HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Change filters regularly. Swap them out every 30 to 90 days. Clean air vents and registers. Use a brush to clear dust and dirt at the top of the registers and the bottom of vents or use a vacuum cleaner. Keep outdoor units clear of debris. Make sure the area around...

4 Areas That Will Make the Most Impact in Your Home

The Kitchen Whether you’re a family of two, three, or ten, everyone has to eat. So, starting with the kitchen is a smart move. Lindsey Mahanna, professional organizer and founder of Clutter to Clarity, recommends beginning with the pantry. “This space can get out...

12 Things to Get Rid of in Your Bedroom:

1. “The Chair” An empty chair or bench is a common bedroom clutter magnet that sometimes feels unavoidable. If you have a piece of furniture that collects clothes that are too clean for the laundry basket but not clean enough to go back on the...

Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Green in the Summer Heat The grass is greener on the other side of these helpful tips We are officially fully into summer, and if you’re wondering why your lawn isn’t looking as verdant as it was a few weeks ago, know that you aren’t alone....

Types of Foundations and the Pros and Cons of Each

A foundation is the base of a home that supports the main structure while protecting against moisture, frost heaves, pests, and more. Without a foundation, a home might start sinking into the ground or be damaged by accumulated rainwater, sleet, ice, insects,...

What’s the Deal With Antimicrobial Countertops?

Whether you’re about to undergo a full-scale kitchen renovation or planning a more modest makeover, the hardest working kitchen surface—the countertops—deserves careful consideration. Typically, choices run the gamut from natural stone to wood to tile and...

Fast-Growing Shrubs for Your Garden

01of 13 Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) Annual growth: 1 to 2 feet Final size: 10 to 15 feet tall and wide Bloom time: Spring and summer Sun: Full sun Hardiness zones: 4 to 9 Want something that looks like it comes from a Doctor Seuss book? Give the smoke bush a try....

How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

What to Use to Clean Stainless Steel (and What to Avoid) For cleaning stainless steel as part of your routine kitchen cleaning, a simple microfiber cloth dampened with water is sufficient. When it’s time to do a more in-depth cleaning, keep rubbing...

How to Clean and Care for Your Mattress

1. Read Your Warranty Before you do anything to your mattress, be sure you read the warranty and understand what the limits are. Some manufacturers stipulate specific cleaning instructions. Understanding how your actions may affect your warranty will save headaches...