How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash Like a Pro (Even If You’re a DIYer)
A tile backsplash is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do in a kitchen—because it’s highly visible, fairly small, and very forgiving if you plan well. The keys are (1) a clean, flat surface, (2) the right adhesive for your tile and wall, and (3) careful layout so you don’t end up with …...
Why Do I Have So Many Flies in My House? The Real Causes (and How to Stop Them)
If it feels like your home suddenly turned into a fly magnet, you’re not imagining it. Most indoor fly “explosions” come down to one of two things: The key is to figure out which fly you’re dealing with and what’s sustaining it. Once you remove the source, the fly problem usually drops fast—because you’re not …...
How to Clean a Refrigerator Safely and Thoroughly
A clean refrigerator helps reduce odors, prevents sticky spills from turning into stubborn buildup, and supports safer food storage. Keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below per the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and at 40°F or below per CDC food-safety guidance (CDC); set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) per FDA (U.S. Food...
How to Know if a Wall Is Load Bearing
A load-bearing wall is any wall that supports vertical loads beyond its own weight (like the floor or roof above). That’s the code definition in the International Residential Code’s definition section for a “load-bearing wall.” Safety first (important) If you’re planning to remove, widen, or cut a big opening in a wall,...
How to Prune Cucumber Plants (So They’re Healthier, Easier to Manage, and Still Productive)
Pruning cucumbers is optional, but it can be very helpful when you’re growing vining cucumbers on a trellis. The main goals are to (1) improve airflow near the soil line, (2) keep vines from turning into a tangled mat, and (3) focus the plant on a manageable number of fruiting stems. University guidance for trellised …...
How to Clean a Ninja Coffee Maker (Daily Cleaning + Deep Clean/Descale)
Ninja coffee makers stay reliable when you do two things consistently: wash the removable parts (to remove coffee oils) and run the built-in CLEAN/descale cycle (to remove mineral scale) when the machine tells you to. Both issues—oily residue and limescale—can affect flavor and brewing performance. See the cleaning/descaling sections...
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room? 2026 Pricing Guide With Real-World Examples
If you’ve ever asked “how much does it cost to paint a room,” you’ve probably seen a wide range of answers—and for good reason. A small bedroom with clean walls can be inexpensive, while the same-size room with heavy patching, multiple colors, tall ceilings, and lots of trim can cost several times more. In the …...
How to Grow Dill (Anethum graveolens) From Seed to Harvest
Dill is a fast-growing annual herb that’s easiest to grow by direct-sowing seeds where it will live. The main reasons: it develops a long taproot and doesn’t love being transplanted, and it bolts (flowers) faster when it’s stressed. (University of Minnesota Extension) Pick the right spot: sun, drainage, and wind protection Dill...
How to Clean Wooden Spoons (and Keep Them Smooth, Odor-Free, and Safe)
Wooden spoons are durable, but they’re also porous, which means oils and food residues can work into the grain if you don’t clean and dry them well. The best approach is simple: wash promptly, don’t soak, dry completely, and condition the wood occasionally. (NC State Extension) Everyday cleaning (do this after each use) This...
Best Fire Pits for Backyards, Patios, and Camping
A good fire pit turns any outdoor space into a destination—whether you want a nearly smokeless backyard hangout, a quick-on propane flame for weeknights, or a portable pit you can toss in the car for tailgates. The “best” one for you mostly comes down to fuel type (wood vs. propane), how much smoke you’ll tolerate, …...