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Hacks & How-to’s

Tank water heater in a home's utility room

How to flush a water heater: Keep yours running smoothly

Learning how to flush a water heater is an essential skill for any homeowner. Regular maintenance improves your water heater’s efficiency and saves you money.
Man cleaning kitchen counter

How to remove stains from a butcher block countertop

With a few easy cleaning solutions that you can whip up from household items, you can banish stains and keep your butcher block countertop looking brand new.
Man using a roller to paint the ceiling

How to paint a ceiling cleanly — no mess, no stress

Learning how to paint a ceiling the right way may seem like a tough task to tackle. But with the right precautions, tools, and techniques, it’s an easy job.
House with vinyl siding and brick in winter

Heated driveways: Pros, cons, and how much they really cost

How does a heated driveway work? And how much do they really cost? We dive into everything you need to know.
Close-up of rustic wood surface with window and lights in background

How to unwarp wood and bring your furniture back to life

Once the damage is done, can warped wood be straightened? We’ll walk you through why wood warps and some methods for how to unwarp wood.
Graphic wallpaper behind small kitchen table

Best kitchen table paint: What you need to know before you start

Unsure what kind of paint to use on your kitchen table? Read this guide before you start and get some useful tips.
Man and woman moving big box in house

Wondering how much to tip your movers? Here’s the answer

Tipping hired professional movers can be a good way to show appreciation. We'll discuss when and how much to tip your movers so you can be prepared.
rinsing out stain on blue fabric

How to remove detergent stains from clothes: This is the no-fail way

Don't ruin your wardrobe. Follow these tips for how to remove detergent stains from your clothes so you can keep them fresh and clean.
Basement with blue walls.

How to heat a basement: From budget friendly to total reno

Is your basement too cold to be livable? Here are all the pros and cons of the most popular basement heating options available.
Textured wall

6 wall texture techniques to transform your home

Explore wall texture techniques to elevate your home decor. From knockdown to Venetian plaster, find the perfect style to add depth and character.
Bed sheets on king size bed

What is a bunkie board? Find out if it’s right for your bed setup

Bunkie boards are fantastic alternatives to the traditional box spring. Here's everything you should know about this affordable bed setup solution.
A woman organizing and moving boxes

Swedish death cleaning: Why and how it can declutter your life

Discover how Swedish death cleaning can help you declutter, simplify, and create a stress-free home. You'll be able to cherish what truly matters.
Detailed window frame

What are double-glazed windows? A guide to energy-efficient glass

Discover the benefits of double-glazed windows. Boost energy efficiency, reduce noise, and add value to your home with this smart upgrade.
Person smelling something bad in the kitchen

The truth behind the rotten egg smell in your home

The rotten egg smell in your house is not just unpleasant — it’s often a sign of an underlying issue. Understanding the cause is key to resolving the smell.
Beautiful burning candles and fairy lights on windowsill indoors with vase

5 easy and low-cost ways to seal your windows this winter

It's important to seal windows for winter. Keep the warm air in and the cold air out with one of the five methods on our list so you can stay cozy.
Modern white kitchen with quartz counters

How to clean quartz countertops and keep them spotless

Learn how to clean quartz countertops effectively with easy tips. Keep your surfaces spotless and shining with this step-by-step guide.
Woman testing hot water on bath faucet

Why is your water pressure low? Here are the top reasons

Here are the top reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure in the house and how to resolve the issue.
Soft warm light bulb

Daylight vs. soft white: The best lighting for your space

Discover the key differences between daylight vs. soft white bulbs and learn how to choose the perfect lighting for every space in your home.
Woman sitting in yellow chair with a cat next to an air purifier

Do air purifiers really help with dust?

Do air purifiers help with dust? Learn how these devices reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants for a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Dark blue contemporary bathroom with white double sinks

What is a Jack and Jill bathroom? The pros, cons, and tips for this home feature

Jack and Jill bathrooms give two bedrooms the benefit of an en-suite while saving space. But what is a Jack and Jill bathroom exactly? We weigh in.
Woman painting interior wall

How to paint a room: Here’s your step-by-step guide

Learn how to paint a room with our simple guide. From prep to cleanup, follow these steps for flawless walls and a fresh new look.
Tank water heater in a home's utility room

Tankless water heater vs. tank: Which is right for you?

Tankless water heater vs. tank: Compare costs, energy savings, and efficiency to find the ideal water heating solution for your home.
Floor lamp and sofa in living room

Sofa vs. couch: The differences, explained

Sofa vs. couch — learn the differences and discover which one best fits your space, style, and comfort needs. Find your perfect seating choice.
Toy penguin next to toy fridge

This is the best way to organize your fridge

Get the best fridge organization tips to keep food fresh and easily accessible. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a perfectly organized fridge.
Frozen gutters on outside of brick house

Avoid catastrophe: How to unfreeze pipes and save your home from water damage

Unsure what to do if pipes freeze? Frozen pipes can be disastrous and should be dealt with fast, so here's what you should do to prevent water damage.
Woman holding a turkey on a platter

9 things no one tells you about hosting Thanksgiving (that they really should)

Hosting Thanksgiving can be stressful. Avoid these rookie mistakes.
Closed white wooden-framed glass windows

What every homeowner should know about the different types of windows

Explore the different types of windows to enhance light, style, and value in your home. Find the best window styles for every room and need.
Laundry room with mirror and plant

Laundry 101: A how-to guide even beginners can’t mess up

Unsure of the right way to get those clothes clean and fresh? We tell you the basics of how to do your laundry — and avoid all those beginner mistakes.
Living room with a vaulted ceiling and rustic wood floors

What is a vaulted ceiling (and is it worth it)?

What is a vaulted ceiling? Explore types, benefits, and costs to see if this beautiful home feature is worth the investment.
Unfocused shot of snow falling on driveway with garage in the background

How to insulate your garage door for winter (Your heating bill will thank us)

Follow these tips to insulate a garage door for winter. Keep your home and your garage space warm, dry, and energy efficient.
Gray house with a large yard and wraparound porch

How much does it cost to buy a house, really?

Here's how much it costs to buy or build your house so you can make the decision that is right for you.
Polka dot plant among other indoor plants in terra cotta pots

These are the best houseplants for low-light conditions

Don't get a lot of sunlight in your home, but really want some plants? Come check out our finds! These are the best houseplants for low-light conditions.
Gutter with leaves and a screen

Are gutter guards worth it? The pros and cons you need to know

Are gutter guards worth it? Uncover the pros and cons to decide if they’re the right solution for keeping your gutters clear and your home protected.
Fairy lights hung with photos on a wall

Decorative fairy light ideas that work in any room in your home

You love the twinkle they create but aren't sure how to hang fairy lights. We've got the very best fairy light ideas to cozy up your home.
Couple staining a wood floor

How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors? Should you do it?

We share everything you need to know when it comes to the cost of refinishing hardwood floors.
Two people painting an interior wall

Sanding, primer, or both? This is how to prepare a wall for painting

Painting a room is one of the easiest ways to transform its character — here's your guide for all things paint prep so you have professional-looking results.
Iron on teal fabric

Steamer vs. iron: How to choose

Steamer vs iron: Discover the pros and cons of each to choose the right tool for your clothes and keep your wardrobe looking polished and free of wrinkles.

Water in your basement? Do these 3 things immediately

Water in your basement is a serious problem. Here's how you can protect your home by acting quickly when your basement floods.
Close-up of door handle with bed out of focus in the background

The most effective ways to finally fix that annoyingly squeaky door

Does your obnoxiously noisy door drive you nuts every day? Here's how to fix a squeaky door for some much-needed, blissful silence.
Arugula pizza on a pizza stone with handles

How to clean a pizza stone and keep it spotless

Learn how to clean a pizza stone with our simple guide. Discover tips to keep your pizza stone spotless and ready for the perfect pizza crust.
Two women using paint samples on a wall

Satin vs. semi-gloss paint: What’s the difference?

If you’re trying to discern what paint finish is best, we’re here to help. Here’s how to tell the difference between satin and semi-gloss paint.
Kitchen remodel

Don’t bring the house down: How to tell if a wall is load bearing

We’ll help you know how to tell if a wall is load bearing and offer everything you need to know before you start your renovation.
Small blue paint can with paint brush set on top.

How to paint over wallpaper without making the room look worse

Painting over wallpaper is an easy way to refresh a room without the tedious process of removing wallpaper. Here’s how to do it.
Woman holding wicker basket of white laundry

How to wash white clothes and keep them white

Discover how to wash whites effectively with our easy tips to keep your clothes looking bright and new. Say goodbye to dingy fabrics for good.
Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet

How much does it cost to finish a basement and add value to your home?

Thinking about finishing your basement? Read this before you start.
All-white modern kitchen and dining room

Quartz vs. granite: Is one better?

We;ll compare quartz vs. granite countertops so you can make the choice that is best for your home.
Clean space with beige walls and white baseboards

How to clean baseboards: The easiest method ever for this super annoying task

Dirty, dusty trim ruin the look of any room. Here are the easiest and most effective tips how to clean baseboards and keep them pristine.
Close-up of a yellow mum flower

How to care for mums, gorgeous fall blooms

Discover how to care for mums in pots, indoors, and outdoors. Keep your chrysanthemums blooming with these seasonal tips and tricks for stunning fall flowers.
Potatoes and rosemary in an air fryer

This is how to deep clean your air fryer the right way

Every kitchen appliance gets gross. Here's how to clean an air fryer the right way for healthier eating and a sanitary food prep space.
Brown cricket on a branch

Simple tips to get rid of crickets

Discover easy ways to get rid of crickets in your home and yard with these practical tips and prevention methods. Keep crickets away for good!