Part of the fun of Halloween is dressing up your home with the spookiest decor and doling out candy for eager trick-or-treaters. But what happens if someone walks through your yard on Halloween night and gets injured? It’s an unfortunate but realistic scenario that can have a number of consequences for homeowners. Worst-case—and scariest—scenario? Someone brings a lawsuit claiming that a trick-or treater got injured on your property. Would you be liable for this claim?
Under the law, if a porch light is on, trick-or-treaters are considered to be invited visitors, and it is a homeowner’s responsibility to have a property free of hazards. If anyone who enters your property on Halloween night gets injured, most homeowners insurance policies will cover minor injuries.
However, homeowners could be liable if trick-or-treaters are injured on their property if it can be proven that they were negligent in causing or contributing to that injury, says Jared B. Staver of Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, in Chicago.
For example, he says, a large crack in your walkway would be hard for someone to see in the dark. If a person tripped and broke a bone, he may claim you were negligent for not posting a warning sign and bringing attention to the crack.
“There is a reasonable expectation that you will receive visitors on Halloween. As a result, taking a few precautions will help guarantee the safety of trick-or-treaters and protect the homeowner,” says Christopher Layton of the Layton Law Firm, in Charlotte, NC.
To ensure a happy—and hazard-free—Halloween for all, here are some important questions homeowners should ask themselves before the trick-or-treaters come around.
Is the outdoors well-lit?
Make sure outdoor lights are bright and your yard is well-lit for little ghosts and goblins. Motion sensors are a good way to illuminate the house.
“Walkways should have lighting, and porches should be illuminated. If there are any danger zones, they should be well-marked and indicated with lighting as well,” says Staver.
Glow-in-the-dark or solar lighting is often not enough for late-night Halloween adventures, he cautions. Homeowners should instead invest in high-powered wattage.
Also, avoid using real candles in carved pumpkins or paper lanterns, since they are a fire hazard. Instead, opt for faux candles with LED bulbs.
Are there any tripping hazards?
It’s a good idea for homeowners to consider how children will enter and exit their property, says attorney Robert Fisher Jr., a partner at Edgar Snyder & Associates, in Pittsburgh.
“There’s a good chance that kids won’t always use your walkway, come to the door, grab the candy, go back down the walkway, and then enter the sidewalk in a direct path. It is more likely they will cut through the yard and use shortcuts. Keep your yard clear, and mark any potential hazards,” he advises.
This means fixing loose bricks and or cracks on pathways, or at least pointing them out with a sign, so kids won’t trip on them.
Scott Holeman, a spokesman for theInsurance Information Institute in New York, also recommends removing any leaves or branches from the path to your home.
More elaborate decorations like inflatables may require electricity, which means you will have to run an extension cord through your yard. It’s best to keep these tripping hazards as far away from walkways as possible and make it clear that trick-or-treaters should stay on the walkways. You can do this with a makeshift fence or luminary bags with LED lights.
To eliminate the need for trick-or-treaters to even walk through your yard, Layton suggests setting up a table at the end of your driveway and handing out candy from there.
“This saves the eager kids a long walk up to the front door, and helps the homeowner by reducing the potential for injuries on the property,” says Layton.
Are my decorations intended to scare people or make them jump?
We don’t blame you for wanting to go all-out when decorating for Halloween, but to minimize the potential for injury, it’s probably wise to go easy on the scary special effects. These can cause jump scares and could result in someone tripping and falling. Strobe lights and fog machines, two popular features used in elaborate Halloween decorations, also have the potential to cause problems like seizures and asthma attacks.
Are the steps to my home unobstructed and slip-resistant?
Remove plants and other objects from your steps. If the weather report says it could be a rainy night, apply friction tape to the steps to make them less slippery. And if you experience an early freeze, make sure to have ice-melt on hand to de-ice your steps.
Are pets secured out of the way?
Even the most well-behaved pets can be unpredictable and react to harmless trick-or-treaters. That’s why it’s best to keep your pets indoors.
“If you have pets, you should keep them in a separate room from the entry. With heavy activity, they could become frightened. To avoid potential bites or pet escapes, it is recommended that they be confined to another area in your home,” says Holeman.
It’s worth noting that if a dog bites a visitor, the homeowner is generally liable for the incident, according to Staver.
“Many homeowners insurance policies have dog bite clauses and cover these situations as long as the homeowner revealed that they owned a dog when obtaining the policy,” he says.
Should I skip the homemade treats?
If you are giving out homemade candies, cookies, or other treats, you may be liable for injuries due to illnesses such as allergic reactions to peanuts.
Layton says despite the loving care that goes into homemade treats, Halloween is not the right time for them.
“Kids will go home with so much candy, and if they are injured by any of it, you, the homeowner, want to be able to simply point to the manufacturer of the treat, rather than be singled out as the person who gave out the handmade treats,” says Layton.
Although your homeowners policy covers injuries on your property such as slip and fall, it likely won’t cover a food-related illness. Bottom line: Stick to store-bought candy.
Irrigation Schedule Calculator
Helps you use less water by providing you with controllers runtime recommendations for normal conditions or for drought response. This calculator tool provides weather base schedules for the percent adjust feature or weekly schedules for every month of the year. A unique added feature is the ability to create a landscape site map to show where each irrigation zone waters.
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and your local water agency have compiled a variety of water use efficiency resources to help commercial, industrial, and institutional customers save water.
Fall is here and that means care for your lawn and garden will differ greatly from the spring and summer months. As colder temperatures roll in, it may be time to start prioritizing other gardening tasks and stop others like mowing your lawn.
Luckily, gardening pros are here to set the record straight on when you should officially stop mowing your lawn, read on for more information.
Why Mowing Your Lawn Is Important
Mowing your lawn isn’t just for superficial reasons or to be the best looking lawn on the block. Mowing your lawn properly and frequently will help keep your grass at the right height, allowing nutrient absorption and deep root growth. It also helps prevent any insect damage and diseases in your yard.
More so, mowing your lawn helps tremendously with weed control, so pesky weeds don’t take over your beloved yard during the spring and summertime. But, do you have to continue mowing your lawn when the temperatures plummet? And what is the exact timeline for that?
Why You Should Stop Mowing Your Lawn
Most experts say that your lawn usually needs to be kept at a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches all year long. But, because grass and other plants grow at a much slower pace when the leaves start to fall and temperatures go from 70 degrees to around 50 degrees, many lawn experts agree that mowing your lawn is unnecessary.
The Ideal Timeline
So now to the bigger question: what is the perfect or ideal timeline for mowing your lawn, and when should you stop taking care of your grass? Although there is no “perfect” timeline, it’s suggested by experts to continue to mow your grass until you notice it not growing as rapidly. This will likely be around late October or early November when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees. But, it depends entirely on where you live. For some climates, you can continue to mow your lawn until early December.
Mowing your lawn prior to temperatures plummeting has been commonly suggested in the past as a way of reducing spring damage from snow molds and voles. However, cutting your grass too short will cause more of a stress to the grass than what your lawn will experience from diseases or animals.
If your usual mowing height for your lawn is 2.5 to 3 inches, experts at the University of Minnesota suggest keeping it exactly there. But, if the preferred height of your lawn is 3+ inches, then they would recommend bringing it down to 3 inches before winter (again this could be late October or early December depending on where you live).
Remember that your lawn will go into dormancy once temperatures get too cold, but don’t fret—your lawn and nature know what it’s doing. It will come out of dormancy once the air and soil temperatures rise come spring.
Wicker baskets may look cute, but are they functional?
From the bedroom closet and inside kitchen cabinets to your kids’ playroom, keeping the house organized isn’t easy. We typically rely on organizers to tame clutter, whether it be shelves for books and baskets, hooks for hanging jackets or categorized bins for toys. But, not all storage solutions are created equal — turns out, there are some items professional organizers always avoid.
Not-so-helpful items, like excessively heavy containers or wooden hangers, can actually thwart your organizing efforts. Before investing in any storage essentials, consider these products professional organizers would encourage you to ditch forever.
1. “Pretty” storage solutions
“When it comes to storage, I avoid solutions that sacrifice function for form. This includes tapered bins that waste precious shelf space, wicker baskets that snag clothes and excessively heavy or super fragile containers. I like to think of storage solutions like an empty suitcase — if it’s heavy or overly complicated before you even pack, it’s not going to do anything but create more burden. I steer clear of oversized containers that become clutter magnets, like large toy chests.” — Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban Organyze.
2. Shelves that can’t adjust
“I stay away from shelving units and cupboards without adjustable shelves. The items people want to store vary in size and height, so the shelves need to be adaptable.” — Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter
3. Organizers with a niche purpose
“If a company went out of their way to create something to fill a niche, I avoid it, as I find that most people never organize that way — we crave basic ways to get organized, like drawers, shelves and cabinets. Think hanging closet shelves, over-the-door organizing pockets, vacuum storage bags — any targeted, customized storage solution.” — Maeve Richmond, founder of the organizing coaching service Maeve’s Method
4. Toy organizers with tilted bins
“I’m not a fan of any kid’s storage shelf that holds between nine and 12 bins that sit on a slant. It seems like a good idea so children can see into the bins, but the bins are small and because they’re on a slant, toys fall onto the floor.” — Julie Stobbe
5. Stacked plastic drawers
“These may be cheap, but they just don’t last; I always find that they break. They also get dirty very easily, and can be difficult to open. The ease of your organizers is the most important factor for sticking with your system. Invest in sturdier drawers instead.” — Rachel Rosenthal, professional organizer at Rachel and Company
6. Free-standing coat racks
“A coat rack is a monster that just keeps growing. Instead, hang just a couple hooks, and store other coats, scarves and hats out of sight. Your entryway will thank you for slaying this beast.” — Jeni Aron, the Clutter Cowgirl
7. Bed frames with built-in drawers
“I find the drawer space to be limiting, and when the bed is pushed into a corner, you lose half the storage. Instead, use bed risers to create a helpful place for suitcases and bins of seasonal clothing.” — Amelia Meena, founder and professional organizer at Appleshine
8. Over-the-toilet shelving units
“If it’s your only option, fine. But I much prefer a floating shelf with attractive baskets on an opposite wall away from the commode. There’s a slimmer chance of something jumping overboard.” — Jeni Aron
9. Wooden hangers
“People choose these because they look pretty, but I hardly ever use them for everyday items. They’re so bulky, and clothes tend to slip off easily. I use slim felt-covered hangers instead, which take up much less space and keep clothes secure.” — Rachel Rosenthal
10. Label makers
“There’s a time and place for label makers, but that’s usually not at home. I’m not saying that labels are terrible, but it’s often unnecessary to use yet another electronic device (which you’ll have to store) to make them. Instead, write labels by hand. This will help you better remember where you’ve stored things, and handwriting is much more pleasing and personal than a printed sticker.” — Marla Kabashima, professional organizer
11. Stacked desk trays
“Thanks to computers and our increasingly paper-free lifestyle, there is less need for organizers that hold stacks of mail or tons of office supplies. I often see people with desk stackers stuffed with items they haven’t used in years. Let the stack go, and replace it with a simple tray or bowl for the few things you do use.” — Maeve Richmond
This fall, seasonal decorating is all about simple updates. Enhance your home through a mix of artisanal additions, heirloom pieces, and connections to nature. Color and texture, including rich jewel tones and cheerful doses of blues, yellows, and greens, will also be used with significant impact to lift spirits and offer tactile moments while cozying up at home. Here are the top 2024 fall decorating trends, according to interior designers and industry experts.
Jeff Herr
1. Showcase Heirlooms
“We’re seeing shoppers enter their ‘heirloom era’ this fall, a trend that represents different ways to bring retro and inherently unique items to homes and wardrobes,” says Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson. This fall decorating style is all about antique vases, rocking chairs, candlestick holders, embroidered pillows, and even old books.
It’s easy to personalize this trend with inherited pieces, but there are fun possibilities for creating special moments with new fall decor, too. Johnson highlights handmade treasures like customized cutting boards showcasing handwritten recipes, while Pottery Barn suggests an Americana look achieved through table linens and bedding.
Julie Soefer
2. Add Artisanal Elements to Your Table
“Artisanal textures and antiques are a long-lasting trend we’ve seen this year, encouraging the purchase and use of handmade and quality items from an era where craftsmanship was held in high regard,” says Brittany Zimmerman of Bleu Bee Designs. “You can incorporate these trends seamlessly by creating a fall tablescape using a collection of antique or vintage brass candlesticks scattered around textured artisanal trays made of copper, plaster or terracotta, which adds a cozy and handmade texture to your tabletop.”
This year, Pinterest identified coffee stations as the new bar cart with their Cafécore trend. Part of elevating the café aesthetic at home is incorporating sculptural and tactile mugs that offer an artisanal look and hand-hewn feel.
Adam Albright
3. Bring in Cheerful Colors
This year’s top trending paint colors have favored soothing earth tones and deep moody hues. And while these shades continue to be popular, Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs expects to see bright, bold pops of color uplifting interiors this fall. “Orange, turquoise, greens, blues, yellows will be out there,” says Wemlinger.
While smaller doses are expected, she says the colors may also start appearing in wallpaper and paint in addition to accessories like pillows and artwork. “I think that bright and bold is trending because people are yearning for happiness and feel-good vibes,” says Wemlinger. “These colors almost without question lighten one’s mood.”
Adam Albright
4. Let Nature Inspire Your Accessories
“From last year’s cottagecore to this summer’s ‘garden girl,’ the earthy decor and fashion trends inspired by the natural world will bleed into fall, this time in the form of ‘nature reborn’,” says Johnson.
According to Johnson, Etsy shoppers are looking to bring the outdoors in this season through accessories such as pinecones, dried fruit, and log candle holders, while wooden utensils offer a functional take on the trend.
Frontgate’s fall 2024 collection offers natural whimsy with pieces like novelty glass and gold decorative acorns and pomegranate-accented serveware.
Stephen Kent Johnson
5. Accent Botanicals with Jewel Tones
Biophilic design—which emphasizes creating harmony between your home and the world outside—remains a popular interior style after several years in the spotlight. Fall foliage and seasonal gourds are staples of fall decorating, and this fall Zimmerman expects to punctuate these looks with jewel-tone botanicals. “This includes sprinkling in mums in hues of cranberry and plum and rich, dark green magnolia stems and wreaths,” she says.
Crate & Barrel’s fall collection similarly promotes pairing jewel tones and botanical elements, featuring berries, eucalyptus leaves, and floral stems in bold burgundies.
For many families, the kitchen is the social hub of the home, so it’s important that you clean often. Some areas of your kitchen will require consistent attention, such as the counters. Others, like larger appliances such as the refrigerator or oven, can be addressed on a weekly or perhaps monthly basis.
Below, you’ll find daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal kitchen cleaning checklists to simplify your routine. These detailed guides will help you create and maintain a tidy kitchen space.
Supplies You’ll Need
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Before you get started, make sure you have the proper tools and cleaning solutions on hand. The following is a comprehensive list, detailing all of the supplies you need for the four kitchen cleaning checklists in this guide.
For your daily kitchen cleaning checklist, focus your attention on the counters and floors. Keeping these high-use areas clean will help you cultivate a more hygienic environment.
Remove any decor, appliances, or clutter from the countertops.
Wipe down the counters with a clean, damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner or warm, soapy water. You can also use a DIY all-purpose cleaner, made of diluted vinegar. Consider wiping down high-use areas at this time as well, such as the drawer and cabinet pulls and the handle on your microwave.
Sweep the floors.
Return the items you moved to their proper homes on the countertop or elsewhere.
Unload your dishwasher and tackle any dirty dishes by handwashing or loading the dishwasher.
Wipe down the faucet and inside of your sink with an all-purpose cleaner. Pay close attention to any corners and crevices that may be collecting grime.
Take out the trash and recycling.
Put any cleaning rags or kitchen towels in the laundry and replace them with clean ones.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Jenelle Botts
In addition to your daily cleaning regimen, your weekly routine should include frequently used appliances like your microwave and refrigerator. Start your weekly cleaning routine with the steps below, then finish with your daily kitchen cleaning checklist above.
Clean the interior and exterior of your countertop kitchen appliances, including your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave.
Next, it’s time to clean the refrigerator. You’ll need to rearrange or remove items as you clean, so you’re able to wipe down all of the shelf and drawer space. As you go, check for expired goods and toss them. Remember to wipe down the face and handles of your refrigerator too. (Save the freezer for your monthly kitchen cleaning checklist.)
Wipe down your stovetop with a store-bought or DIY all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to wipe down the face of your oven too.
Next, wipe down additional high-use areas, such as light switches, drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and door knobs.
Turn off (at the breaker box) and clean your garbage disposal, using distilled white vinegar and baking soda.
Finally, you can move on to the daily cleaning checklist and finish your weekly routine by mopping your kitchen floors.
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Tip
During your weekly kitchen cleaning routine, take a look at your supplies and see if any cleaning solutions or tools need to be replaced or replenished. Take this opportunity to add those items to your grocery list.
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Your monthly kitchen cleaning checklist provides an opportunity to tidy and disinfect areas that are not frequently used, but still collect dust and grime over time. This includes cabinet and drawer faces, windows, and even the inside of your garbage can. Start with your daily kitchen cleaning checklist, then move onto the tasks below.
Remove the contents of your cabinets and drawers to prepare for cleaning and organizing (we recommend following steps three and four for one cabinet or drawer at a time). This includes your pantry.
Wipe out the inside of your drawer or cabinet with an all-purpose cleaning solution, then move onto the cabinet or drawer face.
Return the contents of your cabinet or drawer, organizing as you go. Move onto the next drawer or cabinet and repeat steps three and four until you’ve tackled all of the storage space.
Wipe down any tiles and grout, such as a kitchen backsplash, with your all-purpose cleaner.
Next, wipe down areas that may be collecting dust, such as the tops of cabinets and light fixtures.
Clean the inside of your dishwasher with a soft abrasive brush or sponge, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda. Be sure to wipe down the face of your dishwasher with an all-purpose cleaner when you’re finished.
Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
While the checklists above will help you maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, there are a few leftover tasks you should complete every few months.
Set your oven to the self-clean setting. Keep in mind this process requires some prep (such as removing the racks and turning on the oven vent) and can take a couple of hours.
Using a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaning solution, wipe down the ceiling and walls in your kitchen. When you complete this step, pay close attention to areas that may have gathered grease or steam, such as the wall behind your kitchen faucet and the ceiling area above your vent hood.
When you empty and deep clean the cabinets and drawers in your kitchen (during the monthly kitchen cleaning checklist), search for any kitchen tools and utensils you can donate or toss. For cabinets or drawers with food (as well as the pantry), see if there are any items that need to be replaced or replenished, such as expired goods or spices running low.
Unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. Clean the top of your fridge, the floor underneath it, and even the coils behind it. Use a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner for the top of your refrigerator and the coils, then a broom, dustpan, and mop for the floor. Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet, then return it back to it’s proper home.
Tips for Sticking to Your Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
Following the kitchen cleaning checklists above will take time and discipline, but there are several tips you can use to help you keep up with the chores.
Schedule kitchen cleaning days in your calendar. This is especially important for your monthly and seasonal kitchen cleaning checklists.
Keep your kitchen organized.Maintaining an organized kitchen will help prevent clutter, optimize your food storage, and notice and address any grease, spills, and other debris quickly.
Store your cleaning supplies in bins. Keeping the supplies needed for each checklist in labeled plastic bins can help you grab what you need quickly when it’s time to complete a cleaning checklist.
Declutter often. Instead of waiting until it’s time to complete your kitchen cleaning checklist, make sure you are frequently looking for and removing any expired products or tools/utensils that aren’t being used.
Convert Your Formal Dining Room
In today’s fast-paced world, many families opt to enjoy meals around a kitchen table or breakfast bar, often leaving the formal dining room empty and unused. Here are a few ways you can revamp your formal dining room into a fun or functional space.
Make a Work Area
Boost your productivity by designating a separate space that prevents work and homework from overtaking the rest of your home. Furnish the room with a desk, a supportive chair and a small worktable for projects. Be sure to include baskets or other storage bins to organize supplies.
Set Up a Game Room
Score big on family bonding with a game room that brings everyone together in a fun, modern way — much like the dining room table once did. Consider a ping-pong or pool table with an add-on tabletop feature and surround it with comfortable chairs. Include cabinetry to store board games.
Start an Indoor Garden
Show off your green thumb with a variety of plants in their very own garden room. Use colorful planters and vases to bring character to the space, but make sure you place planters on waterproof surfaces.
Build a Library
Line the walls with shelves and fill them with your favorite books. For something unusual, consider creating a music library with your favorite vinyl albums or a small movie room to house your favorite films. Don’t forget to include some plush seating to enjoy your media collection.
Create a Sitting Room
Ditch the TV and create an inviting conversation space with comfortable furnishings arranged to encourage family connection. Add soft lighting and an electric fireplace for added warmth.
Organize a Decor Swap
Transform your space without spending a dime by trading trinkets for newfound treasures at a decor swap.
Plan the Perfect Swap
Send invitations to friends and family. Include instructions detailing how many pieces to bring, what items are acceptable and what to leave at home. You might even try a themed swap, like “seasonal splendor” or “vintage vibes.”
Host With Style
Create an inviting atmosphere with light background music and refreshments. Arrange tables to display the featured pieces and allow everyone to browse, then have your guests make selections. Keep the process simple by drawing two or three names at a time and setting a time limit for choosing items. Allow extra time for any additional swapping between guests.
Any unclaimed items remaining after the decor swap is over can be donated to a local nonprofit or posted online in a Buy Nothing group.
Lighting Hacks
Proper lighting can make or break a room’s look and feel. Every room is different, so it’s important to tailor lighting to the function of the space.
Soft lighting works well in rooms where you want to relax, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Skip the overhead lights and opt for table lamps or wall sconces to create a sense of coziness.
Practical lighting is essential in areas where you want to be productive, such as an office or workout room. In these spaces, the right overhead lighting and functional fixtures can add brightness and boost productivity.
Versatile lighting is key in the areas of your home where you can be both productive and relaxed, such as the kitchen or primary bedroom suite. Install dimmer switches for overhead lighting to adjust the mood as needed. Add lamps or battery-operated LED candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere during relaxation time, and consider under-cabinet lighting for practical tasks. Layering your lighting options allows you to easily transition the space from bright and functional to soft and soothing.
The Dirty Truth About Kitchen Towels
Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces and washing fruits and veggies. One often overlooked culprit for bacteria buildup is the kitchen towel.
While cloth towels are an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to paper, they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. Even after rinsing towels in the sink, salmonella can still grow quickly overnight. Towels used to wipe down counters and clean up spills should be laundered in a washing machine with hot water after one day’s use. If towels are used only to dry hands, they should be laundered after three or four days. Experts also recommend replacing kitchen towels every year or two.
Recipe: Penne With Smoked Sausage
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. smoked sausage
½ cup diced onion
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes
½ cup milk
2 cups dry penne pasta
Crushed red pepper
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Basil leaves
Arugula leaves
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces. Brown sausage and onion in olive oil. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth, tomatoes, milk, and dry pasta to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and top with crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil and arugula leaves.
Is your home looking less exciting these days? Are you sick of staring at the same four walls but don’t have a huge budget for renovations? Just because you don’t have a lot to spend doesn’t mean you can’t refresh your home. You just need to know what to do and how to pay as little as possible for it. Here are seven microbudget ways to upgrade a home.
Repaint Any Room
“Paint is a decorator’s miracle,” says interior designer Kate Dawson. “Nothing can transform a space as quickly or dramatically—without renovating—as a new coat of paint. It can change the vibe and energy even if it’s only used on one wall.”
The best thing about paint is it’s not only inexpensive (the price of dining out for lunch can get you a fairly cheap can of paint)—but you can also do it yourself and save on labor. The cost of rollers and brushes also won’t break the bank.
Swap Out Pillows
Whether they’re in your living room or your bedroom, old pillows can really make a room look dated, but new pillows can surprisingly transform. “I see decorative pillows as the home’s version of earrings, shoes, and scarves,” Dawson says. “When we’re going out, we always accessorize because it adds individuality, style, and pops of color. A room is the same way. Pillows pull the room together and give the space cohesion and a new energy.”
There are many places to buy pillows inexpensively, such as HomeGoods or Target. Amazon also has curated sets, so you don’t have to spend extra time and money mixing and matching. Another way to save a few bucks is to replace the pillow case but keep the insert.
Add Greenery
There isn’t one room that wouldn’t benefit from bringing a little nature in. That’s why Dawson is so passionate about plants. However, real ones can be expensive, so she recommends going the faux route to achieve the same design impact for less money. “Plants are a fantastic way to play with scale, levels, and volume,” the designer says. “They come in so many shapes and sizes and are the perfect thing to tuck into little places that just need a little pop of color, or for large spaces such as a big empty corner of a room. Get a nice faux six-inch fiddle leaf plant for any area that feels like a gap in the flow of the space.”
Wallpaper A Powder Room
We often neglect powder rooms but these spaces are a great way to go big on design. While replacing a toilet and sink can be expensive, installing wallpaper is a great way to get some wow factor without overspending. To save more money, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper over the traditional pasted kind because it can be self-installed and generally costs less.
Swap Out Hardware in the Kitchen and Bathroom
Old hardware can really date a room. While you can definitely splurge on hardware, you don’t need to. Look for hardware multipacks, which can get the cost of a handle or knob down to a few dollars each—a major bang for your buck.
Add A Peel And Stick Backsplash To Your Kitchen
Is your kitchen backsplash looking dated? While you might not have the budget to replace it permanently, you can use peel and stick tile over it. From faux marble subway tiles to ceramic penny styles, there are a lot of options out there. Best of all, no one will know the difference between that and the real thing.
Add Artwork in Any Room
Dawson recommends upgrading your plain walls with artwork. “Adding colorful artwork instantly tells a story about the homeowner,” she says. “It always makes great conversation, and aesthetically, it always adds depth, texture, and dimension to the room.”
Alternatively, you can use photos. Try shopping from your own camera roll for maximum savings. That beautiful shot you have of a sunset on vacation can be made into a canvas fairly inexpensively.
For many families, the kitchen is the social hub of the home, so it’s important that you clean often. Some areas of your kitchen will require consistent attention, such as the counters. Others, like larger appliances such as the refrigerator or oven, can be addressed on a weekly or perhaps monthly basis.
Below, you’ll find daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal kitchen cleaning checklists to simplify your routine. These detailed guides will help you create and maintain a tidy kitchen space.
Supplies You’ll Need
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Before you get started, make sure you have the proper tools and cleaning solutions on hand. The following is a comprehensive list, detailing all of the supplies you need for the four kitchen cleaning checklists in this guide.
For your daily kitchen cleaning checklist, focus your attention on the counters and floors. Keeping these high-use areas clean will help you cultivate a more hygienic environment.
Remove any decor, appliances, or clutter from the countertops.
Wipe down the counters with a clean, damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner or warm, soapy water. You can also use a DIY all-purpose cleaner, made of diluted vinegar. Consider wiping down high-use areas at this time as well, such as the drawer and cabinet pulls and the handle on your microwave.
Sweep the floors.
Return the items you moved to their proper homes on the countertop or elsewhere.
Unload your dishwasher and tackle any dirty dishes by handwashing or loading the dishwasher.
Wipe down the faucet and inside of your sink with an all-purpose cleaner. Pay close attention to any corners and crevices that may be collecting grime.
Take out the trash and recycling.
Put any cleaning rags or kitchen towels in the laundry and replace them with clean ones.
Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Jenelle Botts
In addition to your daily cleaning regimen, your weekly routine should include frequently used appliances like your microwave and refrigerator. Start your weekly cleaning routine with the steps below, then finish with your daily kitchen cleaning checklist above.
Clean the interior and exterior of your countertop kitchen appliances, including your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave.
Next, it’s time to clean the refrigerator. You’ll need to rearrange or remove items as you clean, so you’re able to wipe down all of the shelf and drawer space. As you go, check for expired goods and toss them. Remember to wipe down the face and handles of your refrigerator too. (Save the freezer for your monthly kitchen cleaning checklist.)
Wipe down your stovetop with a store-bought or DIY all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to wipe down the face of your oven too.
Next, wipe down additional high-use areas, such as light switches, drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and door knobs.
Turn off (at the breaker box) and clean your garbage disposal, using distilled white vinegar and baking soda.
Finally, you can move on to the daily cleaning checklist and finish your weekly routine by mopping your kitchen floors.
Tip
During your weekly kitchen cleaning routine, take a look at your supplies and see if any cleaning solutions or tools need to be replaced or replenished. Take this opportunity to add those items to your grocery list.
Monthly Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Your monthly kitchen cleaning checklist provides an opportunity to tidy and disinfect areas that are not frequently used, but still collect dust and grime over time. This includes cabinet and drawer faces, windows, and even the inside of your garbage can. Start with your daily kitchen cleaning checklist, then move onto the tasks below.
Remove the contents of your cabinets and drawers to prepare for cleaning and organizing (we recommend following steps three and four for one cabinet or drawer at a time). This includes your pantry.
Wipe out the inside of your drawer or cabinet with an all-purpose cleaning solution, then move onto the cabinet or drawer face.
Return the contents of your cabinet or drawer, organizing as you go. Move onto the next drawer or cabinet and repeat steps three and four until you’ve tackled all of the storage space.
Wipe down any tiles and grout, such as a kitchen backsplash, with your all-purpose cleaner.
Next, wipe down areas that may be collecting dust, such as the tops of cabinets and light fixtures.
Clean the inside of your dishwasher with a soft abrasive brush or sponge, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda. Be sure to wipe down the face of your dishwasher with an all-purpose cleaner when you’re finished.
Seasonal Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
While the checklists above will help you maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, there are a few leftover tasks you should complete every few months.
Set your oven to the self-clean setting. Keep in mind this process requires some prep (such as removing the racks and turning on the oven vent) and can take a couple of hours.
Using a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaning solution, wipe down the ceiling and walls in your kitchen. When you complete this step, pay close attention to areas that may have gathered grease or steam, such as the wall behind your kitchen faucet and the ceiling area above your vent hood.
When you empty and deep clean the cabinets and drawers in your kitchen (during the monthly kitchen cleaning checklist), search for any kitchen tools and utensils you can donate or toss. For cabinets or drawers with food (as well as the pantry), see if there are any items that need to be replaced or replenished, such as expired goods or spices running low.
Unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. Clean the top of your fridge, the floor underneath it, and even the coils behind it. Use a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner for the top of your refrigerator and the coils, then a broom, dustpan, and mop for the floor. Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet, then return it back to it’s proper home.
Tips for Sticking to Your Kitchen Cleaning Schedule
Following the kitchen cleaning checklists above will take time and discipline, but there are several tips you can use to help you keep up with the chores.
Schedule kitchen cleaning days in your calendar. This is especially important for your monthly and seasonal kitchen cleaning checklists.
Keep your kitchen organized.Maintaining an organized kitchen will help prevent clutter, optimize your food storage, and notice and address any grease, spills, and other debris quickly.
Store your cleaning supplies in bins. Keeping the supplies needed for each checklist in labeled plastic bins can help you grab what you need quickly when it’s time to complete a cleaning checklist.
Declutter often. Instead of waiting until it’s time to complete your kitchen cleaning checklist, make sure you are frequently looking for and removing any expired products or tools/utensils that aren’t being used.
Drying your laundry correctly doesn’t have to be complicated. Lean on this guide to simplify your drying routine.
Should you tumble dry low or normal dry? Is it better to dry towels and sheets together or separately? Knowing these laundry best practices can make your clothes last longer, save you energy, and reduce your monthly utility bill. Modern dryers boast an overload of advanced setting combos, from sanitization to activewear and even static-reducing options—which is why getting familiar with your model can help you get the most out of your dryer.
With the help of laundry and appliance experts, we’ve compiled all the do’s and don’ts of drying your clothes at home, whether you have a front- or top-loading dryer. And in case you are traveling (or shopping for a new dryer), this guide will also outline the common dryer settings found in today’s drying machines. The best part: You’ll be able to open your dryer with confidence, knowing your favorite tee hasn’t shrunk two sizes.
Prep Your Laundry Before You Dry
To maximize your laundry success, prevent wrinkles, and reduce your drying time, there are a few steps you can take before starting the dryer. First, sort your laundry before zapping it into your dryer (this step is especially important if you’re using an all-in-one washer-dryer), advises Zachary Pozniak, co-author of the upcoming The Laundry Book. “You should dry items of similar color and weight together,” he says. For example, “Do not dry dark jeans with lightweight white tee shirts. The tee shirt will be dry well before the jeans which will cause the shirt to be heavily wrinkled and covered in dark lint,” he adds.
Second, shake and untangle each piece right before tossing it into your dryer, and always follow your item’s care labels to protect your fabrics. Always be careful not to overload the dryer: Give your pieces some wiggle room to tumble freely inside your machine.
Lint clogged in your lint trap or ductwork can cause hot air from your dryer to spark a flame. Prevent this by keeping your dryer from working overtime—since clogged lint makes it harder for your machine to remove damp air from inside your dryer, resulting in greater energy expenditure and a more costly monthly bill—and clean it regularly.
Basic Dryer Settings
Normal, Regular Dry or Automatic
The hottest temperature a dryer can provide, this setting will tackle heavier items like towels, sheets, and sheets more efficiently, Pozniak says. But depending on your dryer model, this setting will either be labeled normal, regular, or automatic. Each of these cycles typically uses a moisture sensor to determine when clothes are dry, but you can also set a timer based on your preferences, Pozniak explains. He suggests reserving this setting for your most durable items like towels, bedding, sweats, and jeans while avoiding using this cycle on delicate items.
Note that ‘normal’ and ‘timed dry’ are the most popular cycles, according to David Wilson, senior commercial director for clothes care at GE Appliance. Each of these cycles represents around a quarter of all dryer cycles, based on GE’s data of more than 300 million cycles.
Delicate or Gentle
On the other hand, delicate settings use the lowest amount of heat and tumbling action, explains Pozniak. This cycle is best for fragile fabrics or laundry pieces that may start to melt, fray, stretch, or fade in high-heat conditions. Some examples can include activewear, spandex, underwear, lingerie, and sateen sheet sets.
Permanent Press or Wrinkle-Resistant
Wrinkle shield settings will help reduce wrinkles and keep shrinkage at bay. Typically using medium-heat settings, “permanent press is best for synthetic clothes like gym clothes,” says Pozniak, adding, “These garments dry very quickly, so the cycle uses lower temperatures, shorter drying times, and less tumbling to avoid wrinkling.”
Steam Setting
You’ll probably only see this setting on modern dryers, but this cycle adds steam to your laundry load to remove wrinkles. “However, it will not dry your garments, so expect them to be a bit damp to the touch (great for wrinkled bedding),” Pozniak says. “This can be used after a ‘proper’ dry cycle and viewed as a touch-up function.” You can also use this setting to de-wrinkle clean clothing without rewashing, as it uses a mixture of water and heat to revive clothing pieces.
No-Heat or Air-Fluff
This setting uses absolutely no heat, so it will not dry your garments like other settings. Pozniak says this cycle is ideal for stuffed items like duvet inserts, comforters, down jackets, and pillows. In addition, this air fluff setting can also help you remove pet hair and dust from your laundry pieces or even restore volume and freshen up the most delicate fabrics like wool or cashmere.
Quick Dry
Just as the name suggests, you can depend on this cycle to dry a small, light load in the nick of time.
Smart Dryer Settings
Smart dryer iterations are flooding the market right now, allowing you to streamline your laundry routine with intuitive features. For example, some dryers include dryer racks for items that require tumble-free drying (like tennis shoes). Others also come with compatible apps, where you can assign family members laundry tasks through customized texts and even cycle-match to get the perfect dry cycle that matches your load’s wash cycle. Some dryer machines can also be voice-activated when using a compatible voice-enabled device. Below, we’ve outlined a few features that you may want to consider when purchasing your next appliance.
ENERGY STAR-certified dryers follow energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy, using up to 30% less energy than standard dryers (and many times cost about the same as standard dryers).
Advanced moisture sensing: This setting is designed to adapt drying times to your garments, which helps prevent over-drying. Multiple sensors monitor the moisture and temperature of your clothes, so your drying cycle will end at just the right time.
EcoBoost: Some appliances come with a EcoBoost option that’s designed to use less heat to maximize energy efficiency.
Static-reduce: This setting combines a mist of water with tumbling after your load drys to further reduce static shock.
Sanitize cycle: A sanitizing cycle can eliminate common household bacteria and bugs (lice, bedbugs, moth larvae) thanks to its high heat levels, which can be ideal for sanitizing sheets or soiled clothing items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use the wrong dryer setting?
The most common mistakes include over or under-drying your clothing. “Most shrinkage occurs in the washer, so you’ll likely have a very wrinkled garment from overdrying or one that’s still wet from underdrying,” Pozniak says.
Which dryer settings can be damaging?
“Timed dry can be very harmful as this overrides the moisture sensor,” Pozniak says. “Avoid using it if possible.”
Which items should not go in the dryer?
It’s best to hang or line dry synthetic clothes since they dry super fast, and any extended exposure to heat and tumbling will cause hard-to-remove wrinkling. Pozniak adds that this will break down your garments prematurely. He also advises against putting animal or protein-based textiles (such as silk, wool, and cashmere) in a tumble dryer. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry.
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