Among my daily cleaning tasks, keeping the bathroom spotless and scum-free is always at the top of my list.

And whether you prefer a quick shower or a long soak, bathtub surfaces quickly trap soap scum, buildup, and unsightly marks from hard water and limescale.

If you’re tired of scrubbing, I found an easier way to remove stubborn bathtub scum. In fact, all you need are a couple of common items that you probably already have in your kitchen.

What’s more, this avoids cleaning your bathtub with bleach or other harsh chemicals — and will save you money in the long run.

Best of all, it will take no time at all to clean, eliminating the elbow grease. So, if you want to cut your scrubbing time in half, this cleaning item is all you’ll need.

How to get rid of bathtub stains with dish soap

We often use bleach-laden products to get rid of stubborn bathroom scum, however, it turns out this versatile cleaner can instantly do the job.

Dish soap is an exceptional degreasing agent, formulated to tackle stubborn grime and scum with ease. Not only can it leave your tableware and glassware spotless, but it can also instantly work wonders on your bathtub surface.

First, grab your dish soap and squirt 4-6 drops over the surface and tub's interior areas. Leave it to sit for about five minutes — you may need longer for heavier scum.

Next, take a dish brush or soft sponge and gently scrub the area. I was impressed by how quickly the buildup dissolved, and it was super easy to remove in seconds, without excessive scrubbing.

Once all scum and dirt is removed, simply rinse the residue away with warm water until spotless. The end result? My bathtub was gleaming and scum-free. Win-win.

Of course, if you have issues with limescale, dish soap won’t be as effective. However, when mixed with white vinegar and baking soda, this can be a good combo for staying on top of light buildup.

So the next time you want to quickly get rid of bath soap scum, you might want to look to your kitchen for the solution instead.

Also, be sure not to make any of these 7 bathroom cleaning mistakes

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Fall is definitely underway, and the changing colors have to be everyone's favorite marker of the season. Crisp brown leaves are beginning to drift down from the trees on my street, and yesterday two greedy pigeons almost got into a fight over the juicy orange berries on my pyracantha bush.

So the season is ripe for a fall-themed picture quiz, featuring 10 of the most spectacular trees, plants and flowers of the season. How many can you name from the photos? If you can score 10/10, you have my hearty permission to go on a gardening spending spree to celebrate!

How did you do? Too hard? Too easy? Got too lost in the amazing photos? Let us know what you think in the comments below. I love to hear from you and welcome all constructive feedback. And as a keen gardener who needs no encouragement to buy more plants, I'd also love to hear your favorite fall flower. Mine have to be dahlias.

If you enjoyed this quiz, then check out our other puzzles and quizzes. And don't forget to register to save your score, reveal hints for any clues you're not sure of (though I'm sure you won't need that) and secure your spot on the competitive Tom's Guide leaderboard.

Also visit our Polls page to have your say on all manner of topics, from workout kit to the latest Apple releases. Your answers may even be featured in a Readers Say article.

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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.

When it comes to household cleaning, we all have our favorite, go-to products — and for me, that includes my laundry detergent.

What’s more, I typically stock up on supplies by buying in bulk online — saving me time on shopping trips and cutting down on overall costs.

However, while I might assume that these products will last ‘forever’, I’d be mistaken. According to cleaning professionals, even our laundry detergents have an expiration date and should be stored correctly to get the most out of them.

As I thought of my attic full of laundry supplies, I asked the experts exactly how long do I have? What will happen if I use ‘old’ detergent, and when is the best time to throw it out? Here’s what they say.

Can our laundry detergents expire, and how would we know?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes — detergent can go bad over time. This is also dependent on how you’ve stored them — especially in damp conditions.

“Yes, laundry detergent can expire,” states Taylor Sutherland, President of Charlie's Soap. “Active ingredients can break down when exposed to moisture, light, or general instability over time.

“Detergents containing enzymes are especially prone to expiring, as these proteins lose their effectiveness after a certain period — a timeframe that varies depending on the brand and formula”.

So how would I know when my detergent has gone bad? Since added fragrances often mask nasty odors, smelling your product might not reveal if it has degraded, but there are visual signs.

“Liquid detergent may thicken, separate, or have a lumpy or uneven consistency,” advises Sofia Martinez, owner at Sparkly Maid Austin.

“Powdered detergent may have formed large, hard clumps as it absorbs moisture.

Laundry detergent pods can clump or leak. They may change colors or puff up. They can also turn brittle. The outer film may have started to fall apart. These are all signs they’ve been stored improperly or have been exposed to high levels of humidity or heat.”

As well as the solution itself, pay attention to its container/outer packaging. Should you notice any cracking, leakage, or deterioration on the container, it’s best to ditch the item and buy a replacement.

How long does detergent last for?

Some brands or products list codes and use-by dates on their containers, but it’s not universal. So how long does detergent last, and when should I throw it out?

“Generally, powdered laundry detergent is from 12 to 18 months,” states Martinez. “Liquid detergent and detergent pods are about a year.

"The above timelines assume that the powder isn’t clumping and is free-flowing, the liquid isn’t separating, and none of the products have been stored in a hot, humid, or otherwise inappropriate location.”

Improper storage can also shorten its lifespan. For instance, if detergent is being stored in a damp basement, a humid laundry room, or placed in direct sunlight on a windowsill.

What happens to my clothes if I use expired detergent?

Although it’s not the end of the world if you happen to use expired laundry detergent, you might just risk having to wash them all again!

“The number one thing that’s going to happen is that expired detergent is likely to be less effective,” adds Martinez. “Clothes may not smell as fresh, look as bright, or be cleaned as well. In fact, some people mistake expired or ineffective detergent for a broken washing machine.

If your clothes come out of the wash still smelling like body odors, looking drab, or covered in stains and body oils, it may be the detergent’s fault.”

In addition, the condition of poor laundry detergent could affect your overall washing performance and results.

For instance, clumped powdered detergent can be hard to fully dissolve during short cycles and cold water washes. And leaking pods may release their contents earlier in the cycle than expected, leading to issues such as excess soap and residue.

More importantly, don’t neglect your washing machine. Make it a point to regularly clean your washing machine to keep it in top condition and make it last longer.

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If you've noticed cluster after cluster of red and black insects creeping along your siding, porch, or windows, you are not alone. As fall weather rolls in, boxelder bugs emerge in massive numbers, turning the exterior of homes into their personal sunbathing spots.

While their sudden arrival can feel like a full-blown infestation, these bugs are largely harmless. They rarely bite unless handled roughly; they don't spread disease, and they cannot eat through your house.

Once gathered on your siding, their goal is simple: find tiny cracks around windows, doors, or vents to crawl inside and hibernate comfortably. The key is stopping them before they make themselves at home.

Here is exactly how to secure your perimeter and get rid of them for good.

The common mistake that makes the problem worse

When faced with hundreds of boxelder bugs crawling on your home, your first instinct might be to start swatting, stepping on, or crushing them. It's extremely important you don't do that.

Much like the notorious stink bug, squishing a boxelder bug triggers a natural defense mechanism: it releases a pungent, foul-smelling odor that can actually attract more bugs to the area.

Worse yet, their bright red body fluid leaves stubborn, oily stains on carpets, curtains, upholstery, and light-colored siding that are nearly impossible to wash out.

The $2 kitchen item that stops them instantly

You don't need expensive exterminators or harsh chemical sprays to clear boxelder bugs off your house. The most effective weapon is already sitting right next to your kitchen sink: standard liquid dish soap.

To make your spray, mix two tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle filled with warm water.

Spraying this mixture directly onto clusters of boxelder bugs breaks down their protective, water-repellent outer shells, causing them to dehydrate and die within minutes.

Because it relies on simple soap rather than toxic chemicals, this solution is completely safe to use around pets, family, and garden plants — leaving zero chemical residue behind.

Prefer a hands-off, non-lethal approach?

If you would rather not kill the bugs, you can safely relocation-proof your yard instead. Use a garden hose with a steady water nozzle to blast clusters off your siding and onto the ground; while this won't eliminate them permanently, it disrupts their gathering spots without harming them.

Alternatively, sweep or gently vacuum them up with a wet/dry vac. Placing a nylon stocking inside the vacuum hose nozzle creates a trap so you can safely catch and release them far away from your house.

How to keep boxelder bugs from invading your home this fall

Once you have knocked down active clusters outside, you need to prevent the remaining insects from finding their way into your living room. The easiest natural prevention method comes down to a simple three-step check around your home's exterior:

Seal the gaps: Grab a tube of exterior silicone caulk and seal up any small cracks around window frames, door trim, utility pipes, and siding.

Check the entryways: Inspect your window screens and door seals, replacing any torn mesh or worn weatherstripping that leaves a gap wider than a dime.

Keep a backup handy: Keep a bucket of soapy water or a wet/dry vacuum nearby to quickly clear any stray bugs off your porch before they can slip through open doors.

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Fall is officially here, and upcoming heavy rain and gusty winds can often take their toll on our tidy yards. This is especially true if you’re growing beautiful flowers and plants or have a tasty vegetable garden.

Luckily, there are a few essential tasks you can do right now to prepare your yard for harsh weather. By acting fast, you can protect plants from unexpected early frosts and also protect your yard from the risk of weather damage.

Since October is a time of transition, taking these simple, expert-approved tips will help you prepare for shifting weather ahead of time.

Here are the tasks you need to do right now that can make all the difference this season.

Rake fallen leaves

If, like me, you’ve already spotted fallen leaves piling up in your yard or around plants. The first task is to rake these up immediately and add them to your compost heap.

“You’ll likely start to see fallen leaves gathering in your garden or in other areas of your property,” states Craig Wilson, Co-founder and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream.

“Rake these up and store them in a compost bin. You can then use the leaf mould as mulch to insulate borders.”

In addition, the task of insulating your borders now will protect the plant roots from unexpected early frost before winter arrives.

“Once you have cleaned up and tidied your borders, you’ll want to think about getting them insulated before the first frost sets in. Use bark, manure or leaf mould to spread across the top of the soil to help insulate root systems.”

For more tips on what to do with your leaves, check out 7 ways to use fallen leaves in your garden.

Make sure storage is watertight

Torrential rain and fierce winds have already swept over the East Coast this weekend causing power outages, significant flooding and damaging winds.

Before you have to deal with serious damage (or expensive repairs), ensure that your outdoor storage is all watertight to avoid the risk of leaks seeping in and potential flooding.

“As rainfall increases, you’ll want to ensure that any storage, such as your shed, is fully waterproof to avoid any damage to tools and furniture you might be storing in there over the winter,” adds Wilson.

And the last thing you need is a shed full of tools made rusty, or even destroyed, from water damage.

For top tips, check out how to waterproof your shed — expert tips for winter protection.

Move tomato plants indoors and raise harvest

If you’re growing tomatoes or other edibles in pots outdoors, now is the best time to move plants indoors. This is especially important if you want to protect your harvest before the first frost.

“As the temperatures start to drop, it is time to move any tomato and pepper plants indoors to ripen,” states Wilson.

What’s more, if you’re planning some pumpkin treats just in time for Halloween season, be sure to raise pumpkins and harvest them off the ground.

“If you're hoping to harvest some pumpkins for Halloween carving or even autumn decor, make sure to get them raised off the ground and onto bricks or wood.

"This will keep them dry, which will decrease the chances of rot, and will also allow them to get some additional sunlight, which will help to firm up the skin.”

“You’ll also need to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Pumpkins go soft quickly when left outside in frosty weather, so ensure that if frost is due, you harvest your pumpkins beforehand.”

And if you’re worried about pests attacking your pumpkins, I've just discovered the easiest way to stop your pumpkins from rotting.

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With the rising cost of living and soaring real estate prices, many homeowners are choosing to renovate or extend their current homes rather than relocate. In fact, on my street, about five houses are currently undergoing a major renovation.

But if it’s your next-door neighbor taking on a huge project, what does that mean for you? What’s more, how can it affect your home, and what legal rights do you have?

Similar to the boundary ‘rules’ when painting a shared fence or cutting overhanging trees, what legal rights do you have if your neighbor's renovation is affecting your home? This is especially the case when their scaffolding can unintentionally cross into your boundary line or worse — damage your property or shared walls.

While it’s rare for neighboring construction work to cause major damage to your property, understanding your legal rights is essential.

I asked the experts for their top tips on how to avoid a potential dispute and what you can do to approach your neighbor if their renovation is encroaching on your property (or peace!). Here’s what they advise.

How can my neighbor’s renovation affect my home?

In what ways can your neighbor’s renovation potentially be a cause for concern?

“Your neighbor's renovation can definitely affect your home, and it typically falls under these categories: it can either be structural or quality-of-life damage,” states Stacy Kemp Ferrari, Founder and Managing Partner at Kemp Law Group.

“In apartment-style homes or condos where neighbors share homes, the risk of property damage is higher. It can disrupt the water or power supply if that’s what they’re upgrading, or cause ceiling/wall cracks/ or even plumbing leaks.

Noise from construction is common too, and although this does not strictly affect the structure of your house, it can be considered a disruption of your home’s peace.”

Another potential issue to consider is water runoff — which tends to occur when a neighbor puts in a patio, garage, or driveway with a slope.

Re-leveling the land introduces a fresh incline, causing surface drainage to channel straight onto your property.

“I have seen lots of such damage to basements of homes that are situated next to newly landscaped lots,” adds JoAnne Loftus, owner of Archival Designs “The water appears after the first heavy rain, and the homeowner cannot connect the dots to the new patio.”

What legal rights do you have?

Knowing your legal rights can vary from state and county, so it’s important to seek legal advice on your local ordinance.

“In Florida, where I practice, and under general common law, you have four rights to your home,” advises Kemp. “The rights to sue, to stop private nuisance, protect your boundaries, and to enforce local codes or ordinances.

“That means, when proven to have encroached on your property or caused damages to it, you have the right to seek compensation, requiring your neighbor to cover the costs of repair back to its original condition.”

For this, it’s advisable to document and provide photographic/video evidence of any damage, and keep a record of all your conversations with the neighbor. Be sure these photos are as clear as possible and include a timestamp (ideally), which is provable in court.

Having something in writing, even if it’s a text follow-up you sent to the neighbor after a chat, is also helpful. This is especially the case if their scaffolding is encroaching into your boundary line without your permission.

“For situations that involve actual property lines, make sure you’ve got a recent professional survey because that’s the one thing that will end the entire argument,” advises Edward Susolik, CEO & President of Callahan & Blaine, PC.

“Cases that tend to go the way you want them to turn out always hinge on what you bring to that table in terms of proof, those things you’ve gotten ready before this whole thing blew up, not who can argue the loudest.”

How do I talk to my neighbor about their renovation?

Of course, you’ll want to avoid the risk of any legal dispute, and the best course of action is to have a (polite) conversation with your neighbor.

But how do you address uncomfortable conversations? And what’s the best way to approach them?

“Discuss the matter with them when your emotions are not running high; have a clear list of your complaints ready, with your building rule/state ordinance loaded as well, and more importantly, with your proposed way to reach a compromise with them,” advises Kemp.

“It’d be helpful to tell them which timeslots you’re usually sleeping in the house and would appreciate less noise.”

The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and have a clear and concise conversation, with feasible solutions. Hopefully, your neighbors should be understanding and co-operative in this process, and everything should go smoothly.

Not only will this save you the expense of a legal battle, but it will also avoid bad tensions between you and your neighbor – which is probably far worse in the long run!

Meet our expert

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Ask around any plot come autumn, and you'll find two types of growers: those harvesting bowls of sweet red fruit, and those staring at vines heavy with stubbornly green tomatoes as the first frost looms. If you belong to the second group, don't panic.

Many assume late-season tomatoes just need more sunshine or extra time. In reality, tomato ripening is controlled by a specific biological trigger — and with one simple pruning technique, you can trick the plant into turning those green fruits bright red before cold weather shuts everything down.

Why aren't my tomatoes turning red?

To understand why tomatoes refuse to turn red early fall, you have to look at the pigments inside the fruit. Tomatoes rely on two primary compounds for color: carotene, which creates yellow and orange tones, and lycopene, which provides that rich, classic red.

The production of lycopene relies heavily on ambient temperature. Tomato plants actively synthesize lycopene within a specific thermal window — ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

When temperatures climb above 85°F (29°C) during late-summer heatwaves, or dip below 55°F (13°C) as autumn nights cool down, lycopene production halts entirely.

The plant then enters a state of pigment paralysis. The fruit is mature, but the chemical switch required to turn it red is locked. Sunlight actually has very little to do with this phase; heat and internal plant hormones drive the entire process.

The 3-minute pruning fix to force ripening

When fall temperatures drop, force your plant into emergency survival mode to redirect its energy into existing fruit. Start by snipping off the main growing tip at the top of the plant to stop vertical growth.

Next, strip away all open flowers, tiny buds, and marble-sized fruit, as these only drain valuable sugars. Finally, sink a trowel into the soil six inches from the main stem on two sides to sever a few outer roots. This controlled stress triggers a surge of ethylene, forcing full-sized green tomatoes to turn red rapidly.

When to bring green tomatoes indoors

Keep fruit on the vine as long as nighttime lows stay above 50°F (10°C) for the best flavor, using frost cloth to protect against brief cold snaps. Once nights drop below 50°F or a hard frost looms, harvest all full-sized fruit immediately.

Skip the sunny windowsill as direct light bakes the skin and rots the fruit. Instead, place tomatoes in a single layer inside a cardboard box in a warm, dark room, and throw in a ripe banana or apple to concentrate ethylene gas and speed up ripening within a week or two.

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As nighttime temperatures begin to drop, your lawn is preparing for its winter shutdown. But while established grass is slowing down, early fall actually presents the single best window of the entire year to grow new, thick turf fast.

If you want a lush, green carpet ready for spring, understanding when grass goes dormant, and taking advantage of the crucial weeks right before it happens, is the secret to success.

Here is when your lawn enters winter dormancy, why September and early October are ideal for overseeding, and how to accelerate grass growth before the first frost arrives.

When does grass go dormant?

Grass doesn't die when cold weather arrives. It simply enters a protective state called dormancy to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures.

For most cool-season grasses (like perennial ryegrass and fine fescues), dormancy is triggered when daytime air temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C) and soil temperatures fall below 46°F (8°C).

As your lawn prepares to sleep for the winter, the shift doesn't happen overnight. Here’s what you’ll see as your grass slips into dormancy:

• Early fall: Blade growth stalls as daily temperatures drop into the 50s. You’ll notice you don’t need to mow nearly as often.
• Late fall: Your lawn loses its bright summer luster and fades slightly as energy retreats from the blades and channels into the root system.
• First hard freeze: Once soil temperatures dip below 41°F (5°C), the grass shuts down completely, holding its ground until warmer weather returns in spring.

Why fall is the golden window to overseed your lawn

Because grass goes dormant in winter, many homeowners assume lawn care ends in late summer. In reality, the weeks leading up to winter dormancy are prime time for overseeding — spreading fresh grass seed directly over an existing lawn to repair tired, bare patches.

Timing this job for early fall yields vastly better results than waiting until spring. Summer's leftover heat stays trapped in the soil to jumpstart rapid germination, while the crisp autumn air keeps delicate tender seedlings from drying out.

Throw in predictable fall rain to handle the watering for you and a seasonal decline in weed growth, and your new grass gets a clear runway to establish deep, sturdy roots completely unbothered by spring weeds.

How to force root growth before grass goes dormant

If you want new seed to establish strong roots, timing is everything. For cool-season grasses, the ideal window is when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F (10°C to 18°C). Once soil temperatures drop below the 50°F (10°C) baseline, germination slows drastically or stops entirely.

Also, when consistent fall air temperatures fall to 45°F (7°C), the grass will trigger winter dormancy, leaving late-planted seeds unable to develop the root system needed to survive the winter. Follow the four steps below to guarantee rapid germination and establishment.

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Out of all the most annoying household pests, fruit flies rank near the top. And despite my constant efforts to clear away fruit, scrub the fruit bowl, and sanitize the kitchen counters and floors, they always seem to be hovering around.

After chatting with friends and work colleagues, it turns out I’m not alone in my battle against these relentless pests.

While there are many natural ways to get rid of fruit flies (from white vinegar and dish soap to even beer), there seems to be another common household item that can do the trick — apple cider vinegar.

In fact, our Sleep Editor tested this clever method to combat her kitchen fruit fly problem, reporting equal parts delight and dismay at the resulting pile of defeated bugs.

Although DIY fruit fly traps can be effective in the short-term, it’s also important to know what items are causing fruit flies to invade your home in the first place.

In the meantime, if you want a quick and simple fix to your tiny pest problem, here’s how to use apple cider vinegar to get rid of fruit flies. And top tips to keep them away for good.

How to trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar

Simply fill a small bowl or glass jar with a cup of apple cider vinegar. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and seal it tightly around the bowl with an elastic band.

Next, poke small holes in the plastic wrap and leave it out on your kitchen counter or in areas where you’ve spotted a swarm of fruit flies.

Typically, fruit flies are attracted to the scent of cider vinegar, making their way through the holes in the plastic film. Since the insects can’t find their way back out once trapped, this offers an effective way to keep your home pest-free.

In addition, apple cider vinegar is non-toxic, affordable, and safe to use around the family and pets.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a bottle lying around in your cupboard, you could invest in pre-made liquid baits such as Super Ninja Fruit Fly Traps. Similarly, these traps use a natural liquid bait that mimics decaying fruit to lure flies.

Our Sleep Editor also put these remedies to good use to combat her fruit fly issue. Plus, these traps are easy/safe to use indoors and are kid- and pet-friendly.

However, if in doubt about what exactly those tiny bugs hovering in your kitchen are, take a look at our guide on how to tell fruit flies and drain flies apart.

Top tips to keep flies from coming back

• Fruit flies are attracted to rotting or decaying organic matter, so immediately throw out any old or fermenting food.
• Wash fresh fruit immediately after bringing it indoors to eliminate any lingering eggs attached to your groceries.
• Keep your fruit stored in the refrigerator, stopping pests from reaching the counter bowl.
• Maintain daily cleanliness across kitchen worktops and mop up messes right away. Thoroughly sanitize sink basins, drains, and trash cans to stop bugs from lurking around.
• Fruit fly larvae and eggs feed on the waste inside drains. Make sure you clean your drain and sink areas thoroughly. A top tip is to pour baking soda and distilled vinegar down the drain, flushed with boiling water, to destroy lingering eggs at the source.

More from Tom's Guide

• I've got a fly infestation — here's the hack I found to tackle the problem for good
• How to keep flies away from your houseplants
• How to get rid of drain flies — follow these steps

It’s always unnerving when you spot large spiders in your home, and I’ve recently spotted a sudden surge. Whether they're roaming across my floors, lurking behind furniture, or hanging from the ceiling, these creepy crawlies are seemingly everywhere.

This is because October is usually the month for peak mating season for spiders, prompting bigger arachnids to head indoors in search of cozy sanctuary and food sources.

And whilst there are common places that spiders love to hide around the home, a pest control expert has revealed one overlooked spot we often forget to check. In fact, this spot is the perfect place for spinning those unsightly cobwebs — leaving you with more cleaning up to do around the home.

So if you’re wondering where these pests are creeping in from, be sure to check this overlooked spot — along with top tips to banish them.

Check your porch lighting

Typically, these eight-legged invaders prefer sanctuary in dim, undisturbed zones, where food sources and cozy shelter abound. However, when was the last time you inspected your exterior porch lighting for hidden cobwebs?

“The key places to check are those that are left undisturbed for any period of time or are not cleaned, somewhere dark and without regular human access,” states Mosh Latifi, Managing Director of EcoCare Management.

“Outdoor lighting is another hotspot as it attracts moths and insects. These are a main food source for spiders, and it can be a perfect spot for webs, so a good tip is to turn off porch lights.”

So why am I seeing an increase in spiders right now? “Fall is when spiders are most actively mating because the temperature is mild,” adds Latifi, “not too cold or wet — which makes a perfect breeding ground.”

Since outdoor lighting draws in moths and other tasty bugs for eight-legged pests, keep these zones spotless.

Clear away unsightly webs with an extendable duster/outdoor brush or a handy handheld vacuum cleaner.

Tips to banish spiders

Also, remember to vacuum behind sofas, beds, under rugs, and any other hidden spaces where spiders might be hiding. “Curtains and ceiling areas are locations in the home where they are most active,” agrees Latifi.

“Decluttering, dusting, and bleach are the three main weapons to banish spiders from your home this fall — and don’t forget to turn off the porch light.”

Another top tip is to spray white vinegar onto cotton balls and place them in areas or hidden corners where you often spot spiders creeping in.

Spiders tend to loathe the strong, acidic smell and stay far away.

The peppermint oil trick

Although this fragrance is refreshing to our senses, eight-legged pests find the potent aroma repulsive.

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,” states Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialist Eurocell.

What's more, any strong, plant-extracted oils such as eucalyptus, clove or even cinnamon oil can do the trick.

More from Tom's Guide

• Keep ladybugs and asian beetles from invading your home
• Centipedes in your home are a warning sign — here's how to stop them
• Prevent unwanted fall guests: How to keep 5 common pests away this season

As fall sets in, households that don't have central air are turning their heating back on for the first time in months, only to find that one or two radiators aren't warming up properly.

Reaching for a radiator key the moment a panel feels chilly, however, could be a completely wasted effort. Heating expert at U.K. Radiators Rob Nezard warns that a cold radiator doesn't automatically mean you have trapped air, and performing the wrong fix won't solve the real underlying issue.

"Early fall is a sensible time to test your heating rather than waiting until the first really cold week," says Nezard. "Turn the heating on and give the system enough time to warm up. Then carefully check each radiator for uneven temperatures and listen for any unusual gurgling."

Here is how to diagnose your cold radiator in seconds using a simple touch test, plus six common bleeding mistakes to avoid this season.

Check where the radiator is cold first

Before touching any valves, turn your heating on and gently run your hands over the surface of the problem radiator. Where the cold air is trapped reveals everything.

Cold at the top? Bleeding will help. "The classic sign that a radiator needs bleeding is when the bottom is getting warm but the top remains noticeably colder," explains Nezard. "You might also hear gurgling, clunking or groaning noises when the heating comes on.

These can be signs that air has become trapped inside the radiator. Bleeding releases that trapped air and allows the hot water to circulate more effectively."

Cold at the bottom? Do not bleed it. If you feel the opposite, air is not your issue and opening the bleed valve will solve nothing.

"If the radiator is hot at the top but cold towards the bottom, don't automatically bleed it," Nezard warns. "Cold patches at the bottom can be associated with a build-up of sludge or debris inside the radiator. That's a different problem and repeatedly bleeding the radiator isn't going to remove sludge."

If sludge build-up or brown liquid is escaping your radiator, the system will likely need a professional flush rather than a simple bleed.

Radiator bleeding mistakes to avoid

If your diagnostic test confirms that air is trapped at the top of your radiator, proceed with caution. Nezard highlights six critical mistakes households regularly make when trying to fix their heating:

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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.

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• Avoid the fall mold trap: An expert shares what you need to know in September to protect your home
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When it comes to day-to-day household chores, I usually rely on natural, non-toxic cleaning products to do the job.

Whether it’s my trusty white vinegar and baking soda to tackle everyday grime or hydrogen peroxide to lift tough marks and mold, these eco-friendly alternatives are extremely popular.

However, it's important to know that not all natural ingredients work well together. Although white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are household favorites, combining the two can be a lethal combo.

So before you get out your cleaning caddy, here’s why you should never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.

What happens if you mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide

While vinegar vs. hydrogen peroxide offer distinct advantages when used separately, combining acetic acid (vinegar) and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle creates peracetic acid (peroxyacetic acid).

Essentially, this is a corrosive and toxic chemical that can irritate the skin, cause watery eyes, and affect your respiratory system (especially with long-term use).

If you do experience any of these symptoms, however, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Another top tip is to open windows or doors to quickly let in adequate airflow and ventilation in the area.

In addition, when used on delicate worktops, such as marble or natural stone countertops, the corrosive mixture can cause damage to the surface.

So, to avoid potential health risks (or expensive repairs), it's advised to use these natural products separately to clean your home.

How to use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide safely

However, if you still want to clean with both products, there is a safe way to use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide — just not diluted.

If you want to lift light surface grime or stubborn marks, white vinegar works wonders. Just spray the area gently using one cleaner at a time — starting with the white vinegar — and let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping the surface clear with a clean microfiber cloth.

Since white vinegar alone can’t effectively kill bacteria or germs, hydrogen peroxide saves the day — and good bleach substitute. Similarly, spray the same spot with hydrogen peroxide, letting it rest for a couple of minutes, before wiping it thoroughly clean.

Not only will your household surfaces remain both spotless and fully sanitized, but you’ll eliminate any harmful toxins.

For more top tips on natural products, check out cleaning vinegar vs white vinegar: Why you need to know the difference (and what to avoid).

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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.

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If you’ve stepped onto your front porch recently and felt like you walked straight into a horror movie prop, you aren’t alone. Across the country, homeowners are reporting an influx of unusually massive spiders setting up camp right outside their front doors.

Naturally, the instinct is to grab a broom, sweep down the intricate webs, and call it a day. But if you've tried this, you already know the frustrating reality: within 12 to 24 hours, that exact same giant web is right back in the exact same corner.

Sweeping away spider webs never fixes the problem long-term because it misses the root cause. Here's why spiders are taking over porches right now, and the simple tweaks that will actually keep them away.

Why spiders look so massive right now

First, a quick reality check: you aren't imagining it. Spiders really are at their largest during late summer and early fall.

Throughout the spring and summer, young spiders stay hidden while feeding and growing. By early autumn, species like orb weavers reach full adult maturity. The males begin actively roaming out in the open to search for mates, while females build large, heavy-duty webs to catch enough food before laying eggs.

While they might look terrifying, these mature spiders are harmless to humans and act as nature’s pest controllers. However, that doesn't mean you want a massive web waiting for you at eye-level every time you open your front door.

Why sweeping webs down fails every time

Knocking down a web forces a spider to rebuild, but it doesn't give them a reason to leave. Spiders don't select your porch because they like the architecture, they select it because your porch is an all-you-can-eat insect buffet.

Here is what is actually drawing them in:

• Standard porch lights: Blue-spectrum and UV light from standard white bulbs act as a massive beacon for flying insects overnight —moths, mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Spiders simply weave their nets at the exit of the restaurant.
  
• Overgrown spider highways: shrubbery or tree branches that brush against your porch railings or eaves create an effortless bridge for insects and spiders to cross directly onto your home.
  
• Porch clutter: Unused planters, stacked firewood, and neglected outdoor shoes offer dark, sheltered nooks where spiders can safely hide from predators during daylight hours.

How to keep spiders away from your porch and patio

To stop spiders from returning, you don't need harsh chemicals or exterminators. You just need to cut off their food supply and disrupt their sensory comfort.

Prevent them from moving indoors as it gets colder

As fall temperatures drop, spiders will naturally look for warm gaps to overwinter. While you're resetting your porch, take five minutes to seal potential entry points:

• Inspect weather stripping on front and back doors, replacing any cracked seals.
• Check window screens for small tears and patch them up.
• Use caulk to seal small foundation cracks near outdoor entryways.

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• 5 spider-repelling hacks that actually work — and you probably have everything you need at home
• How to tell if a hole in your yard belongs to a snake — and what to do next
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We're currently redecorating. And while I can totally hack the paint smells when they are confined to one room, I draw the line when it comes to painting my hallway.

Just to add to the mix: I'm also pregnant with the nose of a bloodhound. Right now, I feel like I have some sort of scent-related superpower, as I can smell the kitchen trash can from upstairs.

So, I needed something other than my trusty air purifier to help whisk away those pesky paint smells whilst we tackle our hall, before baby arrives next year.

Fortunately, I spoke with an expert who told me that the solution to this problem could be living in my pantry.

According to expert Jessie Brooks, product manager at Davincified, ground coffee is a good trick to get rid of paint smells.

"This coffee trick is something I recommend to everyone who asks, and the feedback is always the same: they can't believe how well it works," she claims.

Fortunately, ground coffee is always a staple in my under-stairs pantry, so I thought it was worth a try to help me get a wink's worth of sleep whilst we're redecorating. Here's what happened.

What is the coffee ground paint hack?

Simply fill a bowl or two with some ground coffee and leave it in the room you are painting.

"This method is special because it's accessible to everyone," adds Brooks. "You don't need to be handy or have a big budget.

"Coffee is something most people already have, and the results speak for themselves. Plus, waking up to the smell of coffee instead of paint fumes? That's a win in my book."

You needn't do this until you've finished your decorating and the lid is firmly back on that tin. So, there's no rush if you need to go to the store to grab some ground coffee to try it out.

For larger rooms, it's advised to place a bowl in each corner of the room. I didn't paint my entire hall, so I used two bowls, as this is a rather confined space anyway.

Once left overnight, you should wake up noticing that your space smells remarkably less paint-filled than it would have if you hadn't used the coffee grounds. You might even be able to smell coffee instead of paint.

How does it work? Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, and this element is often used to help neutralize odors since it's super porous.

Nitrogen can easily trap VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which you can find in paint, as this is the ingredient that causes the paint smell.

“Think of coffee powder as a sponge for bad smells,” says Brooks. “It's actively pulling those paint fumes out of the air, not just making your room smell like a café".

Did it work?

To avoid the paint smell floating into all of our other upstairs rooms, I closed every door. I also removed our air purifier, which usually lives on the landing, so that it was a fair test.

I placed two bowls in the area, and after painting half of the hallway, there was a noticeable paint smell.

I noticed that, even while the paint was drying, I never found myself moaning about that pungent paint smell. Even when all of the doors upstairs were closed, so there was minimal airflow. I was most concerned about the paint smells floating through to my toddler's bedroom at night, but standing in there, I could smell zero traces of paint. Only a faint coffee odour. I was shocked!

The next morning, I expected to wake to the scent of paint hitting me right in the face — that's after experiencing a toddler's foot right to the eye, of course.

I was surprised, as the paint smell was gone. Not even a slight scent of paint! I was super impressed. My husband? Couldn't quite believe it—his jaw actually dropped when he realized how well it worked in the morning.

The best part? I've kept the can that the coffee was in, so I'll be decanting this and using it again when I do the second coat.

Obviously, it will get to a point where it has absorbed as much as it can, but for now I'll try and squeeze as much use out of it as possible.

Plus, don't make these painting mistakes to avoid — top tips from an expert.

More from Tom's Guide

• These 7 clever painting hacks can help save you time 
• Plus, here’s how to paint a ceiling without making a mess 
• Avoid these 7 color scheme mistakes you might be making in your home 

We moved into our (not so) new house two years ago, and since then I've been telling myself I will get our leaky bathroom faucet fixed. To be fair: it wasn't that bad when we initially moved in.

Recently, though, thanks to limescale build-up, it's gotten ten times worse, and as a result, our bathtub has suffered. Despite this room being rarely used by guests or us, it has ended up becoming some sort of haven for limescale.

So, without replacing our entire tub (because that's a job for when the kids have grown out of bath bombs and crayons), I've been trying several methods to try to remove the limescale from my tub. And I think I've finally found a winning combination.

Armed with a great limescale cleaner and this clever trick, you should be able to rid any surface of limescale, and believe me when I say that mine was very bad, so I'd be shocked if this also didn't work for you.

How I got rid of limescale (with the help of a coin)

You probably already have a trusty limescale cleaner that you use to clean your bathrooms and kitchen.

First, spray your limescale cleaner, ensuring you coat the area, and remove grime with just your cleaning cloth. You'd be surprised at how easily some of the thinner flakes of limescale come off, especially if the solution is left for 5-10 minutes to settle in.

After rinsing area with water, give this spot another generous spray with limescale remover and find a copper coin in your purse. This is your golden (well, copper) tool that will wow you. Use this tool to scrub the flakes of limescale away from your tub.

In my case, this wasn't an easy or fast task. I had to do it in shifts, as eventually, my fingers started to hurt. I found it easier to scrub off the deposits around the edges of my tub than on the bottom of the tub, even though this section is flat.

It did take a bit of elbow grease, and initially, I was worried about scratching my tub as I ended up having to scrub quite roughly in some spots. I noticed that the coin was leaving dark scratches behind. Alas, once I washed this section away and wiped it with a cloth, these scratches were gone—as was the limescale.

Admittedly, I struggled with the thicker limescale that had formed in my tub. So I made the decision to leave it to soak again in the remover, but this time I covered it with a wet cloth to help with absorption.

I left it for 20 minutes and went back in with my trusty coin. It definitely made a difference, but by this point, I was ready to tap out, and I was a liiiitle worried about all of the fumes I'd been inhaling.

After a few days, I managed to remove pretty much all of the limescale, bar the worst parts around my faucet, where the faucet drips all day long.

Admittedly, this took a lot of dedication and a little bit of sweating. Plus, my fingers hurt afterwards. But it for sure works. Just prepare yourself to put in some elbow grease. Still, it's cheaper than getting a new tub or a professional to come in and blast it away.

Top tips

It'd be smart to test this cleaning hack on a conspicous spot of your tub before going to town on it and scrubbing, just in case it scratches yours. It did scratch my tub in one tiny spot, where the limescale was its thickest. Probably because I scrubbed soooo hard. This doesn't hugely bother me as it's an old tub, but good to note. And definitely do not use it on metal, like your faucet, or anything that's coated.

For really tough limescale, I found that turning the coin on its head and scrubbing it flat on the tub worked well to remove a thin layer, which then made it easier to scrub overall.

Admittedly, this did take me quite some time, and the worse the limescale build-up, the longer the cleaning job.

Now, I just need to get my leaky faucet fixed and until then, I must keep ontop of the limescale removal. I've definitely learned the hard way, that's for sure... and my finger tips are paying for it.

More from Tom's Guide

• I got rid of limescale in seconds using these two kitchen staples — and it's a game-changer
• Forget white vinegar — this household hack dissolved limescale in minutes
• I bought this $20 gadget to clean limescale — and it’s a game-changer

When it comes to bathroom cleaning, scrubbing the toilet is easily my least favorite chore. However, mastering how to clean a toilet properly is essential for removing germs, stains, and, of course, keeping it smelling fresh.

While it’s quite common for everyone to reach for commercial cleaners, I’ve just found another favorite household product that can do a good job.

Vinegar has been a staple cleaner in my home for years, and I’ve used it to remove limescale, bathtub scum, and unsightly marks on my shower doors and glass. But is it good enough to clean a toilet?

According to experts, white vinegar works wonders on stubborn toilet bowl buildup and unsightly grime. What’s more, it’s natural and non-toxic, helps cut down on scrubbing time, and can literally do all the hard work for you. It’s a win-win.

Just remember to apply it correctly — and avoid surfaces it could damage.

Here’s how to use vinegar to clean your toilet.

Why white vinegar is a good cleaner

White vinegar remains a popular choice of natural cleaner in many homes, and this is largely due to its high acidity.

With its 5–6% acetic acid concentration, it works wonders on stubborn marks, dissolves lingering grime, and delivers a streak-free shine — all without relying on harsh chemicals.

Vinegar is great for removing limescale, stubborn stains, deodorizing smelly drains, and leaving glass or mirrors spotless. This is because the acid breaks down any film that forms and leaves a sparkling finish.

However, there are also things you should never clean with vinegar to prevent permanent damage. These include natural stone or marble worktops, hardwood flooring, and any household rubber seals (inside the washing machine).

Again, its high acidity can inevitably destroy delicate surfaces over time if applied incorrectly.

What’s more, pairing white vinegar with baking soda — yet another household power cleaner — makes it even more effective. For more tips, check out what makes baking soda and vinegar so good at cleaning.

It’s worth noting that while vinegar makes a great surface cleaner, it doesn’t disinfect or reliably kill germs or viruses. In that case, bleach is effective at killing most bacteria, or hydrogen peroxide. If you want to know the difference, check out vinegar vs. hydrogen peroxide — which natural cleaner is best for your home?

How to clean your toilet with vinegar in minutes

Simply pour about two cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for up to 30 minutes to dissolve/loosen any grime.

Next, scrub the bowl and under the rim thoroughly with your toilet brush before flushing to rinse the bowl.

To tackle the toilet seat, lid, and tank, just dilute equal parts vinegar and water, spray the areas, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then simply wipe with a damp cloth until clean.

If you have stubborn stains to tackle, a good tip is to add half a cup of baking soda after the white vinegar. This will help to easily lift any stains or grime.

This simple trick leaves your bowl completely sparkling while eliminating lingering smells. Best of all, it cuts down on scrubbing time, doing all the heavy lifting for you.

For more top tips, try these 5 bathroom cleaning hacks that will save you time and effort. Or how to make your home smell amazing.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'I can't remember the last time I cleaned this' — 5 hidden dirt zones in your house
• 6 easy tips for removing limescale from your shower door
• How to clean mold from bathroom caulk

During the colder months of the year, a problem can quickly emerge in our homes – damp and mold. The drop in the outside temperature and the warm air we're keeping inside can create the ultimate breeding ground around our homes.

With a rise in condensation lining our windows, added to the fact that we're keeping those windows shut to keep the cold out, it can spell trouble.

In the summer, it's much easier to keep our homes well ventilated and drier. But as we head deeper into fall and winter, we start searching for things like 'how to avoid the fall mold trap'.

So, in a bid to offer some targeted advice, we asked our readers: "Where is your home's ultimate mold spot?" And the answer wasn't exactly surprising, but it was certainly overwhelming.

With over 3,000 responses, here's what came out on top.

The worst place for mold in our homes, according to readers

There was one standout answer from our poll with 2,562 votes totalling 73% of all answers and that's that our bathrooms are the ultimate mold hotspot. Specifically, grout, shower walls and bath mats being real hotbeds for mold growth.

With less than 1,000 votes distributed over the other three answers, it's a clear winner (or loser) of the poll. The next hotspot came out as the basement or sub-levels with 503 votes (14%), then the laundry room for 279 votes (8%), or for some lucky readers, nowhere at all with just 153 votes (4%).

I've tackled the mold and damp in my bathroom for years and I constantly find myself asking: "Why does mold keep coming back?"

Fortunately, it's helped me put together some top tips for tackling the mold and they're all fairly simple to do.

How to tackle mold in your bathroom

From using kitchen gadgets to reduce mold to easy shower cleaning tricks, depending on how much time you've got on your hands, these are the other top tips I recommend to try out on your bathroom to get ahead of the mold.

1. Open windows

This one might seem obvious, but opening windows in your bathroom might be something you avoid in the fall and winter to keep the cold air out. But, you should at least open the windows in your bathroom during and/or after a shower or bath to let the moisture escape and to help with ventilation.

If you're worried about the cold, even opening it a crack will help. Or, open the window and then shut the bathroom door to prevent cold air escaping around your entire home. It doesn't need to be open for long, but the mold spores will thrive if given the right damp conditions.

2. Dry your towels asap

After you've dried yourself off from a shower or bath, you'll often hang up the damp towels to then dry off in your bathroom. While this is fine, it becomes a lot harder to do when the room is cold. Ideally, you'll have your radiators on in your bathroom regularly, or at least when you need to dry your towels.

This will ensure they dry quickly instead of staying moist and damp creating a perfect environment for mold to grow. It's also a good idea to switch your towels out regularly, especially bath mats and hand towels as they get used more often.

3. Use a hygrometer

During our Tom's Guide poll, we also asked an expert for some advice on how to prevent mold and they suggested a hygrometer is the way to go. This is an important device for measuring the humidity in your home and can be used to ensure it sits at the correct level.

Michael Rubino, mold and air quality expert and founder of HomeCleanse, reveals that the humidity level plays an integral part in mold growth: "Mold can grow at a relative humidity level of 60%. Keeping it below this threshold helps ensure mold can't take advantage of the opportunity."

4. Wipe down tiles and grout

You might have noticed after a bath or shower that the moisture drips from the tiles around your bathroom, as well as the grout around the edges. This is because it's a purposefully been chosen not to absorb the water, unlike wallpapers or paints that can be easily ruined when exposed to water. But, that means it also helps the moisture to stick around in your bathroom.

Grab a microfiber cloth, towel or hand towel to dry down the tiles and grout to reduce the amount of moisture that hangs around after you've used your bathroom. This way, you'll be physically reducing the chance of mold spores and growth and it won't cost you anything at all – just a little extra time that can be turned into a habit.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'I can't remember the last time I cleaned this' — 5 hidden dirt zones in your house
• 6 easy tips for removing limescale from your shower door
• How to clean mold from bathroom caulk

As someone who reviews tech for a living, I have more of an early adopter mindset when it comes to gadgets, which means I sometimes overlook little quirks because overall, this new piece of tech is just so darn cool.

However, I’m not like most people, which is why my wife plays a crucial role with any smart home tech I bring home to test. She’s far more skeptical than I am, and less tolerant of those little idiosyncrasies. Her mindset is: do we really need this in our home?

It’s a welcome reality check to my enthusiasm and has helped me become a much better product reviewer over the years.

For example, I once installed the Brilliant smart light switch in our dining room that had a touchscreen instead of a physical button. In addition to turning on the lights, you could also control music playback, talk to Alexa, and even use it as an intercom and a mini digital picture frame. But to turn the lights on and off manually, you had to tap the screen, then slide your fingers up or down.

That little extra bit of effort — plus the fact that it didn’t always respond when you tapped it — drove her crazy. She hated it “with the fury hot as a thousand suns” whenever it wouldn’t respond properly to touch. “I want to walk into a room and flick my hand without thinking or stopping and know that I will be able to see,” she said. Plus, these switches cost $299 each when we tested them; they're now $599.

I ultimately swapped it out for another smart light switch (one from Lutron), which has a physical control, and it also let me set up a wireless switch on the other side of the room without calling an electrician. I haven’t heard a complaint since.

Another thing that drove her bonkers was a $2,000 in-home robot that was more or less an iPad on wheels. It stood about four feet tall, rolled around, and was designed to follow you around, so that you could carry on video calls throughout your house. Not only was it huge, but it freaked out the dog and was terrifying to our then 3-year-old daughter.

“I thought that it would perhaps be a decent option for someone who had certain mobility deficiencies,” she said, “but why would it be necessary for anyone with typical motor skills?”

It quickly got boxed up and shipped out. I think it’s safe to say that any future robot that comes into our house will have a very high bar to clear. “If I’d been given a choice, it would have met the same fate as the printer in ‘Office Space',” she said.

You can forget about smart speakers — Alexa, Google, and Siri have all been banished to my attic office. We only ever really used them for turning our lights on and asking them to play music, and the idea that a device was always listening was unsettling.

Tech that I have brought home that she likes is things that just work with no fuss and disappear into the background. The aforementioned light switches, for instance. There are a few scattered throughout the house that are smart, in that I can set them to turn on and off on a schedule and connect them to smart assistants, but outwardly, they look just like any other non-smart switch.

One of her favorite items I’ve brought home was the Luma Indoor Composter. “It’s saved me from being swarmed by flies every time I open the barrel composter (which had been chewed through by an enterprising rat),” she said. “We’ve significantly reduced food waste and have done a great job feeding our garden with a dramatically expedited timeline. Sometimes it smells a little earthy in the kitchen while it’s on, but we just use it at night to avoid that problem.”

Sadly, the composter no longer appears to be in stock, but the model we have is still going strong two years later.

Holiday decorations are a winner. “We’ve had some fun Christmas lights which have a variety of themes we can wrap around our tree,” she said. “Want candlelight without worrying about setting the house on fire? How about an ombré rainbow one night and Chanukah blue and white the next (for the pizza bagel households like ours)? We can have all that and more without having to disturb a single ornament.”

The Alexa-enabled Big Mouth Billy Bass? Not so much.

It can be easy to get swept up in hyperbolic marketing claims and shiny new features; who doesn’t want a phone that can take better pictures, or a refrigerator that knows when you’re running out of milk? But as my wife proves, if those smart devices can’t smoothly replicate the dumb devices they’re replacing, then they’re not very smart at all.

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There is nothing quite as puzzling as finding a random, messy clump of leaves crammed beneath your shed ramp or behind stacked boxes in your garage. Most homeowners assume a stray cat, rat, or squirrel is making a mess on their property, reaching straight for the broom to sweep it away and block off the gap.

Before clearing it out, take a closer look. That unsung leaf pile might not be random yard debris at all. It could be a temporary den built by an opossum. Unlike birds or mice, North America's only native marsupials build nests that look completely different from other common yard critters.

Once you know what to look for, you can stop worrying about structural damage and recognize that you simply have a temporary guest taking shelter for a few days.

What an opossum nest actually looks like

Unlike birds that weave intricate cups or squirrels that build neat dreys high in trees, opossums build simple, un-woven dens designed purely for short-term insulation.

An opossum nest looks like a tight, compressed bundle of yard debris stuffed firmly into a cavity. It lacks any neat architectural pattern, often resembling a simple pile of swept-up leaves.

They primarily gather dry leaves, fallen grass, twigs, and shredded bark. In suburban areas, they will also tuck in human scrap like paper, fabric, or plastic wrappers.

Opossums stay low. Look for dens tucked beneath deck steps, under shed foundations, inside hollow logs, or behind stacked boxes in cool, dark garage corners.

The leaf trail telltale sign

Opossums have a unique way of gathering nesting materials using their prehensile tails. They pick up leaves or grass with their mouths, pass the bedding under their bodies with their feet, and wrap the tip of their tail tightly around the bundle to carry it back to their den.

If you spot accumulated piles of dry leaves stuffed into small gaps or cavities under a porch or shed, an opossum may be building its nest nearby.

3 common opossum myths

Before trying to remove an opossum, it helps to separate internet myths from wildlife facts:

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When you share a fence line with your neighbor next door, understanding property boundaries and your legal rights can easily get confusing. This often comes to light when painting shared fences, or even trimming your neighbor’s overhanging trees.

But if your neighbor has a fruit tree and its tasty harvest keeps dropping into your yard or over the fence, what should you do?

While it might seem fine to gather them for your own pie (finder’s keepers, no?), you’ll need to know the rules and legalities first. What’s more, who’s responsible for clearing up the mess in your yard?

To avoid a potential dispute, I asked the experts what the rules are when it comes to your neighbor's falling fruit in your yard. Is it ever okay to eat it, and how do you approach your neighbor about the ongoing issue?

So before you take a bite out of that tempting apple, here's everything you need to know.

Do I have the right to collect and eat fallen fruit?

If your neighbor’s fruit keeps falling in your yard, surely it belongs to you, right? Wrong.

According to legal experts, this isn’t entirely the case — and can even be considered ‘theft’. “The law about windfall fruit is clear-cut: fruit belongs to the person who owns the tree, not the person who owns the ground on which it lands,” states Stacy Kemp Ferrari, Founder & Managing Partner at Kemp Law Group.

So, what if their fruit trees are overhanging your property line? “It doesn't matter if their branches are hanging over your fence, as those branches are still their property and this includes any windfall fruit that may drop onto your lawn,” adds Ferrari.

“And you cannot eat them if you did not get any permission from the owner of the tree. Picking it up and eating it could be classed as conversion (a civil offense) and in some cases, even theft.”

With that said, dealing with a heavy crop of windfall apples on your lawn can be a nuisance. But should you return the fruit to your neighbor?

“It's a nice thing to do even if you're not required to return fallen fruit, plus it protects you from other issues later on,” suggests Edward Susolik, CEO & President of Callahan & Blaine, PC.

“In some places you are expected to bring trimmed branches that were hanging onto your property and any fruit they had back to your neighbor, so returning the fruit or at least telling your neighbor creates good faith and that matters if things get to the point of escalating.”

However, when fruit starts to rot and accumulate in large quantities, it can quickly invite unwanted pests such as rodents into your yard. Should this turn into a persistent problem, you’ll need to address the situation (calmly) with your neighbor regarding their fruit trees right away.

“Calmness and presenting the facts on the specific issue is the best way to go about it — then provide a written recap through a follow-up text or email that summarizes what was said,” advises Susolik.

How do I talk to my neighbor about this?

Speaking to your neighbor about uncomfortable subjects can be daunting, but it shouldn’t be. What’s more, it will save you the hassle of a potential neighborhood dispute in the long-run.

Experts agree there is nothing wrong with a quick knock on your neighbor’s door to ask permission to help yourselves to some of the fallen apples.

“This conversation could sound like, 'Hey, I love your apple tree. I'm not sure if you are aware but they are falling into my garden,” suggests Nikkita Torres, mediator and founder of Neutral Voice Mediation.

“How the conversation is started and how the neighbor is approached will directly reflect the outcome. This person is a part of your daily life because they live next to you. Your home should be a space that you come to and find peace and safety, not a war with your neighbor. “

So if you want to avoid any neighborhood wars, be sure to keep these rules in mind before picking up fallen fruit.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to prepare fruit trees for winter — 7 expert tips
• 5 rude habits your neighbors hate
• This Martha Stewart-approved trick shows you how to protect your trees

Over the past few months, I’ve found myself testing out a lot of foldable products. While making a foldable version of something isn’t exactly a new trend since we have things like foldable phones, collapsible drones, and — obviously — laptops, I feel like I’m seeing a surge in the market.

Just in the last month, I’ve tested a foldable webcam and a foldable mouse, and it got me thinking, “What if I only used foldable tech?” Would I eventually start leaving everything unfolded in a display of laziness, or would an origami-style life actually be useful?

So, I gathered up my foldables, which include my laptop, mouse, webcam, keyboard and walking pad, and started working. Here’s what happened.

The products I used

Adding to the routine

In the first days of using the foldable gadgets, I had to remind myself to fold everything away. It seems obvious, but adding a new step to my routine in the morning and evening took a bit of getting used to; after all, it takes an average of 66 days to build a habit.

Once I was in the flow of folding everything away, it became second nature. I could easily snap the Logitech Mobi Fold together to put the mouse away, flip the Keychron B11 Pro over and push it to the side, and clip the Obsbot Meet Flip together.

What I liked

I especially liked the Logitech Mobi Fold as it was extremely comfortable to hold. The folded shape means it has a slight lift in the middle, which offered my hand support. The Keychron B11 Pro looks a little more getting used to as it effectively splits up typing, but once I was used to it, I found I was being more efficient and more comfortable.

The Obsbot Meet Flip will be a staple in my setup for the flexible angles and simple storage. I can take it with me when I’m commuting or put it to the side on my desk without taking up too much room. My favorite gadget is the foldable WalkingPad Z1. This allows me to get my steps in at my desk, stay active, and keep me engaged with my work. But the best part? Being able to fold it all away at the end of the day. Out of sight, out of mind.

Work-life boundary shift

Ultimately, the big takeaway for me was having a clear boundary between work and my personal life when working from home. It happens to all of us, where you can see your desk with your laptop, mouse and keyboard out of the corner of your eye on your day off, and you start thinking about work. Having everything small enough that it can be stored away has made all the difference.

Spending time at the end of my workday to fold away my keyboard and mouse before storing them away has set a clear boundary between what my desk looks like when I’m working and when I’m not. There is now a clear distinction in my mind between how a room looks when it’s an at-home office and when it’s just my home.

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When it comes to household cleaning chores, tackling mold in my bathroom remains my ultimate pet peeve. Be it around the bathtub or in my tile grout, knowing how to get rid of mold can be an arduous task.

And while I have my go-to cleaning products, prevention is always the best remedy to banish unsightly spores in the first place. This also means throwing out bathroom products that are actually making your mold issues worse.

I recently discovered this common shower item that might actually breed those frustrating spores. In fact, one simple swap can drastically cut mold buildup — and will instantly make your bathroom easier to keep clean.

So what is this common shower item you'll need to banish right now?

Shower curtains

We all want to prevent wet splashes on floors and tiles during a refreshing shower, but relying on your trusty plastic shower curtain could actually breed unwanted mold

Since spores thrive in damp, warm environments, the folds and hem on vinyl or fabric curtains offer the perfect breeding space. “Mold grows quickly in warm and damp air,” states Ant Langston, bathroom industry expert at Heat and Plumb.

“Mold can start growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours in warm and humid air. Things may seem fine, but spores can pile up fast and spread every time you shower, so wash or swap them monthly to keep the air fresh.”

Top tips to prevent mold in the shower

The best solution is to get rid of shower curtains and opt for a glass panel or Perspex shower screen instead.

Not only is shower glass easier to clean, but it looks more sophisticated too — especially if you want to spruce up your bathroom for less.

However, if you don’t want to ditch shower curtains entirely, experts recommend swapping flimsy plastic out for washable, mildew-resistant curtains. But ensure that you wash your curtains frequently to prevent mold build-up, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Another top tip is to spread the curtain fully open after each shower so that it dries quickly. Again, this will minimize the risk of mold breeding in warm, enclosed spaces.

Additionally, opening a window after a shower helps boost essential airflow and ventilation; if you have a windowless space, running an extractor fan works wonders.

For more top cleaning tips, check out how to clean mold from your shower permanently — without using household bleach.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'I can't remember the last time I cleaned this' — 5 hidden dirt zones in your house
• 6 easy tips for removing limescale from your shower door
• How to clean mold from bathroom caulk

The new De’Longhi Magnifica Duo goes where only a few automatic coffee machines have gone before: below $1,000. Yes, this superautomatic machine with hot and cold milk carafes is less than a grand. By 5 cents, sure, but still under a grand.

Even though $999.95 is still an objectively large amount of money, especially in 2026, it’s actually pretty affordable for an automatic coffee machine. Other De’Longhi models go for up to $2,500 (coughElettaExplorecough) with, honestly, not that much difference in performance.

So, is the Magnifica Duo one of the best espresso machines in 2026? It depends on what you’re after. Want something that can make you a fresh, hot (or cold) beverage in seconds without you lifting a finger? Then it’s definitely a contender. To find out more, keep reading this De’Longhi Magnifica Duo review.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Specs

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Price & availability

The De’Longhi Magnifica Duo is $999 from Amazon U.S. and £699 from Amazon U.K. While this is a lot to swallow, most other automatic espresso machines will set you back almost double that. For example, the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Aromatic, the KitchenAid KF8, or the De’Longhi Eletta Explore, which are $2,500, $2,000, and $2,000, respectively.

If you want to save as much money as possible but still want an automatic machine, the Magnifica Duo would be your best bet. The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo is $100 cheaper, but it can’t make iced drinks. I’ve also tested the De’Longhi Rivelia, which is still my favorite automatic espresso machine, but it’s a little pricier at $1,499.

For an automatic espresso machine capable of brewing hot and cold drinks, the Magnifica Duo is actually reasonably priced. I hate writing that about a machine three times the price of my first car, but it is what it is.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Design

Just like other De’Longhi automatic espresso machines, the Magnifica Duo is effectively a huge metal/plastic box. This one is particularly massive, too. It’s almost 18 inches deep and 14 inches tall, so ensure you have enough space in your kitchen before purchasing. I test a lot of espresso machines, and my first thought upon unboxing was, “Wow. That’s huge.”

In terms of looks, it’s also average. The brushed silver exterior is a pretty nice touch, and there’s a well-lit LED screen on the top. I do wish the machine was either less plasticky or smaller, though. As it’s so large, your eye is automatically drawn to it. Then all you can do is notice the plastic embellishments.

If you value looks over cost-effectiveness, I’d recommend checking out the aforementioned De’Longhi Rivelia, which comes in an array of pretty colors and is a touch smaller. It’s around six inches shallower than the Magnifica Duo, but the same height and width. Even so, every little helps, and in the grand scheme of things, the Rivelia is still smaller.

Now, the LED screen. Like the De’Longhi Rivelia and the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Aromatic, the Magnifica Duo has a nice little LED screen for selecting drinks, maintenance, and everything in between. While it’s smaller and a little less detailed than the PrimaDonna Aromatic’s, you are saving $1,500, so I really can’t complain. The Magnifica Duo’s screen still manages everything you’d want it to: 20-drink selection, customization, and even walks you through tutorials if necessary.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Espresso

As mentioned earlier, the De’Longhi Magnifica Duo makes a whopping twenty drinks. This includes hot and cold beverages: you can make a flat white or iced cappuccino in one click. Just like other De’Longhi automatics, the Magnifica Duo is incredibly easy to use. You only need to press one button for a super speedy drink.

However, it’s not all perfect. Like other De’Longhi automatic machines, there’s no low water warning. This means the machine will sputter out halfway through making a coffee, leaving you with a half-full mug or simply abandoning the espresso extraction altogether. Yes, this wastes beans.

What I’d like to see is for the machine to warn you before making a beverage. If this machine knows its water is below the minimum amount, why does it let you proceed with making a coffee?

Alright, now let’s get into the most important thing: taste. How does the De’Longhi Magnifica Duo actually taste?

Well, like every other automatic machine. Unfortunately, there’s really no distinction between this machine, the Rivelia, the PrimaDonna Aromatic (the list goes on). Some people will love the taste-versus-ease tradeoff; some would rather have more power over their final brew.

As an automatic machine, the Magnifica Duo uses relatively high pump pressure (15 bar) and dual-walled (pressurized) portafilters, so you’re not going to get as much nuance or complexity as you would with a manual machine. This isn’t a Magnifica Duo issue, but an inherent flaw with this kind of coffee machine. Is it for you? I can’t tell you. It’s not really for me, but I have a Breville Bambino Plus and a hand grinder, the Comandante C40 MK4.

Here’s a shot of espresso brewed on the Magnifica Duo.

As you can see, it’s a little pale, and the crema is relatively aerated. Again, this won’t impress coffee nerds, but it’s decent for how little effort it required. This shot tasted quite acidic, but not bitter at all. As stated earlier, automatic machines naturally remove most nuanced and delicate flavors due to the pressurized extraction process, so this shot didn’t taste as it would on, say, a De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro.

My colleague Harry said the coffee tasted a little weak, but it wasn’t bitter or unpleasant. However, my colleague Nikita couldn’t taste the coffee at all. I thought my oat flat white was acceptable, with a delicate coffee flavor and good milk texture, but it didn’t do the $50 coffee beans any favors.

The Magnifica Duo can also make iced drinks, so of course I made a cold brew. Here’s a photo of said cold brew.

This cold brew was… interesting. In a bad way. It tasted overly acidic and weak simultaneously. I wouldn’t recommend using the cold brew setting at all. The rest of the cold drinks from this machine are decent, though.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Milk

One of the best things about the De’Longhi Magnifica Duo is milk texture. The machine comes with both hot and cold milk carafes: De’Longhi’s LatteCrema and LatteCrema Cool. Both milk systems create gorgeous milk texture, with delicate bubbles or smooth micro(ish)foam. Sure, this doesn’t replicate a skilled barista, but that’s not the point of this machine.

Here’s a close-up of a flat white made on the Magnifica Duo.

As you can see, the bubbles are controlled and smooth. My colleague Harry said the dairy texture was “nice and creamy”. I thought the plant-based milk was also great; soft yet dense, like perfectly whipped egg whites (gross image, but you get the gist).

The LatteCrema Cool also makes a gorgeous milk texture. Here’s a photo of a cold brew latte.

As you can see, the texture strikes the balance between cold foam and plain milk really well. The drink is layered beautifully without an overwhelming amount of froth.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Storage & maintenance

As mentioned above, the Magnifica Duo is large. Please make sure there’s enough space in your kitchen before buying; it’s one of the deepest machines I’ve ever tested.

Thankfully, both milk carafes are dishwasher-safe and force-purge after every use. This is great for easy, mindless cleaning. The machine also comes with a water filter and cleaning tablets — replacements are $20 from De’Longhi and $15 from De’Longhi, respectively — and walks you through cleaning cycles when required.

De’Longhi offers a two-year warranty as standard, which is the same as Ninja and Breville and better than Casabrews’s measly one-year. Even so, none of these brands can match SimplyGoodCoffee or Moccamaster — both give you a five-year warranty by default.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo review: Verdict

The De’Longhi Magnifica Duo is a decent automatic coffee machine. Is it revolutionary? No. Does it make award-winning coffee? No. Is it supremely easy to use? Yes. Does it make coffee in seconds, with zero input from you? Also, yes.

At $999, this is on the cheaper end of automatic coffee machines (yeouch), so I’d recommend it over the De’Longhi Eletta Explore or De’Longhi PrimaDonna Aromatic. If you can part with a little extra, though, I’d go for the De’Longhi Rivelia as it looks prettier, takes up less space (and can also make cold drinks with an extra $129 purchase).

As far as automatic coffee machines go, the Magnifica Duo is relatively affordable. It’s not life-changing, but if you want a decent amount of bang for a (somewhat) lower amount of buck, I’d go for it.

Of all the pests creeping into our homes and yards this fall, stink bugs are probably the most unpleasant. And while these may be tricky to catch, that’s not all you’ll need to worry about.

As the name suggests, these nuisance insects release a foul-smelling odor from their residue when you squish or disturb them—and it lingers.

That’s why it’s good to know how to keep stink bugs out of your house once and for all. Luckily, I’ve just discovered a clever way to trap stink bugs (and contain their foul smell).

What’s more, you’ll already have this simple item in your home, and it won’t cost you a fortune — duct tape. Here’s how to use this ‘sticky’ solution to banish stink bugs.

How to trap stink bugs with tape

As it happens, duct or packing tape seems to be more versatile than just mending items or securing packages or objects.

Simply cut a wide piece of duct tape, stick it over the bug, fold it over, and throw it in the trash. Not only does this prevent you from actually touching the bug, but wrapping it securely inside the tape keeps the foul odor completely trapped. Win-win!

What’s more, you’ll find this simple hack especially useful during the cooler fall and winter months, when these pesky pests start creeping inside to seek warmth during overwintering.

Another top tip is to stick strips of double-sided tape across windowsills and trim, as these sun-loving bugs are attracted to the warmth and light coming through windows.

So the next time you spot stink bugs creeping inside, simply grab a roll of tape to trap pests and seal in their stench in seconds.

How to prevent stink bugs

Stink bugs can enter homes to seek warmth through small cracks and gaps around windowsills and screens, and can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. This is especially true if you’ve been cranking up the heat in fall, making your property even more inviting.

Prevention is always key. Inspect around your window frames, screens, vents, and other potential access sites for any signs of invasion.

Plus, check along piping, dryer vents, and wiring setups. Whenever you discover small gaps or cracks, secure them promptly using caulk or weatherstripping to prevent these pests from creeping inside.

Alternatively, you can use make a simple spray by diluting water with about 10 drops of essential oil in water in a clean spray bottle.

Be sure your homemade repellent is mixed thoroughly before spraying inside your home. What's more, these oils are safe for use around pets and children when properly diluted.

For top hacks, check out these expert tips to keep stink bugs out of your house.

More from Tom's Guide

• Keep ladybugs and asian beetles from invading your home
• Centipedes in your home are a warning sign — here's how to stop them
• Prevent unwanted fall guests: How to keep 5 common pests away this season

Opening your freezer to find your food buried under a heavy layer of white frost is a frustratingly common problem. In most cases, freezer ice buildup is caused by simple everyday issues like blocked airflow vents, improper food storage, or a worn door gasket letting warm, humid kitchen air sneak inside.

Before chipping away at the ice with a scraper, or calling for repair, you can usually solve the problem yourself in just a few minutes. Here's why your freezer keeps frosting up, how to fix the underlying cause, and the simple steps to keep ice from coming back for good.

Why frost builds up in your freezer

Frost forms whenever warm, moisture-heavy room air meets the freezing temperatures inside your appliance. When that humidity hits the cold interior walls or vents, it instantly freezes into ice crystals.

Overpacking your freezer or pushing boxes tightly against the back vents blocks cold air circulation, creating localized cold spots where moisture settles and freezes. Storing hot food too quickly also releases a cloud of steam that immediately turns into a layer of frost across surrounding items.

A dirty, cracked, or warped rubber door gasket allows a continuous stream of room air to leak inside. Even a tiny door gap caused by an overstuffed drawer or stray ice cube will coat the entire freezer in white fuzz within hours.

The clogged defrost drain problem

Modern frost-free freezers automatically run a heating cycle several times a day to melt frost off the hidden evaporator coils. This melted water flows down a small drain hole at the back of the compartment and travels through a tube into a drip pan underneath the appliance, where it safely evaporates.

If this drain hole or tube becomes clogged with food debris or ice, the meltwater cannot escape. Instead, it backs up, flows out onto the floor of the freezer compartment, and freezes solid into a thick, flat sheet of ice during the next cooling cycle.

How to fix and prevent freezer frost

Restoring proper airflow and sealing out moisture takes just a few simple 5-minute adjustments.

Avoid jamming your freezer to capacity and leave a few inches of clearance around the interior air vents so cold air can circulate freely. Keep your freezer about three-quarters full for optimal efficiency.

Always let hot cooked foods drop to room temperature on the counter before freezing them to prevent condensation build-up.

Try the dollar bill test. Close the freezer door on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily without resistance, your rubber gasket is loose or worn and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If you spot a sheet of ice on the bottom floor of your freezer, unplug the unit, melt the ice with warm water, and flush the drain hole at the back with a squeeze bottle of hot water.

When to contact a professional

If your freezer continues to heavy-frost despite fixing airflow and cleaning the door seal, the internal defrost timer or heating element may have failed.

At that point, skip the DIY hacks and contact a qualified appliance repair specialist to inspect the electrical component.

More from Tom's Guide

• I almost threw my stained cutting boards away — then I tried this simple salt hack that totally restored them
• My dishwasher was leaving a cloudy film on glasses — here’s the quick fix that cleared them
• I revived my stiff, scratchy bath towels to their original softness using simple pantry staples

When it comes to household chores, I can always rely on natural cleaners such as white vinegar and baking soda, or even lemon juice to tackle those tough cleaning jobs.

Now there seems to be a new eco-friendly option that’s gaining popularity (and taking over vinegar) — hydrogen peroxide.

While both are effective cleaning agents, what’s the difference between the two? Each option has its own strengths and limitations, making them suited for entirely different tasks.

So, which tasks are ideal for each solution, and what surfaces should you never touch? I spoke with cleaning experts to discover when they rely on vinegar versus hydrogen peroxide to keep a home spotless.

When is white vinegar best used for cleaning?

Vinegar has been a staple cleaner in my home for many years, and I’ve put it to good use when removing limescale, bathtub scum, and unsightly marks on my shower doors or glass.

With its 5–6% acetic acid concentration, it excels at lifting stubborn stains, cutting through built-up dirt, and leaving glass spotless — entirely free from harsh chemicals. It’s easy to see why this has become such a favored choice for daily household tasks.

"Vinegar is my number one choice when I am faced with hard water deposits, specifically on shower glass,” states Ashley Torres, Cleaning Expert and Lead Cleaner at Karen's Green Maids. “Vinegar is also great for general cleaning around kitchens and bathrooms."

Things you can clean with vinegar

• Removing limescale on faucets and showerheads
• Cleaning appliances such as coffee makers, kettles, and microwaves
• Window glass or mirrors without leaving streaks
• Laundry stain remover and an effective substitute for fabric softener
• Deodorize drains and clear minor clogs

What are its limitations?

However, there are some things you should never clean with vinegar to avoid damage. This includes marble or natural stone countertops, wooden floors, and rubber items around the home.

Again, this is due to its potent acidic nature, which can cause more harm than good if used improperly.

"The biggest problem with using vinegar is knowing what you should NOT use it on,” agrees Torres. “I do not recommend using vinegar on marble, granite, or any other type of natural stone, as the acid will eat through them."

In that case, you might need a gentler solution, such as warm water and dish soap.

In addition, while vinegar makes a great surface cleaner, it doesn’t disinfect or reliably kill germs or viruses. So, vinegar falls short when it comes to thoroughly sanitizing spaces, particularly if someone in the household is sick.

For this, standard household bleach remains far more effective at eliminating harmful germs and surface bacteria.

When is hydrogen peroxide best used for cleaning?

On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide (forsana) is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down into water and oxygen. This agent has the ability to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even biofilms.

For this reason, experts advise taking caution when using this for cleaning surfaces, as this may strip the top color.

"I would use hydrogen peroxide for specific stain removal and for disinfecting surfaces as needed,” advises Torres.

“Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide as it may bleach, lighten, or otherwise discolor many types of colored fabric or finish. Always test before applying!"

Similar to bleach, hydrogen peroxide is also known to easily tackle tough stains such as blood, yellow marks, and bad odors. The main difference is it’s non-toxic and fragrance-free.

Things you can clean with standard hydrogen peroxide

• Clean mold and mildew
• Cutting boards
• Baking sheets
• Sinks and countertops
• Brighten laundry and remove stains from surfaces, tiles, and dirty grout
• Mirrors

What are its limitations?

Perhaps the main drawback is knowing when and how to use it properly, and professionals warn that this solution is frequently misused around the home.

“People pour it on wood floors or colored grout thinking it's a gentle option, but at 3% concentration it oxidizes pigment and lifts sealants off surfaces,” states Caleb John, director of Exceed Plumbing & Air Conditioning.

“I've seen grout go from charcoal gray to a patchy off-white after just two or three applications. The reason it does that is that the oxidation process doesn't distinguish between bacteria and dye, it breaks down whatever organic compound it contacts first.”

Another limitation is that it won’t get to work on surfaces right away, as you’ll need to leave it on for some time. “Hydrogen peroxide needs at least 10 minutes of dwell time to actually disinfect a surface,” adds John.

“Spray and wipe immediately, and you're getting basically zero disinfection benefit, even though it kills around 99.99% of surface bacteria when used correctly.”

So remember this the next time you’re frantically wiping down your surfaces.

Vinegar vs. hydrogen peroxide: Verdict

So out of the two natural cleaners, which one is better for your home? It depends entirely on the particular household task at hand.

"If I had to choose one (and I really shouldn't), I would say neither is superior,” adds Torres. “Each does something differently. Just remember: Do Not Mix.”

However, if you’re looking for the ultimate, all-in-one cleaner that can remove stains, odors, and kill bacteria, then hydrogen peroxide is the winner here. “I think hydrogen peroxide edges ahead,” agrees John.

“It leaves no residue, breaks down into water and oxygen, and doesn't produce fumes that linger in enclosed spaces the way strong vinegar does. For me, that's the cleaner I'd reach for first in most situations, as long as you keep it off colored fabrics and natural wood.”

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 natural hacks to make your home smell good without chemicals
• How to unclog a blocked toilet
• How to clean with vinegar without the smell

I've lost count of how many false widow spiders I've found in my tiny en-suite bathroom. The window in this room tends to be left open year-round to avoid mold and condensation build-up, and to let air flow through our bedroom, too.

But with this hack comes a spider or two, especially come summer. And until last week, I thought these spiders were confined to this one room. Wrong.

This was, of course, until I spotted an even bigger one in our living room the other night. The culprit? A dried flower bouquet that's now firmly in the trash. Sorry, buddy, but I am not taking any chances.

As it turns out, the dried flower bouquet in my living room that I've had for four years (since my wedding day) is the ultimate breeding and sleeping ground for spiders. Who'd have thought?

So, this is your sign to check your pampas grass or dried blooms for spider signs. If you dare, that is...

Why spiders love dried flower bouquets

Spiders thrive when living in tightly packed spaces that are mostly undisturbed day in and day out. So, in the case of a bunch of dried flowers, this is the perfect spot for a spider to hide.

It can nestle into several sheltered gaps, plus there are countless spots for spiders to spin webs — and as you can see, this happened to my bouquet.

There's also another factor: there could be other small insects living in this bouquet, unbeknownst to you, which is what the spider will be happily feeding on.

The spider won't be eating your flowers, thankfully, but is more just using them as a base.

How to prevent spiders (without throwing your pampas out)

At first, after asking AI to identify the spider and it told me it was a false widow, I panicked and threw my bouquet out straight away. In hindsight, this was a bit hasty, but luckily, I have three more of the same bouquets in my house. For the memories, of course, and the fact that I just cannot bring myself to throw them away yet.

Instead, I'll be taking each bunch outside and giving it a good shake in my yard. Away from windows, of course. It's also smart to use some form of hairspray aerosol and spray your flowers, not to prevent spiders, but to avoid more shedding as they're sitting on your shelf all day.

It's also a good idea to use your handheld vac to vacuum thoroughly around this area and check for webs. Inspect your stems for eggs, and if you find any, make a choice: you throw that stem away or pick off the egg and dispose of it.

If you're keen to buy a preventative for spiders returning, then don't automatically assume a spray will do the job. Instead, this could damage your flowers. Try something like these pouches that are all-natural.

Top tip

Also, before returning it to its spot, you want to consider where your bouquet is living. This factor could also attract more spiders to it. Avoid dark corners or placing it near a window or door that you often leave open (sorry, en-suite, it's a hard no!).

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 spider-repelling hacks that actually work — and you probably have everything you need at home
• Forget chemicals — I banished spiders with this simple household ingredient
• 5 common places spiders love to hide in your home

If you use a TP-Link Tapo C200 camera, you'll want to update its firmware right away.

Security researchers OPSWAT recently released details of two zero-day vulnerabilities found in the security cameras that could allow bad actors to spy on users. The two flaws, CVE-2026-15315 and CVE-2026-15316, could enable an attacker with network access to get into the camera and gain a valid administrative access or without knowing or recovering the admin password.

“The resulting administrative access enables the attacker to invoke privileged management functions, modify device configuration and perform operations that would normally require authorized administrator access,” OPSWAT said in a blog post.

This access would give them access to to live video streams and stored recordings.

Unfortunately, these cameras are often used for sensitive and important places, including as a baby monitor or home security monitor.

OPSWAT informed TP-Link of the flaws. A company spokesperson told Tom's Guide that upon being made aware of the flaws, TP-Link "immediately investigated the findings and developed firmware updates."

"TP-Link Systems Inc. takes the security of our products and the privacy of our customers very seriously," the spokesperson said.

Update now

If you have a Tapo C200 camera, you'll want to make sure that you update it to the latest firmware version. Specifically, you'll want to make sure you have V5-1.4.6 Build 260709, which released on August 17.

Per TP-Link, the vulnerabilities were "remediated" in the most recent update. The company encourages all customers to update.

You can do so via the Tapo app. For more information on the update or if you need support information, you can visit the Tapo C200 Downloads page.

You may be familiar with TP-Link due to its Wi-Fi routers, which many businesses and homes use; the Chinese company makes up 6%% of the US router market. However, TP-Link is currently fighting an FCC ban of all Wi-Fi routers made outside of the U.S.

Earlier this month we got a sneak peek of TP-Link's upcoming Wi-Fi 8 routers which promise big range, reliability and speed upgrades.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best DIY home security systems
• Ring Spotlight Cam (2nd gen) review: Better battery life, sharper 2K video
• The Schlage Sense Pro unlocked my door like magic

Fall may be officially here, but that doesn’t mean your lawn care duties need to take a back seat. There are a few key things we need to do to protect our grass and keep it healthy and lush year-round.

A lawn care expert reveals the early signs of a critical infestation to look out for and how to deal with this invasive pest — leatherjackets.

This is because September marks the peak egg-laying season for crane flies, which eventually hatch into leatherjackets — which are every gardener’s nightmare.

Not only do these destructive pests thrive by feeding on grass roots and plants, but they can also leave your once-pristine lawn severely damaged.

“Right now, those eggs are just sitting below the surface, waiting for cold and wet conditions to hatch into leatherjackets,” states Jonathan Davis, grass expert at Lawnsmith.

“Although small, these grubs can be a nightmare for your lawn. An infestation can undo all the hard work you’ve put in and leave you with nothing.”

Luckily, there is one task you can do in September to prevent a ‘nightmare’ infestation right now. Here’s how to tackle this issue.

What are leatherjackets and what to look out for?

While the name doesn’t sound like a destructive garden pest, what exactly are leatherjackets (also known as lawn grubs)?

Essentially, these are adult crane flies that lay eggs in the lawn from late summer to October.

Once these eggs hatch into leatherjackets, they live just beneath the soil surface and feed on grass roots once colder weather sets in.

“These pests are legless grubs with tough, leathery skin, typically grey or brown in colour, and can grow up to 3cm in length,” adds Davis. “They thrive by eating the roots of grass and plants, killing their food source as they go. Once eggs hatch, leatherjackets spend the colder months feeding underground before the damage becomes visible in early spring.”

Since these destructive pests live under the soil, we won’t notice the problem until months later. Key warning signs to look out for include grass turning yellow or noticeable patches on the lawn.

While there is no way to stop crane flies from laying their eggs, you can prevent the damage once eggs hatch.

Aerate your lawn to prevent leatherjackets

One top tip is to address poor drainage in your garden by aerating your lawn.

Not only does this avoid waterlogging, but promotes healthy airflow and helps to deliver essential nutrients directly into the ground.

“Lawns with poor drainage create a perfect environment for leatherjackets to thrive, so addressing that now can prevent an infestation taking hold,” advises Davis.

“Aerating your lawn can help improve drainage. To do this, simply create holes in the turf to allow it to breathe and encourage water to disperse.”

Also, heavily shaded gardens can create the perfect environment for leatherjackets. Another tip is to prune overgrown or thick tree branches and clear fallen leaves or any other debris on the lawn.

“Removing thick branches of overhanging trees and bushes can help more sunlight reach the turf,” Davis advises. “Some soils are better than others for drainage. For example, nutrient-dense clay soils can make gardens more prone to flooding.

“And if you often see water pooling in your garden, investigate the type of soil so you know how to nurture the lawn correctly.”

For more top tips, check out 5 ways to get rid of moss in your lawn and keep it green.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 common lawn care mistakes that are killing your yard
• 58% of Americans make this common lawn mowing mistake
• Can you cut wet grass? Here's how it could affect your lawn, and your mower

When bath towels start feeling less like plush and more like sandpaper, most people reach for extra fabric softener. Unfortunately, that is the exact reason your towels lost their softness in the first place.

Commercial fabric softeners and liquid detergents leave behind a waxy coating on cotton loops. Over time, this chemical coating combines with hard water minerals, flattening the fabric pile and trapping body oils and odors inside the weave. The result is a scratchy towel that barely absorbs water.

To strip away years of buildup and bring back natural fluffiness, you only need two cheap pantry staples: distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

The science behind the strip wash

Over time, laundry detergents and fabric softeners leave behind a stubborn, water-repellent film.

Softeners work by coating fabrics in a waxy layer to make them feel slick. However, when this residue mixes with hard water minerals, it creates a chemical barrier that glues down cotton fibers and destroys your towels' absorbency.

Distilled white vinegar is the ultimate antidote. Because it contains about 5% acetic acid, it safely lowers the pH of the wash water to dissolve alkaline mineral buildup and break down waxy residues.

Following up with baking soda tackles the rest by neutralizing the acids responsible for deep-seated mildew odors. Stripping away this layer allows the cotton to "bloom" freely, instantly restoring your towels to their original texture.

How to make stiff towels soft again

Do not mix the vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle, as they will neutralize each other before doing their job. Follow this two-step wash process instead.

Load your stiff towels into the washing machine without any laundry detergent, pods, or commercial softeners.

Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser, then run a standard wash cycle using hot water.

Leave the towels in the machine after the first cycle finishes. Add half a cup of baking soda directly to the drum, then run a second hot wash cycle without detergent.

Once the cycle is finished, dry the towels on medium heat. To help fluff the cotton fibers during the drying stage, toss two wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls into the dryer drum. Avoid high heat settings, which can singe and harden delicate cotton ends.

If you don't have a clothes dryer, line-dry the towels if weather permits, shaking each towel out firmly beforehand to open up the weave.

How to keep your towels soft long-term

Once your towels are restored, you can prevent stiffness from returning by tweaking your laundry routine.

First, cut your standard laundry detergent dose in half for towel loads. Excess detergent rarely rinses out fully, leading to rapid buildup.

Second, banish liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets entirely when washing towels. Use half a cup of white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment during normal washes instead.

Third, and this is one I've been guilty of in the past, never overload your washing machine. Towels need plenty of water and space to tumble so soap residue can rinse out completely.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your 'lost' socks are hiding in this washing machine spot — here's where to look
• I removed stubborn water stains from my glass shower door — without using vinegar
• I brought my yellowed pillowcases back to bright white using a simple 2-ingredient soak

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

As headlights are constantly subjected to the elements, it’s no surprise that the casing can become milky or yellow over time.

Naturally, this discoloration impairs your visibility while driving, preventing you from seeing the required 100 meters ahead of you on the road. Additionally, headlight bulbs can dim over time and eventually require replacement.

Read on to learn how to diagnose the root cause of the problem, along with a few simple ways to fix it using common household products.

Why headlights become cloudy

Headlight casings take the brunt of outdoor weather, making them particularly vulnerable to oxidation.

Casings are factory-coated in a clear protective layer to prevent the acrylic from oxidizing, but over time that layer wears off and UV rays cause the plastic to turn yellow.

At the same time, road debris scratches the protective outer shell while dirt builds up and dims the light output.

In other cases, the watertight seals around the housing degrade over time, allowing water vapor to gather inside the casing and scatter the light beam from within.

Locating the problem

The issue is either on the exterior or interior of the casing. If it's on the inside, cleaning the outside of the lens won’t remedy the problem.

To check, run a fingernail across the headlight lens. If the surface feels grainy or catches your nail, the oxidation is on the outside of the casing, and you can use one of the simple cleaning methods below to clear it up.

However, if the lens feels completely smooth but still looks cloudy, the problem is trapped moisture inside the unit or heat damage from blown bulbs. In this case, exterior cleaning won't improve visibility, and the headlight assembly will need to be unsealed, resealed, or replaced entirely.

The toothpaste cleaning method

Begin by washing the lenses with ordinary dishwashing soap and warm water to clear away lingering dirt and grime. Once dry, apply painter’s tape around the edges of the headlight assembly so you don’t accidentally scratch your vehicle's paint.

Apply a toothpaste containing baking soda to the lens. The baking soda is essential because it provides a gentle, abrasive grit.

Using an old toothbrush, scrub the lenses in firm circular motions until the toothpaste begins to discolor. Let the paste sit and dry for a few minutes, then gently wash the casings clean using warm water and a soft cloth.

Now that you’ve scrubbed away the oxidation, the raw polycarbonate plastic is completely exposed to ultraviolet rays. Without protection, the casing will turn yellow again within a month.

Immediately after drying the headlight casings, apply an automotive UV sealant (such as Meguiar’s Keep Clear Headlight Coating). This protective layer locks in the clear finish, ensuring great visibility on the road for much longer.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 car cleaning tips to make yours look brand new
• You’re only using 1/3 of your garage door remote — here’s what the extras buttons do
• 5 easy ways to make your car's AC stay cooler for longer

Upgrading your home is about as central as you can get to Tom's Guide's mission to upgrade your life. After all, it's where you're likely to spend the most time with the people that matter the most to you.

Whether you want to make sure your home is clean and welcoming, properly equipped for dealing with work or kids — or just able to put on a party when needed, there are a bewildering array of products to help you out.

That's why we're constantly testing robot vacuums for cleaning without effort, air fryers for prepping the perfect meal and standing desks to make working from home a cinch. Over the last year, we've tested and reviewed countless appliances and smart home gadgets with an eye to celebrating the very best for the Tom's Guide Awards 2026. So here we're highlighting our favorite kitchen appliances, outdoor gadgets, home office essentials and more that have made staying in just as much fun as going out.

Best air fryer

Cuisinart Clearview air fryer

Cuisinart’s Clearview air fryer lets you see your food at a glance, so you can monitor your cooking in real time. And it's as smart as it looks. Although my first thought was how the clear glass bowl would look after regular use, my testing showed it cleaned up just fine. I tested the 4-quart version, which was ample for a small family, but if you have a large, hungry family, you can upgrade to the 9-quart air fryer.

The Clearview works like most air fryers with a slide-in basket, but the glass bowl has two handles on either side rather than a central handle. This makes it easier to manage, which is one of its best aspects; it’s intuitive to use. It may lack some of the functions of other air fryers; you can’t proof dough or preheat, but having everything in clear sight is a real bonus, and it’s why I gave it a 4-star review. It may not come in the range of colorways as the cute Ninja Crispi, but it’s certainly a nifty performer.

— Camilla Sharman, Homes Writer

Best blender

NutriBullet Ultra Plus

The NutriBullet Ultra Plus is an absolute powerhouse that offers exceptional value, combining a personal blender, mini food processor, and a spice/coffee grinder into one versatile 3-in-1 system. Powered by a robust 1200-watt motor base — 300 watts more powerful than the NutriBullet 900 blender — it effortlessly tackles tough jobs like chopping nuts and grinding beans without straining.

Designed for convenience, it features intuitive touch controls, seamless edges that prevent food buildup, 32oz and 24oz cups, and suction feet for stability at full throttle. With a 30-second automated blend and a manual go-as-you-please pulse mode, it offers the perfect balance of power, durability and control for any kitchen.

— Camilla Sharman, Homes Writer

Best juicer

Tribest Slowstar AI Vertical Hopper Juicer

The Tribest Slowstar AI Vertical Hopper Juicer is the most intuitive juicer I’ve ever tested. It’s an incredibly fast machine, meaning no waiting around, and the sleek design honestly made me want to keep it out on display in the kitchen. It has a sleek touch screen display that is easy to use, so you can select the best settings for the ingredients you’re juicing. The machine also makes sorbet with ease.

The entire process is straightforward, and I was impressed with the yields of juice I was getting. The pulp was completely dry, which is exactly what you want. It also has an AI mode that can detect the ingredients in the hopper and alter the speed of mastication accordingly. This is perfect if you’re using a few different ingredients at once. I awarded it 4-stars for this amazing ease of use.

— Ashley Thieme, Reviews Writer

Best stand mixer

KitchenAid Artisan Plus

KitchenAid doesn’t disappoint with the KitchenAid Artisan Plus. It gives you all you expect from a premium stand mixer and a bit more. The design is iconic and adds pleasing eye candy to any kitchen, but it’s also a true performer. From the bowl light, which lets you see exactly what’s going on with your mix, to the sleek sliding control and extra precision with a ½ speed, it’s a home baker’s dream.

What’s more, you get a robust and reliable stand mixer that can whisk, beat and knead without feeling it’s going to take off on your countertop. And with this latest model, you get 25 extra watts of power, taking it up to 350 watts. It also comes with a silicone flex edge beater as standard – a must-have in my opinion for scraping mixture from the side of the bowl. I gave it a 5-star review, and it’s the stand mixer I chose for my own kitchen.

— Camilla Sharman, Homes Writer

Best smart home device

Nest Cam (Indoor)

Nest has been making home security cameras for over a decade, so it knows a thing or two about what works. Like its outdoor sibling, the Nest Cam (indoor) has an elegant design — its simple, curved body exudes upscale IKEA — but doesn’t sacrifice functionality in the name of good looks.

Inside is a 2K camera that delivers sharp videos both day and night, and it works seamlessly with Google Home. The camera also ties neatly into Google Gemini, which we found worked incredibly well when it came to analyzing our videos, so we could get detailed descriptions of whatever was going on. And, this camera can save up to six hours of video locally, which is handy if your internet connection ever goes down.

— Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-Chief

Best air purifier

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool PC3

I couldn’t have picked a better time to test the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool PC3 (what a catchy name), as I started testing right at the outset of a heatwave here in Britain. The PC3 was perfect, as it rolls Dyson’s famous standing air multiplier fans with an effective HEPA-filtered air purifier.

In my testing, the PC3 was able to reduce harmful particulates from severe back to healthy levels in as little as 30 minutes. It filters pollen, traffic particulates and carcinogens, making it ideal for keeping windows open during the warmer weather while testing. I also loved the Dyson app, which is the same one I already use for other Dyson gear, and gave me full control over the PC3’s functions from wherever I was sitting. Naturally, the PC3 also boasts Dyson’s usual high build quality and stylish design. Several months down the line, I’ve barely stopped running my two PC3s.

—Peter Wolinski, Senior Reviews Editor

Best coffee maker

Ratio Four Series 2

There is almost nothing wrong with the Ratio Four Series 2. This automatic pour-over machine brews a decadent, delightful cup of coffee with zero bitterness, zero silt, and all the coffee-snob-approved functionality. It blooms and steeps like a manual pour-over, but with no guesswork and a completely hands-free approach.

Not only that, but the Ratio Four Series 2 is a totally low-plastic machine. Minimal plastic touches hot water during the brewing process — and of course, just look at this. This marvelous machine has the looks and feel of a minimalistic yet attention-grabbing coffee maker.

— Erin Bashford, Senior Writer

Best espresso machine

Fellow Espresso Series 1

Very few espresso machines are as impressive as the Fellow Espresso Series 1. Not only does this machine make barista-perfect espresso, it also has a near-commerically powerful steam wand, looks divine, and has a whole smart ecosystem. The Series 1 can train users how to make rare espresso drinks and teach users about various steps of the brewing process.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Espresso Series 1 also looks like a treat. The machine comes in multiple eye-catching colors, making it a statement piece in any kitchen or breakfast nook. For style, functionality, and innovation, the Series 1 is a winner in every sense of the word.

— Erin Bashford, Senior Writer

Best vacuum cleaner

Dyson V16 Animal Piston

When it comes to appliances, Dyson consistently ranks among the best vacuum cleaners available. And since I test vacuums for a living, I’ve long admired the brand’s exceptional pick-up power, savvy tech, and eye-catching design. The V16 Piston Animal is no exception — and it combines all my favorite Dyson features into one sleek model.

Beyond its unique conical floorhead that cleans effortlessly between carpet and hard floors (without swapping out attachments), it features an integrated green laser light that illuminates hidden dust balls in hard-to-reach areas.

During testing, I was impressed with its anti-detangling abilities, especially when tackling long hair strands embedded deep into my carpets. Alongside its unwavering battery life.

What’s more, the brand’s traditional trigger operation was swapped for a simple power-on button — making it a seamless and effortless clean.

— Cynthia Lawrence, Homes Editor

Best robot vacuum cleaner

Dreame X60 Max Ultra

The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete totally blew me away during testing. It’s an exceptional robot vacuum with impressive mopping skills. The smart features, including obstacle avoidance and an on-board camera, make it an invaluable addition to the home, and the user-friendly Dreame app means even the least tech-savvy amongst us can operate it with ease.

The extendable arms on the vacuum allow it to sweep deep into the corners of the room to grab every last bit of dust, and the mop pads can fan out to mop the edges of the room too. The dock is large, but I think this is a fair trade-off since it can take care of itself through self-emptying for up to 100 days. It certainly earned its 5-star rating.

— Ashley Thieme, Reviews Staff Writer

Best digital photo frame

Aura Ink

The Aura Ink is one of a new style of digital photo frames that uses an eInk, rather than an LCD display. That means that while images won’t “pop” as much, they look much more like an actual photo print, rather than a picture displayed on a screen. And, because eInk displays use much less power, you can hang this on your wall — wire free — for months at a time, without needing to recharge it.

While many eInk digital photo frames use similar technology, we like Aura’s the best for its app, which was the easiest to use among the bunch, and it works seamlessly with Google Photos and Apple Photos, making it far simpler to share your pictures with your family. If you’re looking for the best digital photo frame that blends seamlessly with your non-digital picture frames, this is it.

— Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-Chief

Best standing desk

Uplift V3

Instead of going back to the drawing board, Uplift Desk has continued to refine and improve its standing desks by making them easier to assemble and by adding new features. The Uplift V3 is the culmination of these efforts with a redesigned frame and a simplified assembly process. The company always included a cable management tray with its standing desks but with the V3, it too has been significantly improved and the tray now stretches across the entire desk.

The best part about the V3 though is Uplift’s growing ecosystem of accessories. Whether you want to switch to a wider top or add powered grommets with pop-up outlets, Uplift has you covered with a host of useful and convenient to install accessories. The Uplift V3 is an excellent and sturdy standing desk capable of adapting to your space and the task at hand.

— Anthony Spadafora, Managing Editor

Best office chair

LiberNovo Omni SE

LiberNovo immediately made a name for itself with the launch of its first office chair last year. The company wasn’t done there though and in the time since, it came out with both a premium and a more affordable version. The LiberNovo Omni SE takes the best aspects of the original Omni but ditches the motor for a fully manual design. With nothing to charge and no electronic parts to wear out over time, the Omni SE is an ergonomic chair built with simplicity and longevity in mind.

Just like the original, the Omni SE features LiberNovo’s Bionic FlexFit Backrest which is designed to flex and respond to your body’s movements throughout the day. Lumbar support adjustments are made using a dial behind the backrest and with its foam padding and elastic fabric, this chair is just as comfortable as the Omni. The Omni SE is still a premium office chair but it now comes at a more approachable price point.

— Anthony Spadafora, Managing Editor

Best grill

Traeger Westwood XL grill

Few brands have become synonymous with quality in the way Traeger has over the years. The company has consistently released some of the best outdoor cooking appliances year after year and the Westwood XL keeps the momentum going. Unlike some other high-end grills, this one offers a true set-it-and-forget-it cooking experience, making a perfect choice for the deckmaster who doesn’t want to learn an entire new hobby just to cook delicious meals for their friends and loved ones.

It offers an intuitive smart app that makes controlling temperature and smoking much easier without requiring you to go to the grill as often. It’s just a solid pellet smoker that’s easy to use and not intimidating if you’re new to them. It won’t replace far more expensive models, but for $800, you’ll have a hard time finding a pellet smoker and grill that does a better job.

— Dave LeClair, Managing Editor

Best cooler

Coleman Snap 'N Go

The Coleman Snap 'N Go is, so far, the only collapsible hard cooler. For taking on camping trips, beach trips, BBQs, and everything in between with as little surface area as possible, the Snap ‘N Go is the sure-fire winner.

It can keep cans fridge-cold for 40 hours even after all the ice melts and is surprisingly easy to clean, despite the lack of drain plug. Although not as stylish as other big-name cooler brands, the Snap ‘N Go excels where it really matters: affordability and functionality.

— Erin Bashford, Senior Writer

Best smart lock

Aqara U400

There are smart locks with palm readers, facial recognition, fingerprint, and more, but what really stood out to us about the Aqara U400 is its simplicity. Thanks to its use of Ultra Wideband technology, this lock can detect when you’re walking towards your front door, and unlock it automatically; no need to place your finger on a sensor, hold your palm in the air, or make sure your face is steady. It’s making technology near-invisible, and making things more convenient.

While the U400 was designed to be used with Apple smartphones, it’s also Matter-compatible, and supports Aliro, which means that in the near future, any phone could be used with the lock. Now that would be something truly magical.

— Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-Chief

Best pizza oven

Ooni Karu 2

The Ooni Karu 2 seriously impressed me when I tested it out this summer. This mid-range 12-inch pizza oven really is a consummate all-rounder thanks to its multi-fuel capabilities. You can load it up with charcoal or wood to add some extra smokiness, or to simply cook in a more traditional manner. Alternatively, you can fire it using gas via an optional adapter, for pure ease of use and consistent heat.

Even using physical fuel, the Karu 2 heats up quickly thanks to the front glass door. Its stone, while fairly thin, retains heat well for multi-pie cooks, although you need to keep an eye on ambient temperatures when using physical fuels. The Karu 2 is simple to use, fairly compact and I find it way easier to clean than similarly-priced Gozney ovens. It’s kinda pricey, yes, but the amount of versatility it offers makes this a sound long-term investment for aspiring (or even existing) pizzaioli.

— Peter Wolinski, Senior Reviews Editor

When it comes to household chores, deep cleaning the oven is easily my least favorite. The idea of spending hours scrubbing away months of accumulated grease and dried food is far from appealing.

That’s why I’m always on the lookout for easy hacks and tips to make oven cleaning a breeze — sparing me the time and manual labor. And despite my trusted arsenal of store-bought sprays and natural remedies like baking soda or vinegar, removing burnt-on grime from the back of the oven always required some elbow grease.

That was until I decided to put this viral hack to the test, just using one popular item from my fruit bowl. While I’ve seen this tip floating around on my socials, I wasn’t entirely convinced it could do a good job.

You simply cut lemons into a bowl of water before placing it inside the oven. Crank up the heat for some time before turning it off, and then let the steam do its work to dissolve grease — making cleaning a lot easier.

But can lemons really clean my oven? Here’s what happened when I put it to the test.

How to use lemons to clean your oven

There are so many things you didn’t know you could clean with a lemon, and it turns out the oven is one.

First, I sliced up the lemons and dropped them into a water-filled bowl, squeezing in extra juice for good measure. Next up, I preheated my oven at around 250°F before putting the bowl inside.

I set my oven timer for 30 minutes (you may need a bit longer for stubborn grime) —giving the fresh steam enough time to evaporate.

Once the time was up, I let the bowl sit inside for a further 60 minutes to let the steam work its full magic and loosen the caked-on residue.

Then, after the oven had completely cooled down, I removed the bowl, dipped my cloth into the warm lemon water, and used it to wipe away the loosened grease and grime.

To my surprise, residue and burnt-on grime lifted off in seconds, and the area was much easier to clean without all the frantic scrubbing. After rinsing my cloth with clean water, I managed to clean inside my greasy oven in just a few swipes. Impressive.

Granted, it may take you a little longer to clean if you have a larger (or dirtier) oven. In that case, you may need to combine this lemon hack with other oven cleaning methods or products.

However, if you just want a simple and fuss-free way to get rid of light grease and grime, steaming lemons works surprisingly well.

Best of all, it left my kitchen smelling beautifully fresh and zesty — which is always a huge bonus after cleaning.

In fact, you could even use lemons in your dishwasher to make your entire kitchen smell fresh. Here's how.

What other citrus-y based kitchen hacks do you know? Drop a line in the comments!

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• 7 things you should never clean with white vinegar
• 7 ways you can use lemon juice in your laundry routine
• I tried this TikTok lemon hack to remove limescale on faucets

Spotted spongy green growth across your patio or driveway recently? You’ll want to get rid of moss quickly. And while moss might be welcome in certain parts of your yard (think Japanese garden), for the most part, it can look unsightly on our patio. Plus, it's a nuisance to remove from concrete or banish completely — especially during fall.

Typically, moss thrives in damp or humid conditions — and porous concrete is the perfect environment as it holds water easily. In addition, concrete’s texture has microscopic pores, pits, and cracks, which makes it easy for spores to penetrate and grow in these rough spots.

And while you could reach for chemical-laden treatments or blast it away with a powerful pressure washer, I’ve just discovered a common household cleaning staple that does the trick — and no, it isn’t white vinegar.

Unlike white vinegar, which is great for killing moss but is a longer process, this cleaning solution can get to work in just minutes. Best of all, we all have this product in our cleaning caddy. So why is bleach so handy?

How to banish moss with bleach

We often use bleach for killing germs, disinfecting surfaces, and getting rid of yellow stains. However, it turns out that this versatile cleaner can instantly banish moss from concrete too.

Even better, it acts fast to tackle moss in just five minutes, and the results are known to last longer in comparison to traditional vinegar methods.

So what’s the best way to use bleach on concrete patios or paths? First, sweep away any debris or leaves on the concrete surface with a bristle broom/brush before applying your treatment.

Next, experts recommend diluting one part household bleach with four to ten parts water (depending on how thick the moss is) in a pump sprayer or bucket.

Then, directly spray or pour the mixture evenly over the moss-covered concrete, before letting it sit for about 15 minutes.

Once the moss turns brown or white, simply use your stiff-bristled broom or deck brush to scrub away the dead moss, and rinse off the residue/area completely with water until clean.

What NOT to do when using bleach

Since bleach has the power to kill moss, it’s important not to spray any nearby plants or foliage. If you do, however, experts recommend watering them before wrapping them in plastic wrap to protect them from damage.

Additionally, do NOT leave bleach on the concrete surface for more than around 15 minutes, or else it may cause discoloration to the pavers. Bear in mind that bleach is highly toxic, so take precautions when using it and keep it away from children or pets. And use gloves when handling bleach if possible.

So, if you’re struggling to banish pesky moss fast, this clever tip might be sitting right inside your cleaning caddy.

For more top tips, check out 5 ways to get rid of moss in your lawn and keep it green.

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• How to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave — 4 expert tips to help it survive
• My lawn was completely fried after the heatwave — to save it I had to stop making these 3 mistakes
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There is nothing quite as disappointing as unloading a fresh batch of dishware only to find your clear drinking glasses covered in a dull, milky white haze.

For months, I assumed my dishwasher was simply getting old, or that I was buying cheap detergent. I kept re-washing cloudy glasses by hand, which completely defeated the point of having a dishwasher in the first place.

Once I realized what was happening, I stopped scrubbing each glass individually and tried a quick, zero-scrub dishwasher reset trick using a single kitchen staple.

Within one short cycle, the hazy film completely dissolved, leaving every glass sparkling and crystal clear. Here is why your dishwasher leaves that frustrating film, and the easy fix that clears it.

Why your dishwasher leaves a cloudy film on glasses

Cloudy glassware is caused by one of two things, but only one of them is reversible:

• Hard water mineral buildup (Reversible): Calcium and magnesium in hard water combine with detergent fats during the wash cycle. If your dishwasher lacks enough rinse aid, these minerals get baked onto the glass surface during the drying phase, creating a chalky white coating.
  
  Glass etching (Permanent): If you have soft water, use too much detergent, or run water that is extremely hot, the chemical combination can physically eat away at the glass surface over time. Etching cannot be washed off, but mineral film can be dissolved instantly with a mild acid.

The quick fix to restore cloudy glasses

To clear existing mineral buildup from your glasses and flush out your machine at the same time, all you need is plain white vinegar or citric acid powder.

Before running a full load, place a single drop of white vinegar on one cloudy glass and rub it with your finger. If the spot clears up, it is hard water buildup and this fix will work 100% of the time. If it stays cloudy, the glass is permanently etched.

Arrange all your hazy glassware on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Do not add any standard dishwasher detergent or pod to the dispenser for this cycle.

Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup with 2 cups of plain white vinegar and place it upright on the top rack among the glasses. Then run a normal hot-water wash cycle.

As the machine sprays, the vinegar will slowly overflow from the bowl, distributing mild acid throughout the entire cycle to dissolve the mineral film without manual scrubbing.

To prevent the film from ever returning, immediately check your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment.

Fill it completely with liquid rinse aid (like Finish Jet-Dry). Rinse aid breaks the surface tension of the water, allowing it to slide off the glass before minerals can dry and stick.

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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
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Apple's major "Surprise and Shine" event is behind us and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable, is finally official. But there were some omissions based on the rumors, including a lack of smart home devices.

Those devices could still be on the way. Apple typically announces new MacBooks in October, and we could see some other products then as well. Here are the seven new Apple products that we could see next month.

Touchscreen MacBook Ultra with OLED

Apple has already released a surprising number of Mac laptops and desktops this year. We had the MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros way back in the spring, plus late refreshes of the Mac mini and Mac Studio.

Next month we're expecting an M6 version of the iMac, which also might get some new colorways, and an M6 MacBook Pro.

But the headliner should be a new MacBook Pro (or Ultra). The big change here should be a new OLED touchscreen display, which would make it the first OLED MacBook.

OLED panels are thinner, so the Ultra should be both slimmer and lighter in both 14- and 16-inch versions. It could be powered by the as-yet-unannounced M6 Pro and M6 Max chipsets. This does mean that we might not see the Ultra until early 2027, as Apple has pushed announcing those chips into the first half of the year.

Unfortunately, all these new features and higher-tier silicon mean that the Ultra could have a starting price around $2,499 for the 14-inch model, up from $2,199 for the current M5 Pro models.

iPad mini with OLED

The iPad Pro has had an OLED display since 2024, but we could finally see an iPad mini with OLED this October. Coincidentally, the mini hasn't received an update since October 2024, when the iPad mini 7 was released.

It will likely get a faster chip, probably the A19, if not the new A20, so it can run Apple Intelligence, especially the new Siri AI. It's not clear from rumors if any other design changes will be made. However, it might be thinner and lighter since the OLED panel is thinner.

We should also see an updated entry-level iPad. As far as we're aware the only update here would be new chips.

Smart Home Devices

We warned before the iPhone event that rumors about Apple's smart home options need to be taken with a grain of salt. For years, leaks and rumor mongers have suggested that Apple is planning to introduce a suite of smart home devices, including a revamped HomePod and an AI-powered Apple TV 4K set-top box.

Rumors suggested that Apple would announce these devices during the iPhone event, which obviously did not come to fruition.

Apple seems to have finally figured out Siri AI with iOS 27. If it releases and works as pitched, we could finally start seeing Apple Home.

HomePod Home hub

Previously, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, long a reporter of the rumored HomePod updates, believed that a new HomePod mini could launch with the iPhones alongside the rumored HomePod Home hub.

However, right before the iPhone event, Gurman cheekily tweeted, "If you don't see the Apple TV, HomePod mini, home display and touch MacBook today, don't worry. It's only September."

Several different iterations of this device have been rumored, including one with a $1,000 robot arm. The most common version involves a wall-mounted touchpad or a HomePod speaker with a touch display about the size of an iPad mini.

This device would have a FaceTime camera for video calls and presence sensors to initiate smart home routines.

HomePod mini 2

A new HomePod mini might also debut, but it might not be as big of an upgrade as the Hub. Most rumors suggest that it will feature a new chip and audio improvements. It will probably get new colors.

The HomePod mini 2 has been on our rumor radar since at least 2023. The current version debuted in 2020, and like the next device, is long overdue for an update.

Apple TV 4K 2026

Like the HomePod series, Apple hasn't released a new version of the Apple TV 4K since 2022. We're long overdue for an upgrade — even if it's only a more powerful chip for stronger performance.

Previously, it was suggested that a new Apple TV could feature the A17 Pro chip, but it's more likely it'll get the new A20 or, to save some money, last year's A19. The device should also get the rumored N2 chip for better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Outside of chips, the big upgrade would be Siri AI, which could let you connect the Apple TV as a hub for smart devices. One rumor suggested that Apple might release a set-top box with a camera, which would allow for FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls.

However, a rumored refresh of the Apple TV has been making the rounds for multiple years now. I won't believe this one until it actually happens.

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No matter how thoroughly you wash your kitchen cutting boards after dinner, certain foods seem to leave permanent marks behind.

My wooden and plastic boards were covered in unsightly yellow turmeric blotches, deep tomato paste stains, and stubborn gray knife scuffs that standard dish soap couldn't touch.

I was genuinely ready to toss two of my oldest wooden boards and treat myself to a replacement. But before giving up, I decided to try a low-cost restoration trick: using coarse salt as a natural abrasive.

Instead of relying on harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, which can warp wood and leave behind toxic residues, coarse salt works alongside natural acids to lift embedded food pigments without scratching the surface.

Why dish soap fails on stained cutting boards

Standard liquid dish soap is formulated to strip surface grease, but it falls short on porous or scarred cutting surfaces. Over time, both wood and plastic boards develop thousands of micro-grooves created by knife blades.

Deeply pigmented organic compounds like lycopene found in tomatoes and carotenoids in carrots seep into these microscopic cuts where sponge fibers cannot physically reach.

Liquid soap works chemically by trapping surface oils, but it lacks the structural grit necessary to scour out trapped material from deep crevices.

It also strips away the protective mineral oils from wooden boards, drying them out and making them even more vulnerable to deep, permanent staining.

How to remove stains from cutting boards

To execute this hack, all you need is coarse sea salt or Kosher salt, and half a fresh lemon (or a damp microfiber cloth).

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With summer drawing to a close, many of us had been taking full advantage of the recent heatwave. And I loved nothing more than hosting backyard gatherings, which is precisely how I celebrated my birthday — on one of the hottest days of the year.

And while the sunny weather provided the perfect occasion for hosting a barbecue and keeping drinks chilled, I soon faced that classic hosting crisis— my ice cube supply had entirely melted away.

Just when I’d feared my guests would be stuck sipping lukewarm drinks, I whipped out this clever gadget (in storage) to put its cooling claims to the test.

Designed to produce fresh ice nuggets on demand in just six minutes, the CASO IceChef Compact Ice Cube Maker churns out 500 grams per hour —ensuring your parties stay well supplied.

Admittedly, I’d always considered such appliances as novelty items. But when I put this machine to work during my hosting emergency, the results truly blew me away.

Here’s how my instant ice maker saved the day — leaving my guests totally impressed.

Getting started

Getting the gadget ready was straightforward — just fill the water tank, choose between small or large ice ‘nugget’ options, and tap the start button. On the control touchpad, it also alerts you when the ice tray is full or when you need to add more water.

I also loved its portable, space-saving design featuring a handy carrying handle. Though it feels slightly heavy, it sat neatly on my floor without cluttering the area.

You just leave it to work its magic, while the handy control panel alerts you when the ice basket reaches full capacity.

Ice, Ice (baby!)

Watching fresh ice form instantly before your eyes is fascinating. And I was genuinely amazed when, within just six minutes, the machine dropped the first handful of perfectly-formed ‘nuggets’ directly into the removable collection basket.

I was even more impressed when it filled an entire basket with ready-made ice in under 40 minutes. I had the option of either removing the ice basket or use the mini ice scoop — which was perfect for topping up drinks on demand. Better still, it didn’t cost me anything, saving me from a frantic run to the grocery store to buy bags of ice.

Perhaps the only caveat is that it can be pretty noisy once it’s in full action. However, this proved to be a minor issue amidst all the background party noise.

Cleaning and maintaining it is pretty fuss-free too, as it comes with a self-cleaning function and removable ice cube tray for extra convenience.

Verdict

Needless to say, what I had thought to be just a ‘gimmicky’ gadget ended up being one of my must-have essentials for summer hosting. It’s hard to find fault with my ice cube maker, and I’m not entirely sure how much electricity it uses with each use.

Personally, I still plan on relying on traditional ice cube moulds for everyday freezing. However, if you ever do get stuck once your supply runs out (especially at a party), I’ll definitely recommend keeping one of these genius gadgets on standby.

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With summer drawing to a close, this also means the start of darker evenings. And I love nothing better than placing string lights in my backyard to add warmth and a cozy ambience to the outdoor space.

But while I adore the ease and aesthetic of draping such lights across my fencing, this could potentially violate line regulations and boundary fence rules. What’s more, you might need to ask permission from your neighbors if you have joint ownership of a fence.

To avoid a potential neighborhood fallout, I asked legal experts what the ‘rules’ are when it comes to line regulations and proper etiquette to keep in mind. So before you decorate your fences for fall, here's what the pros recommend.

Is it ok to hang string lights over a boundary fence?

The general answer is yes, but this entirely depends on who owns the fence, (which we often assume incorrectly), state property law, local zoning ordinances, and your HOA (if you live in a community with one).

However, the rule of thumb is if it's jointly owned, you both share responsibility for the fence. “The actual rule is outlined in California's Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code § 841),” states Edward Susolik, CEO & President of Callahan & Blaine, PC.

“In short, if the fence is built on the property boundary line, then both neighbors benefit from the fence and are also required to share the responsibility and costs. But if the fence is only on one side of the property line, it actually belongs to the property owner.”

Although hanging string lights over a fence would seem minor, compared to cutting neighbors’ overhanging trees, homeowners could risk legal liability by attaching anything to a shared fence without their neighbor’s permission.

“In my experience, hanging some lights isn't the first issue when a dispute arises,” adds Susolik. “It's always when one neighbor assumes the fence is theirs to decorate when it legally isn't."

“If your fence sits entirely within your side of the property line, neighbors cannot attach anything to it without your permission. Should a neighbor attach lights or any other items to your fence, you have the right to demand removal.”

In addition, consider which direction your bulbs will be facing — up or down? Experts advise pointing lightbulbs downwards so that it lights up only your space and do not spill up and glare over the adjoining fence.

What’s more, it’s suggested to use soft, clear lights (not colorful, flashing lights) to minimize any complaints.

Fortunately, not everything has to result in tricky legal battles. A friendly chat with the person next door is usually the best place to start.

Politely ask your neighbor

Similar to the task of painting shared fences or even using a fire pit, it’s always courteous to speak with your neighbor beforehand.

“Since you both own the fence, and ergo have equal rights on it, they also have a say in what happens to the fence,” agrees Stacy Kemp Ferrari, Founder and Managing Partner at Kemp Law Group.

“Even if it's something as harmless as hanging a few lines of fairy lights, the safest (and courteous) thing to do is to let them know.”

But what’s the best practice if you’re not on friendly or first-name terms with them? Experts recommend following a conversation with a written agreement to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Ensure all agreements with your neighbors are in writing,” advises Susolik. “Often, it can take something as simple as a text message to clarify what exactly is being attached, when it's coming down, and that it won't cause permanent damage.

“Also be sure to check any HOA rules and local ordinances, as some impose restrictions that no private agreement between neighbors can override.”

Essentially, the key thing is good communication — even if you may think it’s just harmless string lights being hung. Ultimately, this could save you the bother of legal conflicts to navigate.

If in doubt, however, simply ensure that when installing string lights, they stay on your side of the property line/fence (along with any hooks or mounting hardware).

So if you want to avoid any neighborhood wars, be sure to keep these rules in mind.

Also, if you still want to maintain a level of privacy, check out these 7 plants will create more privacy in your backyard.

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Discovering unexpected holes peppered across your lawn or garden beds can spark an immediate urge to reach for a shovel or garden hose. Before you attempt to fill them in, it helps to know what creature actually dug them — and what might be resting inside.

While homeowners might assume snakes dig tunnels across the yard, most snakes lack the physical equipment to burrow through dirt. Instead, they operate as opportunistic squatters, moving directly into underground tunnels left behind by rodents, voles, and chipmunks.

These cool subterranean spaces offer ideal shelter from heat and a hunting ground for prey. Knowing how to identify an active snake hideout can help you keep your family, pets, and property safe without unnecessarily disturbing local wildlife.

How to identify a snake hole in your yard

Because snakes do not excavate their own homes, you will not find a standard shape or uniform size. However, several distinct physical indicators can help you determine whether a snake is utilizing an existing burrow.

• Size and structure: Look for openings between 1 and 3 inches in diameter, though larger snakes can squeeze into bigger gaps. Pay close attention to crevices near rock walls, house foundations, and dense shrubbery.
  
• Lack of excavated dirt: Unlike active mammals that push fresh, loose dirt around their entrance holes while digging, a snake moving into a hole leaves no fresh soil piles.
  
• Nearby physical evidence: Check the surrounding grass and dirt for shed snake skins, smooth tail tracks in soft soil, or a complete absence of recent animal gnaw marks near the entrance.
  
• The "vacant" look: If a hole looks old or abandoned by the original rodent digger, it becomes a prime candidate for a snake seeking temperature control or shelter.

What to do if you find a snake hole

If you suspect a hole in your yard is currently harboring a snake, taking the wrong action can quickly turn a peaceful coexistence into a safety hazard.

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Fall has arrived, making September and November the perfect window for mulching flower beds to protect plants before the cooler temperatures set in.

As a thin layer of organic matter on the surface, a natural mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, introduces nutrients as it breaks down, and protects from frost when the temperature drops. Although mulching your yard seems easy enough, there’s one common problem many gardeners face afterwards that ruins their hard efforts.

Typically, after a week, unwanted grass blades begin creeping back through your bed cover until the area starts looking untidy again. And while a traditional solution would be to lay down landscaping fabric, this can often make planting new crops tricky and difficult to remove in the long run.

I’ve recently discovered a hassle-free tip to keep unwanted grass out of mulch beds. Not only does this solution work in just one hour, but it’s completely family and pet-friendly without harming nearby plants.

Use a targeted grass and weed killer to protect your beds

A quick trick is to use a grass and weed killer after mulching — but this will only work on young, newly sprouted grass blades coming through the mulch.

Once grass has matured, the spray may not be as effective at getting to work on thick grass — which might benefit from manual tools.

There are several sprays available in your gardening centers or online such as this Spruce Weed & Grass Killer for $35 on Amazon.

This spray kit is formulated from water, essential oils, and a surfactant, and can treat up to 400 weeds. Better still, it promises to work in just an hour, and the reusable bottle means you can simply buy refills instead of a new kit.

Additionally, gardening experts suggest pruning nearby foliage before applying such treatments. Trimming these surrounding stems beforehand allows for a much clearer path to target rogue shoots at their base.

Lastly, it helps to identify the exact location where grass blades keep growing, so you can apply a targeted treatment — ensuring stray growth stays out of your beds for good.

Bear in mind that this solution will only prevent the growth of young weeds and won’t tackle mature ones. If that’s the case, you’ll need to target the weed taproots. And there are plenty of sturdy weeding tools available to save you from doing this back-breaking task.

Of course, if you don’t want to rely on chemicals to get rid of grass and weeds in your yard, you can check out these 7 ways to kill weeds naturally. Or perhaps you might have this 39-cent weed killer alternative hiding in your laundry cupboard?

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When Ooni announced the new Halo Core spiral mixer, one thought immediately crossed my mind: KitchenAid is in for some serious competition.

Available for $599 at Amazon, it hits the exact price as the iconic KitchenAid Artisan Plus, but offers a more compact and home-kitchen-friendly footprint than the high-end Ooni Halo Pro spiral mixer — currently our top pick for bread making in our best standing mixer buying guide.

While $599 is still a real investment, the Halo Core feels far more accessible than the Ooni Halo Pro, which is $799 at Amazon, plus it won't take up as much countertop space in your kitchen.

I’ve been putting the Halo Core through its paces, and there’s a lot to like. I’ll follow up with a full review in a couple of weeks, but for now, here are three things I loved and one thing you should know.

Ooni Halo Core spiral mixer: What I like

1. Perfect dough

The Halo Core spiral mixer, like its older sibling, is designed specifically for bread making. Instead of the planetary stand mixers home bakers are used to, Ooni’s design brings professional-grade spiral mixing into our kitchens.

How does it work? The dough hook and bowl rotate around a breaker bar — a stationary vertical metal rod that sits in the mixing bowl. Although watching the rotating bowl is fun to watch, it’s not a gimmick.

The breaker bar removes dough from the hook as it spins during mixing, preventing it from climbing up the dough hook and stopping you from pausing the mix to remove the dough. It also stretches the dough for a stronger gluten structure.

I’ve been experimenting with making bread and pizza dough, and although the pizza dough is currently proving in my kitchen, the bread tasted exceptional. In fact, my husband didn’t realize it was homemade.

I also found that the kneading process was smooth. The usual mixers I test move around my countertop when the dough hook is in action, and it almost seems like too much for the appliance’s motor. There was a clear difference when using the Ooni Halo Core. The mixer stayed steady, and there was no hint of any electric smell or the motor burning out.

2. Pause and go again

The controls of the Halo Core work differently from any stand mixer I’ve previously tested, but in a good way. The control knob is positioned on top of the appliance, so it’s easy to access whether you’re right- or left-handed. What’s more, it works in percentages, with 20 speeds. Turn it clockwise once for 5% at 60 rpm, and turn it up to 100% for 300 rpm.

The control lights up in sections, so you can clearly see which speed setting you're on. This is quite clever in itself, but what impressed me more was that you can simply press the knob and the appliance will pause. Press it again, and it will start from where it left off. It may seem like a small thing, but I found it took away the hassle of turning down the speed when you want to pause the mix.

3. Double whisk

I’ve never made butter before, but since my colleague made butter with the Halo Pro, I followed suit. I started by attaching the dual-geared whisk attachment — it even has a built-in gearbox for rapid whipping!

The whisk really came into its own, whipping the heavy cream into what looked like scrambled eggs until the fat and buttermilk separated. Apart from the speed, it’s fascinating to watch, and if you’ve never made butter before, I recommend giving it a go.

The whisk attachment proved that the Halo Core isn’t just good at making dough; it has a firm place in the kitchen for other baking tasks.

Ooni Halo Core spiral mixer: What I don't like

It wasn't great at mixing cake batter

After the whisk's success, I was excited to try the angled silicone-edge beater to make an all-in-one cake batter. I love the silicone beater I’ve used with the KitchenAid Artisan Plus, as it swipes around the edge of the bowl, incorporating the whole mixture — so you don’t need to stop midway through to scrape the ingredients off the side.

The Halo Core did the same, but it seemed to struggle to incorporate the butter into the mixture, even though it was soft when I added it to the bowl. Then, when I raised the mixer’s head, I noticed a large clump of butter was still attached to the beater.

I’m going to keep testing its cake-making ability, since other reviews have given it more positive results. So keep an eye out for my full review.

Over to you

Are you thinking about buying an Ooni mixer, or have you already invested in one? I’d love to read your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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I used to think keeping my area rugs clean was just a matter of running my vacuum back and forth as fast as possible before moving on to the next room. My rugs looked fine, but whenever I shook them out, a tiny cloud of dust would still puff up.

It wasn't until a professional carpet cleaner dropped a casual tip that I realized my technique was completely flawed. By pushing the vacuum in random, fast passes, I was leaving over half of the trapped dust, pet dander, and grit buried deep inside the fibers.

Once I changed my approach to a cross hatch, or overlap technique, the amount of hidden dirt pulling into the vacuum canister was equal parts satisfying and alarming.

Here is the common vacuuming mistake you're probably making — and the simple method that gets your rugs truly clean.

Why fast vacuuming leaves dirt behind

Most people vacuum by pushing the machine forward and pulling it straight back over the exact same path before moving over to the next section.

Rug fibers, however, naturally bend in one direction, so vacuuming in only one orientation bends the carpet pile over the dirt, sealing fine particles into the base rather than pulling them up.

Without a calculated overlap, the outer edges of the vacuum head miss a 1 to 2-inch strip between every pass, leaving hidden channels of dust untouched.

Also, moving the vacuum head too quickly across the floor doesn't give the brush roll enough time to agitate the fibers and dislodge heavy, deep-set dander buried there.

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