Latest articles by Anna K. Cottrell
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Are air fresheners toxic? Toxicologists warns it's a home fragrance item to get rid of right now – plus, safer alternatives to try
Using plug-in air fresheners at home? You may reconsider after reading what experts have to say about them
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The ultimate vacation home maintenance checklist – 14 expert tips to help you open up and close down easily and with confidence
Doing these will help eliminate any nasty surprises when you return
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I tried the chaos decluttering method – it's brilliant but better for smaller areas and definitely NOT for the easily overwhelmed
I gave the latest tidying craze a go
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Is it better to run a dehumidifier during the day or at night? The answer may surprise you
Our experts weigh in
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Why does my floor creak more in winter? Flooring expert reveals why it happens, and how to fix it
There are three common remedies
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5 expert ways to ventilate your home this winter without increasing your energy bills
Want your indoor air to be fresher without your utility bill going up? It can be done, our pros say
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15 laundry tips to help make this endless task that little bit easier, more effective and dare we say it – enjoyable
Cleaning and laundry professionals share their industry knowledge to help you get the most from your washing and drying routine
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16 genius DIY tips from construction pros for easier, quicker, and more effective jobs around your home
These DIY tips, courtesy of construction and home maintenance experts, will turbocharge your projects
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Experts warn these 7 DIY home improvements will devalue it – plus what to do instead
Badly executed cabinet painting and re-purposing bedrooms are among them
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Should you get a lead paint test for your home?
Experts reveal the dangers of inhaling any dust from lead paint and the safest methods for testing
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Experts explain what to do if your house is cooling unevenly – and why it happens in the first place
HVAC pros delve into why your house is hot in one room and cold in another, and what you can do about it
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5 things attracting roaches to your clean house and what you can change to stop it happening
Wondering why your clean house is still getting cockroaches? Pest controllers reveal what to do
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Fact or fiction? Our sleep pros delve into whether cooling bed sheets are a gimmick and the golden formula for picking great products
Run hot at night? Here's everything you need to know about cooling bed sheets and how to pick them.
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These are the most common plumbing mistakes and issues when renovating a house – and how to avoid them
Renovating a house? Avoid these costly plumbing mistakes
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7 practical ways to upgrade your curb appeal in a weekend
Real estate professionals advise on the best ways to upgrade your curb appeal in a weekend.
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How to design a home that stays cool – 5 essential tips that will save you money long-term
Here's how to build a home that stays cool, even without air conditioning.
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How to dust and clean a chandelier without breaking it – 3 tips from professionals
Dusty chandelier? Here's what you need to do to get it sparkling again.
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These 8 genius laundry hacks will help you conquer mounting piles of laundry
Professional home organizers swear by these laundry organization hacks to stay on top of their laundry
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Conquer your laundry with our straightforward guide to washing machine settings
Our essential guide to washing machine settings will help you get the most out of your washer, whatever brand or model you have.
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5 common rhubarb mistakes – and how to avoid them
Avoid these rhubarb growing pitfalls to ensure healthy plants and strong yields
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How to fix chipped paint on interior walls – advice from expert painters
We've asked professional painters how to fix chipped paint on walls. Here's the expert advice for DIY-solving the problem.
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7 raised bed gardening mistakes – for a bumper flower, fruit and vegetable harvest
Here’s what the experts avoid in their raised beds – to promote strong plants and an abundant vegetable crop
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Cleaners reveal how to dust open shelves without damaging your belongings
Here's how to dust open shelves without damaging your belongings, according to professional cleaners.
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This is how to cool down a bedroom fast, even if you don't have an air conditioner
Struggling to sleep in a hot bedroom with no AC Unit? Here's how to cool down a bedroom fast, according to experts
