
Anna K. Cottrell
Anna is a professional writer and researcher with many years of experience. She specializes in writing about home improvement, real estate, travel, and urban culture. Her work has appeared in Atlas Obscura, BiggerPockets, Parade Home & Garden, and many other publications. Anna has a PhD in English and is the author of a published book, London Writing of the 1930s. She taught English Literature for several years before joining Future as a Content Editor across its homes titles, including Homes & Gardens. Currently, Anna is a freelance writer and editor. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and being in nature.
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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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4 telltale signs there's mold lurking in your coffee maker – it can grow in as little as 24 hours, coffee and cleaning pros warn
Is mold wreaking havoc on your morning cup of joe? There's a 50% chance it's already running riot
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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How to clean mold in air vents like a HVAC pro – plus, why it happens and how to prevent a recurrence
All you need to know about cleaning mold in air vents while stopping further growth
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Locking up a vacation or second home for winter? 6 ways to prevent mold growth, even when leaving it unheated
Tips from our mold and HVAC pros to protect your unheated property
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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8 ways to prep your home for Thanksgiving guests with allergies – including employing HEPA filters, food labels and switching to natural home fragrances
Learn how to make your home a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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Laundry pods vs liquid detergent – how to choose the right one for your needs
If you're debating between using laundry pods vs liquid detergent, our expert run down will help
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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How long should it take to wash and dry clothes? Plus, how to speed it up
Experts reveal if you are spending too long washing and drying your laundry
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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.
By Anna K. Cottrell Published
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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
By Anna K. Cottrell Published