
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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7 things to clean in June 2025 – welcome the summer in sanitized style and avoid pest problems
From trash cans to mattresses, these are the things our pros urge you to tackle this month
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Do portable bug repellent fans really work? Entomologists reveal how to boost effectiveness for a non-toxic 'personal bug-free zone'
It's a smart solution for all-natural, non-toxic pest control for inside and out
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Anyone who sleeps with their windows open at night is urged to use this $13 device to keep cool without inviting 'an army of pests' inside
Our pest pros recommend using it from dusk to dawn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean your home office space so it's a 'productivity hub, not a dust collector' – 5 tips from professional cleaners
From dusting shelves to disinfecting light switches, these are the tasks needing your attention
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Think twice before throwing out this often recycled item – it's the key to crease-free clothes in your closet
It's perfect in a pinch
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This 1 fruit banishes bathroom faucet limescale without chemicals – but I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth after giving it a go, here's why
Step aside, lemons, grapefruit wants a go
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of moths – 11 entomologist-approved methods from deterrents to storage
Pest experts share their tried and tested solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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'I have never considered anything different' – why the washing up bowl vs. no washing up bowl debate has divided cleaning experts
There's 'merit' to both approaches, experts say
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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'It's a miracle' – Tackling built-up limescale in the shower has never been so easy with these 3 cleaning products people swear by
Reddit users share their favorite tips and tricks
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to get rid of cockroaches – expert advice for banishing these notoriously hard-to-kill pests quickly and permanently
Act quickly to avoid your space becoming unsanitary, experts urge
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Bedbug vs. cockroach – entomologists reveal 6 differences, and why it matters for effective, quick, long-lasting pest control prowess
Everything you need to know about these common pesky pests
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Astrologers urge you to tidy according to your Zodiac for quick, easy mess-clearing – it will unlock the tidying power of your star sign, pros say
Expert-approved tricks for every star sign
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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This no-drill tiered shower caddy is ideal for small rental properties – it quickly quadruples your storage for less than $70
Maximize your storage without sacrificing floor space
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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3 golden rules for a clutter-free sunroom – for a stunning, sunny space that stays streamlined
Boost the beauty of your brightest room with these simple expert-approved tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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9 surprising things you can clean brilliantly with Dawn Powerwash – including garden tools, barbecues, shoes and more
Our cleaning experts share their favorite uses
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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This 1 'low cost, low waste' non-toxic kitchen ingredient easily banishes fridge odors – 'it's a vintage cleaning method that's secretly genius', say pros
The uses for 'grandma style' oats go beyond your morning bowl of porridge
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to paint a ceiling like a pro – and 5 vital mistakes to avoid
Expert tips for a flawless DIY finish
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How to cool a room with fans – 5 expert-approved methods for effective cooling
Keep your cool, even in a heatwave
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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My kitchen sink was always a mess, but this Joseph Joseph storage caddy instantly solved all my organizational woes – and it's now under $14
Sleekly store everything but the kitchen sink
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Why your home needs a 'sweeping week' to permanently kick chore stress to the curb – it's a 'weirdly liberating' gamechanger for shared spaces, say cleaning pros
3 ways to use this brilliant cleaning concept to banish chore overload
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 tidying habits to quit for a happier, easier life – pick 'progress over perfection' rather than 'impossible standards' that make you miserable
Don't let perfection get in the way of your dream home
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I'm a homes writer and I always store these clothing items hung up – for space-saving storage and crease-free garments
It keeps my closet uncluttered and my clothes wrinkle-free
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Should you paint a brick fireplace? Experts warn that if things go wrong, stripping it back can be hellish
Here's what you need to consider before taking a paintbrush to your masonry
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I tried this $1.29 shaving foam cleaning hack to make my mirrors shine – and the results were seriously impressive
Quick, affordable and almost effortless, I'll never clean my mirrors with anything else again
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated