I'll be honest, despite living with a plumber, there's still plenty of things I do wrong when it comes to the pipes in my home. And while my husband's more than happy to tell me why I need to stop clogging the bathtub drain with my hair, there are some things we never discuss.

When someone recently asked me whether it was safe to pour boiling water down the sink, I didn't know what to say. So, I turned to my husband, just as I did when I wanted to know how often you should actually clean your shower head?

It turns out when it comes to pouring boiling water down your drains, most of the time it's no problem at all. In fact, sometimes it can actually be helpful. But, there's still some instances when you need to be more careful. Here's my plumber husband's top tips.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down your sink?

My plumber husband's first response was to simply say: "Yes, it's not a problem." With most home pipes, exposure to boiling water won't cause any issues. But, when I poked him for some extra advice, he added: "It's not going to damage anything and it could potentially clear minor blockages.

"It's actually probably something you want to start with if you think you've got a blockage, before you move onto using chemicals or anything more potent," he explains.

But, there are still some instances, he warned, that can cause your pipes to suffer from long-term exposure to boiling water.

When is it not safe to pour boiling water down your sink?

While a lot of households have metal pipes, there are still a proportion that don't (especially newer builds). "If you have plastic or PVC pipes, you should be more cautious. There's potential for the hot water to melt or misshape your pipes with excessive exposure," he reveals.

Though, he was quick to add that excessive exposure means doing it a heck of a lot, which he doesn't believe anyone would be doing. Simply pouring away the remains of a kettle or draining your pasta water won't have devastating effects to your pipes, but if you're inclined to do it regularly than you may be causing an issue.

Does running cold water at the same time help?

You might have heard of a 'hack' that some people suggest where you run cold water from your tap at the same time as pouring the boiling water down the sink to lower the temperature.

And while my husband plumber suggests it would cool it down, he adds: "It'd just be like running the hot water tap, only you do run a small risk of thermal shock. I'm not sure what would be the benefit. All you're doing is cooling down the water, but it wouldn't be causing an issue in the first place."

He suggests that if you're looking to protect your pipes, you shouldn't be wary of boiling water. Instead, you should be focusing on not washing down any grease, fats or food waste into your sink as that could cause blockages that are a lot harder to solve.

More from Tom's Guide

• This TikTok hack claims vinegar will clean your shower head — I asked my plumber husband if it actually works
• You asked: Can dish soap fix your clogged drain? A plumber explains the facts
• Households urged not to pour boiling water down drains this winter — I asked a plumber what to do instead

Few indoor plants are as forgiving as the peace lily, but coaxing one to put out its sculptural, creamy white spathes once October slips away is a different challenge entirely. As fall sets in, the window to encourage fresh flowers is closing fast.

Temperatures are dipping, natural daylight is fading by the afternoon, and central heating systems are beginning to strip indoor air of its ambient moisture. Left to fend for itself in a dim corner, a peace lily will naturally wind down its metabolic engine and head straight into winter dormancy.

Triggering one final, dramatic flush of fall blooms before the cold locks in requires working with the plant's seasonal biology, rather than fighting it.

More from Tom's Guide

• Why are my peace lily leaves turning yellow? 3 steps to bring back the green
• Where to put a peace lily so it actually flowers — 5 ideal spots in your home
• Your peace lily needs dividing if you see these signs — here's how to do it

Just as you start to enjoy the fall colors of the leaves turning to charming shades of oranges, reds and yellows, they start dropping. And unfortunately, if you live near any trees, it's likely that those leaves are landing on your lawn.

Mine has become swamped in what feels like a matter of days and every year, I find myself with a rake and a dream hoping I can get the job done as quickly as possible.

But this year looks like it might go differently. I recently came across the 'tarp burrito', a hack that suggests that you can get your leaves cleaned up fast. So, I had to give it a try – and I have to say I was very surprised with the results.

How does it work?

On TikTok, @theblowmaster shares 'landscape industry secrets' to his over 40k followers. But it's his 'tarp burrito' method that caught my eye. While I've followed the 7 tips and tricks to raking leaves the easy way, one of which is using a tarp to load up your leaves, I never thought to try this.

It's simple. Once you've laid your tarp out, you need to tie up the one end in a knot to securely hold your leaves. He explains: "That way, when you carry it, it folds up like a burrito." He then demonstrates dragging it along the lawn, exclaiming: "You see? It's not going anywhere."

Here's what happened when I tried it

Thankfully, I already had a tarp ready to use (after a good shake of spiders from the garage). But, if you don't have one already, it'll only cost you around $10 to pick one up.

Firstly, I laid the tarp out flat on my lawn so that I could rake all the leaves onto it. And as I started to collect leaves, I realized the wind was working against me. So, I weighed down two corners and decided to tie up my 'tarp burrito' straight away so that I'd stop losing the leaves out the back.

It actually worked surprisingly well, keeping the leaves secure as I moved between the waste and compost bin. I also have side access to my house, so I was able to pull the 'tarp burrito' all the way round to the front of my house to gather more leaves on the front yard.

While I was concerned that tying up the ends would be difficult with the stiffness of the tarp, if anything it worked better. Sure, I still lost some leaves because it was a windy day, but I figure I'd have lost a lot more if I hadn't tried out this hack.

I'd recommend attaching a peg or two or tying up the knot with a rubber band to fully secure it if you're going to be moving the tarp around a lot. But, for a simple leaf clear up on my lawn, it certainly does the job. I'll be using it again every year.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to remove leaf stains from concrete — no vinegar required
• Don’t clear those fallen leaves: The free fall hack that stops weeds in their tracks
• I used four different tools to get rid of leaves in my yard, and this is the one I recommend

I've been having a battle with fruit flies. In my home, we eat a lot of bananas and I also like to make sure some of them ripen fully so I can bake up a loaf of banana bread (or two).

But with bananas on the countertop, I've also had an influx of fruit fly visitors that are not welcome in my home.

There are plenty of reasons fruit flies can turn up in your home, including buildup in your drains, unwashed trash in your bins, and crumbs and food scraps you might not have noticed.

Whatever it is, I'm on a mission to find a way to get rid of fruit flies, and social media has brought me an answer.

While I've tried 3 different DIY fruit fly traps with varying results, I recently came across a hack I'd never seen before that I just had to try. It also helped that I had all the ingredients already in my home.

Spoiler alert: I've been very surprised by the results.

How does it work?

TikTok pair, @jeffandlaurenshow, share wildly varied from food hacks to home organization to their 2 million followers. But, they're also really great at sharing DIY pest control hacks that require minimum effort.

And for their DIY fruit fly trap, all you need is a lidded mason jar, apple cider vinegar and some dish soap. To save on costs, you can also easily recycle any old food jar you have, rather than buying a new one.

To follow this hack, carry out these five simple steps:

• Poke several holes in the lid of the mason jar
• Add around a cup of apple cider vinegar
• Add a couple of squirts of dish soap
• Swirl the mixture around in the jar
• Place the jar wherever you notice the fruit flies

It's important to note that you should be very careful when poking the holes in your mason jar lid (as I quickly learned).

While you can use a hammer and nail, screwdriver or power drill, you also need to be careful of the sharp edges that remain on the lid. I opted for the power drill as it tends to leave the cleanest holes.

It's also worth noting that fruit flies are a lot smaller than regular flies, so if you're worried that the holes are too small, don't be.

Here's what happened when I tried it

To complete this hack, I picked up a bottle of apple cider vinegar, fairly cheap at my local grocery store. I already had an old jam jar to clean out and dish soap at home, so it only cost me around $5 to put this DIY fruit fly trap together.

After a failed attempt with a screwdriver to make the holes, I recruited my husband and his power drill to make them for me neatly instead.

Then, all I had to do was simply add about a cup of apple cider vinegar, as well as a couple of generous squirts of dish soap.

After replacing the lid and agitating the mixture, I placed the DIY fruit fly trap onto my windowsill directly above where I keep the bananas. I'll be honest, my expectations were low for this one as I've already had several failed attempts at getting rid of the fruit flies in my kitchen. But, I was happy to give it a go since it took me less than a minute to do and cost me very little.

I left it overnight and returned in the morning to find that the mixture had caught not one, not two, but what appeared to be three fruit flies. At first, I thought it had failed as the mixture was pretty cloudy, but after a swirl around it uncovered the truth – it had worked!

I feel like I don't get to say that a lot about DIY hacks, but with it's safe to say with this one I've been pleasantly surprised.

More from Tom's Guide

• This 2-ingredient dish soap spray kills fruit flies instantly
• How to banish fruit flies with apple cider vinegar — and prevent them from coming back
• I've got a fly infestation — here's the hack I found to tackle the problem for good

Fall weather may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean our lawncare duties should go into hibernation just yet. In fact, now is the time to tend to our lawns and ensure they’re in good shape come spring.

And if you’ve noticed that your once lush lawn is looking patchy, soggy, or generally in bad condition, it could point to compacted soil. Essentially, this is when pressure or certain weight squeezes soil particles together. This thick layer blocks any water, essential nutrients, or air from getting into the roots — affecting healthy growth.

But how do you know? And more importantly, what can you do to repair it? To help solve this dilemma, I asked the garden experts to share the key signs of compacted soil, how to test for it, and the best ways to fix it this fall.

1. Water sits on your lawn

Puddles or standing water on your lawn clearly indicate compacted soil underneath. This is because tightly packed ground prevents proper drainage, which can lead to waterlogging, patchy spots, and root disease.

“One of the clearest signs is water sitting on the surface after rain,” states Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.

“If puddles take a long time to drain, it could indicate that compacted soil is preventing water from soaking into the ground properly.

The first step to fix this is to aerate the soil (making holes) to allow it to breathe. Typically, there are two types of aerators – spike and core aerators.

Spike aerators literally have long spikes that puncture the ground as you pass over it, while core aerators pull up ‘cores’ of soil as they work, leaving them on the surface.

“If the lawn is badly compacted, a hollow-tine aerator, which removes small plugs of soil and removes the pressure from the soil, may be more effective,” advises Alex Dobson, garden and outdoor space expert at Charles & Ivy.

“For smaller gardens, use a garden fork to make holes across the affected areas, gently rocking it backwards and forwards to open up the soil.”

Just avoid aerating when the ground is very wet or frozen, as this could make waterlogging worse. If in doubt, check out these expert tips on aerating a wet lawn.

2. The ground feels hard

As well as the ground feeling squishy to walk on, you might also encounter a hardened surface. This is especially during the colder fall months.

“You may also notice that the ground feels unusually hard, grass growth has become thin, or moss and algae are appearing in persistently damp areas,” adds Bonnett.

So how do I check for this? Luckily, there is a simple way to check for compaction before you aerate. “A simple way to check is to push a screwdriver or garden fork into the soil when it is slightly moist. If it is difficult to penetrate the ground, particularly in areas where people regularly walk, compaction could be the issue.”

“Fall is a good time to do this, as long as the ground isn’t waterlogged. You can also overseed bare patches to encourage fresh growth. Try to avoid walking on the lawn when it’s wet too, as this can make compaction worse.”

3. The grass is thin or patchy

Another clear warning sign is when your once-lush lawn starts to turn sparse and patchy. When soil becomes heavily compacted, grass roots are starved of essential air and water, making it nearly impossible for your lawn to thrive.

One way to fix this is to overseed your lawn. But before sprinkling more grass seed or lawn feed, you’ll need to check and deal with compacted soil first.

“For lawns with bare patches, overseeding can help the grass fill in once the soil has been improved and conditions are suitable for new growth,” advises Dobson. “If water continues to collect in the same spots, you may also need to look at the garden's drainage rather than relying on aeration alone”.

“Once you've aerated the lawn, try to avoid repeatedly walking over the same areas, particularly when the ground is wet. You can also add stepping stones to the lawn to help prevent the soil from becoming compacted again.”

So if you’ve spotted any of these warning signs on your lawn, the key thing is to loosen the soil and reduce pressure on the grass. Once these issues are fixed immediately, you’ll have lush and healthy grass all year round.

For more top tips, check out how often you should aerate your lawn and how many passes are best.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 common lawn care mistakes you’re probably making right now
• 9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
• 5 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard

As the weather drops, we all start asking ourselves: "Is it time to put the heating on?" And after months of not needing it, it's also when you might realize that your heating isn't doing as efficient a job as it was the year before.

I should know, my husband's a heating engineer and it's around the same time each year that his phone doesn't stop ringing with people wanting to know why their house isn't warming up like it used to.

But, before you call in a professional, there's a few things you can do around your home to make sure your property isn't losing heat – and they're pretty simple to do and fairly inexpensive. Add in the fact that you could also be saving yourself money on heating bills in the long term and this should become part of your fall/winter routine.

1. Use a sheet of paper to identify gaps

As Kaitlin Wood, Senior Category Manager for Bathrooms, Plumbing, Heating and Renewables at Travis Perkins says: "Homeowners often focus on their boiler or thermostat when preparing for winter, but heat can also escape through small gaps and poorly insulated areas around the property."

And one really important place to check is your windows. Fortunately, you can do so with just a simple strip of paper. All you have to do is place it between an open window and its frame before closing the window and locking it. If you can remove the paper once it's closed with little resistance, there's clearly an issue with the seal around the window.

You should check this in several places around the window to ensure where the problem is, and once you've identified the problem, you can use draught-proofing strips around the windows to fix it.

Though it's important to identify what the issue actually is, too. Whether it's a worn seal, a misaligned window, damaged hinges or a gap around the outer frame. "A joiner or window fitter can establish whether the window needs a replacement seal, an adjustment, or a more substantial repair, helping homeowners avoid applying a product that is unsuitable for the window," advises Rob Haddock, Senior Group Commercial Category Manager at Travis Perkins.

2. Check your attic

If your attic is anything like mine, it's a place where I store the things I don't need all year round, from seasonal clothing and decorations to suitcases and memorabilia. But storing all this up in the attic might actually be causing a problem for your heating.

All these storage boxes and/or boards might be impacting the effectiveness of your attic's insulation by compressing it or pushing it to the sides. So, head into your attic with a tape measure and check the depth in areas of high storage against empty spots to assess. You'll need to check the climate zone, but it'll range between 10 and 24 inches.

Haddock says: "Adding more insulation will not necessarily solve the problem if it is then compressed beneath boxes or loft boards. Raising boarding can provide storage space while allowing the insulation underneath to retain its intended depth."

He advises: "Damp Insulation, insulation damaged by pests, or covering electrical equipment should not simply be topped up. An experienced installer can assess its condition, ventilation and coverages before recommending the correct improvement."

And it's also worth checking your attic door while you're up there for any visible signs of gaps, whether that's a noticeable draft, movement, or light shining through.

3. Assess your radiators

You don't have to be a heating engineer to run a quick check on your radiators to see if the heat is being distributed evenly. Instead, do it yourself and then you can identify whether you need to call in an expert.

Place your hands gently on the radiator (being careful of heat). If you're feeling coolness at the top of a radiator, but heat at the bottom, coolness throughout, or a radiator that heats very slowly compared to others, than you might have a bigger problem.

Wood explains: "Uneven heat is a symptom rather than a full diagnosis. Turning up the thermostat could make other rooms unnecessarily warm without resolving the original problem. A heating engineer can determine whether the radiator contains trapped air or whether there is a problem elsewhere in the system."

5. Insulate exposed pipes

It's worth checking throughout your home and especially in unheated spaces like your loft and garage for pipes that may be exposed as they could be susceptible to freezing or condensation during the colder months.

Once you've identified these pipes, it's possible to buy pipe insulation and slip over straight pipe runs with self-sealing adhesive, but you may want to call in a plumber to help you identify and treat the pipes, as well as ensuring that valves, controls and components are still exposed for access.

It's also worth noting that if you identify heating or hot water pipes that these need to be switched off and cooled fully before handling.

5. Do a full draft check

While checking your windows is the most obvious place for drafts in a property, there's a few other spots you should also be paying attention to. These include floorboards, baseboards, around pipework and fireplaces.

Small gaps can be treated with the appropriate filler, with research and expert guidance, but if you identify any larger gaps or openings you think shouldn't be there, it's time to call in an expert. Spotting them could be just what you need to reduce those heating bills in the long run.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 ways to winterize your home and save money on your energy bills
• Winter brings 3 types of damp — here's how to spot and treat them before they spread
• 7 ways to winterize your pipes and stop them from bursting

Depending on what region you live in, the risk of floods may be a real problem for you, especially in the colder months. Heavy rain can feel like its come out of nowhere, so it's best to be prepared.

While you can track rain patterns on weather apps and from regional news, it's a much better idea to get ahead of the weather entirely.

Instead, you should be doing any prep work before you're faced with flood warnings and predictions of heavy rain.

Fortunately, I've put together a 5-minute fall flood checklist that will help you prepare your home for a flood, hopefully preventing damage that'll take a lot longer to resolve.

After all, it's better to be ready even if the rain doesn't arrive than be caught out with a flood striking and creating hazards across your home.

1. Clear gutters and downspouts

Fall is the perfect season for your gutters and downspouts to get clogged up. Why? Well, with falling leaves and extra rain, it can concoct the ultimate mulch that will easily block the area. It's also a great breeding ground for moss to gather, too.

Grab a sturdy ladder with someone spotting you or a stabilizer at the bottom, then using a bucket and gloves, remove all the packed debris, leaves and moss that's blocking up your gutters. You should do this once or twice during the fall, especially around November and December as that's when most trees lose their leaves.

2. Trim down nearby trees and shrubs

Around your home, you may have nearby trees and shrubs that are your responsibility to trim down to prevent excessive foliage falling to the ground – and, as already discussed, into your gutters. This can also cause a problem for any exterior drains you have.

So, you should prune back trees and shrubs to minimize the amounts of leaves and loose branches that pose a risk to your home. If you let everything fall to the ground or into your gutters, you're increasing the chances that rain won't drain properly away from your property.

3. Survey for cracks and gaps

It won't take you long at all to do a perimeter walk of your home to check for any cracks or gaps in the exterior walls, so make sure you do. If you spot any, grab some waterproof sealants or fillers to close up any gaps and cracks to prevent any water getting through.

You may need to widen any small gaps to ensure the sealants or fillers hold or call in a professional if you find anything especially bad. Hairline cracks that are less than 1/16 of an inch though are generally considered cosmetic, so you can leave these alone. But, it's important to note down where they are and keep an eye on them incase they get any worse.

4. Test your sump pump

Not all homes have sump pumps, but if you have one in your basement, you should incorporate testing it into your 5-minute fall flood home check. Simply pour water (around one or two 5-gallon buckets worth, or run a hose) into the pit to test that the float switch is working and that the pump then activates and drains the water out of the basin.

Then, confirm that the water level has fully dropped back down to the bottom and that the sump pump has turned off. You'll most likely be able to listen for this as the motor will stop running.

With your sump pump in order, basement flooding risk can be greatly reduced, and the need for a dehumidifier.

5. Move belongings to a higher place

Even after all your home checks, you may still want to protect your valuables from any risk of floods and to do that, you can quickly move anything of value to the highest floor of your home or even the attic.

Of course, you don't need to live with your valuables up high at all times, but if you receive a warning from the National Weather Service or hear of any extreme weather, you should at least have a plan in place about what you choose to move.

You might also be interested in the gardener’s guide to surviving heavy storms and waterlogged lawns.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 expert-approved tasks you must do in October to get your yard ready for fall
• 5 ways to protect your lawn from flooding — tips from garden experts
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Fall is here, and it’s already taken its toll on my once-lush, green grass. But before the weather turns too chilly, October provides the perfect opportunity to repair damaged lawns and prepare them for the winter months ahead.

And one essential task is to aerate your lawn to prevent waterlogging and ensure key nutrients reach the soil. However, with constant drizzles and damp conditions expected throughout the fall season, is it okay to aerate a wet lawn?

I asked a lawn care expert to find out and get their top tips.

Can I aerate a wet lawn?

Generally, you can aerate a slightly damp lawn but not when it’s saturated with heavy rain — so it’s important to distinguish between the two.

“A simple rule is that damp is fine, soggy isn’t — if water is standing on the surface or the tines come out coated in sticky mud, wait a few days,” states Jonathan Davis, lawn care expert at Lawnsmith.

“Spring and fall are the best times to aerate partly because the soil is moist, which makes it easier to get the tines in, and showers can soak straight into the freshly aerated soil. What you don’t want is soil that’s so wet it smears. Then you’re not opening up the soil; you’re sealing it, and you still want air reaching the roots.”

Top tips for aerating a damp lawn

What's the best way to aerate a damp lawn in fall? While there are several ways to aerate your lawn, it’s important to choose the right tool in fall.

Typically, there are two types of aerators – spike and core aerators. Spike aerators literally have long spikes that puncture the ground as you pass over it, while core aerators pull up ‘cores’ of soil as they work, leaving them on the surface.

“If the ground is on the damp side, solid-tine spiking is the gentlest approach, and you can do it any time from March to November, but avoid very wet soil that smears,” advises Davis.

You’ll also need to know the right time to aerate your lawn and best practices. “Fall, from the end of September to mid-November, is ideal as the weather is getting wetter rather than drier,” suggests Davis. “If you’re using a hollow tine aerator, mow the lawn close beforehand as it makes the cores much easier to deal with.

“Cores should be left to dry in place. Then go over them with the mower with the box off, if the instructions allow. It puts the soil and nutrients back into the lawn and helps break down thatch. If you can’t do that, rake them up with the back of a flat rake, use them as top dressing, or add them to the compost heap.

Finally, finish with a good soak on compacted areas. After spiking or hollow tining a heavily compacted patch, run the sprinkler for 30 minutes, then leave it off for a day or two.

Also, look for telltale signs your lawn needs aerating, including patchy, yellow grass or water sitting on the surface after rainfall.

When not to aerate a wet lawn

Besides knowing when it's the right time to aerate wet soil, you should also know when to avoid it. This includes before incoming frost, which can freeze the aeration holes and harm the lawn.

“Don’t aerate very wet soil that smears, and don’t do it if frost is imminent because freezing soon after hollow tining will make the lawn heave up,” adds Davis.

“Don’t leave the cores on the lawn to disappear, as they won’t break down fully and you’ll end up with a bumpy surface. Finally, don’t expect aeration to fix everything. If your lawn is 20 years old or more and badly compacted, you may need to dig it over to at least 15cm and start again.”

For more top tips, check out how often you should aerate your lawn and how many passes are best.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 common lawn care mistakes you’re probably making right now
• 9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
• 5 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard

Fall has arrived, but cooler temperatures don’t mean you should put away your garden tools just yet. You still have essential tasks to complete to prepare your yard for the winter ahead. And just when you thought it was time to pack away your lawn mower until spring, you may want to think again.

According to a lawn expert, gardeners need to continue mowing through October — because mild fall temperatures allow grass to keep growing.

Not only can this simple task promote a healthy, green lawn, but long grass can actually do more harm than good.

“Long grass holds on to moisture, especially with the damp mornings and heavy dew we get in fall,” says Jonathan Davis, a lawn expert at Lawnsmith.

“That creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases like red thread and fusarium patch to take hold. Once they get a grip, they can leave your lawn looking patchy and sorry for itself by spring.”

What’s more, moss is one of the most common lawn weeds, known as a ‘silent grass killer’, that appears in the form of green, sponge-like patches between the blades of grass.

“Moss loves damp, shady spots, and at this time of year there's plenty of both. If your grass is long and thick, the light can't reach the base of it, meaning your lawn will struggle.”

So if you want to get your lawn in top shape for spring, here are some top tips for mowing your lawn in October.

How to cut your lawn in fall

Avoid cutting your grass too short; the ‘golden rule’ is to never trim more than a third of its height. This is because mowing too close to the ground exposes the lawn to root diseases and encourages weed growth.

“Never cut more than a third off the height of the grass in one go,” he said. “Think of grass like an iceberg: a fifth above ground and four fifths below,” adds Davis.

“Take too much off, and you reduce the roots, leaving the plant weak and more vulnerable to disease and weeds.”

In any case, if you are battling weeds, I asked professional gardeners how to get rid of weeds from my lawn permanently — and they all say this one thing.

In addition, Davis advises gradually changing your mower's height for a couple of cuts before making the final adjustment. And don't lower the blades if the grass is very long, as it'll put strain on the mower. Ideally, cut on your current setting first, then go lower a day or two later.

Also, it’s best to get the timing right — choose a dry afternoon for mowing and avoid cutting when the grass is wet or frosty. “Wait for a dry spell and go over it when growth slows right down. A little effort now means a much healthier, greener lawn when spring comes round.”

When is the final cut of the year?

So when is it finally time to put away your lawn mower this season? Experts agree that around mid-November, you should leave the grass at around 5cm.

“That's the sweet spot for winter,” adds Davis. “It's long enough to protect the roots from frost and keep the crown healthy, but short enough that it won't become a soggy, matted mess over the colder months.”

So before you put your mower to rest, give your grass that essential trim this October, and your lawn will thank you for it come spring.

For more top tips, check out how to overseed your lawn in fall.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 common lawn care mistakes you’re probably making right now
• 9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
• 5 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard

October Prime Day is behind us, and Black Friday is still weeks away — but that doesn’t mean the deals have dried up. There are still plenty of worthwhile savings to score between the major shopping events, and one of the most impressive sales I’ve spotted so far is on kitchen and home appliances.

In fact, Amazon is currently knocking up to 55% off everything from toaster ovens and blenders to air purifiers and vacuums. Many of the deals come courtesy of our favorite brands that we've personally tested — Ninja, Shark, KitchenAid, Dyson and more, to name a few prominent players.

If you're ready to upgrade your home appliances, I've rounded up the best deals from Amazon that you can shop right now. Plus, don't miss our Amazon promo codes page for more ways to save.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon kitchen appliance deals
• Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker: was $59 now $35
• Ninja Blast Max: was $99 now $69
• Keurig K-Express: was $89 now $69
• Shark Never Change Air Purifier: was $179 now $129
• Dreame D20 Air Plus Robot Vacuum: was $349 now $269
• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart: was $499 now $379
• Breville Barista Express: was $689 now $499

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I'm a constant declutterer, yet I'm also a person with too much clutter. That doesn't sound like it makes any sense – and you're right.

But while I'm particular about what I have around my home, it's almost inevitable that it still becomes cluttered.

I have a busy household; there are kids running around, renovations currently happening, and the general day-to-day chaos of life. All of a sudden, despite my best efforts, there's clutter on my countertops and lining my entryway, on side tables, just everywhere.

So, I'm always on the lookout for decluttering techniques that'll help me (and others) to sort it out. Last year, I embraced the Japanese art of 'Danshari' and now I'm trying to embrace something entirely new – 'inyo-onyo'.

Here's how this Japanese method has totally transformed my home and stopped the clutter.

How 'inyo-onyo' works

You've likely heard of 'inyo-onyo' even if you don't know it because translated in Japanese it simply means 'yin and yang'. And yin and yang is a well-known ancient concept in China that describes the balance of opposing forces.

So, how does that translate into decluttering? Well, for inyo-onyo, it's about balancing out opposites when it comes to your home, empty and filled spaces, or negative and positive spaces. What 'inyo-onyo' wants you to do is embrace a focus on the open spaces you are creating, rather than focusing on exactly what you are getting rid of.

Instead of applying a negative connotation to any empty surface or space within your home, it's about embracing the openness and looking at it differently. You don't have to fill spaces for them to be impactful in your home and you also don't have to be strict about what you keep or don't keep.

As long as you look positively about creating more of these vacant spaces and displaying your items with intention, rather than feeling a need to fill it, you can harness the lifestyle choice of 'inyo-onyo'.

What happened when I tried it

It's a balance I've always struggled with, especially growing up in a home where my mom believed having things dotted all over the house was a clear sign of wealth and abundance. And I do still relate to that. Leaving empty space does sometimes feel like you're lacking something or missing something.

But, I'm also always telling myself I want to own less. So, to reframe my mind, I decided not to overwhelm myself with this new way of living and instead focused on harnessing 'inyo-onyo' just one room at a time. For this, I started with a less communal part of my home – the bedroom.

And while I thought I'd be approaching this method the same way as I have other decluttering techniques, like the '90/90 rule' and 'chaos decluttering'. it turned out I wasn't going to turn it into a full-throttle declutter mode.

Instead, I decided to turn my focus to surfaces and the 'clutter' that's on show. If you're trying out this technique though, you can apply it to a full declutter, if you wish. I looked at my side tables where old mail lay, some loose change, discarded hairbands and books before considering how it made me feel.

Surprisingly, I realized that the cluttered space was negatively impacting my mood far more than if I let it become an emptier space. I decided that I'd let myself have just one book and my lamp. Ultimately, that's all I'd ever want access to from this space and the rest could be tided away.

Carrying this 'inyo-onyo' ethos through my entire room, I did struggle at times to leave such little amounts of things to be seen. I also worried I was just filling up cupboards and drawers instead, so sorting through my items was also a must. But, ultimately, I know that it made me feel better once it was done.

It's definitely something I'm going to embrace throughout my home and I already know I'm going to care about the things I keep in a more intentional way.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just discovered 'Danshari' — this Japanese cleaning philosophy could help me finally break up with clutter
• My mom makes keeping a clean kitchen look easy — here's what she said when I asked how she does it
• Say goodbye to clutter — the 'House Purse' organization trick is all you need

Fall is official here, and it’s already taken its toll on my previously lush and green grass. But, before things get too chilly, October is the ideal time to repair your damaged lawn and prepare for the colder months ahead.

And if, like me, you’ve tackled this by scattering grass seed on those sparse or bare patches, it can be a little disheartening when you haven’t seen any growth sprouting through at all.

That's why I called on a lawn care expert to find out why my grass isn't growing, common mistakes to avoid, and top tips on how to fix it.

Check the weather forecast

According to experts, now is the time to do those all-important lawn repairs. But the process just takes a bit more preparation than expected, and results will naturally depend on weather conditions and technique.

“Thriving spring lawns are built in fall. Thanks to a shift in weather patterns, soil temperatures are staying warmer for longer,” says Chris McIlroy, a lawn expert at The Grass People.

“If temperatures start to stay consistently below 46.4 °F to 50.0 °F, then the window for sowing is closing, so do keep an eye on the forecast. You need a two-week window where the temperatures are above this.”

In addition, be sure to check your soil temperature using a soil thermometer before seeding. Typically, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass need soil temperatures below 65°F, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda grass need at least 65°F.

For more top tips, check out how to overseed your lawn in fall.

Protect it from hungry birds

If you enjoy feeding or watching birds in your yard, these feathered visitors might be another reason your grass seed isn't growing.

“Birds can see freshly laid grass seed as an easy-access buffet, especially at this time of year when other food resources are starting to dwindle,” explains McIlroy. “So they’re taking your seed before it even has a chance to germinate."

So what can we do to prevent our hungry birds from swiping our freshly-laid grass seed?

"Shiny objects like tin foil and old CDs can deter birds from your garden, as the way they reflect light confuses them," adds McIlroy.

"Or you can also cover the seeds with tarp or netting, but make sure it’s not blocking too much light or water from the seeds.”

Not sowing deep enough

Another common mistake is failing to plant seeds at the right depth or in suitable growing conditions. “Seeds should be roughly the depth of three stacked coins to ensure the right seed-to-soil contact for germination, advises McIlroy.

“It keeps seeds protected and warm, and provides the nutrients they need to grow. If the elements have left your seeds exposed, try adding a light layer of topsoil to give seedlings that extra support.”

In addition, you need to ensure you water your seeds properly, but don’t oversaturate them. If seeds are waterlogged or sitting in a pool of water, they won't survive. “Seeds also need to be hydrated but not waterlogged. If they’re left too dry, the seeds will die off, so keep an eye on soil moisture levels".

“Fixing drainage by aerating your lawn is a key step for success, ensuring water has somewhere to go when it rains. Similarly, if your lawn is bumpy, this creates areas for water to pool.”

Other tips include feeding your lawn with a starter fertilizer, which can help grass establish faster with stronger roots. Or simply have some patience, and let nature take its course.

"Sometimes seeds just need a little more time; depending on the conditions, germination can take up to 14 days, and noticeable grass growth even longer."

Check out our expert-approved tips on how often you should aerate your lawn and how many passes are best.

You might also be interested in the fall lawn care mistake you’re probably making —and the secret to a greener lawn next spring.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 common lawn care mistakes you’re probably making right now
• 9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
• 5 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard

Whatever new product Ninja launches, it always causes a stir, as it did with the Ninja Crispi air fryer. The brand can’t seem to miss the mark with consumers. Everyone just raves about Ninja.

That’s why I was excited to try Ninja’s Crispi Microwave, launched in the U.K. in September, just a couple of months after its July U.S. release. It's Ninja’s first entry into the microwave market, but instead of playing it safe, the company has created a multifunction appliance that uses FusionCrisp technology to not only heat but crisp your food on demand.

I've been taking it through its paces to discover whether it's worth a place on your countertop.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Price and availability

The Ninja Crispi Microwave launched at $449 in the U.S. and £359 in the U.K. However, do look around, as it’s currently reduced to $399 at Amazon, but if you’re in the U.K., it’s still £359 at Amazon

Looking at the microwaves recommended in our buying guide, Toshiba’s EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave takes the top spot, and you’ll pay $149 at Amazon for it. Meanwhile, the best combi microwave is IKEA’s GÅTEBO 3-in-1 microwave, which can heat, grill and air fry and costs $199 at IKEA.

While the Ninja is more expensive, you do get two-in-one appliances, so don't dismiss this product just because of the price.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Unboxing and setup

Don’t underestimate how big this appliance is. It’s a two-man job to get it out of its box. In fact, I was surprised by how much countertop space it took up.

The product is securely packaged, and apart from the microwave, it comes packed with a large 5.5-quart glass dish and a crisper plate. You also get an owner’s guide and a quick start guide — including recipes, charts and instructions. Keep hold of these as they’re invaluable when you first get going.

They also explain how to use the glass dish and crisper plate, which mustn’t be used when using the standard microwave function. You’ll also learn when to place the dish in the lower or upper position; it depends on the mode you’re using and what you are cooking.

But this microwave doesn’t have a turntable. Unlike most microwaves, Ninja’s version foregoes the turntable for a flatbed design, which gives you 20% more usable cooking space than a standard turntable. Plus, that’s one less thing to wash!

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Design

Did I mention it was large? Beyond taking up more depth, width and height in my kitchen than my usual microwave, you’ll need to make sure you have enough safe clearance around the appliance to keep its air vents clear.

You’ll need 11.81 inches of clearance from the top of the appliance to any cabinets or shelves above it, and it shouldn’t be wall-mounted or placed inside a cabinet.

It has a smart design and looks like any other microwave, except it is bigger. You can also choose from three colors — Silver, Cyberspace and Black. However, when you peek inside, you’ll see it’s missing the standard microwave turntable. You’ll also notice shelf runners at the top; they help the glass dish slide into the top position.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Ease of use

It didn’t take me long to get the microwave up and running, but since it’s a multifunctional appliance, give yourself time to read the instructions. Beyond standard air fry and microwave modes, it offers a lot of functionality, including presets and FusionCrisp.

It has eight microwave presets (Defrost, Beverage, Soup, Popcorn, Potato, Soup, Soften Butter, Frozen Vegetable, and Porridge) and five Air Fry presets (Air Fry, Max Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake, and Air Grill).

At first, it might seem a bit complicated, but after a few goes, I was confident I was using it proficiently.

However, one recurring issue is knowing what times to set when using the FusionCrisp function. I could follow recipes in the quick start guide, and there are also guidelines for cooking a wide range of other dishes, but I couldn’t always find the timings for what I wanted to cook. In these instances, I searched online for advice.

Another issue I had was the weight of the glass dish. I found it was very heavy, especially when full, and removing it from the top position was tricky. It was difficult to grab with oven mitts, which was essential once the food had been cooked. However, when the glass dish was placed in the bottom position, it wasn’t as much of an issue.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Performance

As I've already mentioned, there's lots of scope with how you use Ninja's Crispi Microwave. During my testing I used the microwave and air fry functions independently and combined them both using the FusionCrisp mode. Here's how I got on heating, reheating and crisping food.

FusionCrisp

The standout feature of this microwave is its FusionCrisp technology — the ability to microwave and air fry. Beyond ending soggy microwave reheats, it can do much more.

Fruit crumble
With a sweet tooth, I couldn’t help but notice a fruit crumble recipe in the quick start guide, and it seemed like a good place to start. Crumble is one of my favorite desserts; it has plenty of fruit, is quick to make, and I love the richness of the crumbly topping. What’s more, it seemed like a fitting way to see just how well FusionCrisp mode works.

I’ve already covered making the fruit crumble in my first impressions of the Ninja Crispi Microwave, where I explain how large and heavy the glass bowl is. It will allow you to make a huge serving, but this might not be what you want.

When baking the crumble, I placed the bowl in the top position and pressed the FusionCrisp button. I then set the microwave time to 20 minutes, followed by the air fry time to 10 minutes, as the recipe directed.

You'll hear the appliance beep when the microwave finishes and before the air frying starts. Then, once complete, 'Cool' appears on the digital display. This is when the internal fan runs to dissipate residual heat.

I was really pleased with the result. The fruit was cooked through and piping hot, and the crumble was just how it would be if I’d cooked it in my oven. With a total cook time of 30 minutes, it saved me 10 minutes on my usual oven bake.

Would I make this again in the Ninja Crispi Microwave? Definitely.

Baked potatoes

Who doesn’t love a baked potato with a crispy skin? I usually start by microwaving my potatoes, then leaving them to crisp in the oven, but that takes ages, and it's too long for a quick lunch. However, using the FusionCrisp mode makes it feasible when you are short on time.

I started by pricking my potatoes all over with a fork, and then gave them a light coating with sunflower oil. I couldn’t find the cooking times for baked potatoes in the guide, so I searched online and placed two potatoes (weighing between 250-300g each) on the crisper plate in the glass dish in the top position. I set the microwave for 14 minutes and the air fryer for 10 minutes.

Baking potatoes and how crisp you like the skin is a personal preference — I like mine on the extra-crispy side, enough to give your jaw a workout. So, you’ll probably need to play around with the air fryer timings, depending on your own taste. However, these were a real winner, and although I’d extend the air-frying time, the inside of the potatoes were soft and cooked through.

A whole chicken

Since using the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, I’ve swapped cooking whole chickens in my oven for using my air fryer. I find it’s quicker, and my air fryer basket is easier to clean than my oven.

So, I was keen to discover how my regular chicken would look and taste after using the FusionCrisp mode. I followed the recipe in the quick start guide for a 1.5 kg chicken (3.3 lb); I lightly coated the chicken in vegetable oil, seasoned it and placed it on the crisper plate in the glass dish.

Although everything I had previously cooked using the FusionCrisp mode had been placed in the top position, the size of the chicken called for it to be cooked in the bottom position.

I set the microwave time to 30 minutes and the air fry dial to 45 minutes. The recipe didn’t specify turning the chicken, like I normally do when I air-fry protein this size, so I skipped this step.

Once the microwave stage was complete and the appliance beeped, I removed the chicken to check on its progress. As expected, it still looked pale and unappetizing. However, once the air-frying cook time was up, I checked the temperature of the chicken with my Thermoworks Thermapen One thermometer and it was above the recommended temperature for cooked chicken.

However, when I turned the chicken over, it still looked pale, and after inserting the thermometer, it was not at a safe temperature to eat. I therefore returned the chicken, uncooked side up, to the microwave and gave it a few more minutes on the air fry setting.

This wouldn't stop me from cooking a whole chicken in the microwave; I'd just return to my normal practice and turn the chicken halfway through the cook.

What about the clean-up? I took a cloth, rinsed it in warm, soapy water and wiped over the internal surface of the microwave to remove the splatters of chicken fat. It was easy to remove, since I hadn't let the fat settle.

Vegetable lasagna

One of my favorite recipes is pesto lasagna, made with pesto, spinach, pine nuts and mascarpone — try it, you’ll be surprised!

Since the quick start guide includes a vegetable lasagna recipe, I thought I’d use the same cooking times. I made the lasagna in the glass bowl, then placed it in the top position in the microwave, setting the microwave time to 20 minutes and the air fry time to 8 minutes.

I was pretty pleased with this bake. The lasagna was well-cooked, the filling hot and the top crispy — if not a little too dark. Since making this lasagna, I've continued to use the microwave for other pasta bakes, as it makes an easy, quick win during the week

Air fryer

Since I'd already used the air fry mode within the FusionCrisp mode, I didn't test the stand alone air fry function as extensively as I would a normal air fryer — to me, it had already proofed that's it's more than capable.

Grilled cheese toasty

To go with the soup I heated in the microwave (see below), I made a grilled cheese toasty. I spread butter on the outside of two slices of granary bread and filled the inside with grated cheddar cheese. I placed the bread on the crisper plate in the glass dish and used the top position in the microwave.

I checked online to get an idea of timings, and set the temperature to 240°C for 8 minutes, flipping the toasty over at the halfway point.

The toasty was incredibly moreish, with oozing cheese and a crispy texture. Since making this in the microwave, I've been eating cheese toasties on repeat.

Thick-cut frozen chips

Frozen chips are a staple in my house for quick dinners, and it was a no-brainer to try them in the air fryer. I placed them on the crisper tray in the glass dish (there’s plenty of room for large portions), selected the Max Crisp Air Fry setting and set the timer for 20 minutes.

I checked them after nine minutes, gave them a shake and saw they were cooking faster than I thought. So, after 12 minutes, I checked again, and they were baked.

Beef burgers
To go with the thick chips, I used the air fryer mode to cook frozen beef burgers. Although the quick start guide does give you timings for using the FUSIONCRISP mode (5 minutes microwave, 10-12 minutes air fry).

I placed two quarter-pounders on the crisper plate in the top glass bowl and set the air fry time to 14 mins at 180°C/356°F, flipping them halfway through. I was pleased with the result, but I will try using the FUSIONCRISP mode next time to see if it makes a difference.

Microwave

My normal microwave is very basic and lacks functions, so I was excited to try the Ninja and work through the presets; plus, it was handy for reheating dinners after I went to the gym.

Overall, I was impressed with the microwave’s functionality, its ability to heat without cold spots, and how easy it is to adjust the timing with the control knob or in 30+/- intervals, as well as the power level.

Melting butter
I tend to keep my butter in the fridge, especially in summer, when it can start to go rancid. This means my butter is often too hard to spread and definitely not soft enough for cake batters. I found this function really handy, and it meant I didn’t have to think about how long to microwave my butter or which temperature setting to use. It was a surprise to open the microwave and find softened butter instead of my usual melted mess. The preset is set to 30 seconds, but you can adjust this either way.

Heating soup
With cozy season upon us, I've started to enjoy warming lunches, so I used the preset to heat through some chicken and vegetable soup. I placed my bowl of soup in the base of the microwave and kept it in for the full 2 1/2 minutes. Once complete, I gave the soup a stir, and it was piping hot.

Porridge
With the mornings getting cooler, I was able to make the most of the porridge preset and make myself a bowl of steaming oats. I put 1/2 cup of oats in a bowl with 1 cup of milk, stirred and selected the porridge preset. After two minutes, I removed my oats (though they had boiled over the sides a little), and my breakfast was steaming hot with no cold spots.

OK, so I had a bit of leakage; normally I'd remove the turntable from my microwave and wash it by hand or put it in my dishwasher. However, with the Ninja, I simply took a damp cloth and wiped up the mess. I found the inner design makes it easy to clean up messes, with no ridges to hold a turntable.

Ninja Crispi Microwave: Verdict

I’m in love with the Ninja Crispi Microwave, and I don’t want this to disappear from my kitchen. It’s great for baking pasta bakes and crumbles, and it does a good job with whole chickens (just remember to flip the food halfway through). Plus, the presets are super handy, and the best bit is that it’s fun to use.

So why haven’t I given it 5 stars? It’s got nothing to do with its prowess as a cooking appliance; it’s simply its size. You need serious space in your kitchen for this microwave, not to mention the clearance headroom above it, and the large glass dish is heavy to handle, especially when it’s placed in the top position. If you can work around these issues, it’s well worth considering.

It's a great time of year to roll out your lawn aerator and get to work. Bringing air into the lawn soil will not only help relieve any pressure and compaction that's happened over the year, but it'll also improve airflow, water absorption and your lawn's overall ability to access nutrients to help it grow.

It's not something you need to do too often, but it's a step you don't really want to miss if your lawn is heavily compacted or struggling to drain water (especially with all the rain).

Only after you put in all that effort to push your lawn aerator across your lawn, you might be left wondering if you've done a good enough job. It's certainly something I've contemplated as I stare at my own lawn, unsure whether I've made any real difference.

I've asked the experts for their professional advice on how often you should aerate your lawn, how many passes are enough, and other tips and tricks to get the best results.

When to aerate your lawn

Soil compaction is the ultimate telltale sign that your lawn needs aerating, but how exactly do you figure out if that's what's going on beneath the soil?

Allison Koenig, a lawn and garden expert at Tractor Supply, says: "Homeowners should consider aeration if they're seeing standing water after rain, hard-packed soil, thinning grass, or areas that get a lot of traffic.

"A good rule of thumb is the screwdriver test: if it's hard to push a screwdriver into the soil, compaction is probably preventing healthy root growth."

And once you've figured out that your lawn needs aerating, you also have to consider if it's a good time to do it.

"Timing is everything when it comes to aeration. The best time to aerate your lawn depends on the grass type you have," explains Chris Ramos, PR & Events Coordinator at Blain's Farm & Fleet

When it comes to cool-season grasses like Fescue and Bluegrass, early fall or spring are ideal times, as these grasses grow most vigorously during colder months.

And if you've got warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, then late spring to early summer is optimal, coinciding with their peak growing season.

Though Koenig adds: "However, once the ground freezes or the grass has gone fully dormant, it's best to hold off on aggressive projects like aerating, heavy raking, or major repairs."

Once you've figured out the best time though, Ramos reveals you only really need to aerate your lawn once a year.

How many passes should you make with your lawn aerator

So, you're planning to aerate your lawn, but how many passes should you be making to get the best results?

According to Ramos, one or two passes should relieve soil compaction. In addition, choosing the right tool in the first place will have a major impact on how effective your lawn aeration is.

"There are two types of aerators. Spike Aerators: These tools create holes by pushing spikes into the soil," adds Ramos. "They're simple to use but might not be as effective on highly compacted soil.

"Plug Aerators: These remove small plugs of soil from your lawn, providing more lasting benefits by reducing compaction more effectively. They're generally the preferred option for most lawns."

Additional top tips

Lawn aeration alone isn't all you should be doing. As Brian Feldman, Senior Director of Technical Operations and Agronomy at TruGreen explains: "One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is viewing aeration as a standalone service.

"The greatest results occur when aeration is intergrated into a comprehensive turf management program that includes proper mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and overseeding practices."

In fact, he suggests that if you're really looking for best practice when aerating your lawn, you should be "overseeding and fertilizing immediately after aerating to maximize growth.

It's also important to leave the soil cores on your lawn after aerating, as they will naturally break down and help recycle nutrients and other beneficial microorganisms."

So, while you can do an excellent job with your lawn aeration, timing it right and carrying out one or two passes until you're satisfied that you've relieved compaction, it's important to take the opportunity to do more for your lawn when it's at its most receptive.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to aerate a lawn and when to do it
• I asked gardening experts the secret to a greener lawn — here's what they want you to do
• 9 signs your lawn needs aerating

Leaving water in your irrigation system over winter is a fast way to ruin expensive plumbing. As trapped water freezes, it expands, snapping underground PVC pipes, shattering valve manifolds, and cracking exposed backflow assemblies. Fixing freeze damage in the spring often requires tearing up your lawn and paying hefty repair bills.

Taking a little time in the autumn to properly shut down and drain your sprinklers protects your equipment, saves money, and ensures your system is ready to fire back up smoothly when warmer weather returns.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to prepare your above ground pool for winter in 7 simple steps
• Stop spring lawn weeds before they sprout with a simple fall pre-emergent barrier — applying it now saves you hours of yard work next year
• 3 essential fall jobs to protect young trees before the first cold snap

Cleaning my floors is one of those jobs I just never want to do. For some reason, the idea of filling up a bucket with soapy water and pushing a soggy mop around my kitchen and bathrooms is so low on my priority list that it often gets ignored completely. And don't even get me started on cleaning the mop head afterwards.

I've tried a spin mop, mops with replaceable and washable heads, and even a vacuum mop hybrid, yet the idea of washing my floors still feels like too much of a chore.

But, my social media has clearly been listening to me ranting about what mop I should be buying as my feed was suddenly very mop-heavy.

And then, amongst it all, I saw someone cleaning up their floors in record time with what appeared to be no fuss at all – and it was thanks to the Flash Speed Mop. Well, consider me thoroughly influenced to try it.

How does it work?

The Flash Speed Mop is ridiculously simple. It's an all-in-one flat floor mop equipped to hold scented wet wipes, or dry wipes, which are then pushed around your floors with a little bit of scrubbing.

The wet wipes are pre-moistened and contain dirt-dissolving cleansers ready to wipe up any spills and stains. It also has 360-degree swivel, meaning its super flexible when you're trying to get in hard-to-reach places and up against corners.

Then, when you're done, you simply remove the wipe, throw it in the bin, and replace whenever you're ready to clean again.

Here's what happened when I tried it

The kit I ordered came with both the easy-to-assemble mop and a packet of lemon-scented wipes to get started. And I can happily say it was really simple to put together and also super affordable.

The only thing that was a little bit 'tricky' was putting the wipes onto the mop head as they're very wet in order to spread across as much floor as possible. Unfortunately, that meant my hands also get pretty wet when pushing the wipes into the mop head in the four gripper holes (one on each corner).

Fortunately, it takes around 10 seconds to do, so it's not much of a complaint and I found it secures the wipes on very well. It's also worth the soggy sacrifice because that solution then made the mop easy to glide around the floors and also had a surprising amount of coverage (as well as picking up a surprising amount of dirt).

It was also a lot nicer than getting down on my hands and knees and pushing the wipes around myself, which is something I find myself doing in hard-to-reach places.

But, what I enjoyed the most about this handy mop was being able to pull the wipe off at the end and throw it in the bin. None of the hassle of a mop and bucket, none of the extra cleaning needed to get your mop head washed, and at the end, it was easily stored away.

We're about to get more hard floors put down in our house, which made my search for a new mop even more necessary. But, even if you've only got a room or two with hard floors like the kitchen or bathroom, it's not an expensive investment to only use sometimes.

Plus, the wipes are resealable meaning they're ready to use whenever you want. There's a couple of things that are worth weighing up though. The Flash Speed Mop is certainly less environmentally-friendly with one-use wipes and it also can't be used on certain floor types. These include unfinished, oiled, or waxed wooden boards, plus non-sealed tiles or carpeted floors.

For me though, it's made cleaning my floors easier than ever before and I can finally stop buying mops that I end up actively avoiding while I watch my floor get dirtier and dirtier!

More from Tom's Guide

• How to mop your floors properly — 5 tips for spotless results
• No more dirty mop water — this simple cleaning tool is a game-changer
• I tried Roborock’s new wet floor cleaner and it does one thing that Dyson doesn't

When we put the Copper Charlie induction stove to the test earlier this year, we were impressed by its innovative battery-powered tech that could represent the future of home appliances.

But, it turns out there's always room for improvement as the 'Classic Charlie' has a newer sibling that's just been released, simply called the 'New Charlie'.

There's some hefty upgrades to talk about, building on what Copper has already carved out in this futuristic cookery space. The most notable new feature is its ability to plug it into both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, giving homeowners more flexibility; the Classic Charlie only works with 120-volt outlets.

And while that's certainly one of the best upgrades of the New Charlie, it's also not the only way its bringing the heat to kitchens. Here's what else you can expect from the New Charlie.

More heat, less waiting

The New Charlie's induction coils have also received an upgrade to 3000 Watts, up from 2800 Watts on the original stove. The broiler, too, is also more powerful: it's now 3000 Watts, up from 2700 Watts in the Classic Charlie.

As a result, the company says that the time to preheat to 350°F has been reduced from 4 minutes 30 seconds down to just 3 minutes 50 seconds.

Though the new model ships with the 120-volt plug, it can be replaced with a 240 VAC field-wireable attachment plug, if desired.

Like the Classic Charlie, the New Charlie still has the built-in battery, meaning it'll cook for you even if you're in a blackout.

Availability

While all of these new upgrades are impressive, it's worth bearing in mind the price. The Classic Charlie already came with an expensive price tag of $5,999 for the Inkwell Black Polymer design. And you'll see this bump up to $6,399 for the Black Walnut detailing.

For the New Charlie then, you're looking at a base rate of $6,799 at copperhome.com, jumping to $7,199 for the Black Walnut. That's $800 more for these powerful improvements.

It's a hard sell at this price, even with all its seriously impressive features, but if you're making the investment, Copper is bringing the heat.

More from Tom's Guide

• I've always been tempted by induction cooktops, but I'd never buy one for my small kitchen — here's why
• I’ve swapped to an induction cooktop from gas — 3 things I love, and 1 thing you need to know
• Are you damaging your induction cooktop? Here’s what you should do to protect it

KitchenAid has long been synonymous with stand mixers, but it now faces stiff competition from an unexpected rival. Ooni, known primarily for its outdoor pizza ovens, is expanding into the baking market.

Following the launch of its second spiral mixer, Ooni is proving to be a serious contender for home bakers who enjoy crafting dough from scratch. Ooni’s Halo Pro spiral mixer already takes the top spot for bread making in our best stand mixer buying guide, but at $799 on Amazon it’s above most people’s budgets.

To address that issue, Ooni has released the Ooni Halo Core, with a smaller 4.8-quart capacity and a more favorable price point, although it’s still undoubtedly expensive at $599 on Amazon.

My verdict? If you make more dough than cakes and cookies, the Halo Core Spiral Mixer is a great buy. But if the majority of your bakes don’t require kneading, I'd stick with my favorite KitchenAid Artisan Plus, which just happens to be the same price.

Ooni Halo Core review: Price and availability

As already mentioned, the Halo Core Spiral Mixer is $599 at Amazon, where it’s available in Foundry Black. It’s also available for $599 at Williams Sonoma, where you’ll also find the Polar White version that I tested.

In the U.K., you can buy it directly for £499 at Ooni, and it’s also available for the same price at John Lewis and Lakeland.

Ooni Halo Core review: Unboxing and set up

The appliance arrives well packed, and along with the 4.8-quart bowl (with a proofing lid), you get a dough hook and beater bar, a double-edged silicone beater, and a dual-motor whisk, (I'll be sharing more on the attachments later). The cable also detaches, making it easy to store and keep out of the way when not in use.

Ooni’s stand mixers are a little different from the likes of KitchenAid, and while I like to think appliances are intuitive and I can use them without poring over the instruction booklet for hours, I didn’t take that risk with the Ooni Halo Core. Although my colleague has already tested the Halo Core’s big brother, I was going blind with its younger sibling. For this reason, I'd recommend downloading the Ooni app before you get started.

What makes Ooni’s spiral mixers different?

The Halo Core’s main attraction is its dough-making ability, which sets it apart from other stand mixers. Instead of a dough hook for kneading, it also includes a breaker bar. I’ve never used a stand mixer with a breaker bar before, and it’s not just a gimmick.

Beyond stopping the dough from climbing up the dough hook, the breaker bar creates a double-kneading action that builds stronger gluten strands, which Ooni says is essential for high-hydration pizza and bread dough.

Professional appliances have a permanently attached breaker bar, but Ooni’s can be removed so that you can use the appliance for other bakes, such as cakes and cookies.

You also need to know that the bowl doesn’t stay put. Traditional stand mixers work with an attachment around a fixed bowl, but with Ooni’s mixers, both the bowl and attachments rotate. It’s fun to watch! It's similar to how the Ankarsrum mixer works, with the base rotating above the attachments on its arm.

Ooni Halo Core review: Design

The Ooni Halo Core looks like it means business. It doesn’t come in any shiny colorways like other domestic mixers, including KitchenAid’s extensive offering and Smeg’s Retro stand mixer. Still, you can choose Polar White or Foundry Black. I think it has a contemporary look, although it might not be your first choice if you want a stand mixer that looks pretty on your countertop.

The Halo Core isn’t as large as the Halo Pro, but it can still handle anything from 1 lb to 5.5 lbs of dough (500g to 2.5kg) — the equivalent of two to ten 12-inch pizzas in a single batch.

Ooni Halo Core review: Ease of use

Apart from being the younger sibling, it’s also 25% smaller and 30% lighter than the Pro, and although it’s over 3 lbs lighter than Kitchen’s Artisan Plus, at 18 lbs it still feels hefty.

The mixer has a tilt-head design and locks in place, releasing with a lever on the right side. You’ll find the control button on top of the mixer, making it easy to use whether you’re right- or left-handed. The 20 speed settings aren't marked in numbers; instead, an interface lights up around the control dial at 10% increments.

To pause the machine, tap the control button; there’s no need to go back through the settings to zero. It’s an excellent feature if you want to pause your mix partway through, and then you can press the control dial again, and it will resume where it left off. I love this feature.

Unlike other mixers I’ve tested, the splash guard attaches neatly to the mixer, not the bowl, so when you lift the mixer’s head, you don’t need to remove the cover to get a clear view into the bowl. It also has a small space to pour in liquid, and when using the dough hook and beater bar, the liquid goes straight to the bar — to the heart of the mix.

Plus, you always get a clear view of what’s happening inside the bowl, with two LED lights positioned on either side of where the beater bar attaches to the mixer.

The attachments feel premium and heavyweight, with the dough hook and breaker bar used together, plus an angled silicone-edged beater designed to work deep in the bowl for a better mix while scraping ingredients off the side. It also includes a dual-motor whisk with an integrated gearbox to increase mixing speed for rapid, high-performance whipping.

Ooni Halo Core review: Performance

Cake

I used an all-in-one lemon cake recipe, and after attaching the flat beater, I added all the ingredients to the bowl. I used softened butter, but in hindsight, I would have softened it more. Unlike the KitchenAid stand mixers I’ve tested, the Ooni Halo Core struggled to beat in the butter. Even at 100% power, I found small bits of unblended butter in the mix, though from a distance it looked perfect. In fact, I found a large clump of butter left on the beater.

I have since used the mixer again to make cake, and I softened the butter even further to help it incorporate into the mix. But be warned, I didn’t find its performance quite up to the standard of a KitchenAid for cake batters.

However, the splash guard worked perfectly and stopped any mixture from dispersing from the bowl, and even on full power the mixer stayed steady on my countertop.

Whisking

Making butter

I usually test a mixer’s whisk by whipping heavy cream or whisking egg whites, but following my colleague who tested the Ooni Halo Pro, I made butter. I’ve never had a reason to make butter before, and if you haven’t either, I’d recommend giving it a go. It’s fun to try, and the results were tasty.

I added 10fl. oz. (300ml) of heavy cream to the bowl with a pinch of sea salt, attached the splashguard and set the speed to 50%. After a short while, I gradually increased the speed to full power, at which point it measured 74 dB, although the appliance wasn’t under any strain.

As soon as the cream started to look like overcooked scrambled eggs, I could see the buttermilk separating from the fat — it happens quickly! So beware: keep the splashguard in place instead of lifting the flap to peek inside.

Once I was happy with how the buttermilk had separated, I strained away the liquid (I saved it for pancakes), squeezed the butter and ran it under cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. I then shaped it and placed it on some baking parchment in a butter dish.

Bread dough

I started by making an easy white loaf in the Halo Core. It’s a standard recipe I turn to that uses 1.1 lb (500g) of strong white flour, and olive oil as the fat.

I attached the dough hook and the breaker bar. The breaker bar slides into place and needs to be tightened with a nut — this is slightly different from the other attachments, which are simply locked in place by twisting. I also attached the splash guard.

I added the dry ingredients to the bowl, started the mixer on low speed, and then poured in the liquid through the slot in the guard. You’ll see that the liquid is directed straight to the breaker bar.

I noticed it was taking a little while for the ingredients to pull in from the square edge of the bowl, so I increased the speed to 50% to help the remaining flour incorporate. With KitchenAid mixers, the bowls are narrower at the bottom, so there is less chance of dry ingredients getting stuck around the edges.

I set a timer for 10 minutes and left the dough hook and breaker bar to work the dough to form strong gluten strands. During the kneading phase I noticed how well the mixer handled the tough job; it didn't appear overworked and remained steady on my countertop, as it had done previously.

Once the kneading was complete, I removed the dough, which looked soft and smooth, knocked it back and waited for it to double in size. I then knocked it back again, shaped it into a round loaf, and placed it on a baking tray, leaving it to prove for an hour before baking.

The finished loaf had a lovely flavor with a light texture. In fact, my husband didn’t realize it was homemade, and he was even more surprised when we enjoyed it spread with homemade butter.

Pizza dough

Ooni is known for its pizza ovens, so I wasn’t going to get away without making pizza dough in the Ooni Halo Core. I’d already discovered how good it is at making bread, so I expected to impress my family with homemade pizza and a perfect crust.

I used a New York-style pizza dough recipe using 1.5 lbs (638 g) of flour, using a mix of 00 and bread flour. I set the speed to 20% and watched the ingredients come together as I slowly added the liquid. I kept the mixer on for 10 minutes, then removed it for cold proofing overnight in the fridge.

I loved watching the dough hook and breaker bar form an attractive pattern as it kneaded.

I could clearly see how the dough was developing, and then, two hours before baking, I removed it from the fridge to allow it to come back to room temperature. After that, I stretched out the dough and covered it with my favorite toppings.

I’m not the best at shaping pizza — I obviously need more practice — but the dough formed a beautiful crust.

Ooni Halo Core review: Verdict

The Ooni Halo Core spiral mixer is a real powerhouse when it comes to making dough — whether you want to make homemade pies or bake bread. The breaker bar is a real genius at double kneading and stopping the dough from climbing up the dough hook, destabilizing the mixer. Plus, it’s much more affordable than the Ooni Halo Pro and brings professional mastery into domestic kitchens.

I’m not convinced it’s as good as other stand mixers for making cake batters, particularly when dealing with butter, but if you make more dough than cakes and cookies, the Halo Core is a good choice. However, if you’re serious about sweet treats and only occasionally need extra power to knead dough, I’d stick with a KitchenAid.

There’s no doubt that it’s a premium appliance — if I had my choice I hold onto my KitchenAid Artisan Plus for cakes and use the Ooni Halo Core for breads.

Prime Big Deal Days kick off a week from today — but that hasn't stopped Amazon from rolling out early deals. One of the most impressive sales I've seen so far is on kitchen appliances. In fact, top brands like Ninja, Nespresso, Cuisinart and KitchenAid are slashing the prices on their best-selling appliances.

If you're in the market for a new air fryer, I highly suggest the Ninja Flip, which is sporting a $100 discount. Need a new coffee maker? The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is down to $99. Plus, the popular KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5 Qt. Tilt-head Stand Mixer is now $299.

I've rounded up the best kitchen appliance deals from Amazon to shop ahead of October Prime Day. Plus, don't miss our Amazon promo codes page for more ways to save.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon kitchen appliance deals
• Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker: was $59 now $44
• Ninja Blast Max: was $99 now $69
• Keurig K-Express: was $109 now $89
• Nespresso Vertuo Pop+: was $129 now $99
• Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer: was $249 now $149
• De'Longhi Dedica Duo Compact Espresso Machine: was $299 now $199
• Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven, 10-in-1: was $379 now $219
• KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5 Qt. Tilt-head Stand Mixer: was $399 now $299
• Breville Barista Express: was $699 now $499

Best Kitchen Appliance Deals

Shop more deals

Shark is well-versed in making robot vacuums. Its even made one of the best robot vacuums we've ever tested, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal. But, that doesn't mean it's resting on its laurels.

While you may have already heard of the Shark Navigator, an existing range with both an upright vacuum and robot vacuum in its collection, it's Shark's latest release that takes the Navigator to the next level.

The newest product in the lineup is the Shark Navigator 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop. Yes, it's a mouthful, but it's also a declaration of exactly what this new robot vacuum is capable of, cleaning up household messes left, right and center.

And while the US government is considering bans on almost all robot vacuums, SharkNinja was happy to tell us at the time: "Regarding future models, we are evaluating our best options, but as a U.S.-based company we believe we are well positioned to navigate the process to continue to launch new models at competitive prices as we always have." And it turns out, they were right. Here's what's pretty cool about its newest model.

Meet the new Shark Navigator

Of course, you want to know how well the Shark Navigator 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop cleans, but before I get to that, I think it's important to talk about how it makes its way around your home.

It's a hard task for any robot vacuum to navigate the changing landscapes, tangled up wires, sudden corners and the day-to-day mess across your home. But, the Shark Navigator is capable of cleaning after just one click, which means you can use it pretty much straight out of the box.

How? Well, it uses 360-degree LiDAR mapping alongside Shark's very own SmartPath Max Navigation to guide methodically, row by row across your home. You can even check out the maps on the SharkClean app, setting no-go zones and scheduling cleans without having to lift a finger. Okay, one finger, to press the app.

As Alex Forman, Director of Marketing at SharkNinja puts it: "People want a cleaner home with less effort, and that's what Navigator is all about. It brings powerful Shark vacuuming and mopping performance together with simple setup and automatic emptying, making it easier to let a robot take on the daily cleaning."

That powerful vacuuming has 4x the suction of one of our favorite budget robot vacuums, the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 and mopping that'll deliver 2x better stain cleaning than the Roomba 105 Combo (so SharkNinja says — we'll need to test to find out). It'll even automatically avoid carpets and rugs when in mop mode to keep them dry, as well as cleaning up hairs with a self-cleaning brush roll.

And, like I said, once its cleaned your home, it'll clean itself by emptying into a bagless base that'll hold debris for 30 or 60 days. I'm certainly up for a robot cleaning my home with little effort from me, but I'll wait to pass my full judgment until we get our hands on one for a review.

Availability

The Shark Navigator 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop is available now, starting at $499.99 from SharkNinja.com. and will be available soon on Amazon, Costco, and Sam's Club.

Surprisingly, if you just get the Shark Navigator Robot Vacuum (no mopping), it'll only cost you $50 less at just $449.99.

The Shark Navigator® 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with a 60-day bagless base ($599 model) launched today on SharkNinja.com and will be coming soon to Amazon.

The Shark Navigator range is clearly the budget-friendly option amongst Shark's robot vacuum lineup, with the other three options costing between $999.99 and $1299.99. And, when it comes to other 2-in-1 robot vacuums we've tested, its competitively priced amongst Dreame, iRobot, Roborock and more.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tried the new Shark PowerDetect robot vacuum — and this one upgrade changes everything
• Which Shark robot vacuum should I buy? How to pick the best model for your needs and budget
• I tried Shark's new misting and cooling handheld fan, but is the ‘ChillPill’ worth the hype?

One second, a tiny ruby-throated hummingbird is peacefully sipping nectar at your window. The next, a flash of iridescent feathers dives out of nowhere, chasing the innocent visitor out of the yard like an angry jet fighter.

If your backyard hummingbird station feels more like a miniature aerial battleground than a tranquil garden retreat, you aren't alone. Watching these tiny creatures bully each other can feel alarming, but understanding why they fight is the key to creating a calm, welcoming space for every bird in your neighborhood.

Here is the territorial instinct driving hummingbird feuds — and the smart feeder setup that restores peace to your backyard.

Why hummingbirds fight over sugar water

Despite weighing less than a coin, hummingbirds are among the most intensely aggressive creatures in the avian world. Their territorial hostility isn't personal, it is a survival instinct driven by three core factors:

How to stop feeder feuds (without chasing away the birds)

Trying to shoo away a dominant bully or moving your feeder around every time a fight breaks out will only stress out the birds. Instead, the real solution comes down to visual obstruction and strategic layout.

While territorial chasing is largely harmless, improper feeder setup and maintenance pose severe threats to hummingbirds.

Prevent fatal window collisions by placing feeders within 3 feet or beyond 30 feet of glass, avoiding clear visual "tunnels" through the home. Protect against fatal infections by feeding only a simple 1:4 white sugar to water ratio — never red dyes or honey.

And prevent toxic mold by cleaning feeders every 1 to 3 days, replacing extra feeders with low-maintenance native perennials if upkeep becomes overwhelming.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to help hummingbirds prepare for fall migration — 3 essential yard tweaks to do right now
• Never use bleach in your birdbath — this cheap pantry staple is safer and more effective
• Want more hummingbirds? 7 tips for attracting them to your yard

Undoubtedly you've heard about doing a spring clean, but what about fall? Sure, spring is a great time of year to give your house a clean up ready for the warmer months ahead – and yes, it's definitely a catchier phrase than a fall clean.

But we're missing a trick. Fall cleaning should be just as important.

In fact, I'd argue that fall cleaning is even more pressing than spring cleaning. After a busy summer, our homes are begging for a deep clean (at least mine certainly is), and it's also just the perfect time to prepare your house for longer, cozy nights in, as well as setting up for all that Thanksgiving and Christmas hosting.

I also love to fall clean, declutter, and tidy up my busy household, ready for any new items that might arrive over the festive period.

Ultimately, adding fall cleaning to my seasonal list of chores has been a game-changer, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to hear it.

As a homes writer, I've found a lot of handy tips over the years that I now put into action specifically in fall. Here are my top 5 tips I want to share to make your fall clean the ultimate reset.

1. 'Chaos decluttering'

Earlier this year, I tried 'chaos decluttering' to spring clean my home – and I liked it so much, I'm using it for fall.

Essentially, as Kim Jones of Lock and Key Home coined the method, you create chaos in your home by pulling everything out of a messy area (and I mean everything) before sorting, organizing, and putting it away.

The idea of making more mess might make you cringe, but trust me, it works wonders when you face your clutter head-on.

You don't have to carry out this method for your entire house, but I'm using it to tidy up my baking cupboard and my wardrobe to sort through the summer clothes I know I didn't wear this year and won't wear next.

2. Clean your hallway

Fall is a popular time for hosting, whether it's Thanksgiving with all the family or a cozy night-in with friends. But, with more people coming and going, there's also a lot more muddy boots from the fall weather and a lot more clutter – especially in one area of your home, the hallway.

While I've previously encouraged Toms Guide readers on why you should clean your hallway in January to begin the New Year with a fresh start, it's definitely ready for another deep scrub in fall.

First, I tackle the amount of shoes that have gathered over the year, then the bags and coats ready to accommodate the larger, bulkier coats for the winter and then I streamline the amount of general clutter and overwhelming storage.

It might seem like a good idea to have boxes of items in your hallway for you to grab from, but it'll quickly turn into piles of mess meaning guests haven't got anywhere to put their things.

3. Deep clean your oven

Alongside a good clean of your entire kitchen (and home) during fall, you should pay close attention to your oven.

It's going to get a lot more use over the fall period, especially for making hot meals to enjoy during the colder weather. But you may have accidentally neglected cleaning it over a busy summer.

Fortunately, I tried an oven cleaning hack using two household items I already own, and it worked wonders. Not only is it really simple, but it's also super budget-friendly. All you need is a bottle of Cif Cream and some cling wrap.

You apply the Cif Cream to your oven door, leaving it open and covering it in cling wrap. Then, leave it for around an hour (though I had to leave it a fair while longer for stubborn stains) and wipe it off.

Then, popping all those finger foods for hosting and those tasty leftovers for an easy fall night meal can all happen in a lovely clean oven.

4. Try the 'moving out' decluttering method

If you've found you've given your house a lovely clean, but you're still concerned about the amount of clutter filling the rooms, you might need to get a little more ruthless – and that's where the 'moving out' decluttering method comes in.

I moved last fall, and I wouldn't want to do it again anytime soon, but it was a really excellent way to make me cull my household items and something I'd seriously recommend incorporating into any fall cleaning routine.

You go from room to room looking at what you own and asking yourself whether you'd box up certain items if it was time for you to move.

If the answer is no, then it's not something you need to keep. It basically asks you to reframe your mind rather than just living with something because you're used to having it around.

5. Make your home smell like fall

Finally, while I'm a sucker for the pine-scented candles of the festive period, I also like to make my home smell like fall – and it's super simple and cost-effective.

Thanks to @elnazhamai on TikTok, I've been following one of the many amazing hacks she shared to her over 500k followers for the last few years to make the ultimate fall home deodorizers.

All you need to do is mix two cups of baking soda with 3/4 cup of water. Then, scoop this mixture into cupcake cases on a baking tray. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

After they're fully cooled, add drops of essential oils to the ones you want to use. Each one lasts around three months, and you can keep the others in an airtight container. You can also reapply the oils to boost the scent.

Essential oils I like to choose for fall include cinnamon, cedarwood, ginger, vanilla, and blood orange, but you can use whatever scents you like. And then your home will be clean for fall and also smell just like it.

More from Tom's Guide

• Avoid the fall mold trap: An expert shares what you need to know in September to protect your home
• Experts say you should declutter these 7 things in October
• Stop scrubbing — this one common kitchen item is all your toilet needs to clean itself

Caraway is well-known for its iconic non-toxic cookware, bakeware, utensils and even trash cans. But, what it's not so well-known for is its coffee makers. Why? Well, because it's never made one before. Until now.

And while that's big news in itself, what's really special about Caraway's first-ever entry into a busy coffee maker world is that it's taking its non-toxic ethos and planting it firmly into the brewing process.

In fact, the Caraway 10-Cup Coffee Maker has eliminated plastic from the brew path altogether.

Using a 'first-of-its-kind Clean Brew System', this coffee maker uses stainless steel and glass, meaning your coffee is brewed entirely plastic-free.

For a drip coffee maker, that's a pretty big deal, unless you're planning to brew it all manually (which I'm certainly not).

Why I'll be picking one up

It's hard to ask for a coffee maker that's entirely plastic-free when the market is saturated with options that use plastics for internal components.

But everything in Caraway's coffee maker is focused on eliminating their use.

From the water path, shower head, brew basket, and even the reusable coffee filter, each part of the brewing process is made from stainless steel – and it all leads to a durable glass carafe for a cleaner-tasting cup all the way from brew to pour.

It's clear Caraway has really focused in on this plastic-free innovation (and I heard it has spent 5 years doing just that), but plenty of thought has also gone into its design.

I'm a huge fan of the clean lines and minimalist, yet stylish design of Caraway's cookware. Seeing this translated into a coffee maker is a dreamy countertop addition.

Plus, it's available in four colors; Cream, Midnight, Stone, and Clay, which all integrate nicely with the rest of Caraway's range, in keeping with its iconic muted palette.

And, there are plenty more features to enjoy with the 10-Cup Coffee Maker, including precise temperature control, the ability to brew 2-10 cups, a keep-warm function for up to 90 minutes, and a lovely compact and quiet footprint.

It also includes a built-in cleaning and descaling cycle, plus dishwasher-safe removable components. Coffee lovers may be intrigued by the one-dial control, too, that switches between brewing and cleaning.

If you're looking for a more detailed and in-depth coffee brewing system, there's no big screen with options here. But for me, that's not a deal-breaker.

Availability

Caraway's 10-Cup Coffee Maker is now available to buy exclusively for $495 at CarawayHome.com and Crate & Barrel stores and online. Caraway states that shipping commences 10/30, though "quantities are limited".

Whether it makes its way into our best coffee makers, we'll have to wait until we get our hands on one for a full review.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 ways to create a barista-style coffee bar in your kitchen
• Coffee doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby — here’s my 5 favorite cheap accessories
• How to make coffee without a coffee maker — 5 easy techniques

As we enter the colder months of the year, it's time to seriously think about getting our homes ready to battle the crisp weather.

While there's 5 cheap ways to weatherize your windows that I use every fall, I've realized I also need to focus on my doors.

Fortunately, there's a simple $8 hack that I've just found that should stop the heat from escaping and keep the cold out in the process.

So, instead of spending money on an additional heater or paying out more on energy bills, you can save that extra cash for a rainy day (of which there will be many in fall).

Check your doors first

Before you carry out this hack, you'll want to check the doors around your home to identify where any potential draft problems are. Fortunately, we asked an expert for their advice on how best to check.

Ilja Medvedevs, director of internal door supplies at Door Supplies Online, reveals: "Close the door and run your hand slowly around the frame, particularly along the sides and top.

"You can also hold a thin piece of tissue paper near the edges. If it moves when there's no obvious breeze, check that area more closely."

She adds: "Then look underneath. If you can see daylight when the door is closed or feel cold air coming through, you've found somewhere worth investigating."

Once you've identified a problem, then you can move on to the simple $8 hack to fix it.

How it works

If you've identified drafts underneath any doors in your home, you'll want to find something to prevent them. But, understandably, you won't want to pay a lot of money to do so.

While you may have a suitable draft excluder in your home already, it can make opening and closing the door a little tricky.

That's where this affordable item comes in. DIY draft-proofing strips can be picked up from just $8 at Amazon (as shown below) and they'll seal off the bottom of your door with ease, taking about 2 minutes to install.

They can be cut to size, attached with the strong adhesive already attached, and will effectively stop heat and cold drifting in and out of the room.

"For a small gap around the edge of an older external door, a suitable self-adhesive strip can be enough," Medvedevs advises. "Measure the gap first, as something too thick can make the door difficult to close."

Extra money-saving tips

The edges of your doors might not be the only thing letting heat escape or inviting cold air in though.

Medvedev also suggests checking for smaller openings: "Look at the letterbox and make sure the flap closes properly and any seal or brush is still in good condition."

It may even be an issue with the door itself not hanging correctly that even the $8 draft-proofing strip won't be able to fix: "If the door has dropped, is difficult to close or there's a large uneven gap around the frame, a draft strip may not solve the problem. That's when you need to look at why the door isn't sitting properly first."

And any draft-proofing you do now will benefit you all year round. While in the fall and winter it'll hopefully save you money on your energy bills, it'll also keep excessive heat out during the summer when you're trying to embrace the 'caveman method' for a comfortable home.

More from Tom's Guide

• Fed up with a cold home? Here’s how I used the ‘towel trick’ to keep in the heat
• Another major winter storm is coming — here's how to check for drafts right now
• 5 ways to winterize your home and save money on your energy bills

Welcome to the 2026 Tom's Guide Awards! Our annual awards celebrate the best tech, tools, gear, and services we've used over the past year, culminating with our Hero awards, which celebrate the very best innovation, company, and product design, among others.

Without further ado, here are all the winners of this year's Tom's Guide Awards.

Whether you’re a master baker or an amateur, owning one of the best stand mixers is an absolute essential — and KitchenAid remains the gold standard of mixers.

Known for its versatile design and stunning color options, I always get excited about every new launch — and KitchenAid's Luminaire design series doesn’t disappoint.

KitchenAid's latest Luminaire tilt-head stand mixer features a stunning fluted glass bowl, gorgeous polished details, and an eye-catching peppercorn blue crinkle finish that shimmers under the lights. But that’s not all.

It features an integrated bowl light so you can see each stage clearly — a game-changing addition I’ve always wanted to see on a mixer. Here’s why this will be a welcome addition to my kitchen.

Here's what you need to know

The first thing that caught my eye was its Italian-crafted design and striking 'dried peppercorn' shade. And while I wouldn't ordinarily opt for blue in my kitchen aesthetic, this certainly wouldn't look out of place on any countertop.

What’s more, the textured crinkle finish gives it a sleek appeal, while the hardened, fluted glass bowl catches the natural light.

I love the fact that you can see every stage of mixing, which upgrades the entire baking experience when whipping up your baked treats. And if you have junior bakers at home, this would make it even more entertaining.

In addition, the glass bowl is durable and scratch-resistant during use and when cleaning.

Beyond its stunning aesthetic, it's equipped with Precision Speed Control to easily adjust your mixing process every step of the way.

Integrated bowl light

Perhaps the one feature that I'm most excited about is the integrated bowl light.

According to KitchenAid, this stand mixer was "engineered to illuminate" to help you see each stage more clearly.

This feature comes in handy, especially as the days grow darker this cozy season, and you'll benefit from the extra light.

Even better, the integrated lighting highlights the entire appliance, making it stand out on your countertop even more.

I'm sold on this new KitchenAid Luminaire design. Not only does it look the part, but its impressive features are definitely a bonus and will make baking a breeze. Just in time for the festive season.

For more information

Go to: https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/design-series/luminaire

More from Tom's Guide

• How to choose the best KitchenAid stand mixer
• Discover KitchenAid's Artisan stand mixer is my best kitchen purchase ever — here's why 
• And 5 KitchenAid gadgets to get the most out of your mixer

I'm a big fan of fall. Crispy weather, comfy clothing and cozy nights in. But, I tell you what I'm not a big fan of – spiders. Unfortunately, when we reach the end of summer and beginning of fall, it also becomes mating season for spiders.

Male spiders are desperately on the hunt and that brings them out of their usual hidey-holes looking for a mate. It turns out if you're seeing more spiders right now, they've probably been living in your house all year long.

Plus, if you're leaving lights on and windows open, the bugs will fly in and the spiders will surely follow their prey. Either way, it makes my skin crawl and I'd like to avoid any crawling altogether. Fortunately, I found a spider-repelling hack just in time – and it uses just three affordable items.

How does it work?

TikTok user, @haz_colourfulhome, shared a simple hack on her social media that has kept her home spider-free for years. All you need, she says, is epsom salt, little net bags and some essential oil(s).

For the essential oil, Harriet recommends lemon, mint, eucalyptus and lavender, but you could also use peppermint oil, other citrus oils such as orange and lime, or tea tree. These are all smells that spiders hate, but you can pick ones that you love.

To follow this hack, carry out these five simple steps:

• Pour the epsom salt into each bag, around half full
• Fasten it securely
• Dab the essential oil onto the epsom salt over the bag
• Be as generous as you want with the oil
• Repeat the process as many times as you need

One important caveat for this hack is that the essential oil will make the bag quite greasy. So, you should avoid placing it directly on any wood surfaces or any surfaces you'd like not to be affected. Alternatively, you can place it on a little dish on top of the delicate surfaces.

She adds, it's completely up to personal choice how many you decide to place around your home, but she has them in lots of corners, by the front door and any hidden places around her home: "I am just that petrified I just think more is more in this case."

Here's what happened when I tried it

While there's a citrus peel spider hack that I've been trying out, I feel like you can't overdo trying to stop the spiders taking over your home. It also doesn't hurt that it smells lovely, too. So, I grabbed some epsom salts, little net bags and essential oil ready to try out this hack.

And it was actually surprisingly simple. I should've known really considering Harriet managed to keep up an entire narrative during her TikTok video while completing the hack, but I was still worried the oil would get everywhere.

I'm happy to report though that the epsom salts and net bag seemed to soak up the oil quite well. It was still greasy, as Harriet warned, but not enough that I felt it would leave a stain or a mark.

It took me around 5 minutes to make a handful of bags and then I placed them around my home. The smell was subtle, but just enough to add a nice scent to the rooms. Unfortunately, I hadn't put into consideration my kids who decided it was game to find all the net bags and collect them all up again.

After I explained what they were for though, they were in full support of keeping the spider count down in our house. Now, I've not seen any spiders yet, but I fear it might be a little too soon to tell. Either way, it took me minimal effort, it was incredibly affordable and the net bags can be reused year after year.

More from Tom's Guide

• It’s peak spider season — here’s what to look out for and how to keep them at bay this fall
• I banished spiders with this $3 cleaning hack — and it actually worked
• 5 spider-repelling hacks that actually work — and you probably have everything you need at home

Le Creuset is an iconic kitchen brand. Star Trek is an iconic franchise. And what happens when you take two icons, put them in a bowl and mix them together? Well, a 12-piece kitchenware collection that'll turn your kitchen into a culinary command center.

To celebrate 60 years of "Star Trek", the cookware brand has lovingly crafted a limited-edition collection for fans of the franchise. Or, maybe you're just a fan of Spock (don't worry, there's a mug for that).

Christopher Scinto, Chief Marketing Officer at Le Creuset says: "With the Le Creuset x Star Trek Collection, we set out to commemorate some of the franchise's most beloved symbols with our signature craftsmanship and iconic colors and designs."

While there's 12 pieces in the collection that you can check out for a limited time only at Le Creuset stores, LeCreuset.com, and Williams-Sonoma.com, I've highlighted my five top picks below.

What's in my basket

The full Le Creuset x "Star Trek" collection ranges from $35 to $500, but with 12 items there's hopefully something for every price range. Before we jump into my basket, I want to give a special mention to the Mini Cocottes for Balok, Gorn and Talosian. While they're not in my basket right now, they're certainly worth checking out if you're a fan.

• 'Revolutionary for homemade bread': Why I can't wait to try Le Creuset's new oval bread oven
• Cast iron skillet vs Dutch oven — which is better?
• What is a Dutch oven — everything you need to know about this kitchen essential

As late summer transitions into autumn, North America’s smallest birds begin preparing for one of the most grueling journeys in the animal kingdom.

Before flying south to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, many hummingbirds must fuel up for non-stop flights that, for some species, include a harrowing five-hundred-mile stretch across open water.

While natural environmental cues like decreasing daylight hours signal when it is time for them to depart, backyard bird feeders provide a crucial, high-energy pit stop along their migration highway.

The physics of migration

Understanding the extreme physical demands of migration highlights why suburban backyards matter so much in the fall.

In the weeks leading up to departure, hummingbirds enter a state of extreme hyperphagia, eating constantly to gain twenty-five to forty percent of their body weight in fat store reserves. This rapid fat gain is essential because their tiny bodies burn energy at an astounding rate.

During migration flight, a hummingbird's heart beats up to twelve hundred times per minute while its wings flap anywhere from fifteen to eighty times every second.

Migration occurs in staggered waves, starting with adult males in late summer, followed by females, and finally young birds making the journey for the very first time well into fall.

How to help hummingbirds prepare for migration

More from Tom's Guide

• Want to attract hummingbirds to your yard? It turns out there's a sweet spot for hanging your feeder
• I brought my brown lawn back to life using these 5 recovery steps
• Want more songbirds visiting? 7 changes that bring them to your yard

If you’ve suddenly spotted more spiders in your home recently, you’re not the only one. Be it roaming along baseboards, lurking behind furniture, or on the ceiling, these creepy crawlies can be everywhere.

Not only can these pests hide in your home, but they can leave unsightly cobwebs — which only add to your weekend cleaning chores.

According to pest control experts, September is the peak season for spiders. This is because arachnids often begin their mating season from the end of August to late October as male spiders become more active to seek out their female counterparts.

Additionally, as they grow in size, larger spiders often venture into our homes to find a warm sanctuary and food sources.

While it can be alarming to get rid of spiders, there are a few easy hacks you can do to keep them away. So before you get out the toxic repellents, check out these expert-approved tips to prevent a home invasion.

Spray white vinegar on cotton wool pads

White vinegar has many uses around the home, but it is also a great spider repellent. Again, this is thanks to its potent smell, which spiders hate and will stay away from.

“Another strong spell to help steer spiders away is white vinegar,” advises Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialist Eurocell.

“Mix two tablespoons in a solution with warm soapy water and dose cotton wool pads in the mixture. Dot them around potential entry points, such as window sills and door frames, to help keep them away.”

What’s more, if you’re battling with spiders outdoors or around your front porch, another top tip is to spray patios and paths with vinegar. While this won’t kill spiders, the strong scent will keep them at bay.

The peppermint oil method

While we might love this fresh scent, spiders hate the strong smell.

Simply mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a small bottle. Spray directly into corners, around cracks, and any other trouble areas where you often spot spiders.

“Peppermint is often viewed as a natural deterrent for critters like spiders, as the strong scent is thought to be unpleasant to them,” adds Godsiff.

Alternatively, you could soak cotton balls with the oil and place them around those hotspot areas where spiders often appear.

In fact, you could try any strong, plant-extracted oils such as eucalyptus or even cinnamon oil, which are all effective repellents for most household pests, including mice, ants, and more.

NOTE: Do NOT use peppermint oil if you have pets as this is toxic when inhaled or ingested.

Regularly vacuum

Of course, if you want a spider-free home, always maintain regular cleaning and use a powerful vacuum cleaner to deal with cobwebs immediately. What’s more, spiders love to feast on any other insects, so keeping a clean space will be uninviting for them.

Also, remember to vacuum behind sofas, beds, under rugs, and any other hidden spaces where they might be lurking.

“As male spiders will be more visible during mating season, pay close attention to quiet areas around the house where webs have been formed,” adds Godsiff. “Don’t forget to also vacuum behind other hotspots for spiders such as behind sofas or inside ceiling lights".

For more tips, check out these 5 common places spiders love to hide in your home.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 common places spiders love to hide in your home
• Pest experts warn you should never squash spiders in your home — here’s why
• 9 plants that repel spiders and keep them out of your home

IFA 2026 is in full swing and Anker has made some pretty big announcements beyond just revealing a new MagSafe charger or two. Not only has the company revealed a swathe of new products, including its own AI-powered home hub (we'll get to that shortly), but it's also revealed it will be unifying all of its brands under one name from here on out.

That means its five sub-brands, including well-known names like Eufy and Soundcore, will now all be recognized as Anker. Founder and CEO of Anker Innovations, Steven Yang, said: "Category brands made sense when categories were separate. They no longer are. One brand, one promise – Ultimate Innovation, now unified across everything we make."

Instead, Anker will now present its products in two groups: Anker for You and Anker for Home. And there are new additions to both. And, as mentioned, this new era for Anker has been accompanied by some big product reveals that are worth talking about.

What new products have been announced

During its IFA 2026 appearance, Anker revealed a whopping 22 new products including headphones, earbuds, power banks, chargers and more. But, there's definitely some that stand out to us here at Tom's Guide. Take the Anker eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35, which joins the brand's existing lineup of robot vacs. Equipped with a HydroJet 2.0 Self-Cleaning Roller Mop and 35,000Pa of suction power, it looks set to take on the dirt and dust throughout your home.

Or, the new Soundcore earbuds, the AeroClip 2 and AeroClip 2 Pro, bringing Anker's THUS AI chip to an on-ear clip form to add AI voice recording, capturing meetings, phone calls and personal interactions, as well as transcribing and summarizing them.

And then there's the Anker MagGo Power Bank Pro 2 that claims it's "the world's fastest and coolest wireless power bank", as well as "the first magnetic power bank with a built-in cooling fan." According to Anker, it'll take your iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 25 minutes.

Not forgetting the Robot Lawn Mower S2 Max, which is Anker's first time developing a robot lawn mower entirely in-house. What's different about it? Well, Anker says it is fully autonomous with no boundary wires or RTK, plus an automatic extendable cutting arm.

When it comes to Anker's full IFA 2026 product announcement, though, the full range includes:

• Anker MindBase
• Anker MindBase Security Kit
• Anker Soundcore AeroClip 2 Pro
• Anker Soundcore AeroClip 2
• Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Buds 2
• Anker Sleep 4
• Anker Sleep 4 Pro
• Anker SleepLab
• Anker SleepLab Pro
• Anker MagGo Power Bank Pro 2
• Anker Laptop Charger Pro
• Anker MagStand Charging Station
• Anker Eufy TrackLight Cam S1
• Anker Eufy Video Doorbell S4
• Anker Eufy Smart Security Shield
• Anker Eufy NVR Security System E50
• Anker Eufy Window Camera E10
• Anker Eufy Fall Detection Sensor
• Anker Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E35
• Anker Robot Lawn Mower S2 Max
• Anker SOLIX Solarbank Max

Introducing Anker MindBase

Of the 22 products announced during IFA 2026, there was one that particularly caught our eye — the Anker MindBase.

This is Anker's first AI hub that it hopes will bring "the truly autonomous home to life." It'll connect your Anker and Matter-compatible devices across your home into one system, working alongside the likes of Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.

But it's also competing with these brands. The smart home hub space is busy with the likes of Google Nest and Amazon Echo, but for anyone who already owns a large number of Anker products, from Eufy vacuums to SOLIX power stations, this could be a tempting upgrade.

Anker uses what it calls a TrueSmart Agent to bring local intelligence across different areas of your home through dedicated AI agents. And with 48TB of expandable local storage, you can keep recordings, household data and even family photos inside your home safe.

While Anker has got a lot of new arrivals, it's not the only brand making waves at IFA 2026. You can follow all of our extensive coverage from Berlin's big tech show right here.

More from Tom's Guide

• What to expect at IFA 2026: AI everywhere, robots, laptops evolved, smarter homes and more
• I tested Anker's portable solar generator and it managed to bring power to places my home solar system couldn't reach
• Eufy's new robot vacuum is a massive upgrade over its predecessor — at half the price

It’s been a busy year for iRobot. March brought the Roomba Mini — a new compact bot available in bold, playful colorways rarely seen in the category. May saw a massive release of eight new models, ranging from the entry-level 115 to the flagship 775.

Now, just in time for IFA and as we roll into September, the company has dropped another heavyweight. Enter the Roomba Max 875 Combo, pushing the 775 off the top spot.

With so many new models on the market, you’ve got to ask whether the world needs yet another robot vacuum? Apparently so.

Could the Roomba Max 875 Combo be the ultimate floor cleaning tool? At $1,119 at iRobot, I’ll let you decide if the features justify the price tag. I can’t wait to see how it compares to the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete, which currently ranks as the best robot vacuum in our buying guide.

Hard floors and carpet: No problem

I spoke to Reena Patel, Floorcare Category Manager at iRobot, to learn more about iRobot’s flagship model. She says it was engineered to tackle the full spectrum of household messes, from deeply embedded debris to everyday dust and pet hair.

“It combines serious cleaning power with smart automation, so customers can spend less time managing their floors and more time enjoying their homes and experiences outside their home, too,” Patel says. “It’s not just a smarter clean; it’s a stronger, deeper, and more effortless clean," which she adds is all handled through the app.

She explains that the Roomba Max 875 was designed around clear feedback iRobot repeatedly sees. “Customers continually want to experience a robot to deliver a tough stain clean. So if you’ve got debris locked into your carpets or liquid stains that are dried on your hard floors, you want the robot to be able to clean those away effectively.”

What does the Roomba Max 875 Combo deliver?

So, what does iRobot’s latest model actually bring to the table? According to the company, the robot pairs proprietary SealForce vacuuming technology with a dual-action heated mopping system. The result is deep carpet cleaning, target stain removal on hard floors, and automated rug protection during mopping.

Deep cleaning on carpets
Let’s look at that more closely. SealForce does not rely on suction power alone; instead, the chassis lowers a dedicated skirt to create a tight seal against carpet fibers, concentrating vacuuming force directly where debris hides.

Paired with 20 L/s of tornado-like airflow and 35,000 Pa of suction, iRobot claims this delivers three times deeper carpet cleaning than systems without SealForce, making it their best pickup performance to date.

Tough on hard floor stains
On hard surfaces, the vacuuming pairs with an advanced mopping system. iRobot’s ultrasonic ThermaMist technology continuously sprays a heated mist to soften and loosen dried-on spills so tough stains lift in a single pass — eliminating the need for manual scrubbing. It could be a game-changer in the kitchen.

What’s more, this intelligent floor cleaner boasts a continuously self-cleaning PowerSpin Max roller mop — the industry’s largest according to iRobot. It scrubs with heated water at 300 RPM under 18 Newtons of downward pressure, delivering 3.75 times deeper scrubbing power and 1.2 times wider coverage per pass, compared to a standard PowerSpin roller mop.

Rug-safe mopping
When returning to carpets, the patented DriLift technology automatically detects carpeted areas, raises the mop roller, and lowers a protective shield to guarantee rugs remain completely dry throughout the run. That puts an end to stopping the robot mid-clean to remove a rug.

Sharp on edges
The 875 also addresses the common pain point of robots not reaching the edges by delivering PerfectEdge cleaning, with an outward-expanding brush for corners.

However, despite all the tech, this model still can't climb stairs.

Smart cleaning from iRobot

When paired with the Roomba app, you can make the most of personalized cleaning schedules, target specific rooms with heavier footfall like hallways and prioritize pet areas. You can even define whether you require a light, medium or deep clean.

And with Precision Vision AI, you shouldn’t have to worry about common floor hazards, such as pet bowls and children’s toys, as it recognizes over 300 common household objects.

We can't recommend iRobot’s latest flagship model without testing it, but it sure sounds impressive. Would you consider purchasing the 875 to clean your floors? Let me know in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• The top robot vacuums we saw at CES 2026
• We fought fur and mopped paw prints with the best robot vacuums for pet hair in 2026 — these 5 came out on top
• Best vacuum cleaners 2026: Top picks for spotless floors

After spending the last year reviewing all of the best robot vacuums, I know what to look for when it comes to getting value for your money. The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum delivers reliable performance at a mid-range price that will please anyone looking for a helping set of hands (or wheels) around the house.

Vacuuming is effective, especially on hard floors, and mopping is impressive thanks to the dual circular mops. The small dock design will suit even smaller homes, and mapping through the app is quick and easy.

Unfortunately, it struggles to pick up hair and bumps into some obstacles with some force (so mind your legs), but overall, I think this is a great mid-range option. To find out more, you can keep reading this full Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Specs

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Price & availability

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is available for $799 on Amazon U.S. and £1,199 on Amazon U.K. This is a mid-range robot vacuum that’s pretty small, but I think you get a lot of bang for your buck considering the cleaning performance.

It’s a little more expensive than the Roborock QV 35S, which is available for $749, but this vacuum only has a suction power of 10,000Pa, whereas the Qrevo 2 Pro has 25,000Pa. It also performs better than the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which costs $999, although they look very similar. If you have mostly hard flooring in your home and need more reliable mopping, I would recommend the Qrevo Pro 2.

The Ecovacs Deebot T30S is $300 cheaper at $499 and provides an excellent clean. It even does well at picking up pet hair, so this could be a better option for pet owners, as the Qrevo 2 Pro doesn’t do the best job picking up hair.

It’s worth keeping in mind that if you have a lot of pets that shed fur or children running around, you may want something a little more heavy-duty. For this, I’d recommend splashing a few extra bucks and picking up one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair, such as the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,699 or the Roborock Saros 20 for $1,599.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Design

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro, like most other Roborock products, looks sleek and will suit any home. It comes in black or white, so there’s an option for whatever your interior decor looks like. I tested the black colorway, and it looked good next to the rest of my home appliances. The dock measures 19.5 x 17.7 x 15.8 inches, making it compact as far as robot vacuums go. Together, the dock and vacuum weigh 37.3 lbs.

The Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 ($299) is another robot vacuum with a small dock, but this one only has a max suction power of 6,000Pa, meaning it’s only really good for hard floors. It’s great to see the Roborock incorporating high suction power into a dock with a smaller design.

The robot vacuum measures 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches, the same as the Roborock QV 35S, which isn’t too invasive. The Qrevo 2 Pro has a front bumper that is very reactive when it moves into furniture. Underneath the robot, there’s a side brush that rotates to kick up dust at the side of the room. On this model, the brush is also reversible, so it can, in theory, pick up more dust from the corners of the room.

At the back of the robot vacuum, there are two circular mops. I much prefer circular mops, as they agitate the ground more, instead of wiping over it like the flat mop on the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 ThermaCharged NeverTouch ($1,199).

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: App

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is controlled via the Roborock app. This is free to download on iOS and Android devices. This isn’t my first time using the Roborock app, as it’s what I use to control my Roborock Saros 20 at home, so I’m familiar with the controls. But if you’ve never used it before, you get a walkthrough when you set up the device for the first time.

The app is easy to navigate. Vacuum controls are at the bottom of the screen where you can dictate the strength of the suction, the amount of water used by the mops, and how many passes the vacuum makes over the room. You control mapping at the top of the screen and can send the vacuum back to the dock with the click of a button.

You can watch the route the vacuum has taken on the app, where a line is tracked around the room. It also lets you know how many square meters it has cleaned and how long it’s been cleaning for, but unfortunately, it doesn’t tell you how much time is left in the routine.

Although I usually decline notifications from new apps, I recommend turning them on for the Roborock app because if anything happens to your robot, such as it becoming stuck, you’ll receive a handy notification so you know it needs a helping hand.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Mapping

The first thing I did when I set up the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro in the app was map the first floor of my house. This is done through the quick mapping setting in the app.

The robovac uses LiDAR navigation to create the layout, and this was very accurate. The LiDAR was so effective that it even mapped into the backyard.

The mapping took around 10 minutes to complete for four rooms. This process was a lot quicker than when I recently used the Dreame app. During this time, it noted obstacles such as chairs and marked them in the app with a small traffic cone icon so it knew to avoid them in the future.

My only issue here is the obstacle avoidance. The robovac has a bumper at the front, but it would crash pretty hard into things like sofa legs and the dining room table. It didn’t do any damage. But I found myself jumping a little each time it crashed.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Cleaning

I found the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro to perform best on hard floors, though it struggled to pick up hair on all surfaces. The vacuum has a maximum suction power of 25,000 Pa, the setting I used to conduct my testing. This is good for a mid-range vacuum, as the Roborock QV 35S has a maximum suction power of 10,000Pa.

Vacuuming

I tested how good the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is at vacuuming by carrying out our standardized testing criteria. This involved setting out quantities of hair, cereal and flaxseeds in a six-by-three-foot grid on both hardwood floor and carpet and measuring the amount of pickup during a standard cleaning cycle.

Hardwood floor:

I was generally happy with how the robot vacuum performed on the hardwood floor. Robovacs tend to do a better job cleaning hard flooring, but I was a little disappointed by how much hair it failed to pick up. It seemed to be completely skipping over it, and some got trapped in the wheels. Pet owners will probably want to skip this robovac, as you’ll be left with fur on the floor.

That said, it was clear the reversible side brush did a great job collecting the small seeds from the sides of the room. The vacuum performed far better than the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 and was a lot more reliable for daily cleaning.

Carpet:

I was less impressed with the performance on carpet; since this is a mid-range vacuum, we should expect a middle-of-the-road performance. It struggled even more to pick up hair here, but thrived when picking up regular debris such as Rice Krispies.

Although these scores aren’t the best, when using the vacuum in my home over the course of a few days, I’ve been happy with the results. It left crisp vacuum lines in the carpet, and every room looked clean. I think the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is a good choice for everyday cleaning; it’s just not reliable for deep cleaning.

Unfortunately, for deeper cleaning from a robot vacuum, you will need to spend more money. If you live in a carpeted home, I would recommend the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete. Although it’s pricier, the result means you’ll spend less time following up with a handheld vacuum to deal with pet hair stuck in the carpet.

Mopping

To test how well the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro performs when mopping, I carried out my usual tests: soy sauce, mayonnaise and mud.

The robot vac did a great job of cleaning up every last drop with two passes of the room. More expensive flagship models feature heated mopping, but I think the Qrevo 2 Pro did a good job of getting my floors sparkling, even though it took a little longer since it had to do two passes to fully clean the floor.

After mopping, the dock will also clean and sock the mop pads at 167ºF before quietly drying them with 113ºF warm air. This is a feature I’m familiar with from flagship models, so it’s great to see it in a mid-range option. You don't get this luxury with the Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2, as you need to remove the mop pads and wash them yourself.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Storage & maintenance

The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro can maintain itself for up to 65 days, depending on usage. After each clean, the onboard dustbin empties into the dustbag in the dock. This bag has a capacity of 2.7 liters.

On top of the Roborock dock station are two four-liter tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. Both can be removed for refilling and emptying. Once removed, they expose a hatch, which is where the removable dustbag can be found. It’s easy to access these components, and they’re not too heavy even when full, thanks to the handles.

The four-liter clean water tank is used for cleaning the mops and for refilling the robovac’s onboard water tank. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied regularly, but it can be left for up to 65 days. I prefer to empty it more regularly to avoid any unwanted smells.

The Qrevo 2 Pro is a lot smaller than flagship models, making it a great choice if you’re short on space in your home. You just need to make sure you have a power outlet nearby to plug it in and that the robot has enough space to reverse back into the dock.

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro review: Verdict

I think the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is a good choice for its mid-range price tag and effective vacuuming. The mopping performance is also good with circular rotating mops that scrub the floors to lift away all the grime.

The smaller docking station is ideal for smaller homes, and maintenance is still easy with up to 65 days of storage in the self-emptying dustbag and water tank. Mapping is also accurate and easy to set up in the Roborock app.

Unfortunately, the vacuum doesn’t do the best job when dealing with hair and has a tendency to bump into some obstacles with force. For anyone with hard floors who wants something to help with daily cleaning, the Qrevo 2 Pro is a good option because despite its flaws, it’s still great value for money.

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time for Labor Day weekend picnics, barbecues, and getaways! If any of these sound like a part of your end of summer plans, you’ll likely need a little help keeping your snacks and drinks perfectly chilled. That’s why now is the time to invest in one of the best coolers.

A few of our favorite brands — like Ninja, Igloo, Coleman, YETI and more — are knocking up to 44% off select coolers. For instance, our favorite budget cooler, the Coleman Classic Series (70 qt), is down to just $67 right now. If you're looking for something with wheels, I'd suggest the YETI Roadie 48 that's now $85 off.

If you're not sure where to begin, keep scrolling to see my list of all the cooler deals I recommend for your Labor Day Weekend plans and beyond! You can also check out our Amazon promo codes page.

Quick Links

• shop cooler deals at Amazon
• Coleman Classic Playmate Coolers: was $33 now $25
• Igloo Marine Cooler 25qt: was $41 now $31
• Coleman Classic Series Cooler 70qt: was $94 now $67
• Stanley All Day Julienne Soft Cooler: was $140 now $78
• Ninja Backpack Cooler: was $199 now $179
• YETI Hopper Flip 12: was $250 now $200

The Best Cooler Deals

More Deals

Vitamix makes some of the best blenders on the market — our testing at Tom’s Guide consistently proves it — but the brand’s premium price tags often put them out of reach.

However, that just changed with the launch of the Vitamix Nano. The brand is re-entering the single-serve market with a compact, personal blender design for the health-conscious in mind, and it’s available for $199 at Vitamix.

Single-serve smoothies

The compact Nano isn’t designed for big elaborate feasts. Instead, it focuses on the essentials: creating smoothies and frozen drinks with a small footprint that won’t overcrowd your countertop.

Although you don’t get all the multi-functions of other Vitamix blenders, such as the Vitamix Ascent X2, which takes the top spot in our best blenders buying guide, you don’t get short-changed on performance. The Vitamix Nano has a single purpose.

Intelligent blending

At the heart of the Vitamix Nano is SmoothiePilot — the brand’s first adaptive smoothie feature. So what exactly does that mean? It senses what’s happening inside the cup and automatically selects the optimal blend program, adjusting the speed and duration to deliver a smooth result, whether making a smoothie or frozen cocktail.

Laura Ostenkamp, vice president of sales and marketing at Vitamix, says, in short, it "blends every time with no guesswork required."

Does this put an end to pausing mid-blend to check and stir the ingredients, and to finding unexpected lumps in your cocktails? We’ll have to see how it performs once we receive a unit to test.

The Vitamix Nano: What do you get?

So what does this compact 20-ounce cup blender offer, and is it worth paying $199 for the privilege? Vitamix says it comes with a high-powered 1,000-watt motor and hardened stainless steel blades to tackle tough ingredients like ice and frozen fruit.

What’s more, the technology takes away all the hard work, making the controls simple: select SmoothiePilot for a perfectly smooth drink, or select variable speed for your preferred texture.

You also get two cups with lids, so you can blend your drinks and go, or keep one in the refrigerator for later.

Cleaning a blender can be notoriously tricky, but once you’ve made your drink, clean up is easy. According to Vitamix, it self-cleans in 30 seconds; just add hot water and a drop of dish soap; there’s no need to disassemble the unit. But, for an easy life, it’s also dishwasher-safe.

And if you’re wondering whether you have enough space for another gadget on your countertop, the Vitamix Nano is mini. It measures just 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches at the base, and stands 15.3 inches tall.

The only choice you’ll have to make apart from selecting SmoothiePilot or the variable control is whether to buy the white or black version. My money is on the black, although I’d like to see a few punchy candy colors introduced in the future.

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I'm sure I'm not the only one that has noticed there's a lot more flies this year. Or, at least it feels like it when they buzz directly into my home as soon as I seem to open a door or window.

Not only are they seriously annoying, but they're also disease spreaders, can multiple very fast, and some of them even bite (depending on the species).

So, when I realized that the fly situation in my home was getting a little out of hand, I wanted to make sure I did something about it. Fortunately, my social media algorithm must've heard me talking about the flies because it started popping up with solutions.

And there was one TikTok in particular that caught my eye. Here's the hack I've been using to keep flies away from my home – and it's a real treat to hear no more incessant buzzing.

How it works

Influencer @mrsclarehoops has over 250k followers on her TikTok account where she posts a variety of easy, thrifty and helpful crafts and DIY tips and tricks.

And she posted a video titled: "Today yrs old when you found this natural fruit fly repellent," where she holds up a little bundle of helpful, natural and eco-friendly kitchen staples.

Using mint, lavender, and rosemary, she creates a small bouquet to place around the home, especially in areas where you'd find food sources like the kitchen.

Flies hate all three of these items because they produce strong-scented oils and aromas that these particular insects don't like. Even better? It's also a great deterrent for mosquitoes, ants, moths, and spiders!

You may well have these in your home already, but if not, it's a great excuse to go foraging, ask friends or family, or head to the nearest grocery shop.

Other ways to get rid of flies

Using this TikTok hack is certainly not the only thing you can do to get rid of flies in your home though. Most importantly, you'll want to make sure that all your food is covered, your bins and any trash are sealed properly, and cleaning up any crumbs is kept on top of.

If you let organic waste litter your home, flies will come to feed on it. Take away their food, reduce the chance of them coming in looking for it.

Removing all of these things should do the trick, but there's always the little bundles of mint, rosemary and lavender to use as an extra layer of defense. And there's other kitchen staples to deter flies that you can try, too.

If you notice the natural route isn't quite working for you, there's always specific fly sprays and pesticides that you can turn to, if you want.

Ultimately, if you put in preventative measures in the first place, the flies won't come. It's only if you allow them into your home and don't do anything about it that you'll begin to notice them spreading fast. And I for one certainly don't want that.

More from Tom's Guide

• Expert shares clever ice cube hack that could banish flies from your yard this summer
• I finally banished fruit flies for good using this $7 gadget from Amazon
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I've got two bird feeders in my garden already, but I recently learned I need one more. Why? Well, there's a special one specifically designed to attract hummingbirds – and I'd love to have more of these adorable, vibrant birds coming to visit.

Not only are they lovely to look at, showing off their unique flying moves from hoovering in midair to flying backward, but they're also great pollinators, boosting your garden's ecosystem for the better.

But, while I've figured out the type of feeder I need, designed to hold liquid sugar water with flower shapes to suit their long beaks, I've also discovered that there's a sweet spot on where you should hang them – and fortunately, it's pretty simple.

So, if you're like me and are eager to attract hummingbirds to your outside space, here's everything you need to know about exactly where it should go for the best chance at attracting these feathered friends.

Where should I hang my feeder?

When hanging your hummingbird feeder, it turns out it's the height that's really important. For this, you want to aim for about 6 feet off the ground. This is a sweet spot for hummingbirds as it's high enough to stay away from predators (namely cats) so acts as a safe space for them to settle down and eat.

But, you want to make sure you're not placing it too high. This would put it away from natural food sources in your yard like flowers and shrubs, as well as opportunities for water.

They also won't be looking for a feeder up that high, especially if it's away from where they'd usually travel. As well as height though, there's a couple of other things to consider when hanging up your feeder.

Keeping it away from windows so they don't crash into the glass is also important, as well as putting it in a shaded area with a touch of sun so that the nectar stays fresh. If you leave it in direct sunlight, the nectar can spoil and make the hummingbirds sick.

Something even better you can do? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends growing specific plants to attract hummingbirds to your yard: "Hummingbirds prefer to nest near a ready supply of nectar and other food like insects, so you can encourage them to live in or near your home or business by maintaining some shrubbery and deciduous trees in which they can seek protective cover."

"As seasons change, it can also help to leave any leaf litter on the ground as it becomes important habitat for many of the insects and spiders they also eat."

What to put in your hummingbird feeder

Yes, hummingbirds like to eat leaves, spiders and flowers, but that's not what you should be putting in your feeder.

If you're wondering what you to put in them instead to lure in these little birds, there's plenty of advice online, but TikTok helped me out once again with some top tips. Creator @hiddenacrehome has shared a simple recipe with almost 80 thousand views and counting that seems like an easy solution.