Cynthia Lawrence
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!
Latest articles by Cynthia Lawrence
![Man painting exterior wall white](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2oPFBzGLoXmVcAwaekZdR5-320-80.jpg)
Decorating expert reveals this is the best time of year to paint your home
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Thinking of refreshing your walls for a grand makeover? This is the ideal time to paint your home — here’s why.
![Dish soap next to three sponges](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pgxVzxxgxw5wcsPQSV8muU-320-80.jpg)
7 things you should never clean with dish soap — you’ll be surprised
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Dish soap is a common kitchen essential, known to clean anything — just not for these! Find out what things you should never touch with dish soap.
![A Golden Retriever sitting on a sofa as someone vacuums the hardwood floor in front of it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bGYjpUL4gdDfNXzwtSwY6R-320-80.jpg)
Best vacuum cleaners 2024: Top picks for spotless floors
By Cynthia Lawrence, Camilla Sharman last updated
Clean up smart with one of the best vacuum cleaners to keep your floors spotless.
![woman washing a stained cutting board in the sink](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U43Wh8PCozmGk9Y9zU7ZxJ-320-80.jpg)
This cleaning hack gets rid of cutting board stains with just 3 ingredients
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you have unsightly stains on your plastic cutting boards, this clever hack will get rid of them in no time.
![Best desk lamps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Pi2NRNYKLnPRb9D8b47AjL-320-80.jpeg)
The best desk lamps in 2024
By Kate Kozuch, Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Light up your work life with the best desk lamps for every task, need and budget.
![Holes in leaves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6rG5Vk5WBaEVgGHJs9nZ56-320-80.jpg)
5 signs that you have a pest problem in your vegetable garden — and what they could be
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If your homegrown veggies are not thriving, you might have a pest problem in your garden. These are the tell-tale signs to look out for and how to keep them away.
![Holding a homemade room spray](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uQhRwPsXcHHoFmQ2ZiL22e-320-80.jpg)
7 natural hacks to make your home smell good without chemicals
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Who needs to buy air fresheners when you can make your own? These DIY fragrances will make your home smell just as good.
![Baking soda in kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vbfVbRJFF4umsNAZU2unhh-320-80.jpg)
7 things you should never clean with baking soda
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Baking soda is a natural, household cleaner, known for cleaning everything, just not for these.
![Maggots on surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AFCTogM5WEYuLt9Fmm2mLF-320-80.jpg)
How to get rid of maggots in your garbage can fast
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you find maggots crawling around in your garbage can, act quickly with these steps.
![A mosquito resting on a plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RAMDLA4gejsdufxczKusG5-320-80.jpg)
Pest experts say eliminate these 3 things from your yard that are attracting mosquitoes
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Tired of itchy mosquito bites? These are the things that are attracting mosquitoes to your home, according to pest control experts.
![Cooler](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JgyiBEE24XarTDZAisL6C5-320-80.jpg)
The best coolers in 2024
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Keep your snacks and beverages chilled with the best coolers for outdoors.
![Green grass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ndExrsRj6HkEZoqmq9xeoK-320-80.jpeg)
Beat the heat wave — 5 tips for keeping your lawn green
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Keep your lawn green this summer while using less water
![KitchenAid mixer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dEQ8ic4gd8dwqDCg4HnwFk-320-80.jpg)
The best stand mixers of 2024
By Sharon Franke, Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Get your bake on with one of the best stand mixers to suit all homes, lifestyles and budgets.
![mouse entering home through hole in the wall next to Daffodils](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DFvAoB5EkFRt8yuyFC6wVg-320-80.jpg)
7 plants that keep mice and rats from invading your home
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you’ve tried every repellent to keep rodents away, these popular plants may just do the trick.
![Man scratching bug bite on arm](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mgmn7ZuALMdkByaugQJQE6-320-80.jpg)
Got bites but can't see any bugs? Pest experts reveal what they could be
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you suspect you have bug bites, but can’t spot any in the home, these are the most common culprits, according to pest control experts.
![Spraying pomegranate stain on yellow t shirt](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z2VVXwYvwU5E5jhwAAsbDT-320-80.jpg)
5 stain removal mistakes to avoid at all costs
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Dealing with a stain on your fresh, clean shirt? Before you panic, be sure to avoid these stain-removal mistakes that you're probably making.
![Solar lights in backyard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BwYZ8rv7UyZRcGMstZkzff-320-80.jpg)
I'm a home editor and these are the 3 Prime Day solar light deals I recommend to light up your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want to instantly elevate your backyard this summer, here are the top solar light deals I’d recommend snapping up right now.
![A clear phone case being cleaned with dish soap and a toothbrush](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o2u8uVBWEH7xNbKUosok84-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a clear phone case and make it look brand new
By Katie Mortram, Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If your phone case is looking grimy, here's how to clean a clear phone case and remove unsightly stains.
![Ziploc bags on table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cdpCBcwQSUnvGngPZh4N5K-320-80.jpg)
7 clever uses for Ziploc bags that may surprise you
By Cynthia Lawrence published
These popular, reusable bags can come in handy for other things besides food storage. Find out these clever hacks for Ziploc bags.
![Two glasses of frappe coffee on a table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/woEEBHwpC2GSbPfygALpZG-320-80.jpg)
How to make a frappe coffee in 3 simple steps — with or without a machine
By Cynthia Lawrence published
As the weather warms up, and you don’t fancy a hot espresso, here’s how to make a refreshing frappe coffee to keep you cool.
![A green kitchen with a range of appliances](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pQHtmhdjE97tuZrT9qFaZk-320-80.jpg)
Appliance expert reveals the 3 'vampire devices' you should unplug before going on vacation
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Before you’re all packed and ready to leave for your summer destination, be sure to unplug these kitchen appliances. An expert shares why.
![best patio heaters](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KnQsSUQuTbhD8HA4C6ekWZ-320-80.jpg)
The best patio heaters in 2024
By Cynthia Lawrence, TJ Fink last updated
The best patio heaters will keep you warm and toasty outdoors when the sun goes down.
![Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/74tjbRaJsDnhFsE2WHdnCP-320-80.jpg)
Here are 3 Prime Day beating deals on Shark vacuum cleaners that you can buy right now
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Looking to upgrade your vacuum? These top Shark vacuum cleaners have just dropped in price ahead of Prime Day — here’s what I’d buy now