It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and it’s time to start thinking about sprucing up your home windows for spring. If you’re like most people, you probably have a long list of projects you want to tackle. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to freshen up your home, why not start with your windows? Here are a few different ways to give your windows a makeover this spring.

Install plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are a classic window treatment that never goes out of style. Plus, they do a great job of controlling light and privacy. If you’re looking for a window treatment that will last for years to come, you can buy plantation shutters in Melbourne.

Hang some new curtains or drapes

Curtains and drapes are another great way to control light and privacy in your home – not to mention they come in so many different styles, colours and fabrics, so you’re sure to find something that fits your taste and your budget. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of the latest trends in curtains and drapes – you might be surprised at how easy it is to find something you love!

Add some new blinds or shades

Blinds and shades are another popular window treatment option. Like curtains and drapes, they come in a variety of styles, colours, and fabrics to fit any taste or budget. They’re also a great way to control light and privacy in your home, so if you’re looking for an affordable way to update your windows this spring, consider adding some new blinds or shades.

Get rid of old or outdated window treatments

If your windows are currently adorned with old or outdated window treatments, now is the perfect time to get rid of them! Donate them to a local thrift store or consignment shop, or simply throw them away. Either way, getting rid of old window treatments will give your windows a fresh new look this spring.

Give your windows a good cleaning

Don’t forget the importance of giving your windows a good cleaning this spring! Dust build-up can make even the cleanest windows look dirty, so be sure to give them a good dusting (inside and out) before you start working on any other projects. Once your windows are clean and sparkling, you’ll be amazed at how much brighter and cleaner your whole house will look.

Hang shutters on the outside of the window

If you live in an older home with double-hung windows, you may want to consider hanging shutters on the outside of the window. Shutters were originally designed for function, not style. But today, they come in a variety of styles that can add charm and character to your home’s exterior.

Paint your window trim

If you want an inexpensive way to dress up your windows, consider painting the trim around the window (or even the whole window). You can use a colour that complements your home’s exterior or go for a bolder colour that makes a statement – just make sure you use high-quality paint so it will last for years to come.

Add stained glass accents

For something truly unique, consider adding stained glass accents to your windows. Stained glass is beautiful and timeless, and it can add value to your home if done properly by a professional craftsman/woman.

Ready to get started?

These are just a few ideas to get you started on sprucing up your windows this spring. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making your windows look their best!

When bedtime calls, you’ll want to have the best sheets at the ready without breaking the bank. Sheets are one of those things you know you need but don’t necessarily want to spend a ton of money on. Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s Textiles Lab has you covered — our pick for the best value sheet set is Mellanni’s microfiber sheets, which you can conveniently order directly on Amazon. At just under $35, they’re well worth the spend.

Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Bed Sheet Set

Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Bed Sheet Set

Now 27% Off

The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases that are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. On top of that, the set comes in 41 different color options so you can find a match for virtually any bedroom décor. Our Textiles pros tested the sheets and gave them a perfect score in mattress fit, meaning the set is generously sized and can fit taller mattresses. In a blind test comparing the softness of 20 different sheets, Mellanni sheets earned the highest softness scores, describing them as “smooth and luxurious” and “silky.”

The $35 price tag is definitely a major selling point, but if you need to know more before you buy, over 244,000 reviewers rated it five stars on Amazon. “These sheets are honestly worth the hype,” wrote one reviewer. “There’s no doubt I would buy these sheets over and over again. First, the ‘you get what you pay for’ line does not in any way apply to here. I can’t believe these are so cheap for such great quality.”

One GH staffer even bought a set of their own: “I’ve been using the sheets for about a month and find them comfortable, cozy and warm enough for the winter. The Mellanni Sheet Set is a great value pick when it comes to upgrading your bedding.”

SHOP THE MELLANI SHEET SALE ON AMAZON

Commerce Director

Lindsey works with the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and review products including appliances, bedding, baby items, pet products and more.

Commerce Editor

Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor and writer at Hearst Magazines, covering tech, fitness, lifestyle, and beyond. In her time as a writer, she’s covered everything from top tech items like running watches and ring lights to phone cases and beauty tools. 

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Often described as minimal, neutral and timeless, modern interiors are incredibly popular in the home — especially in bathroom design where function is top of mind. Rely on modern fixtures, tiles, colors and hardware to elevate your interior — whether you’re redesigning a half bathroom, or modernizing your primary bathroom with a separate shower and freestanding tub. To help inspire your next home project, we’ve rounded up modern bathroom ideas that exude elegance, luxury and simplicity — plus, they’re surprisingly easy to recreate.

Modern design is characterized by clean lines, natural materials and simple color palettes, although the idea of “modern” is ever changing as we draw on current design trends. As you scroll these designer-approved interiors, you’ll find there are creative ways to incorporate modern elements to craft a space that feels chic and personal.

If you want a room that feels modern yet daring, we sprinkled in designs with mismatched tiles, warm gold fixtures and decorative lighting (which also happen to be bathroom trends for 2023). If you prefer to stick with a classic black and white bathroom design, you’ll find plenty of ideas that blend modern with traditional. Modern fixtures and materials are highly versatile and blend effortlessly with other home styles like mid-century, farmhouse and coastal, which makes it easy to find inspiration that fits your style. So sit back, relax and start scrolling to find a space that speaks to you.

If you’ve ever accidentally grazed your sleeve on a piece of paper with still-wet ink or noticed a stain only after you wash and dry your garment, you know how difficult it can be to remove ink stains from clothes. Luckily, in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab we’ve tested dozens of commercial stain removers and DIY stain removing methods for many of the most common household stains, so we know just what to do to get garments back in tip-top shape.

Different ink stains require different care, so make sure you follow the appropriate how-to guide depending on if you’re trying to remove ballpoint pen, felt-tip pen or permanent marker ink. All of these methods should only be used on washable fabrics and should first be tested on a small hidden corner of your garment to make sure they won’t cause any damage. Two of our recommended methods use rubbing alcohol as the main ingredient. Because it is flammable, always use it away from open flames and launder all garments thoroughly after treating an ink stain with alcohol. Never try to remove ink stains from dry-clean only garments at home.

How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink

Good news: Fresh ballpoint ink is the easiest type of ink to remove from washable clothing like cotton blouses and denim jeans. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove.

What You’ll Need:

1. Flush the stain with rubbing alcohol. If it’s a small stain, place a paper towel under the stain and use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol onto the stain. For a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes.
2. Blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.
3. Rinse and apply a pre-wash stain remover. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment on the hottest setting with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric — opt for a color-safe formula for colored clothes.
4. Check that the ink stain is completely removed. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above one more time or until the ink is gone. Toss the item into the dryer only after the ink is completely gone.

How to Remove Felt-Tip Pen Ink

Removing felt-tip ink is a bit more time-consuming — but not impossible, as long as you follow this guide.

What You’ll Need:

• Hot water
• Ammonia
• Stain-removing laundry detergent

1. Rinse the stain under cold water. Flush out as much of the ink as you can.
2. Soak garment in a mixture of hot water, bleach-free laundry detergent and ammonia. Fill a basin with hot water and pour in a bleach-free, liquid laundry detergent, like one of the detergents we’ve tested in our Lab. The amount you’d use to hand wash a blouse should do, plus a couple of splashes of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment. Give the stain a rub with your fingers, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Allow stubborn stains to soak overnight, giving it a rub every so often. To help it along, mix up a fresh solution or add a bit more ammonia.
3. Rinse and wash the garment as usual. When the stain is gone or lightened as much as possible, rinse the garment, rub in a bit more liquid laundry detergent and wash as usual. As with any stain, air-dry the garment until you are certain the stain is completely removed. Putting it in a hot dryer will set the stain, making it harder to remove.

How to Remove Permanent Marker Ink

Removing permanent ink isn’t always possible. In addition to being formulated to last forever, the success of removing this stain is largely dependent on the material, color of the ink and how long the stain has been allowed to set in. The steps below may work on some fresh permanent ink stains, but if they’re unsuccessful, try a dedicated stain remover for permanent ink like Carbona Stain Devils #3 or Amodex Ink & Stain Remover. As a last resort, if your garment is bleach-safe, try using bleach to remove the stain.

What You’ll Need:

1. Sponge rubbing alcohol into the stain. Place an old towel or a paper towel underneath the permanent ink stain. Pour rubbing alcohol onto another paper towel and use it to sponge around and directly on the stain. If the towel underneath the stain becomes too stained, remove and replace it with a clean one and continue to sponge until no more ink is being removed from the garment.
2. Rinse the garment. Rinse the garment thoroughly in cool water. If the stain is not completely removed yet, you can try the above step once more or try an ink stain remover.
3. Wash the garment as usual. If the stain is gone, wash the garment as you normally would and air-dry until you’re sure all of the stain is gone.

How to Get Ink Out of Leather

If your pen accidentally brushed up against your purse, don’t worry. Just dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and lightly rub the stain to wipe away the marks. If your purse has a shiny patina or a glossy surface, it’s probably been coated in a leather protectant and should be easier to treat. If rubbing alcohol doesn’t do the trick, try a commercial product designed specifically for cleaning leather, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. If that doesn’t work or your purse is made of unfinished leather, take it to a dry cleaner that specializes in treating leather. To make marks, like ink, easier to remove the next time, apply a leather protectant, like GH Seal star Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream, to purses, sofas and other finished leather items.

Can you get ink out of clothes after drying?

If you’ve realized a bit too late that the shirt you’re folding fresh out of the dryer has an ink stain you forgot to remove or you’ve let a fresh stain sit a bit too long, you may not be completely out of luck. You can try the methods above first, but if you’ve been unsuccessful, turn to stronger commercial stain removers. These products often contain ingredients to target all types of ink. Just be sure to follow the label directions when using them and test them in a hidden spot first to be sure they are safe for the fabrics you are treating. Another option is the Shout Advanced Action Gel, which even works to remove stains that have gone through the dryer.

Can you use other DIY methods to get ink out of clothes?

Over the years, hairspray has earned a reputation for removing ink stains because of the alcohol in its formula. However, many of today’s sprays contain less alcohol, so they aren’t as effective on ink stains as older formulas may have been, plus you still have to deal with removing the sticky hairspray residue. Other DIY methods that you may have seen touted as effective ink removers include vinegar, toothpaste and even hand sanitizer. Though the alcohol in hand sanitizer may budge it a bit (as will most other DIY methods containing alcohol), we’ve never found any of these alternatives to be effective. If you really want to tackle ink, stick with the above options.

Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes?

Rubbing alcohol in small amounts should not cause damage to most fabrics. As with any store-bought or other DIY stain remover, you should test it on small hidden spot before using it on the visible part of any garment.

Senior Editor

Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.

The American Lung Association reports that around 37 million Americans live with a chronic lung disorder like asthma or bronchitis. Their condition is often worsened by unclean air or hanging dust particles. But they are not the only ones these pollutants pose a risk to. Being exposed to polluted air for a long period of time can also have a significant impact on people who are otherwise healthy. 

There are some significant measures to take in terms of healthcare provision and pollution control to minimize their suffering and make sure as few people develop these disorders as possible. But the first thing we can do is make sure the air in our home is as clean as possible. In this article, we will discuss 4 easy ways you can improve the air quality in your home. 

Dusting & Vacuuming

When it comes to keeping the air inside your home clean, one of the most important things you can do is to keep your living spaces free of dust and debris. Dust particles can contain a variety of pollutants, such as mold spores, pet dander, and even pesticides, which can all contribute to poor indoor air quality. 

Carleton College writes that being exposed to too much dust can create breathing difficulties, diminish lung function, and even weaken the immune system. By dusting and vacuuming your home regularly, you can help to remove these pollutants and keep the air inside your home fresh and clean.

One of the best ways to dust your home is to use a microfiber cloth or a damp mop, as these will help to trap dust particles instead of just pushing them around. When vacuuming, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, as this will help trap even the tiniest particles. Additionally, clean or replace the filter in your HVAC system at least once a year, as this will help keep your air ducts free of debris and pollutants.

Opening The Window 

One of the easiest and most natural ways to improve the air quality inside your home is to open your windows and doors. This allows fresh air to circulate through your living spaces and removes the stagnant, stale air that can be filled with pollutants. However, if you have window screens, it’s essential to keep them clean to ensure that they don’t trap dust and debris, which can then circulate in your home.

When cleaning window screens, it’s best to use a soft brush and mild soap and water. Gently scrub the screens, paying special attention to the corners and edges where dust and debris are likely to accumulate. Once you’ve cleaned the screens, rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely before reinstalling them.

If your screens are damaged or worn, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. Damaged screens can allow insects, dust, and other pollutants to enter your home, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality. For more information, click here. 

HVAC Systems

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning or HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the air quality inside your home. It is so commonplace nowadays that Statista estimates the HVAC market size to grow by $210 billion from 2022 to 20226. However, if not properly maintained, it can also be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality. 

To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to regularly maintain your HVAC system, including cleaning or replacing air filters, checking ductwork for leaks or damage, and having the system serviced by a professional at least once a year.

One of the most important things to do is to change the filter in your HVAC system at least once a month or more often if you have pets or allergies. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth. In addition to changing the filter, it’s also important to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned periodically. This will help to remove any dust, debris, or mold that may have accumulated over time.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are devices that remove pollutants from the air in a room or a whole house. They are especially useful for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, as well as for smokers or people who live in areas with high levels of outdoor pollution. Investing in an air purifier can be an effective way to improve the indoor air quality in your home.

When choosing an air purifier, it’s important to look for one that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The EPA reports that these filters can remove 99.97% of particles from the air, even the ones as small as 0.3 microns. Additionally, you may also want to consider an air purifier that has an activated carbon filter, which can help to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

It’s also important to size the air purifier correctly in your room or living space. A small air purifier will not be able to clean a large room, and a larger one might be unnecessary for a small room.

Improving indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. Simple changes in your daily routine, such as dusting and vacuuming regularly, or properly maintaining HVAC systems, can go a long way in improving the air inside your home. By taking these small steps, you can breathe easier and create a healthier living environment.

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Bring the style and function of a real bar into your home, whether you enjoy classic cocktails, a neat pour or you’re a true wine enthusiast. With ideas that range from simple to maximalist and rustic to modern, we’ve rounded up 30 designer-approved home bar ideas to inspire your next DIY home project.

While you may keep things neutral in other rooms (with a modern kitchen or minimalist living room), a home bar is the perfect space to mix things up. An eye-catching backsplash, vibrant colors, statement lighting or unique artwork are just a few ways to inject personality into your design. According to interior designer Mary Patton, home wet bar essentials are counter space, storage for glasses and an outlet for a wine fridge. “However, if you are renting or very short on space, a well-styled bar cart will do just fine.”

We foresee colorful cabinetry, daring design choices and overstated hardware taking over kitchens in 2023, which all translate into the best home bars. Keeping with design trends for 2023, Patton predicts a continued interest in designated bar areas and mini bars. “During the height of the pandemic, home bars and lounges were my number-one design request from homeowners,” she says. “Since, people realize they like to stay home, host and entertain.”

Keep scrolling to find inspiration to fit your space, big or small. Added bonus: we sprinkled in budget-friendly ideas (hint: rolling bar carts and closest conversions).

All rental properties will require improvement, maintenance, and preventative maintenance as time goes by. Landlords with the proper knowledge, tools, and skills for basic improvement tasks have no trouble doing such. When taking a hands-off approach, it is vital to have several service providers’ contacts. Doing the work yourself reduces your dependence on the contractor’s schedule and saves you money.

On the other side of the coin property owners cannot make all the needed improvements themselves due to constrictions in equipment and expertise. In some cases, a landlord attempting certain repairs ends up costing them more than if they outsourced right from the beginning. There are improvements and repairs that landlords can do with simple tools and knowledge, and there are some that require people with certifications to handle. Note that some areas may overlap, but the difference comes in the extent of improvements and expertise required.

To put this into context, most people can change a tire as part of car repair, but not everyone can adjust valve timing. Both activities fall under vehicle maintenance but require different skill levels and tools to accomplish.

Home Improvement Projects That Landlords Should Do Themselves

• Basic plumbing. Some plumbing tasks indeed need professionally trained workers to accomplish. There are other improvements and repairs that landlords should handle themselves. Minor issues such as faucet leaks result in sink and tub stains, but they are simple to repair. Disassembly of the faucet and replacing a gasket or washer usually solves the issue. Depending on the model, this task has the potential to be so easy that following the manufacturer’s instructions or a simple YouTube video provides enough information to complete.

Drain and toilet clogs are simple enough for property owners to handle themselves. To avoid further damage to the property when plumbers are not immediately reachable, landlords should learn how to snake a drain, correctly plunge a toilet, and disassemble a P-trap. A P-trap is the U-shaped curve in the waste pipe connecting the sink’s drain to the septic tank or sewer apparatus.

• Electrical switch and outlet repair. Short circuits and flickering or dimming bulbs are problems that need professional attention. Having an electrician is helpful for your rental property in such situations. When switches or outlets do not function as expected because of minor issues, landlords can remedy the situation by tightening loose connections or replacing the broken apparatus. In 10 to 20 minutes, the device returns to normal function without spending any money. Landlords need to remember to switch the circuit breaker off before uncovering outlets.
• Drywall patching and replacement. As it is complex to repair impact damage to drywall via patching or joint compound, replacement presents the best remedy to water damage and/or mold. In both scenarios, landlords save money by knowing how to work the situation. Repairing drywall gets a bit messy sometimes, but it is a fairly elementary process. It’s also a good skill in your arsenal when preparing a unit for tenancy after a long residency.

Home Improvement Projects That Landlords Shouldn’t Do Themselves

• Complex electrical operations. As a precaution, landlords should not attempt any repairs that could cause the building to burn down. Past minor electrical improvements and repairs, amateurs with no training should not attempt complex electrical installations. Having some background working with electrical installations does not qualify one to take on every electrical task. Like the saying goes, “A little bit of knowledge in a field can often be the worst thing for you.” In contrast to the cost o repairs due to fire, hiring a qualified electrician saves landlords a fortune.
• Climbing a ladder to clean the gutters and getting on the roof to install new shingles are two very different undertakings. As much of a pain as it might be to go down to the property, carry a ladder around, and empty leaves from the gutters, getting on the roof is a whole different scenario. Here, experience is paramount as working on roofs entails a lot of muscle memory to keep you from falling. Tenants also have an eye for amateur work, and considering they must pay full price for rent, they also expect the level of workmanship on their house to be up to a certain standard.
• Chimney cleaning and repair. Fireplaces are nice assets to have in a house. For rental units, they attract tenants and increase occupancy rates while reducing vacancy time. Similarly to other amenities in a rental unit, tenants will not take care of fireplaces as well as homeowners would. Every winter, landlords should have their fireplaces professionally cleaned. This does much more than just vacuum the previous year’s debris and soot accumulation. Owing to the different allergies people have, it is not worth the risk of a tenant falling ill due to a dirty chimney and fireplace. This could result in landlords footing medical bills when they could have just hired a professional service for a fraction of the cost depending on the scenario. Even if they do not have to foot such a large bill, the reputation of the property diminishes from such occurrences.

Conclusion

Easy and basic repairs allow landlords to save money and time and afford tenants extra convenience. Tasks that the landlord can do perfectly pose no problem. The issues arise when they bite off more than they can chew and do a substandard job. The cost savings usually do not translate as soon enough, proper repairs will be needed. For landlords, it’s all about finding the appropriate ratio between what to outsource and what is achievable by themselves.

You may be more familiar with the idea of cross contamination when it comes to your kitchen — but as Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst points out, the bathroom is a high traffic area where bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and more can be found.

No matter how diligent you are about cleaning, it’s an inevitable breeding ground for bacteria that can rapidly spread elsewhere. When harmful bacteria is transferred from one source to different surfaces, people, or spaces, it’s known as cross contamination. The area around the toilet is especially prone to the phenomenon, which has also been colorfully dubbed a “toilet sneeze”. “Close the lid when you flush. Germy water can spray across the room up to six feet every time you flush, settling on the floor, counters and bathroom doorknob and light switch,” warns Rodriguez.

If that gross fact has you wondering what else you can do to help prevent the spread of bacteria from your bathroom, there’s plenty—especially since you can’t control whether guests and kids are staying on top of closing that lid! One is using Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray daily. The multitasking product’s ability to kill 99.9% of bacteria for up to 24 hours* impressed Rodriguez and her fellow experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab that it earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for effectiveness.

If taking steps against cross contamination in the bathroom isn’t second nature yet, read on for more tips to prevent the spread.

1. Minimize and Neutralize the Toilet Flush Plume

Though widespread understanding of the toilet plume— aerosolized droplets that contain bacteria and mix with the air and settle on surfaces — is fairly recent, scientific knowledge of the phenomenon actually dates to a 1975 study published in Applied Microbiology, which found that aerosol contaminants were present in the air up to 12 minutes after flushing.

After a thorough review, which included paying a visit to the manufacturer’s lab, and conducting their own tests, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab verified that Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray banishes bacteria that escape even in the tidiest bathrooms.

Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray



Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray

“Microban’s 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray keeps killing 99.9% of bacteria for up to 24 hours on surfaces after proper application,” confirms Rodriguez. Making it a part of your daily routine is an easy way to fight bacteria — since there’s no need to wipe, just spray walk away to let air dry.

2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

It may be obvious, but it bears repeating: “Wash your hands after you go with a mild hand soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds to get rid of any germs you may have picked up in the bathroom,” says Rodriguez. While the pandemic has made us all more familiar with hand washing best practices, it can be easy to forget when you’re at home.

3. Use Your Cleaning Products Effectively

It’s also important to keep your cleaning tools from becoming vehicles for bacteria to spread. Rodriguez recommends you keep a set of cleaning tools that you only use to clean the bathroom: “Never use these sponges, towels or cloths in any other part of your home, regardless of how well you clean them after each use.”



4. Eliminate Bacteria Safe Havens

In your bathroom, any landing surface that isn’t cleaned and disinfected as part of your daily routine is at risk of becoming a hotspot. Keeping hard surfaces like tile, faucet handles, tubs, and light switches free of buildup and gives bacteria less to cling to.

In addition to the Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray, the Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner is the best option to fight buildup and provide protection from bacteria for 24 hours on surfaces. When used as directed,”This spray will also prevent mold and mildew growth for up to seven days on hard surfaces,” says Rodriguez. Since the product, cleans, sanitizes and disinfects, it’s effective for quick and deep cleanings.

Soft items like fabric shower curtains, washcloths, bathmats, towels, or face-washing headbands should be hung dry in an airy spot to dry thoroughly after each use, as bacteria is more likely to survive in moist environments. As a bonus, outside the bathroom, Microban 24 Hour Sanitizing Spray can also be used on soft surfaces like couches, backpacks, or smelly gym bags, eliminating odors and initially killing 99.9% of bacteria.

5. Don’t Ignore the Ick Factor of Phones

“Keep phones and other electronics out of the bathroom. You are likely transferring bathroom germs onto the phone that you’re then using on the couch or even in bed after,” advises Rodriguez.

This habit turns your device into a mobile microbial red flag. A comprehensive 2020 Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease review of 56 studies calculated that the average contamination rate of mobile phones was a whopping 68%. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your device with a disinfecting wipe or according to the manufacturer’s directions is always a good idea.

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*When used as directed, effective against Staphylococcus aureus & Enterobacter aerogenes bacteria for 24 hours

Sharing an apartment with my roommate’s yellow lab means I practically live with a lint roller in hand. And not just for my clothing. Approximately 10 minutes before guests arrive, you can find this dog auntie furiously lint-rolling the couch, the rug, the chair and any flat surface within arm’s reach (because no, a vacuum just won’t cut it).

So when I scrolled across this Floor Lint Roller on TikTok, it was love at first sight. Equipped with an adjustable handle and an oversized adhesive roller, this viral lint remover can cover serious ground.

Smart Design Smart Design Floor Lint Roller

Smart Design Smart Design Floor Lint Roller

Roll it across furniture and rugs to clean up pet hair left behind from your fur baby’s afternoon nap. And it’s good for way more than just cleaning up after pets. Roll it over your bath mat after brushing your hair or trimming your bangs. Or roll it across the floor to pick up dirt, dust bunnies, and small debris that sweeping leaves behind. Amazon reviewers rave that the aluminum tubing and extendable design make it so easy to tackle hard-to-reach messes.

Shorten the handle, and it can be used to remove lint and pet hair from your clothing just like any standard lint roller. But unlike the one you snagged from the dollar store, this baby has extra-sticky adhesive sheets that are wider than the average lint roller, so it cleans more lint with each swipe. You’ll waste less time and arm strength rolling, and you won’t be left with a mountain of used sheets to throw away when you’re done.

But take it from #CleanTok, there appears to be no limit to what this retractable lint roller can do. Users shared videos of themselves using the 2-in-1 tool to pick up glitter after a party, grab dust bunnies from beneath the couch, clear cobwebs from vaulted ceilings, prep the bathroom floor for mopping, remove crumbs from car interiors and sweep up shedding hair extensions.

This TikTok-loved lint roller is available on Amazon for only $26. Though it already comes equipped with 25 removable adhesive sheets, I highly recommend stocking up on a two-pack of refill sheets from the get-go. Because once you start rolling, you won’t want to stop!

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