4 Things You Should Never Buy at Thrift Stores, According to Our Editors

Read on for our editors' tips on what you they would personally pass on at thrift stores. I live in New York, so the threat ofbedbugsis always looming. I’d rather not take the chance of bringing something into my apartment that may be harboring pests. Kirill Bordon Photography / Stocksy There are some exceptions of course. “I would probably skip used linens and towels from a thrift store,” she says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · Mary Schneider

4 Things You Should Throw Away Before the Holidays for a Clean Slate

Read on to see what four items need to go before you get going decorating. before you get going untangling and decorating your tree, sift through your collection of lights and ornaments. Discarding any that are broken, non-functional, or missing parts will save you time and frustration. Maryna Terletska / Getty Images Now comes the trickier bits of decluttering. The allure of nostalgia often prompts us to hang onto decorations from seasons past....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · James Hall

4 TikTok-Approved Trends to Try in Your Outdoor Space

This allows the temperature, humidity, and light to replicate a tropical environment for my plants. Michelle is creating two more cabinet-pop in greenhouses to join her growing indoor collection. If you do decide to make a special space, dont go overboard. Rated People These shade-giving structures can be simple or extravagantwhatever works for you and your family. Once she had her inspiration, she just went for it. In the end, she spent about 4 days and $800 and gained some valuable insight as well....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Julie Fitzgerald

4 Tips from Chip Gaines to Help You Tackle Any Spring Project, Indoors and Out

He partnered with Bobcat to explain it all Chip Gaines for Bobcat Spring has officially sprung. Punxsutawney Phil made his announcement, and the first day, March 19, has come and gone. Gaines is more than just one of the stars of HGTVsFixer Upper. Chip Gaines for Bobcat But really when it comes to equipment, I expect a lot. When I heard through the grapevine that Bobcat was interested in partnering with me, I was ecstatic....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 164 words · Kimberly Flores

4 Tricks You Should Try for an Easy Post-Holiday Clean-Up, According to Pro Cleaners

First, remove the entire contents of your fridge, tossing anything that is expired. Then, go all in and do a deep clean of the appliance itself. “For an added boost, mix a little vinegar into the cleaning solution to naturally disinfect.” Sinenkiy / Getty Images This will help your microwave look spotless and smell citrus-fresh, Bossart says. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? cetera," Moore says. Jevtic / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 115 words · Melissa Evans

4 Types of Drain Plungers and How to Choose One

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Plungersare basic household tools designed to unclog drains. Sincedrain clogsare common plumbing problems, plungers offer an extremely effective, inexpensive, and easy way solution. A plunger works its magic with simple suction and pressure. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault There arevarious types of plungers, each designed to be used on different types of drains. A standard plunger has a rubber cup at the end of a straight handle, usually made of wood....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 328 words · Terry Bowen

4 Types of Faucets and How to Choose One

The ball faucet has a single handle that controls a special plastic or metal ball inside the faucet body. This ball has chambers or slots, rubber O-rings, and spring-loaded rubber seals. However, because it is an older technology, the ball faucet is one of the least expensive. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol They are identifiable by their single lever over a wide cylindrical body. The disc faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 346 words · Matthew Moreno

4 Types of Fertilizer and How to Choose One

What Does NPK Mean? When you buy fertilizer, you will see an NPK ratio on the packaging, for example, 15-10-10. This ratio means the fertilizer has 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Annick Vanderschelden / Getty Iages All plants need these three elements to grow. Some types of plants need more of these elements than others, which is why some contain different ratios. This ratio is listed on all synthetic fertilizer packaging and most organic fertilizers....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 349 words · Arthur Blair

4 Types of Hand Pruners and How to Choose

The Spruce / Jacob Fox Few gardening tools are as useful as a good pair ofpruning shears. Regardless of price, regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep them in good working condition. Cutting larger branches can dull the blades, so keep your loppers handy for these instances. The Spruce / Jacob Fox Keep in mind longer handles will give more leverage. The blades also come in a range of sizes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · Lisa Garcia

4 Types of Siding: Comparing Vinyl, Wood, Metal, and Fiber Cement

For example, classic colors look best onColonial styleswhile pastels and brighter colors feel at home onVictorian houses. You’ll also want to consider your budget. Though vinyl is the cheapest and fiberboard is the most expensive, your house will benefit from the update. JamesBrey / Getty Images Installation Commonly used as a retrofit siding, vinyl is often applied over old wood siding. This will add insulation to the walls. Proper installation is critical, or the siding will warp or buckle....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 480 words · Mrs. Katherine Greer

4 Types of Window Shades to Check Out

you might add even more style by topping your window shades with avalence or window swag. Below, learn about four common types of window shades to choose the right option for your space. These shades are typically durable and should last for many years with standard use. jgareri / Getty Images Simple white plastic roller shades can be purchased inexpensively at any home improvement center. Roller shades that are more expensive often have a cordless lifting mechanism....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 202 words · Angela Thomas

4 Underrated Decorating Tips Designers Always Use to Refresh Their Outdoor Spaces

“Have an oversized tree in your backyard? Lastly, don’t forget about your main gathering area. Gather your favorite drinks, snacks, and some blankets to really set a comfortable ambiance. Design byCalimia Home/ Photo by Jeanne Canto Want more design inspiration? “I never overlook functional storagethink stylish benches with hidden compartmentsto maintain clean lines,” Luedecke says. That’s not all, though. @ladylandscape/ Instagram She encourages clients to incorporate elements such as hanging planters, vertical gardens, or wall-mounted art....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 111 words · Theresa Phillips

4 Ways to Clean Toilet Stains Quickly and Efficiently

Remove stubborn stains with these methods. The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija Tired of battling stubborn stains in your toilet bowl? Say goodbye to the frustration of a less-than-pristine toilet bowl and hello to a bathroom that sparkles and shines. The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija Let’s dive in and reclaim cleanliness, one flush at a time! The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska Baking Soda and Vinegar Best for:Mineral stains. The bubbling action of thevinegar and baking soda combohelps dissolve mineral buildup, leaving your bowl looking brand new....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 176 words · Yolanda Reed