Here are some tips from design pros and veteran DIYers on how do just that. To transform those underutilized outdoor spots into functional spaces, Lemieux encourages thinking yacht. This means you are taking the design upward rather than outward. @afrobohemianliving/ Instagram The vertical elements draw the eye and maximize limited square footage, she says. Lemieux recommends installing anything Murphy, like flip-down tables and shelving. For greenery, look up to espaliers, climbing plants, orvertical gardens....

The Spruce / Lacey Johnson Combining baking soda and vinegar is a popular way tounclog a drain. Fizz and bubbles seem like they would instantly cut through the toughest clog. But this favorite drain-clearing hack isn’t all that effective and may even harm your pipes. The Spruce / Lacey Johnson A variation of this idea is that the fizz and bubbles can gradually eat away the clog. Avoid using baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain....

However, the amount of laundry detergent you use can have a bigger impact than you might realize. For high-efficiency (HE) washers, less detergent is always better. Most HE detergents are specially formulated to work with these machines, but its still important to measure carefully. The Spruce / Sanja Kostic Want more cleaning and organizing tips? This method will make your clothes feel softer and cleaner. And going forward, be mindful of how much detergent youre using....

However, experts say it’s a little more complicated. Meet the Expert Can You Wash Your Kitchen Towels With Bathroom Towels? Jena Ardell/ Getty Images In general, yes, you canwash kitchen and bathroom towelstogether. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly This is especially true of lightly used kitchen towels such as those used for drying dishes. However, this alone is not a sufficient reason for washing kitchen and bathroom towels together. “Kitchen towels and bath towels almost always recommend laundering in warm water,” Ceconi says....

The most important elements inwool careare washing and drying temperatures. We spoke with a laundry expert for the best advice on what water temperature is safe for washing wool. Learn how to keep your wool socks, sweaters, and jackets looking great. Evrymmnt / Getty Images What Is the Right Temperature to Wash Wool? “Wool is an animal fiber. “One way to do that is to use the right water temperature and detergent....

Bulb versus corm In horticultural terms, gladiolus grow from corms which are similar to bulbs. Onions are good examples of bulbs. Corms are flatter in appearance. The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky You want to wait until the foliage has turned brown and died back. It’s okay to grasp dead foliage to gently pull the attached corms from the ground. Shake off excess dirt and inspect the attached corms. Before storing, the first step is to remove any dead foliage....

Below, pros share insight on why they prefer to keep extra towels outside of the bathroom when possible. Should You Store Towels in the Bathroom? :Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images No, you should not store towels in the bathroom. YinYang / Getty Images It’s a relatively small space, and all storage real estate is valuable. She keeps extra towels on shelves in her laundry room to avoid having them in the bathroom....

Thats rightstoves arent one-size-fits-all. The inclusion of an integrated backsplash can bring the height up to 41 inches. This is because the depth and height of cabinetry is standardized. KuznetsovDmitry / Getty Images These stoves are available with or without built-in backsplashes, which will increase the overall height of the appliance. Freestanding vs. Slide-In Ranges Standard stoves are available infreestanding and slide-initerations andinductionand gas versions. You’ll want to better understand each throw in, so you canchoose the best inductionor gas range....

What Is Straw Mulch? Using Straw Mulch Straw mulch is added to lawns,vegetable gardens, and small fruits. Its messy appearance doesn’t offer an aesthetic appeal in ornamental flower beds, so landscaping use is limited. Image by Sherry Galey / Getty Images It’s spread, usually by hand, and aids seed germination by keeping the soil moist. It also spreads easily around established plants. Bales are fairly lightweight; a 2-string weighs around 60 pounds....

The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala Waterpropagationis a fun and simple way to grow new plants at home. However, if you’re struggling to make water propagation work, youre not alone. Here are 12 common water propagation mistakes you may be making and how to correct them. The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala Propagating Everything in Water Not all plants are well-suited to water propagation. Some plants will root far more quickly in soil or by other methods, such as air layering....

What Is Stucco, and Is It Right for Your Home? Stucco is an exterior home finishing plaster coat found on homes nationwide, due to its durability and versatility. House exteriors are composed of many layers that work together. OliverChilds/Getty Images The outermost layer is the most important to the home’s lifespan: the siding or cladding. Unlike otherforms of siding, stucco applies equally well to masonry and wood-sheathed homes. Stucco can be applied to wood-sheathed walls....

Here, learn how to remove a tree stump at home. Safety Considerations No matter what method you use, be sure to wear the proper protective gear. A bow saw can also sever the roots as you uncover them. The Spruce / Ana Cadena If you’re not confident, make a run at use a bow saw for all your cutting. Exposing the roots may require more digging, but it will be safer....

Design byRose & Mortar/ Photo by Amy Neunsinger Theres a certainje ne sais quoito Parisian decor. Perhaps its the centuries-old architectural details paired with herringbone floors. Maybe its the marble mantels topped with gilded mirrors. Design byRose & Mortar/ Photo by Amy Neunsinger How about floor-to-ceiling window treatments, soft-lined sofas, or a collection of priceless antiques? Oui, oui, and oui.Whatever draws you to the style, Parisian decor is packed with character....