Best Memory Foam Mattresses: 12 Top Picks for Cooler, Comfier Sleep
Memory foam is still the go-to for people who want pressure relief, deep contouring, and minimal motion transfer (so you don’t feel every toss-and-turn next to you). The trade-offs haven’t changed: some foams sleep warm, some feel slow to respond, and softer models can let your hips sink too far—especially for stomach sleepers or...
How to Clean a Microwave (Fast, Deep, and Smell-Free)
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...
How to Clean a Mattress (Deep Clean, Spot Treat, and Keep It Fresh)
A good mattress clean has three goals: remove dust and allergens, lift stains before they set, and dry the materials fast so moisture doesn’t turn into odor or mold. Public-health guidance also stresses that, in most homes, regular cleaning is usually enough—disinfecting is only needed in higher-risk situations (like bodily fluids or...
Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair (2026)
Pet hair is one of the toughest everyday messes for a robot vacuum because it behaves differently on every surface: it clings to rugs, floats into corners, and tangles brushrolls until performance drops. The best models for pet homes aren’t just “more powerful”—they combine strong carpet agitation, anti-tangle brush design,...
How to Clean Cast Iron (Without Ruining the Seasoning)
Cast iron is protected by seasoning—a hard, slick layer formed when oil is heated and bonds to the metal. Good cleaning is less about “never touch it” and more about removing food + drying thoroughly + restoring a whisper-thin oil film. That practical approach is consistent across the Lodge Cast Iron cleaning guide,Lodge’s...
Kitchen Lighting: The Complete In-Depth Guide to Layout, Brightness, Color, Fixtures, and Controls
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...
How to Grow Garlic: A Season-by-Season Guide for Big, Flavorful Bulbs
Garlic is one of the easiest “plant it once, harvest it later” crops: you typically plant individual cloves in fall, let them overwinter, then harvest full bulbs in early to mid-summer. (University of Minnesota Extension) That long, cool growing season matters—garlic needs a cold period (vernalization) to trigger proper bulbing and...
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees (Safely and Effectively)
Carpenter bees are large, mostly solitary bees that tunnel into wood to create nesting galleries. They don’t eat wood, but repeated tunneling (especially in the same boards year after year) can weaken trim, fascia, decks, pergolas, and outdoor furniture over time, as explained by University of Kentucky Entomology and University of...
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroaches aren’t just unpleasant—they can worsen asthma and allergies, and their droppings and body parts are common indoor triggers for people who are sensitive. (EPA)The most reliable way to eliminate them is Integrated Pest Management (IPM): inspect, remove what they need to survive, block where they hide and travel, then use...
How to Use a French Press (and Get Consistently Great Coffee)
French press coffee is a full-immersion brew: grounds steep directly in hot water, then a mesh filter separates the liquid from the grounds when you plunge. The method is widely known for producing a bold, full-bodied cup, because the coffee stays in contact with water for several minutes and paper filtration isn’t used. This is...