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Latest by V. Sparks

Wool dryer balls on a white cloth surface

This is the secret to drying your clothes: A natural solution you’ll never guess

Ready to up your laundry game? Replace your fabric softeners or dryer sheets with wool dryer balls and get a natural solution for soft fabrics.
Wicker laundry basket with multi-colored towels in laundry room

The 2 secret ingredients your laundry routine is missing

Want to up your laundry game? Here's everything you need to know about putting baking soda and vinegar in laundry loads for a fresh wardrobe every time.
House with vinyl siding and brick in winter

The December home maintenance checklist everyone needs

Is your home ready for the freezing weather? Make sure you check these items off your December home maintenance checklist.
Thanksgiving table with cracker spread

7 delicious Thanksgiving appetizers that still leave room for a big meal

You don't want your guests to fill up on apps and skip the turkey. These tasty Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to whet an appetite.
Autumn spices, pumpkin, and cinnamon

6 delicious Thanksgiving desserts to make if you kind of hate pie

If you're not a fan of pie, don't get left out this holiday season. Serve these incredible Thanksgiving dessert alternatives at your dinner table this year.
Indoor plants on a wooden table next to a window

Ranked: The 7 best indoor plants to decorate your home with in November

Need some greenery in your home during the cold winter months? These ar ethe best indoor plants for November to keep your mood festive.
Shower head

This is what that gross pink mold in your shower is and how to get rid of it

Do you want a sparkling shower, but find you're constantly getting pink mold? Here's how to get rid of it for good.
Man caulking around window

How to remove old caulk: A 4-step guide to get this tedious job done quickly

Removing old caulk can be a tedious process. If you follow these steps, you'll know how to remove hold caulk in no time.
Pest control spray outside

Is fall the best time of year to spray your house for bugs?

Is there a 'best' time of year to spray for bugs? We tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of preventative pest control in the fall.
Stovetop and oven in kitchen

This nontoxic oven-cleaning trick is even better than baking soda (seriously!)

We love baking soda for so many cleaning chores around the house. It's messy sometimes, though, and we swear by this other nontoxic way to clean your oven.
Croton plant

The best indoor plants to decorate your home with in October

Need a little greenery in your home during the bare fall months? Check out these gorgeous, hearty plants that will survive through the chilly months.
White wall with white strip of electrical outlets

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire? What you need to know

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire in your home? We discuss the ways to keep you completely safe if it happens.
Home with manicured lawn

How to level a yard (and 3 reasons why you really should)

Aside from poor appearance, a yard that's not leveled can lead to other issues like improper draining. This guide will show you how to level a yard.
Top view of bed with white sheets

This ingenious hack for how to wash white sheets is amazing

White sheets are stunning, but they get dull and dingy. Here's how to wash white sheets to get crisp, gorgeous linens after every wash with this hack.
Modern home storage shelves with boxes

6 fantastic organizational podcasts we’re obsessed with

Feeling overwhelmed by the mess? These amazing organizational podcasts have some great tips for cleaning, decluttering, and more.
Square floor drain surrounded by tile

How to clean your basement floor drain and avoid major issues

Keep your home in great shape from top to bottom. Here's how to clean your clogged basement floor drain.
modern glass table in living room

How to choose a coffee table for your small living room

Small living rooms can still take advantage of coffee tables. Here's how to pick the right one for your space.
Woman putting dirty clothes in washing machine

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

Don't ruin your wardrobe. Follow these tips to remove those pesky detergent stains from your clothes so you can keep them fresh and clean.
Kitchen with wood countertops and brick backsplash

How to remove stains from a butcher block countertop

Butcher block countertops are prone to staining. Here's how to get rid of stubborn stains on your countertop.
three vertical windows with a view of nature

How to soundproof windows so you can finally get a good night’s sleep

Is outside sounds keeping you up at night? Get a good night's sleep — finally! Here's how to soundproof windows when you can't stand the noise any longer.
EV car charging

The hidden costs of charging an electric vehicle nobody is talking about

Which is more expensive: charging an electric vehicle or filling up with gas? Here's what you need to know about EV charging costs.
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.
Red roller brush black paint on white wall

Can you paint in high humidity? What you need to know

Humidity can wreck your paint job, but it doesn't make the task impossible. Make sure you know these things before painting in humid weather.
Gloved hand holding a pulled weed with roots and soil still attached

9 easy and effective ways to clear a garden full of weeds for good

Lawn or vegetable garden overrun? This is how to clear a garden full of weeds so your outdoor space is beautiful and pristine.
Top view of a polka dot plant

A polka dot plant adds color and life to your home – here’s how to care for it

A polka dot plant adds color and style to your indoor space. Here are some tips on how to care for it so it thrives all season long.
Group of white mushroom caps in green grass

How to finally rid your yard of that obnoxious mushroom invasion

Are those pesky little caps ruining your green and pristine lawn? Here's how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard for good.
White and blue kitchen cabinets

Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money

Are PVC kitchen cabinets right for your home? Here's your handy guide to the pros and cons of PVC cabinets so you can make the right choice.
Instant Pot on a table

How to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot – every time

Instant Pot rice cooking doesn't have to be difficult. Use these tricks to get the perfect rice dish every time.
Dragon tree on a windowsill with copper watering can

How to prune a Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) so your plant stays thriving

Dracaena marginata plants often get too tall for an indoor space. Follow this dragon tree pruning guide so yours stays healthy and manageable.
Finished basement seating area with white walls and carpet

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.
Lucky bamboo in small pot on wooden table.

How to propagate lucky bamboo in 5 easy steps so you don’t have to buy it

Lucky bamboo is a popular, unique, and aesthetic indoor plant. Here's how to propagate lucky bamboo so you don't have to buy more.
Cedar siding on a cabom

Can you paint cedar siding? What you need to know

Can cedar be painted? Cedar siding is beautiful on its own, but if you choose to give it a little spruce with some paint, read this first.
Close-up of a woman holding a wicker laundry basket with white clothes

3 things to know about homemade laundry detergent so you don’t ruin your clothes

Does homemade laundry detergent really work? Read on to find out how effective DIY soap is, how to make it, and the pros and cons of using it.
Man laying sod over dirt

Can you lay sod over existing grass? What you need to know

Laying sod down is a complicated process. Is it worth it to pull up the old stuff or can you lay sod over existing grass? Find out here.
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

Use these natural, chemical-free crabgrass killers to take back your overgrown lawn

Want to take out crabgrass without chemicals? Use one of these natural crabgrass killers to finally take back your lawn.
Decorative areca palm

Why your home should have an areca palm (and how to care for it)

Want to bring a slice of the tropics into your home? This is what you need to know about growing an areca palm indoors.
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom

Wish your bathroom felt like you were at the spa? Here's how to plant, care for, harvest, and hang eucalyptus in the shower for a relaxing, fragrant ambiance.
Dad and kids in covered outdoor kitchen area

Transform your backyard into a chef’s paradise: Stunning covered outdoor kitchen ideas you’ll love

Want to transform your yard into an oasis? Start with one of these covered outdoor kitchen ideas that are perfect for summer cooking and entertaining.
Person pressing down on a toilet handle

How to fix a toilet handle (and 5 other bathroom fixes homeowners should know)

If this is your first time in a new home, ensure you know how to fix a toilet handle and other simple fixes to common bathroom issues.
White Cape Cod-style house with a red roof

This handy chart shows you all the common (and not-so-common) roof types

Curious about which roof types are best for your new home? This chart shows you the names and designs of the most popular roof styles.
White bathroom sink on counter and mirror

Make faucets shine like new with this incredible hack

Tired of fingerprints and watermarks marring up your gorgeous chrome fixtures? This simple, cheap, and easy hack will keep them away for good.

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

Frozen pipes can be disastrous and should be dealt with fast. Here's what you should do to unfreeze pipes and prevent water damage.
Wooden door with silver handle and multiple dead bolt locks

How to build your own home security system without breaking the bank

Want to build a custom home security system? Here are some ideas.
Pumpkin and orange spiced fall cocktail with cinnamon

These delicious Thanksgiving cocktails just might help your family get along

Need to elevate the mood of your Thanksgiving gathering? Get the party started with one of these festive fall cocktails.
Tiled floor with simple furniture and decor

How to clean travertine tile: Step-by-step process to improve your stone flooring

Travertine tile is gorgeous and durable, making it a great addition to any home. Here's how to clean it.
Attic with insulation on floor

Insulating an attic isn’t as easy as it seems – what to know before you start

Insulating your attic has some big energy benefits, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Read this before you start, to avoid costly mistakes.
Beach-inspired bedroom

Your old sheets can feel new again – here’s how

Old sheets don't have to feel like they're old. Here's how to make yours feel more like those luxurious hotel sheets.
Woman opening fridge to get fruit

Refrigerator light not working? Some easy fixes to try

If your refrigerator light is out, don't panic. Try these quick fixes first before calling a professional to repair it.
Lit up pumpkin sits on a wooden surface covered by fairy lights

10 creative pumpkin carving ideas no one in your neighborhood will have

Don't want the same jack-o'-lantern as everyone else? Try these ideas and have the most uniquely carved pumpkins on the block this year.
Close-up of green grass with trees in the background

The quintessential guide to lawn fertilization for thick, healthy grass

Want to have a pristine yard with lush, green grass? This is everything you need to know about lawn fertilization for the best possible curb appeal.