Home Improvement

Home improvement is much easier when you are well-informed. Learn about home improvement, home safety and home maintenance.

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Is that batch of bug spray you have left from last summer still effective? If it is, for how long?

By Suzie Dundas

You know these two products are powerhouses for cleaning, on their own. But together, they have a whole other set of uses.

By Alia Hoyt

You might see them hanging out around your kitchen drain. They're annoying yet tiny — they're drain flies. So how do you get rid of them?

By Allison Troutner

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Don't let the word "acid" scare you away. Because when the job gets too tough for your standard household cleaner, it's time to try muriatic acid.

By Allison Troutner

If your sock's mate has disappeared, you can still find a lot of creative uses for the one left behind.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

You may have seen it in viral videos on TikTok. We're talking about the cleaning product workhorse called 'The Pink Stuff.' Here's how it works.

By Jeremy Glass

Don't toss those used dryer sheets! This versatile product can be reused for a wide variety of additional purposes. And new sheets have uses besides preventing static cling.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

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Washing soda is more basic (as opposed to alkaline) and is stronger than baking soda, so it can be used for everything from tough stains to clogged drains.

By Jesslyn Shields

Our computer screens get truly gross sometimes, but what is the correct way to clean them?

By Laurie L. Dove

Dishwasher tablets are great for doing dishes, sure, but there are so many more cool uses for them.

By Alia Hoyt

Aluminum foil is one of those everyday kitchen items that we don't really give much thought to, but it can be used for a lot more than wrapping leftovers.

By Alia Hoyt

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Your dishwasher is a lifesaver that probably comes in handy every night. But are you using the best detergent so your dishes are as clean as they possibly can be?

By Jeremy Glass

The Magic Eraser seems like it can take on just about any cleaning job. But can it? And what is this sponge-like thing anyway?

By Jeremy Glass

The answer to that question can vary widely, but there are some basic things to keep in mind.

By Dave Roos

How we heat and cool the buildings we live and work in is important to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is the tech already exists: electric heat pumps that are three to four times more efficient than furnaces.

By Robert Brecha

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You may find them annoying when they swarm an outside light during the summer months, but many other animals welcome them as a tasty treat.

By Alia Hoyt

Soapstone countertops can be stunning in the right kitchen. But they do come with certain disadvantages. Are they the perfect fit for your dream kitchen?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Many homes in rural parts of the U.S. rely on well water rather than city water. But well water has pros and cons that city people may never have considered.

By Nathan Chandler

You may not even know what soffits are, but there's a good chance your house has them. So how can you tell, and more importantly, how can you be sure they stay in good shape?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

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Despite what you may have heard, it's pretty easy to clean a cast-iron skillet. We'll show you how.

By Jeremy Glass

Those tiny critters with a snout may be crawling around your pantry. But how do you get rid of them? And if you find them in your rice or flour, are they harmful?

By Alia Hoyt

Pergolas add shade, space and panache to your home. Here's what to keep in mind before selecting one.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

You may have spotted these insects in your home. But are they bad to have around? And how do you get rid of them?

By Alia Hoyt

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Whether it's getting rid of a wart, protecting your boots from the elements or crafting roses, duct tape is up to the challenge. Duct tape even played a supporting role on the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

There are thousands of reported uses for WD-40, an aerosol lubricant that's as handy as duct tape. We look at 12 of the more creative ones we've found for this miracle product.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus