave Doors With Dish Soap and Baking Soda It’s not just the inside that counts: Remove smudges and grease from the microwave’s exterior with these tips and tricks. Clean the entire door — edges, both sides and where it seals the oven — with a sponge dampened with water and dipped in a little baking soda. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge to rinse. Clean a greasy window with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse and wipe dry. For heavy grease build-up and stuck-on splatters, wipe your microwave door down with an all-purpose grease-cutting cleaner (like Mr. Clean Deep Cleaning Mist ) or a sudsy mix of dish soap and water. Apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge to prevent the cleaner from getting into the vent holes. Scrub with a non-scratch pad (such as Scotch-Brite), if needed. Similarly, to avoid damage, never spray electronic controls directly with the cleaner. Always apply the cleaner to a cloth first, then wipe the controls. This content is imported from Tiktok. 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.How to Clean a Microwave Filter If you have an over-the-range microwave, clean the filter at least monthly. The filter is meant to catch grease, so leaving it uncleaned will lead to a sticky mess on the filter and walls. “These filters are similar to the ones in kitchen range hoods and can be removed and washed in the sink in warm, sudsy water,” says Forté. Keep it submerged for at least 10 minutes. If the residue is still there or is resistant to scrubbing, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water and soak it again. Also, be sure to always follow your microwave manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. How to Get a Burnt Smell (and All Smells, Really) Out of the Microwave When cooking something smelly in the microwave, the smell comes back as soon as you turn the oven back on. That means it’s best to get rid of the stench right away. For light odors (spicy food with a strong aroma, for example), air out the oven by leaving the door open, or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to absorb smells. For strong odors (think: burnt popcorn), clean any leftover residue and place an odor-absorbing gel, like Fresh Wave, inside until you run it again.How to Remove Stuck-on Food from the Microwave’s InteriorMarianVejcik//Getty ImagesTo get rid of dried-on food, use Good Housekeeping Seal Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Place the turntable in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with sudsy water and a non-scratch scrub sponge. What You Need to Clean a Microwave ProperlyKeep CleaningAmanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including 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. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More