We've Put 105 Mops to the Test, and These 7 Are Our All-Time Favorites

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Simply put, mops have evolveda lotfrom the traditional cotton mop head dripping across your floor. The Spruce What’s So Great About Them Spray mops assemble in a snap and transport easily. They are generally lightweight, so theyre good for toting from room to room. Cost Consideration Expect spray mops to cost anywhere from $20 to $300....

May 4, 2025 · 7 min · 1322 words · Heather Olsen

We've Tested Hundreds of Sheets and Found the 7 Softest

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. This set has been part of our regular sheets rotation at home for over four months. The Spruce We’re impressed with their quality, especially given the reasonable price tag for GOTS-certified organic cotton. Unfortunately, after even just a single wash, we did find that the sheets pattern can fade. We love how these cotton sheets get softer with wear and washing, thanks to their long-staple fibers....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 539 words · Brent Anderson

Wet Basement Causes and Solutions

Warning Moisturein a basement can createmold and mildew, as well as ruin flooring and wall materials. And this backfill can settle more than the surrounding undisturbed soil. Over time, the backfill compresses, creating a slope (grade) that angles downward toward the foundation. The Spruce / Margot Cavin This can involve trucking in substantial amounts of soil to reverse the direction of the slope. This can be a difficult problem to correct....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 428 words · Justin Rogers

What a Chimney Flue Is—and Why It's Needed

Understanding the function ofchimney fluesand chimney flue linersis essential to overall fireplace and chimney safety and maintenance. Every wood-burning or gas fireplace has a flue.Gelandfaux fireplacesdo not have chimneys or flues. Chimney flues have traditionally been made from fireclay flue tile. By Eve Livesey / Getty Images More recently, stainless steel flues are used in addition to clay tile. What Is a Chimney Fire? A chimney fire is a terrifying event that cannot be easily reversed....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 230 words · Justin Taylor

What a T&P Valve Is and How to Fix It

If all goes well, a TPR valve never gets used intentionally except during testing. But in the event of an emergency or malfunction, this valve is of critical importance. It can potentially prevent your water heater from exploding. Lee Wallender The valve provides relief to the water heater if the pressure exceeds normal operating limits, usually 150 psi. In a standard water heater, the water is heated by a gas burner or electric elements....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · Amy Garcia

What Animal is Digging Holes in My Yard?

Which Animals Dig Holes in the Yard? They’ll be familiar with local wildlife laws and know what your next steps should be. Always double-check to follow local and state laws when it comes to pest removal! Nadya So/iStock/Getty Images Plus The term ‘rodents’ doesn’t just apply to mice and rats, and rodents come with risks. Chipmunks Chipmunksare small rodents that bring a burst of energy to any backyard. Physically, chipmunks have:...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 462 words · Dominique Miller

What Are Accent Colors?

If in doubt, stick to this rule, and you’ll be able to achieve a balanced look. Use your main color in 60 percent of the room’s surfaces such as the walls and area rugs. Employ your main accent color in 30 percent of your roomthe upholstery and window coverings for example. September15 / Getty Images Finish with a second accent hue in 10 percent of the space like throw pillows and decorativre objects....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 143 words · Patricia Campbell

What Are Air Plants? Everything You Should Know About This No-Soil Plant

Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Air plants are unique andpopular houseplants. Unlike snake plants or hosta, they dont require soil to growhence the name. What Are Air Plants? Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Geri Lavrov / Getty Images Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) In the wild, they can grow as long as 7 feet. These plants usually have strap-shaped or narrow leaves growing in a rosette pattern. Geri Lavrov / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Destiny Williams

What Are Booklice? 7 Ways to Get Rid of Them

A new construction environment is relatively humid, and these teeny bugs thrive in moist conditions. Luckily, these bugs can be easily managed, and they typically do not survive when humidity levels drop. Booklice feed anywhere there is microscopic mold and grow where there’s humidity. The Spruce These outdoor species are often called barklice. If you have a psocid problem, here are more tips on how to prevent or control booklice....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 552 words · Elizabeth Richardson

What Are Cellulose Sponges, and When Should You Use Them?

Cellulose sponges are made primarily from wood fibers. Cellulose has many uses, including making sponges and cellulose wipes or dishcloths. Quick Facts About Cellulose Sponges Why Use Cellulose Sponges? The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska Manufactured cellulose sponges are some of the most commoncleaning spongesavailable. The tiny holes in cellulose sponges are meant to absorb and hold liquid while you use them. They can last through some reasonably tough cleaning jobs....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 353 words · Diana Yang

What Are Colonial-Revival Style Homes?

JenniferPhotographyImaging / Getty Images Colonial-Revival houses have shaped the history of American architecture. lillisphotography / Getty Images American Colonial vs. Colonial-Revival American Colonialand Colonial-Revival architecture share the same roots. Large windows, often in pairs Grand entryway with showier portico or pediment. JenniferPhotographyImaging / Getty Images Colonial-Revival Formal Dining Room The formal dining room features characteristic elements likewainscotingand a fireplace. The most common materials for Colonial-Revival buildings are wood clapboard and brick....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 149 words · Christy Jackson

What Are Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes?

Which punch in of Tomato Should You Grow in the Garden? Alltomato plants are vines, but indeterminate tomatoes grow much longer than determinate varieties. There are pros and cons to each throw in. The Spruce / K. Dave Indeterminate tomatoes produce more fruit but require more maintenance. Determinate tomatoes produce less fruit but are low-maintenance. Look for large cagesat least four feet tall, and reinforce them with wood or bamboo stakes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 426 words · Colleen Delacruz

What Are Double-Paned or Double-Glazed Windows?

Once the norm, single-paned windows are rarely installed anymore. There is no contest when comparing single- to double-paned windows. Double-paned windows offer stellar energy efficiency, better soundproofing, and increased interior comfort. The Spruce / Joules Garcia What Is a Double-Paned Window? A double-paned window has two panes of glass set into a frame. Between the glass is an intervening gas or air pocket to better insulate a room. This window is sometimes called a double-glazed window....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 295 words · Steven Scott Jr.