Advice Archive | September 2024

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September 30th
- How often should you clean a couch? Experts suggest it is more often than you think
- Hummingbird feeder wind chimes are a beautiful way to attract native birds to your yard – and I've just found the best deals on Amazon
- 7 herbs to divide in October to keep plants productive – and get new ones for free
- The 7 best tips for tackling winter messes – to keep your home clean and cozy
- 5 satisfying steps to clean teak outdoor furniture – for mid-summer refreshes and seasonal storage
- 5 bathroom cabinet trends interior designers are loving for 2025
- How to get a pear tree to fruit – 3 expert tips for a larger, juicier harvest
- Joanna Gaines' Castle kitchen is the best example of 'modern country' I've ever seen – and we should all be replicating it in 2025
- Best bulbs for shade – 6 delicate blooms to brighten dark corners
- 3 surefire ways to steam clothes without a traditional steamer – and they only take minutes
September 29th
- 7 ways to keep a shared bedroom organized and wipe out tension
- Trees with red leaves – 9 varieties for stunning color, even in winter
- I tested 3 DIY room spray recipes to make my home smell nice this fall – and there was one clear winner
- How to overwinter a garden – 5 steps for getting your plants through the coldest season
- Best high-impact bulbs – 8 impressive specimens to plant now for showstopping flowers in 2025
- 6 essentials pro organizers always snap up in thrift stores to keep their homes tidy during hosting season
- 7 plants to never prune in October – and why early fall is a risky time to trim
- I tried Stanley Tucci’s unusual method for cleaning a chopping board – and it's actually brilliant
- Best Shasta daisies – 10 varieties of these joyful, hardy perennials
September 28th
- Zero waste gardening – 7 innovative ideas to make your garden greener
- Herbs that grow well together – 16 planting combinations for a healthy, thriving garden
- The 7 things you should never store at the top of your closet – and where to keep them instead
- No, not crushed gray velvet – 7 outdated '00s trends making a comeback in 2025
- Rain chain mistakes – 5 errors to avoid when fitting and maintaining a decorative gutter chain
- 7 vegetables to plant in October – and professional advice for growing them successfully
- The 3 pests that can come up through your drains in fall and the secrets to stopping them
September 27th
- Should bedside tables always match? Interior designers on whether to mix things up or keep things symmetrical
- Feng shui experts reveal the one organizational mistake that’s making your home harder to sell – and it’s so easy to fix
- How to sharpen pruning shears – for cleaner cuts when tending to your plants
- 6 grow light mistakes that might be damaging your plants – and what to do instead
- 6 common heating problems you can repair yourself – and how to get the job done
- Professional organizers warn to never keep these 8 things in your pantry – what to ditch for a streamlined, safe and functional space
- How to grow Russian sage – there is lots to love about the beautiful, drought-tolerant, and undemanding perennial
- 6 places you might find wood rot in your home, what you should never ignore and what to do about it
September 26th
- 7 kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid including lighting, planning and counter space bloopers – and what to do instead
- Can you wash mold out of clothes? Experts say yes – here's how
- 6 types of attic insulation – how to pick the right one for your home to lower energy bills, reduce risk of fire and mold, and get the placement right
- Houseplants you don't need to fertilize often – 5 that almost never need feeding
September 25th
- 11 Home Maintenance Mistakes Never to Make in Winter – Avoid Mold, Costly Damage and Higher Energy Bills
- 7 types of storage you should never use in a pantry – they'll make utilizing this space well 10 times harder, pros say
- Garden lighting trends 2025 – smart lights are on the rise but string lights keep the crown
- 10 things tidy people always have in their kitchens – these will help clear mess, reduce clutter and maximize your space
- Houseplants that like being pot-bound – 8 indoor plants that don't need repotting too often
- 6 things to never store in a guest bedroom – and how professional organizers always make this a truly welcoming space instead
- How to stop Joro spiders getting inside your home – 5 simple steps to a spider-free space
September 24th
- How to not kill grass under a pool – expert tips for keeping your lawn alive
- What is glass wool insulation? Construction pros reveal it's affordable, effective and easy to install, but it has one major weakness to watch out for
- A professional organizer's best seasonal storage tips for living rooms – they're the key to having easy access, reduced clutter and improved functionality
- How to organize your skincare products – 4 tricks dermatologists swear by to extend the lifespan of their own products
- Should I leave my porch light on all night? Security experts give 5 reasons you should never leave your light on, and reveal what to do instead
- How to store bulbs before planting – 3 expert tips to keep them in top condition
September 23rd
- Spooky plants – 12 varieties that will thrill and scare for Halloween and beyond
- How many towels do you need? Professional organizers reveal the secret formula to balancing practicality with storage space
- How to grow nigella – for flowers that offer unique hues and structural seedheads
- An $11 Amazon storage gem keeps my bedroom clutter out of sight – and I discovered it by mistake
- When to harvest luffa – and how to process fruits for homemade sponges
- 9 ways to use microcement around the home in transformative DIY projects
- Complete your home with the right EE TV package
- Are wind chimes antisocial? Why your neighbors may not appreciate this particular choice of garden decor
- 15 laundry tips to help make this endless task that little bit easier, more effective and dare we say it – enjoyable
September 22nd
- Porcelain vs stone tiles: Experts reveal differences, pros, cons and how to pick the right one for your DIY project or renovation
- How to create a bulb lasagna in a container – for wave after wave of springtime blooms
- How to end a backsplash on an open wall – experts share the secrets
- What is the delicate setting on a washing machine? Laundry experts explain how and when to use it
- How to keep ducks – and why they might just be the best natural way to control slugs
- How low should a chandelier hang? Experts reveal the crucial measurements for every space
- How to clean drywall dust without damaging your vacuum – pros share their most effective tricks
- How to light a flagpole – all you need to know to obey the US Flag Code
- Are shelves over radiators a good idea? Our experts share pros, cons and what to consider if you go for it
- I'm a maximalist and my partner is a minimalist – learning to compromise with these meet-in-the-middle decor ideas changed the way we live for the better
- How to prune cilantro – to promote growth and enjoy this tasty herb for longer
- When to prune panicle hydrangeas – this is the ideal time to trim for healthy shrubs and lots of blooms
September 21st
- Best fire-resistant trees – 6 varieties that work for fire-smart landscaping
- How to clean indoor-outdoor carpet in 5 easy steps
- How to get rid of your old vacuum cleaner in 4 sustainable ways – and the last one waste management pros love may surprise you
- 11 fail-safe color formulas to ensure you always get your scheme right
- How to avoid candle tunneling – 4 steps to ensure an even burn
- Best solar light brands – 3 reliable companies for lights that actually work
- It's not too late to plant grass seed in September – lawn experts reveal this is the ideal time to sow some grasses
- What's replacing blush pink for 2025? Designers weigh in with stylish alternatives for this warming shade
- 18 composting tips I learned while spending a day with no dig expert Charles Dowding
September 20th
- Houseplants to make your home feel cozy for fall – 5 choices to soften your interiors this season
- How to get hair dye out of carpet – 6 steps to the rescue
- How do solar lights work? Electrical experts reveal how they turn sunlight into cozy garden lighting
- 6 easy, effective and affordable ways to make your fire smell good while it burns
- September is an ideal month to divide perennials and reinvigorate older plants – here are 7 to split for better blooms
- 12 plants never to put in terracotta pots – and why these containers could damage them
- Exterminators reveal what to always do after you've vacuumed a pest problem
- These are the best neutral paints to choose depending on your room's orientation – according to color experts
September 19th
- How to move a mattress by yourself – pro tips for an injury-free job well done
- The 5 things organizers never keep in their homes after summer to avoid clutter building up
- The 6 outdoor fall cleaning tasks for your property you should never skip
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo vs Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven – which one comes out on top?
- How to clean chrome faucets – 3 steps to a spotless shine
- I worked as a professional in kitchen gardens across the UK – here are my tips for choosing the best organic mulch for a vegetable garden
September 18th
- Are your plants getting enough nitrogen? Experts share why this nutrient is essential for healthy growth
- How to organize family photos – 6 ways professional organizers swear by
- How to reupholster a chair in 5 foolproof steps
- Rowen & Wren's autumn collection is the perfect curation of characterful yet elevated pieces – these are my top picks
- How to get rid of stubborn smoke smells on your clothing with 3 household products
- Freestanding vs built-in kitchens – designers give their verdicts on which best
- How to grow yardlong beans – and get a bumper harvest with our expert guide
September 17th
- What is the 'magic basket' organizing trick? Experts detail how to use this 'simple but effective' trick in your home
- How often to fertilize a lawn – 3 key factors that influence the number of feeds your grass needs a year
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo vs Ooni Volt 12 – which pizza oven is best?
- 16 genius DIY tips from construction pros for easier, quicker, and more effective jobs around your home
- Plants never to grow in a raised bed – 5 varieties to avoid, and what to plant instead
- I tried a Nate Berkus hack to organize my messy sock drawer – it’s so satisfying, cheap and easy to do
September 16th
- How to clean bouclé fabric in 4 simple steps
- Worm holes in your apples? Discover how to identify and treat codling moth to avoid a ruined apple harvest
- Is white a good color for a kitchen? Experts share the best ways to introduce this classic neutral to your scheme
- Laundry experts reveal the 5 things you should never iron – and what to do instead
- The 5 most surprising places to use solar lights – tips on how to avoid predictable garden lighting
- Winter-flowering shrubs for shade – 8 plants to enliven darker areas of your yard during cooler weather
- How to grow Japanese spurge – the ultimate evergreen ground cover plant
- Cleaning pros reveal 7 things people with nice smelling closets never do
September 15th
- How to clean a top-loading washer in 7 steps – and wipe out foul odors and musty laundry
- Designs at Singapore Gardens Festival are a 'masterclass in blending contemporary landscaping with the natural world'
- 10 easy ways to age brass with household items for the perfect antique patina – some of these may surprise you
- How to fertilize trees naturally – expert tips for encouraging strong growth
- How to wash polyester – 7 simple steps from laundry pros
- Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless? A fire pit designer reveals all
- Best fragrant bulbs to plant in fall – 5 expert recommendations for scented, colorful bulb lasagnes
- Electrical pros advise how to fix loose outlets in 5 easy steps
- What are the best color combinations for fall? 7 cozy-season-ready suggestions from designers
- How to grow turnips – sow and grow the crop throughout the year for an abundance of tasty roots
- How to use Feng Shui to sell your home at a great price – and speed up the sale
September 14th
- How to light a driveway – expert lighting tips for a cozy welcome home
- 6 couch cleaning mistakes that pros say could lead you to 'serious upholstery heartbreak'
- Early fall is a fantastic time to mulch for winter protection, here are 7 plants to mulch in September
- How to declutter under the kitchen sink – expert tips for streamlining cleaning supplies
- How to grow lucky bamboo – 7 steps to keep this plant healthy and vibrant
- Should you wash denim inside out? Experts confirm why it will protect your garments
- I predict wine red as the winning color of fall and winter 2024 – here's how designers are embracing this alluring shade
- How to grow camellias in pots – hardy, evergreen shrubs for your outside space
- How to get play dough out of carpet with this 3-step expert trick
- Best monarda varieties – 10 types of pollinator-friendly beebalm
September 13th
- Surprising uses for a leaf blower – 5 clever hacks for clearing snow, drying a car, and more
- 6 sustainability-friendly ways to reuse candle jars around your house
- How to clean a mop head like the cleaning pros in 4 simple steps
- 10 things every kitchen needs, according to interior designers
- When to harvest cabbages – what you need to know for picking different types throughout the year
- The 5 signs you need a new couch
- What is air layering propagation? Expert advice on how to do it, plus the mistakes to avoid
- What are the best Backdrop paint colors? Interior designers share six favorite shades, from calming blues to vibrant greens
- How to install baseboards with a flawless finish in 6 simple steps
- September is the perfect time to plant lilac bushes – expert tips on how and when to plant these fragrant shrubs successfully
September 12th
- Everything you need to know about installing a car charging point – according to pro electricians
- This is the best way to clean engineered hardwood floors
- Are solar water fountains effective? 5 reasons why a solar water fountain could be the missing piece in your yard design
- 12 exterior areas of your home that are prone to leaks in rainy season – and how to prevent moisture getting inside
- When to harvest grapes – experts reveal the signs to look for to pick at the perfect time
- I don't like to copy designs, but these 4 beautiful kitchens are filled with inspiration you will want to recreate
- How to clean your washing machine detergent drawer – 5 steps to a satisfying reset
- The 12,000-mile warbler migration is underway – here's how you can help these native songbirds on their epic journey
September 11th
- How to protect outdoor lighting in the rainy season – 5 tricks to spare summer replacements
- Where to buy solar lights – a product tester reveals where to buy lights that look good and actually work
- How to clean a dirty stroller in 8 simple steps
- Best fall-blooming native plants – 7 perennials for vibrant garden borders
- How to grow a plum tree from a plum – start now for future yields
- If you've never cleaned your over-the-stove microwave filter, here's cleaning pros do it in 5 simple steps
- What to do with flower pots at the end of summer – 5 ways to prepare your pots for the next season
- How to clear a blockage in a canister vacuum using a quarter – a smart trick enjoyed by vacuum experts that takes just minutes
September 10th
- What makes a healthy 'home microbiome' – and how disrupting yours can cause illness, mold and even bad body odor
- Indoor pizza ovens vs outdoor pizza ovens – which should you buy?
- How to remove cloudiness from drinking glasses – and 4 surprising household items cleaning pros use for extra sparkle
- How to organize a nursery dresser – 5 streamlined secrets parenting experts love
- 3 simple tricks pros always use to freshen up their floors and vacuum cleaners
- How to grow prickly pears – expert advice for getting these native cacti to flower and fruit
September 9th
- 9 ways you’re shortening the lifespan of your dishwasher – and what to do instead
- How to wash jeans and other denim items – and what to avoid
- 7 things people with nice-smelling basements never do
- Should you add lamps to your kitchen? Experts on whether or not lampscaping works in your cooking space
- These bed sheets are so good – and we're showing you the key fall colors to inspire your bedroom redesign
- How to wash velvet — 6 steps to safely care for this delicate fabric
- Are leaf vacuums ever worth it? This product tester isn't so sure
- How to fertilize container plants – and 3 crucial things not to do
- 10 things interior designers say you don't need in your bathroom
- Can you microwave cardboard? Experts and chefs share whether it's safe, and what to do instead
- Deer munching on your hydrangeas? These 5 expert tips will protect your summer blooms from further damage
- When and how to prune passion flowers – for healthy climbing plants with plenty of brilliant blooms next year
September 8th
- Leaf vacuum vs leaf sweeper – which is best for your backyard?
- What layouts always make a kitchen look bigger? Designers reveal all
- I used this vegetable to get rid of a common houseplant pest and the results were staggering
- 7 unusual bulbs to plant in fall – these rarely seen beauties are all easy to grow too
- 11 things people with nice-smelling basements always do – and you can replicate it throughout your home
- When and how to prune rambling roses from late summer – for healthy plants and abundant blooms next year
- Are kitchen islands going out of style? Experts weigh in on whether it's time to ditch this beloved feature
- 8 ways to improve bathroom ventilation, reduce mold and boost air quality with tips from construction and ventilation pros
- How to get rid of spurge on lawns – expert tips to deal with this invasive weed
- 8 stunning lavender alternatives that smell incredible, and will look just as beautiful in your garden
September 7th
- How to light a yard for winter – 5 elegant and practical methods from lighting experts
- Drought-tolerant climbing vines – 7 sun loving trailing species for hot spots
- 10 ways to clean and maintain wooden house number signs, and always keep your exterior looking sharp
- Bulb planting mistakes – 8 errors to steer clear of when prepping your spring garden display
- 5 ways to add interest to your kitchen ceiling without using wallpaper
- How to grow hummingbird trumpet plants – the ultimate native ground cover to attract pollinators to your yard
- You should always clean your shower head with this cheap pantry item, say professional cleaners
- Best bold paint colors for kitchens – 6 brave shades recommended by interior designers
- 7 plants to propagate in September – it's an ideal month for taking lots of cuttings
September 6th
- Do monsteras like being root-bound? Expert advice on keeping this statement houseplant happy
- What's the best alternative to marble countertops? 5 materials to consider with the same luxe appeal
- Learning how to build a stud wall? Follow 10 simple steps from expert home renovators for success
- How to prune bird of paradise – expert tips for tidying your tropical plant
- When to prune hellebores – to get elegant flowers in time for Christmas
- Do you vacuum your mattress? If not, expert warns you should be – and more often than you think
- When to harvest delicata squash – tips to pick, cure, and store fruits from an experienced grower
- I tried the '5x5' cleaning method and was amazed at how well it worked. You have to try it
September 5th
- 6 cleaning and organizing fall traditions from around the world
- Bleach vs hydrogen peroxide – pros, cons, differences and when to use each
- Upright vs canister vacuums – which is right for your home?
- Why bother with a fire pit? 4 reasons fire pits are an essential for your yard
- How to divide phlox – 3 simple steps to propagate these colorful blooms
- Every chic kitchen I am seeing right now has this feature in common
- 5 common zucchini pests – and expert-recommended ways to protect your plants
- I tried 8 quick ways to make my home smell nice – here's what really worked
- How to grow climbing hydrangeas – for a shade-tolerant vine with spectacular flowers
September 4th
- The 15 best ways to organize board games without cramping your style or space
- Fire pits vs fire tables – experts reveal which is best for your yard
- How to grow bok choy – a simple cool-weather vegetable ideal for multiple harvests
- Colors to avoid pairing with beige – 5 shades you’ll want to stay clear of
- Best non-bearded iris varieties – 5 elegant blooms for your flower garden
- Should you get a lead paint test for your home?
- What’s the best color for your bathroom vanity? 9 shades designers always choose for a truly timeless design
- Now is the time to lift and divide strawberries – for a bigger and better harvest in the years ahead
- Is the 'fridgescaping' trend a functional fail? We ask the experts if style matters more than storage in this space
September 3rd
- How to grow green onions indoors – 5 expert tips for these homegrown veggies
- Why isn't my freezer freezing? Expert advice on how to fix it
- Are leaf blowers bad for the environment? 5 ways leaf blowers can harm garden habitats and how to avoid them
- What is clutter blindness and how can you fix it? 8 expert steps to help you stop ignoring the mess in your home
- Transform your borders with romantic wild roses – and add natural charm to any garden
September 2nd
- 7 plants to prune in September – what to trim and tips for how much to remove
- 7 things you can clean around your home with cornstarch – a natural and effective grease buster
- Can you cook on a fire pit? Chefs reveal 4 ways to cook more than s'mores
- 5 ways to clean jewelry without damaging your precious items
- 7 things you can clean with cream of tartar around your home
- Can you bake a cake in an air fryer? I put the latest tech to the test
- How to grow Japanese blood grass – the vigorous ornamental plant with unmatched crimson-red foliage
- How to remove a carpet and prep the floor for a new one
September 1st
- How to store insect repellent – 5 tips to have your product work more effectively than ever
- 7 enchanting fairy garden ideas – to bring a touch of magic to your backyard
- 6 signs it’s time to call professional pest controls in – and how to pick a great one
- Best tall perennial flowers – 11 graceful plants for natural screening and privacy
- 7 exceptional colors to decorate with in September that will outlast any trends, according to experts and designers in the know
- Fire pits vs patio heaters – an expert designer reveals which is best for your space
- 7 vegetables to plant in September to fill gaps and provide harvests through the colder months ahead
- Experts reveal the 7 things you shouldn't bother cleaning during a remodel