
Ottilie Blackhall
Ottilie is new to Homes & Gardens, having recently graduated from a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. She produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
As a lover of maximalism, Ottilie enjoys hunting for vintage gems and antiques, as well as keeping up with the newest design trends.
Latest articles by Ottilie Blackhall
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'It's not something I'm willing to budge on' – shoes on vs. shoes off, what type of household are you?
Our professional cleaners are all in agreement on this one, but would you consider a switch?
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of gnats – 9 simple but effective entomologist-approved methods
Reduce moisture, use traps and seal up entry points, pest pros urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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'It's like my brain gets decluttered, too' – why 'Norwegian life-cleaning' can revolutionize how you tidy and future-proof your home at any age
Don't leave sorting your belongings to someone else, experts urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 tiny chores that instantly make your home look more put together without buying anything – including shopping your stash and quick decluttering
Simple organization can make a real impact, experts assure
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried the Pomodoro Technique to blast through my spring cleaning to-do list – now I'll always rely on it to banish procrastination
25 minutes is more than enough to make a real difference
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'It's surprisingly effective' – How to clean with white bread, and why this pantry staple might be just what your cleaning routine is missing
Is this unusual cleaning hack the best thing since sliced bread?
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to dry a duvet without a dryer – to reduce energy costs, protect your appliance, and save money at home
You don't need a tumble dryer for fresh and fluffy bedding, laundry experts assure
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 things professional cleaners always do to overcome a cleaning roadblock – they're surefire ways to feel 'motivated and clear-headed' experts say
Get your cleaning schedule back on track
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean the living room – 7 simple steps for tackling all chores, from dusting to vacuuming
Our expert-approved, step-by-step guide
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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'Big results before you know it' – experts urge you to use the ‘Take Away 10’ method for simple decluttering with zero decision fatigue
It can cut hundreds of items from your home in just a few weeks
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean a microwave with a lemon – the non-toxic way to banish burnt-on food and stale odors
Our expert-approved, easy, and eco-friendly method
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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The 5 worst things you can do to your fridge – these will drive up energy costs and result in pricey and regrettable repairs
It's crucial to swerve these blunders, appliance experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How the 'ODT' method can help you to tackle your overwhelming decluttering checklist – and streamline the process from start to finish
Avoid 'analysis paralysis' and tick off tasks quickly and easily by making just one decision at a time
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I'm 5ft2 and this telescopic scrubber safely and easily banished mold and grime in even the hardest-to-reach areas of my bathroom in less than 15 minutes
My bathroom has never looked better thanks to this handy $16 two-in-one tool from Joseph Joseph
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'It's a fast reset button' – using the 1, 2 ,3 ,4, 5 decluttering method cleared my persistent mess in seconds
It's easy, effective and so quick to do
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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The SwitchBot K10+ Pro Robot Vacuum Combo is good for small spaces – but the mopping function falls short
I tried the world's smallest robot vacuum in my busy home with 4 dogs. This is how it fared
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to remove pet hair from fabric, laundry and clothes – 5 expert-approved tips for shedding season success
Banish hairs from your soft surfaces for a spotless space
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Steam cleaning shower grout makes for a seriously sanitized space without any harsh chemicals
It's an affordable, low-effort and non-toxic method
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to remove rust stains from concrete – 7 tried and tested methods that really work
Harness the power of your pantry staples
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How we tests reed diffusers at Homes & Gardens to bring you our top picks
Learn everything about the crucial criteria we use to recommend reed diffusers
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I love my expensive Malin+Goetz room spray for banishing dog odors at home – but I’ve found the perfect alternative for under $15
A spritz of these spring scents last up to two hours
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 patio painting mistakes to avoid – swerve patchy, peeling finishes with these expert tips
Surface preparation is key, experts urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to store a comforter or duvet properly over the warmer months – pros say 'breathable is the buzzword'
Clean, air out, fold and roll your way to a fresh and fluffy duvet
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I’ve ditched my usual mop, dusters and scrubbers for this compact Joseph Joseph cleaning system – it's great for bathrooms
Streamline your cleaning system and save space with this all-in-one kit
By Ottilie Blackhall Published