Home and Garden World

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 …...

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...

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...

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...

A burnt pot looks hopeless, but most “scorched” messes are just carbonized food stuck to the surface—and you can usually lift it with heat + soaking + a mild abrasive before you reach for anything harsh. The two biggest success factors are (1) softening the burnt layer and (2) using the gentlest method that works …...

The best cabinet-cleaning method is simple: use a soft cloth + mild soapy water, don’t soak the surface, rinse, and dry right away—the same approach recommended in cabinet care guidance from brands like KraftMaid and IKEA’s kitchen cleaning guide. What you’ll need Avoid harsh or scratchy products—both KraftMaid and IKEA advise...

Stainless steel looks best when you clean gently, follow the grain, rinse well, and dry to prevent water spots and mineral buildup. That “clean → rinse → dry” routine is recommended by manufacturers like Franke’s stainless steel sink care instructions and Kohler’s stainless sink care tips. What to use (and what to avoid) Use...

Microwaves get dirty for two main reasons: food splatters bake onto the walls, and grease collects on the door and handle. Most of the time, regular cleaning with soap/detergent is enough, and disinfecting is only necessary in higher-risk situations (like bodily fluids or illness), per CDC guidance on cleaning vs. disinfecting at home...

Kitchen lighting is the hardest-working lighting in the house. It has to be bright enough for chopping and reading recipes, balanced enough to avoid harsh shadows, flattering enough for everyday life, and flexible enough to shift from “weekday dinner prep” to “friends hanging at the island.” This guide covers kitchen lighting...