
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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Top expert tips for pressure washing a patio – avoid damage, protect joints, and spruce up your pavers with ease
Proceed with caution to enjoy your patio looking like new again
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to clean a deck without a pressure washer – avoid damaging your wood with this simple, expert-approved method
Using a pressure washer can do more harm than good, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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7 unexpected things to clean in April 2025 – from refrigerator coils to recycling bins, these vital areas need extra attention this month, cleaning pros warn
Start the spring season by ticking off these essential tasks
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is biophilic decluttering? This 'return to nature mandate' will transform chaos to calm at home
Even small changes will make a big difference
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This is the most important and impactful thing to quickly declutter from your bathroom this weekend
Professional organizers urge you to get rid of expired items to avoid adverse reactions
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried using a Zodiac candle to cleanse my home of bad energy and kick-start my spring decluttering with surprising results
This home scenting idea is out of this world
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean patio pavers without a pressure washer – 3 simple steps for a spring-ready outdoor space
Our expert-approved guide will have your pavers spruced in no time
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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5 pantry items you can skip decluttering this spring, from spices to dry beans and more
Save time and energy this season with this advice from our pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I'm currently testing and loving the SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K10+ Pro Combo in my house full of dogs – and it's now 50% off
Grab a great deal and clean without lifting a finger with this 3-in-1 vacuum system
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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So many people swear by this commercial washing machine cleaner for a mold and grime-free drum – plus a natural alternative to try
Banish washing machine mold and musty odors with ease
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I was struggling with high humidity and mold in my basement bedroom before trying this affordable $40 dehumidifier from Amazon
Plus, expert-approved tips for preventing mold and moisture from returning
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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The 3 worst things you can do to your freezer – these will put you on the fast track to costly early replacement
Don't risk unnecessary damage and expensive repairs
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried this quick and easy Victorian window cleaning hack that everyone keeps talking about at home, and the final result was unexpected
I'll stick to drinking my tea from now on, rather than cleaning with it
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 essential outdoor cleaning tasks to do right now – these will easily get your home's outdoor spaces ready for spring get-togethers
From cleaning your patio to washing your windows, welcome the warmer weather by hosting outside
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 common mistakes to avoid when spring cleaning your closet – from failing to try things on and hanging on to things 'just in case'
What to swerve when streamlining, according to professional organizers
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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11 ways to make your house smell nice – from non-toxic candles and natural simmer pots to DIY room sprays and long-lasting home fragrances
Deep-clean, deodorize and scent your way to a fresh space
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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The 3 bedroom renovations our home editors deeply regretted – and what they wish they’d done instead
Swap sorrow for success by avoiding what our editors learned the hard way
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean concrete statues – get ready for mild spring days with more time spent outdoors
Simple steps to spotless statues
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Cleaning method library – there's something for everyone with our 27 tried and tested methods
Struggling to clean your home because you're short on time, overwhelmed, or don't know where to start?
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Brilliant ways you can use these 3 non-toxic beeswax products for a healthier home without micro-plastics
Unlock the natural power of beeswax
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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3 ways to reduce pet dander in the bedroom and keep your sleep space free of allergens, according to air quality pros
From air purifiers to lint rollers, professional cleaners share their tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean your driveway after a muddy winter – 5 simple steps including stain removal and sealing, to supercharge your home's curb appeal this spring
Undo the dust and dirt that may have collected over the colder months
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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The limited-edition non-toxic Mrs. Meyers products just shaved hours of my spring cleaning to-do list – and they're all under $10 now
Shop my new spring cleaning staples
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'If it's gathering dust, it's the problem' – How to easily identify the clutter-tastic ‘accumulation pieces’ causing all your mess and banish them for good
Prevent clutter from creeping into your space
By Ottilie Blackhall Published