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 an undergraduate 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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How to make a rug smell nice – and stop bad odors from returning in the future
A beautiful rug is the focal point of any room. Bust musty odors for good with this professional advice
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 nostalgic cleaning tips – passed down through generations – that actually work
Taking inspiration from the past, these are the tips that stand the test of time
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is insulation paint? HVAC and paint pros reveal whether it's a cheap fix or a DIY disaster
Our experts warn this alternative to traditional insulation won't have a significant impact alone
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Where to install carbon monoxide alarms – and why most of us are getting it wrong
Protect yourself against dangerous, and potentially deadly, carbon monoxide poisoning with these tips from the experts
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Do window insulation kits work? HVAC experts explain the pros and cons, and share their installation tips
Our pros breakdown this cheap insulation solution
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried the refillable dish wand shower cleaning hack and was not impressed – but there's another easy solution that works much better
The wand left my shower soapy, streaky and smudged
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 surprisingly overlooked dirty areas to clean before hosting to 'elevate the overall appearance of your home', including chandeliers and picture frames
I asked a professional cleaner about the oft-overlooked areas she always remembers to tackle ahead of hosting
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean suede shoes and restore them to near spotless with these experts tips
Suede can be tricky to clean but these four steps will help you nail the job
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 clever ways you can use spice racks for organization around the home
These genius suggestions from professional organizers turn spice racks into space-saving storage solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Have you heard of the '2 minute' decluttering rule? Experts explain this 'quick and practical' approach is brilliant for sorting in a rush
This method will help you declutter your home in a hurry
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 curtain hacks for a warmer home this winter – these low-cost insulation tips will help your window treatments keep heat in, and cold out
Explore expert-approved ways to increase the insulating properties of your curtains
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Pest control pros reveal how to use cinnamon to keep rodents out of your kitchen this winter
Keep mice and rats at bay naturally with this pantry staple
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This $1 soda can hack doubled my tiny closet storage – and takes only two minutes
Who knew a can of soda would be the solution to my storage woes
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Fact or fiction? 5 cleaning myths debunked by our experts that might surprise you
Cleaning pros reveal all
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Home-scenting experts share the 6 most welcoming fragrances for a guest bedroom including lavender, oud and tuberose
Create a heavenly-scented haven
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Expert-approved tips on how to clean an artificial wreath for a beautiful, festive and spruced-up flourish
Get your wreath looking wonderful ahead of time in 3 steps
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Pool pros reveal how to clean a dirty hot tub cover in 5 simple steps – keep yours spotless all winter without compromising its insulating ability
These steps will result in a sanitized hot tub cover
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Did you know this home heating habit could be ruining your couch? The 3 risks in the mix this winter, and what to do instead
Avoid damage, mold, and potential fire hazards, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 heated airer mistakes that are doubling your drying time, ruining your flooring and causing energy bills to rise
Experts warn these blunders can pose serious risks to your home
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Why do clothes shrink in the dryer, and can you un-shrink them? Cleaning pros reveal you can remedy sweater, shirt and jean drying disasters
Don't shy away from laundry mishaps, they are salvageable
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I was skeptical when I tried cleaning hard water stains on my faucets with toothpaste – but it's so effective, I'll now be using it every time
This $2 hack transformed my taps and made them shine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What kills maggots? 8 simple solutions to wipe out maggots, according to seasoned pest control pros
Expert-approved tips for dealing with maggots, with powerful, permanent results
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Can stainless steel go in the dishwasher? Experts say yes, with caution – here's why
Get your stainless steel sparkling and spotless with these tips from the pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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12 bad laundry habits that are ruining your clothing, linens and washing machine – and what to do instead
Avoid shrinking, fading and damage
By Ottilie Blackhall Published