For the past 12 years, I’ve been using an Oreck Compact Canister Handheld Vacuum. It’s kinda clunky, slightly noisy, and has bags that need to be changed all the time. So I set out to find a better hand vac. Here are the best hand vacs I found for vacuuming hardwood floors – especially pet hair and stairs.
Cleaning Things
Want the best household cleaning tips and cleaning products? You've come to the right place! Here, homeowners are sharing their personal reviews of popular cleaning products -- including the good & the bad, the pros & the cons, the ones you should try & the ones you should skip. Plus, all our favorite cleaning tips to get the job done right the first time... while saving time and money in the long run.
8 Reasons Why You Should Use Micro Mesh Gutter Guards
If you’re thinking of getting gutter guards, here are 8 reasons why you should consider micro mesh gutter guards. I spoke with Alex Higgenbotham, inventor of the gutter guard micromesh technology that’s used in Mastershield gutter guards and Leaf Filter gutter guards.
How (And Why) To Clean The Air Ducts In Your Home
Here’s how, why, and how often you should clean your air ducts — especially if you’ve recently remodeled, live in an area where there’s new construction, or have a lot of pets.
How To Clean Travertine Countertops, Floors, Shower Tiles & Backsplashes
In terms of hardness, Travertine is about as hard as Marble, but not as hard as Granite. I’ve learned firsthand that keeping your Travertine surfaces looking their best requires some extra attention when it comes to cleaning… and sealing. These tips will help you keep your Travertine looking great for years.
Top 4 Dust Sprays + Tips For Choosing The Best Dust Control Spray For Your Home
Dust spray is the best way to control dust and allergens inside your home. There are many dust sprays; some work better than others. Choosing the right dust control spray is key to having a home that remains dust free longer without a sticky residue or waxy build-up which actually just attracts more dust. Here are the top 4 dust control sprays.
Before You Buy Gutter Guards, Review These Pros & Cons Of Installing Gutter Covers
Stainless steel requires careful cleaning in order to maintain its luster. Abrasive cleaners or those containing chlorine can cause permanent damage and discoloration to the surface of your stainless steel appliances. Here’s how to clean stainless steel and remove scratches from stainless steel appliances.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances And Remove Scratches
Stainless steel requires careful cleaning in order to maintain its luster. Abrasive cleaners or those containing chlorine can cause permanent damage and discoloration to the surface of your stainless steel appliances. Here’s how to clean stainless steel and remove scratches from stainless steel appliances.
DIY Tips For Making Your Own Foaming Soap Refills + Prettier Foam Soap Pump Bottles
I used to spend a fortune on those foaming soap dispensers filled with Dawn dishwashing soap! Not any more. Now I refill those pump bottles with my own homemade foaming soap. Here’s how to make foaming soap. Plus, how to make your foaming soap bottles look much more attractive on your kitchen counter!
The Shelf Life Of Household Products & Cleaning Supplies – See How Long Things Last (Typically)
Earlier, I wrote about the life expectancy of home components — things like appliances, doors, flooring, faucets and fixtures. Now, here’s how long household products last — including cleaners, electronics, furniture, bedding, carpet & rugs.
How To Make Your Own All Natural Fabric Softener + The Best Ways To Remove Static Cling
Here are 5 home recipes to make your own natural fabric softener, plus 3 great tips for removing static cling in the dryer, and 4 ways to remove static cling on clothes as you’re wearing them!
Best Gutter Cleaning Tools For Removing Leaves & Debris From Your Gutters With Ease
If you’re tired of climbing a ladder to clean gutters, here are a variety of other tools and products that will make cleaning your gutters easier than ever before!
Fabric Softeners And Dryer Sheets: Myths vs Facts
Heard warnings about the downsides of using fabric softener and dryer sheets? There are so many opinions out there and myths about whether or not you should use fabric softener sheets. You might’ve heard they can stain your clothes, start fires, and scare away mice so It’s time to sort out the facts from the myths.
DIY Home Security Tips – Simple Ways To Burglar-Proof Your House
There’s a home burglary every 15 seconds. 60% of burglaries take place while the home is occupied. Here are the best DIY home security things you can do yourself to stay safe.
How To Choose The Best Air Filters For Your House (Home Air Filtration 101)
Tips for choosing air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system. Are expensive air filters really better than the cheaper ones? What’s the difference between the all the different types of home air filters? Here’s what to look for.
Got A Ladybug Infestation? Here’s What To Do If Ladybugs Are Invading Your Home
Unless you want a ladybug infestation this Winter, you’ll want to follow these tips to keep ladybugs out of your home, as well as the reasons they invade your house in the first place. Avoid an Asian lady beetle infestation — with these helpful tips. Trust me, this is the article for the most helpful info about natural ways to remove them from your home and some common misconceptions about ladybugs.
Looking For A Good Fogless Shower Mirror?… We Finally Found The Best Fog Free Mirror!
There are 2 big reasons that most fogless shower mirrors fail:1) They don’t stay on the wall for long; 2) They don’t remain fog free for long. The ToiletTree Fogless Mirror addresses both of those concerns. As a result, it stays fog free… AND it stays on the wall!
Got Black Streaks On Your Roof? Here’s How To Remove Black Algae & Roof Mold
If your roof has black streaks on the asphalt shingles or a green mossy growth on the roof, you’ve got roof mold or algae. See why it accumulates, plus how to remove algae from the roof of your house.
Recycling Trash 101: How To Dispose Of Things That Can’t Go In Curbside Recycling Or Your Regular Garbage
The following items pose a hazard to the environment and human well-being and, therefore, must be recycled in other ways. Usually, this means taking the item to a Household Hazardous Waste collection center in your community. Extra precautions should be taken when disposing of these items.
Roombas & Other Robotic Vacuums …Finally, SEE How Well They Work!
See how Roombas and other robotic vacuums work on stairs, hardwood floors, with carpet tassels, and around objects. These photos and videos tell the whole story about the Roomba and other popular robotic vacuums.
Oxygen Bleach vs Chlorine Bleach: See Why Products Like OxiClean Are Best
The advantages of using oxygen bleach products over chlorine bleach products far outweigh the disadvantages. Oxygen bleach is environmentally safe and non-toxic — reasons alone to switch from chlorine bleach to oxygen bleach.
Top Loaders vs Front Loaders: Why I Prefer Front Loading Washing Machines
See, point-by-point, why I — and lots of other people — prefer front loading washing machines. I’ve highlighted 7 key reasons here.
Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Can With 2 Compartments Makes Recycling Even Easier
We have a stainless steel 13-gallon touchless trash can with motion-sensor that I absolutely love. But I spotted this one the other day, and I think it may be even better… it’s got 2 bins!
Bona Spray Mop vs Shark Steam Mop – Which Is Best For Hardwood Floors?
Want to keep your hardwood floors looking clean and brand new for years?!… Here are the tips I received from a hardwood floor expert, along with the hardwood floor mop I ultimately decided on… and why.
Leaf Blowers vs Leaf Rakes – Which Is Best & Why?
No matter where you live, or how much you like your neighbors, the minute a neighbor fires up a noisy leaf blower, you’re at their mercy and have to deal with the loud noise & air pollution. Still, leaf blowers are commonly seen as the simpler, faster option when it comes to gathering leaves. But are they really more efficient than raking?…
Yard Aeration: How & When To Aerate Your Lawn
Stick a screwdriver into your lawn. If the screwdriver slides into the lawn with ease, then you do not need to aerate your lawn. However, if the screwdriver seems to resist your efforts, lawn aeration is most likely necessary. Here’s what you need to know about yard aeration
