Wiping down greasy surfaces with just a damp cloth never really does the trick. What you’ll need, in addition to a little elbow grease, is a degreasing agent. For tougher messes, a commercial product like anoven cleanermight be best. The Spruce / Brie Goldman Here’s how three cleaning experts use these degreasing agents to tackle grime on appliances. “They are the quickest and most simple tools for helping break down greasy build-up,” Hill says....

TriggerPhoto / Getty Images Squeaky stairs are annoying and make a house feel old and dated. The good news is that most stair squeaks can be traced and fixed. Sometimes, one of the stringers rubs against a wall, but this is less common. TriggerPhoto / Getty Images The fix is to fasten the step to the riser, preferably from the bottom of the staircase. But over time, the nails may loosen....

While its completely normal to seeants in the garden, they can become irksome in large numbers. Most ants are harmless and beneficial to the ecosystem. Granules, gels, and foamant killersare ideal for destroying nests. n-s-d / Getty Images Gel and foam versions work best for hard-to-reach crevices (e.g. under lap siding) since they come with long extension tubes. Chemical insecticides should only be used in areas that children and pets dont have access to unless stated otherwise....

In fact, all it takes is a little craftiness and cleverness. says Rachel Smith, founder of The Crafted Life and author ofColorful Living. Paint your current knobs to change up your color palette, Smith says. Vostok / Getty Images Just be sure to seal for high-trafficked areas. For example, Smith updated her IKEA Tarva Dresser by sanding the laminate surface tohelp the paint stick. The piece can then be sealed with and dried to protect it from wear over time....

There’s truly a project for everyone and every design style. Below, we’ve rounded up 40 diybackyard ideasto help you get started on your outdoor refresh. This setup is ultra-welcoming and can accommodate a large crewbring on the s’mores and bonfires this summer. A Beautiful Mess Create a moody and striking contrast by pairing black decor accents with wooden features. Take it up a notch by incorporating some string lights to create a dreamy escape....

Bold Wallpaper Hang wallpaper to add a surprising decorative element to a basement space. Tones of gray, silver, and dusky blue create a serene, grown-up feel. Silver pendant lights and a long butcher block table with bar stools create an area for sipping. Louis Duncan-He Designs/Eymeric Wilding Photography Blogger Leslie from My 100 Year Old Home uses her Waco, TX. If your dining room doesn’t have built-ins, use a sideboard or vintage buffet instead....

Ready to start decking out your own ceilings? Want more design inspiration? Here, this slanted ceiling is comprised of large skylight windows and beams, which complement the white walls. @colleensimondsdesign/ Instagram “A beautifully decorated ceiling draws the eye upwards, creating a sense of spaciousness,” Chiprut adds. Stick-on molding, as pictured here, is an excellent option for renters looking to upgrade their space temporarily. Why not have a bit of fun with an unexpected material where it’s possible for you to?...

These festive staircase decorating ideas will have you feeling holly and jolly in no time. These letters can easily be found at craft stores and can be painted or customized to your liking. Hang Those Stockings @shellysfarmhouse/ Instagram No chimney? Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp No problem.Hang stockings by the staircase with care for a fun spin on tradition. Bonus points if you include one for your furry friend, too....

Fall flowers come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes suitable for any garden style. Here are 40 fall flowers to keep your landscape blooming into autumn. Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) The Spruce / Margot Cavin The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Mums are quintessential fall flowers. They start blooming in September and last until frost. And the many species come in various bloom shapes and colors. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova...

Here are 40 inspirational black dining room ideas to bolster your courage. If you want to play up the green undertones, add a house plant or two to the room. Bring in Warmth With Brown Studio Pica Design Another common undertone that appears in black is brown. Design by@habachydesigns/ Photo by@galina.juliana/ Instagram This is an ideal choice for dining rooms with wood furniture. Embrace Antiques deVOL kitchens Black walls make the perfect canvas for all things old....

Check out these blue-gray paint colors for inspiration. Pair with cool white trim and warm wood accents for a cozy look. Want more design inspiration? Desiree Burns Interiors Pair with silver or chrome fixtures and pale gray carpeting to reinforce the refreshing feel. Clare Motor City Select a blue-gray paint with green undertones to add depth. Add pops of color like a bright yellow bedside lamp or a gallery wall of art....

Globally, there are over 300 clematis species, plus countless more hybrid clematis varieties. Want more gardening tips? These plants rarely need pruning, although they can be trimmed on occasion for a tidier look. andreymuravin / Getty Images These deciduous climbers look stately on trellises and fences, and they produce flowers in late spring and fall. These plants produce elegant, lavender-colored flowers on new growth and they typically bloom from midsummer to fall....

But todayscoastal decoris a crowd-pleasing and ubiquitous style that can work in a variety of spaces. Incorporate Inky Blues K+Co. Natural wood accents like the organic coffee table add warmth. Christina Kim Interior Design/Raquel Langworthy Photography An airy glass bubble floor lamp adds a lighthearted note. The pair of rounded sandy beige armchairs add a sculptural feel. Add Dramatic Lighting K+Co. The Spruce / Jacob Fox A painted white shiplap ceiling adds a cozy note....