Lately, a new kitchen decor trend has been taking the internet by storm—the backlit kitchen counter. Cleverly using light and the natural translucence of certain countertop materials, backlit kitchen counters are a great way to make the heart of your home both eye-catching and more useful. Especially if, like me, you enjoy nighttime snacks. Keep reading to learn about this cool trend.

What Are Backlit Kitchen Countertops?

Backlit kitchen countertops are mildly translucent countertop surfaces with flat LED light panels installed underneath. The right combination of light panels and translucent material (usually stone) creates the illusion of a countertop that glows.

Several companies make LED panels designed for installation beneath countertops, and they all work similarly. All backlit kitchen counters need some sort of substrate installed underneath to support both the counter and lights. Plywood 3/4 inch thick is an excellent choice since it’s thick enough to accommodate shallow grooves for wires to be tucked out of the way. Vertical backsplashes can also be backlit using the same method, as seen below.

@thewoodenpalate Reply to @thebigburg0r onyx backlit 💡#kitcheninspo #greenonyx ♬ Sunshine (The Light) – Fat Joe & DJ Khaled & Amorphous

What Kind of Countertop Stone Can Be Backlit?

Regardless of your decor preferences, it’s important to choose the right material for the job— one that’s translucent enough to allow lots of light through. Luckily, quite a few types of stone fit the bill: quartz, onyx, agate, marble, certain varieties of granite and others. Some man-made materials like glass and resin also make great backlit kitchen counters.

Can I Do This Project Myself?

It depends on the size of your countertop, your experience level and available tools. At the very least, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Counter backlighting panels
• Plywood
• Table saw
• Jigsaw
• Caulking gun
• Silicone
• Drill and drill index
• Basic wiring tools and skills
• Countertop fastening hardware

You’ll need to be comfortable cutting the plywood to size on a table saw, and probably custom-cutting certain areas with a jigsaw.

Place your plywood substrate on top of the cabinets, then arrange your light panels on top. Use a table saw to cut 3/8 inch deep channels in the plywood as needed to route wires from the LED panels, then join the custom-sized plywood substrate to your cabinet using countertop fastening hardware.

Fasten the LED panels down with a little silicone, then route and connect the wires to the nearest handy circuit (if doing your own electrical work is permitted in your area).

For a seasoned DIYer, building your own backlit kitchen counter isn’t difficult. But if it’s your first DIY project, you’d be wise to get some experienced help.

Recently, TikToker Birdie Wood (@thriftyweenqueen) posted her hack for storing toilet paper in teeny-tiny bathrooms, and we’re all about it.

@thriftyweenqueen Toilet paper conspiracy explained FINALLY 😂 #thriftwithme #toiletpaper #repurposed #amazonfinds #tinyhome #storage #weird #tinyhousestorage #bathroomrenovation ♬ original sound – Birdie Wood

How to Store Toilet Paper

In the video, Wood uses a narrow, hooked towel rack. She anchors it into the wall, then places one roll of toilet paper on each hook. She says that the one rack can carry an entire package of toilet paper.

Form vs. Function

While this solution may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a pack of extra toilet paper stashed behind a cupboard, Wood doesn’t mind. “[I]t looks weird,” she says, “but the rest of my house looks weird, so I mean it’s not a big deal.”

Her viewers seem to agree. One commenter called it “usable art,” while another claimed, “Living in small spaces means function often takes precedence over form.”

Other Thrifty Storage Solutions

If this toilet paper hack is not your thing, rest assured there are numerous other ways to maximize storage space in a small bathroom.

You can also always reorganize a linen closet to make space for unsightly items, like toilet paper. Or try clearing out any jewelry cluttering your bathroom with clever display ideas. You’ll have a sparkling, space-efficient bathroom in no time.

Correct Way to Hang Toilet Paper

Countless households have had this debate: which way do you hang toilet paper? An 1891 patent by New York businessman Seth Wheeler, pictured above, indicates OVER. Family Handyman polled users, with 84 percent of respondents preferring this method.

The Best Sleep Awareness Deals You Need to Shop

Legacy T&N Original Mattress

Tuft and Needle has some of the best Sleep Awareness Week deals on their hybrid mattresses. The Legacy T&N original mattress—available at a savings of 34%—regulates body temperature and wicks moisture for a sweat-free snooze. Pressure-relieving foam focuses on relieving back pain, so you never wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

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Project Overview

If you’re short on bedroom closet space or need someplace to hang your outerwear near the front door, here’s a great clothing rack you can build yourself. It’s practical and stylish, featuring a shelf to place your bags and a nook underneath to tuck away your shoes and boots. You can build this with basic tools and materials found at your local home center.

Cutting List

Fit the Base

Cut four 2×2’s to length with a 16-degree angle on one end. These are the vertical supports (A) that hold the hanger rod in position. For the bottom braces (B), cut two more 2×2’s with the same 16-degree angle on both ends.

Fit one vertical support to the bottom brace, then position the second vertical support on top and flush with the other end of the bottom brace. Fasten the parts together at the bottom with wood glue and trim screws.

Instead of using those shades, you can select bedroom paint colors that will help you establish the energy you seek. Nevertheless, with so many different colors, we understand how confusing it can be to select the right one. That’s why we’re here to help you learn more about the bedroom paint colors to avoid and which to pick. Whether completing a whole bedroom remodel or just repainting your walls, knowing the colors to avoid will set you on the right track.

These Are the Bedroom Paint Colors You Should Avoid

According to popular TikTok designer and interior architect Phoenix Grey (@mrphoenixgrey), certain hues aren’t the best choice for your bedroom because they won’t help you establish the vibe you want. Let’s dive right into the bedroom paint colors you should avoid.

@mrphoenixgrey Colour has so my energy, so keep that in mind as it reflects in your space #colour #bedroomcolor #interiordesign #homehacks #designertips #toronto #designhack #homeimprovement ♬ ShowTime – Hip Hop Instrumental

• Red: Because red is so high-contrast, it adds a lot of energy to your room that isn’t conducive to creating a calming bedroom. But don’t toss out your red paint yet—if you love this color, you can still add pops in other spaces in your home, such as your bathroom or dining room. Or, if you’re committed to painting your bedroom red, Grey suggests you select a moodier, darker hue.

• Yellow: There are many places in your home where yellow paint would shine, but it isn’t ideal for painting your bedroom. Much like red, it’s high energy and doesn’t add a mellow vibe to your room. Grey mentions that this energizing color is ideal for starting your day, but you may struggle to fall asleep in a yellow bedroom.

• Green: While we love how green brings the outdoors inside, too much in a bedroom is, well, too much. This is especially the case, Grey warns, for light greens. If you must have green in your bedroom, go for a gem-toned shade, so you don’t sacrifice coziness—or skip it altogether.

These Are the Bedroom Colors You Should Go For

Now that you know which bedroom paint colors to avoid, let’s discuss which colors Grey believes are a better alternative. And if you really want to give your space a facelift, you can implement some of these bedroom design upgrades in addition to a fresh coat of paint.

@mrphoenixgrey Replying to @DittaStone these are my go to’s for creating a really cozy environment in the bedroom #bedroomdesign #painthack #interiordesign #homehacks #designertips #toronto #designhack #homeimprovement ♬ Luxury fashion (no vocals) – TimTaj

• Pink: No, not bubblegum pink! Muted shades are your best friend when picking this color. One reason Grey loves pink in a bedroom is that it pairs beautifully with many different colors, plus you can easily add a visually appealing contrast.

• Terracotta: If you want to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness with your bedroom paint colors, terracotta is the way to go. It’s basically neutral, so you have a lot of flexibility when working with this paint. Plus, it adds a sunny vibe to your room without being too overwhelming.

• Black: If dark and moody is your vibe, look no further than black paint for your bedroom walls. While Grey warns that black bedroom paint is difficult to do right, if you succeed, you’ll have a unique sanctuary that allows you to rest and recharge. To do so, be sure to bring in other warm tones that create an intimate vibe. And don’t forget to select black paint with warm undertones for the best result.

Now that you’ve selected your bedroom paint colors, you can start getting innovative with your bedroom furniture to create a truly one-of-a-kind space that reflects you.

Maximize Attic Space

Finishing an attic is a great way to add an extra bedroom or an office to your home. But even if your attic isn’t well suited for that, you should still utilize it for the storage space. The key is adding shelves and other systems that can help you organize it, rather than just randomly jamming your extra stuff into attic storage.

But that long lifespan can also work against some of these pieces. Here’s why you should use caution when eating off older Corelle dishes — and what you can do to tell whether your dinnerware is safe.

It’s a Problem with the Paint

To understand why you might want to keep retro Corelle in the cabinet, you have to understand the manufacturing process, and how it’s changed over the past several decades.

Before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed regulations on how much lead could be used in tableware, plenty of companies used paints containing lead on their products. Those regulations only came into effect around 40 years ago.

If you own a set of dishes from pre-1980, there could be lead in the paint. If the paint chips, flakes off or mixes in with the food, you might consume lead along with your meal.

Needless to say, lead be especially harmful to children. There’s no safe level of lead for you, either. So while dish-related lead poisoning isn’t as serious as exposure to house paints or water, those gorgeous designs on your Corelle could make you sick.

In an email posted on Lead Safe Mama, Corelle itself recommended any dishes made prior to 2005 be used for decoration only.

Do I Need to Throw My Corelle Dishes Away?

Not necessarily. Corelle products purchased after 2005 are safe and comply with FDA regulations.

Now, if your dishes are older, that gets trickier. Avoid eating off older Corelle dinnerware if it shows obvious signs of deterioration — worn glaze, melting or chipping paint, etc.

To make sure you’re not consuming lead, avoid eating hot foods on the dishes or drinking hot beverages from any cups. And don’t put them in the microwave or store food in them for long periods.

What Else Can I Do?

How can you be absolutely sure whether Corelle is safe to serve dinner?

Lead Safe Mama tested a few Corelle pieces. If none of those patterns look like yours and you’re not sure when your set was made, buy a lead test kit. Amazon offers several options. It should be noted test kits are better at detecting high levels of lead than trace amounts.

In the end, if you’re concerned, it’s probably best to put the dishes in a display cabinet and replace them with newer, safer designs.

@nottheworstcleaner

Powerpaste is the ultimate cleaner 🔥✨ @Scrub Daddy #cleantok #scrubdaddy #scrubdaddypartner

♬ original sound – Not the Worst Cleaner

What is the Scrub Daddy Power Paste?

We’re going to say it: The Scrub Daddy Power Paste is the shining star of the Scrub Daddy product line. Used in conjunction with the Scrub Mommy Sponge, deep cleaning chores just got a whole lot easier. The biodegradable cleaner allows you to clean caked-on messes without scratching delicate surfaces. We also love the handy palm-sized tub, as the compatible sponge conveniently fits in the container.

What is the Scrub Daddy Power Paste used for?

The non-toxic yet powerful Scrub Daddy Power Paste cleans and polishes stoves, tiles, pots, pans and any hard surface with built-up residue. It tackles limescale, soap scum and mildew, and it can also be used on glass, chrome and granite surfaces.

In the kitchen, use it for cleaning your stainless steel appliances and even your glass stovetops. Scrub Daddy cleans burnt on messes in your oven and on your pots and pans.

Outdoors, Scrub Daddy gives new life to patio furniture, grills, and smokers.

In the bathroom, power paste cleans, polishes and protects your countertops, tile and fixtures. Users love how it breaks through soap scum and mineral deposits and claim that glass shower doors sparkle after cleaning with Power Paste.

Scrub Daddy Power Paste is naturally abrasive for tough jobs, so please don’t use it on especially fragile surfaces. Before getting started, test a small area to ensure the surface responds well to the paste. 

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How to Use the Scrub Daddy Power Paste 

Dampen a Scrub Mommy Sponge with warm water and load the abrasive side with the Scrub Daddy Power Paste. Scrub in a circular motion to lift dirt and grime. Rinse and repeat if necessary. When you’re ready to polish the surface, use the soft side of the sponge to wipe any remaining residue away.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Over 8,000 Amazon customers reviewed this natural cleaning product.

Diane recommends the Power Paste as a cleaning solution for old pots, “I love Scrub Daddy/Scrub Mommy sponges; they do an awesome job when washing dishes or pots and pans. The paste worked very nicely. It really removed any burnt marks or wear on my pots with the exception of one. It makes your pots very shiny and my pots are 36 years old! I would definitely recommend this product.”

May wrote a five-star Amazon review saying, “The pictures speak for themselves! Simply marvelous! The burns or whatever that is on the pot has been there for some years so it required more scrubbing than advertised by some of the people I’ve seen using the product but I ain’t complaining cuz this product is worth every penny.”

Verified Amazon purchaser Epic Olvera shows before and after pictures saying, “I bought this product to see if I could get the cooked on stains off of my pans. WOW! Not only did it take off the stains but it started taking off the enamel too. I’m glad I only used it on one of my unimportant pans. I won’t use it on anything vintage or that has an enamel coating. I absolutely love this cleaner though and am so glad I found it. Proceed with caution though because it will clean more than you expect. I’m excited to clean more things with it.”

Where to Buy the Scrub Daddy Power Paste

It’s no wonder this innovative paste went viral. For under $10, you can have a super power working for you.

Scrub Daddy Power Paste and the Scrub Mommy Sponge are available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.

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Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets

Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets are a win-win solution for the planet and people with allergies. These detergent strips are hypo-allergenic with plastic-free packaging. Not only are they palm oil free (less deforestation), but they are also paraben-, phthalate- and phosphate-free. 

Pick up a pack in one of two varieties: unscented or fresh linen scent. Each package washes 60 loads of laundry and can be used in high-efficiency washers.

The Zero Waste Store is serious about reducing the negative impact on the planet and offers a selection of eco-friendly products you didn’t even know you needed. Happy shopping!

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Best Overall Shoe Bench

Prepac Store Shoe Storage Cubbie Bench

With plenty of storage, the Prepac Store Shoe Storage Cubbie Bench is our pick for best overall shoe bench. This charming, cottage-style shoe organizer is available in four colors and works with most decor styles. We also love that this bench holds up to 18 pairs of shoes (that’s a lot of shoes!). If you have extra cubbies, use a wicker or canvas basket to keep must-have items like leashes and mittens near the door.

Pros

• Available in four colors
• Easy to assemble
• Under $200
• 5-year warranty on parts

Cons

• Cannot be used as seating

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Best Overall Towel Warmer

Anzzi Elgon Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer

We appreciate the versatility and stylish looks of this brushed nickel wall-mounted towel warmer from Anzzi. It can be plugged in or hard-wired, mounts easily to the wall and has a two- or four-hour timer. It’s just over 4 inches deep, so the warmer won’t take up much space in the bathroom.

Pros

• Has 14 bars to hold multiple towels
• Waterproof on/off switch and simple controls
• Heats up to 122 degrees

Cons

• Shallow profile may make it tougher to drape a towel behind the bars

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Best Overall Broom

O-Cedar PowerCorner Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan

O-Cedar’s PowerCorner has you covered for almost anything, and the rubber lip ensures nothing slips underneath. It comes with a step-on dustpan, which has a handle at the back you hold in place with your foot, and it snaps onto the 45-inch handle for easy storage. Speaking of broom storage, the handle has a large hole so you can hang it up in a convenient spot.

While it’s marketed for cleaning up pet hair, even people without pets will appreciate the unusual combination of two kinds of bristles: firmer ones on the outer edges for heavier debris and lighter ones in the center for dust and hair. It can even tackle kitty litter. The dustpan has deep teeth at the back to clean the V-shaped bristles, which are designed to make better contact with the floor.

Pros

• Features a double bristle design
• Dustpan snaps onto the handle
• Step-on dustpan eliminates constant bending
• Made in the USA

Cons

• The handle comes in multiple pieces

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As you might have guessed, we’re big fans of DIY projects to upgrade your home that can be done before lunch on a weekend day. Whether you’re improving the landscaping around your front step or adding a coat of a paint to the front door, these projects are the true spirit of DIY. Best of all, they’re things even a novice can tackle.

Surprise guests are a mixed bag at best. It’s nice to have company, but if only there was a little more time to ready your space for visitors. If you do find yourself in this situation, take some inspiration from the folks at Saturday Morning Builds, who recommend a few easy DIY projects that are sure to impress your guests — even the in-laws!

Here are some more easy, practical things you can do to give your house a little pop before company arrives.

One of the easiest, most cost-effective improvements you can make is giving your front door a new coat of paint. Done correctly, it adds real pop to the front of your home. There’s no way your incoming guests will miss your house. A fresh coat of paint on the front door also boosts the curb appeal if you’re looking to sell your home.

Painting a front door is an easy weekend project, and you’ll be finished before lunch. You can even paint it without removing it from the hinges, saving even more time.

These solar-powered house numbers are another cool idea that can really set your home apart from everyone else on the block. It’s another way to help guests to find your house more easily, and it’s an easy Saturday morning project, too.

Need inspiration for more outstanding weekend projects? Be sure to check out Saturday Morning Projects, streaming now on At Home with Family Handyman.

Where to Watch Saturday Morning Builds

Saturday Morning Projects is part of  At Home with Family Handyman, streaming now on XUMO, The Roku Channel, LG Channels, Plex, fuboTV and Sling Free. At Home is also available through the Family Handyman app on iOS, Apple TV, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV and Roku devices.

Smart Furniture Choices

In her 610-sq.-ft. home, @shoebox.designs knew choosing right-sized furniture was essential. This small sofa in the living room is only 62 inches wide, but deep enough so there’s no sacrifice on comfort.

The other elements in the room, including the orange armchair, dark wood accents and stunning gallery wall, prove that even a small living room can be brimming with rich, vintage style.

• Remove all the linens from your bed.
• Toss the sheets in the washer.
• Run a load of laundry while you clean your mattress.

Sheets and Pillowcases

Let’s start with the basics. You need to wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week, according to the Sleep Foundation. However, if you have pets—and especially if they sleep with you—you should wash your sheets every few days. This will help minimize allergens, which could cause sneezing or skin irritation. We also love performing a full disinfection of our sheets.

Glass Mosaic Backsplashes

This is the “top of the list” no-no for interior designer and TikTok user Phoenix Grey (@phoenixgrey). In one particular video, he rails glass mosaic backsplashes for being “too busy” aesthetically and explains that “the extra amount of grout means that they’re grimier and much harder to clean.” Yikes!

So how do you make the most of it? You can (and should!) try some DIY home storage solutions, but until you see other laundry spaces, it may be hard to visualize the hidden potential of your own. For some, all a transformation takes is some out-of-the-box thinking, paint and a few materials to bring a laundry area from drab to modern glam.

How Did This Woman Hide Her Laundry Room?

In this TikTok video, shared by DIY and interior stylist Julie Sousa (@the_avantgarde), you can see a laundry room space metamorphose from boring and inconvenient to stylish and functional.

In the clip, Sousa introduces the laundry space, which isn’t a separate room, by saying the high-traffic area “cannot look like a dedicated laundry space because it’s out in the open.” The space is in a small alcove area of the house, bracketed by two doors—one of which contains a stacked washer and dryer hidden behind it. Before the makeover, the space didn’t resemble a laundry area and was nonfunctional because there were no shelves to fold or stack laundry on.

@the_avantgarde #laundry #diyproject #homedecor #smallspace #homediy ♬ Valerie (Version Revisited) – Mark Ronson

To solve the design dilemma, Sousa created a “camouflaged laundry nook.” The TikTok creator first transforms the space by painting a third of the back wall a dark gray and adding a sheet of slat wood paneling painted the same shade for texture. Next, Sousa painted the remaining two-thirds of the wall a khaki green. Then, to make the space serviceable, Sousa attached two gray shelves to the wall and added two laundry hampers that could pass for decorative cabinets underneath the shelves.

The finished look also includes a modern black-and-white painting with an overhead light fixture, moody under-shelf lighting and some vases with a splash of greenery. When the space is used for laundry, the shelves come in handy, but when laundry isn’t in progress, the alcove looks like a beautiful, decorative passageway.

For some similar smart storage options, try these laundry room organization tips.

Tips for Creating Your Own Hidden Laundry Room

To hide your own laundry room, consider your space and design aesthetic first, then decide on your budget. If your budget is small, you may benefit from looking at these cheap laundry room updates you can DIY.

Here are some more tips for creating your own hidden laundry room:

• Hide extra shelves behind a door or use a decorative armoire or cabinet to hide your laundry items away.
• For front-loading washers and dryers on the floor, create a faux counter on top of the appliances and hang some half curtains in front of the appliances. That way, you can move the drapes to hide them when they’re not in use.
• If your appliances are in a room that isn’t a designated laundry area and are stacked on each other, try installing faux cabinet doors. Your appliances will stay hidden behind the cabinet facade whenever they aren’t in use.
• Install a collapsible ironing board in the wall, hidden behind a cabinet door.
• Opt for a decorative, sliding barn door system to conceal your small laundry space.
• Look for hampers that aren’t conspicuous in their purpose.
• Install decorative pocket doors to conceal a laundry space the size of a small closet.

Wine Storage

If you have a wet bar in the basement or one on the way, consider building wine storage into your staircase. It’s a beautiful project and frees up space in your bar  — or, depending on the size of your collection, maybe even an entire room.

Start with the casework

Build this wine rack as you would a fixed shelving unit, using 3∕4-in. plywood for the ­casework and shelves. Assemble and install only the casework; it will be much lighter to handle. Trim to match your style and apply the finish.

Make the racks

It’s easiest to attach the dividers before installing the shelves. With a 2-1/2-in.-wide piece of scrap wood to space the dividers evenly, use a brad nailer to attach them to the shelves. Install the shelves with pocket hole screws.

Trim it out

Trim the wine rack with a style that matches your space. Frame it with a wide base trim to create a bold look. For jobs such as this, I like to use chair rail for a unique look.

Home Office Space

With more people working from home, the need has increased for a space to serve as “the office.” Unfortunately, this is often the kitchen table, the couch, a spare bedroom or, worse yet, our actual bedrooms.

Let’s be done with that! Convert unused space under a staircase to a small but functional home office, complete with a work surface, filing cabinets, shelves and a task light.

Install a work surface

Design the space around an existing desk, or design a desk to fit the existing space. A work surface is easy to make with particleboard and plastic laminate. Anchor it to the studs so it will be strong enough to stand on!

Add cabinets and shelves

Add filing cabinets and shelves to outfit your new work-at-home digs. Store-bought filing cabinets with two drawers are typically 30 inches tall. Make sure they will fit under your work surface.

Consider adding electrical

Computers, printers and task lights all need power. An extension cord will do the trick, but it can be unsightly. Consider adding electrical outlets along the inside wall. You might be able to draw from an existing receptacle in an adjoining room.

Day Bed Reading Nook

This nook with a daybed is a perfect hideaway for alone time with a glass of wine and your favorite book. It can also double as a guest bed for kids’ sleepovers. It’s like adding an entirely new room without nearly as much work.

Add shelves

You know that teetering stack of books on your nightstand? You can move a few down here if you add shelves to the side wall. Build them into the stud wall and finish them with drywall for a clean look. A small nook on the back wall is perfect for a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage for more than books

Besides space for books along the front of the bed, the area underneath the mattress can also be used for blankets and pillows.

Pet Lounge

What better way to show some love for our pets than to make a space just for them! A dog just wants a bed of its own, and cats want to reinforce their superiority by sitting higher than anyone else in the room. This plan suits both!

A doghouse

Simply cut a door into the wall, or frame out an entire under-stair hideaway for your buddy. Add a dog pillow for creature comfort, plus bowls for food and water. Then your pup will have a room to call its very own.

Add a cat perch

This cat perch is easy. Make a 14-1/2-in. square box to fit between the studs, cut away the drywall and screw it in. Trim it to match the style of your room. Your feline will love running up the carpeted, L-shaped steps to its perch. Position the steps over the studs for ­maximum strength.

Simple Shelving

This easy upgrade to an under-stair space adds function and style. Recessed shelves don’t require structural changes to the wall or staircase. Trim each shelf or just paint them to blend into the drywall as shown.

Simple box construction

The recessed shelf detail is easy to make. Just assemble open-faced boxes to fit within the stud cavity using 1/2-in. plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF). Mark the stud locations and cut the openings in the drywall. Install the boxes flush to the drywall and apply trim.

Pro tip: Whether you’re painting or staining, finish the shelf boxes before installing them.

Add adjustable shelves

Increase storage and functionality with adjustable shelves. This can be done before installation or later as your needs grow.

Use a shelf pin jig to drill the shelf pin holes accurately on both sides of the box. Cut the shelves 1/4-in. narrower than the internal dimensions and finish the shelves to match the shelf box.

Meet The Expert

Jay Cork used to live under the stairs in his parents’ house, which might explain a lot.

Some of us immediately cringe when we think of bathroom carpet, but at one point, it was the hot bathroom trend. If we ignore the mold and other hygiene issues, stepping onto carpet instead of freezing bathroom tile on a cold winter morning sounds pretty appealing. Like many bathroom decor trends, we’ve seen carpeted bathrooms come and go, replaced by modern tiles that are easier to clean. But the lifecycle of almost every trend sees an eventual rebirth. Are we in the midst of a carpeted bathroom becoming popular again?

The History of Bathroom Carpet

Carpeting American homes took off post-World War II when suburban neighborhoods cropped up across the country. While homes became larger, real estate listings started including the sought-after “wall-to-wall-carpeting.” Americans were hooked on the comfortable flooring of shag carpet. Some homes even literally carpeted the walls. For a time, having a home with carpet was seen as an affluent, in-vogue choice. In 1968 Jane Fonda traveled to space in a shag-carpeted spaceship in “Barbarella.” Up through the 1980s, it seems like carpeting your home was an integral part of the deal. A New York Times article that ran in 1979 mentioned that carpet sales were increasing year-on-year, and with the price of new homes surging, they expected more families to renovate their current homes by adding in carpet. The trend of covering a home’s floor with carpet didn’t exclude carpeting the bathroom.

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A post shared by The Bathing Culture (@thebathingculture)

Plenty of homes still have carpeted rooms today, but many have moved on to favoring tiles, hardwood floors or vinyl flooring. Keeping carpet clean is often a harder task than sweeping and mopping non-fabric flooring options. It’s harder to spot a carpeted bathroom in a modern home, but recently we’ve seen some a-list celebrities stir some controversy while displaying their carpeted bathrooms. Demi Moore has carpet in her bathroom at her home in Sun Valley, Idaho. David Harbor and Lily Allen have a carpeted bathroom in their Brooklyn townhouse that doubles as a seating area.

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A post shared by Demi Moore (@demimoore)

So, Is Bathroom Carpet Making a Comeback?

You’re not alone if you think carpeting a bathroom isn’t the best choice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions using carpet in rooms that are prone to get wet like bathrooms and basements can spell trouble with mold.

Carpeting a bathroom has some appealing aspects like providing a non-slip surface when getting out of the shower. Aesthetically, some prefer the look of carpet in the bathroom, and some interior designers are reincorporating it into modern homes, but they’re doing so cautiously. Some are carpeting a portion of the bathroom and avoiding areas that are likely to get damp like near the sink.

We’re convinced carpet in the bathroom falls into the bucket of bathroom trends on the way out more so than making a comeback. But if you do decide it’s right for your bathroom, choose a carpet that’s made of synthetic fibers that are easy to clean like nylon.

Best Heavy-Duty Zippered Attic Door Insulation Cover

The Energy Wise Attic Door Insulation Cover has an insulation value of R-15.5, the highest for zippered insulators (although not by much). A popular and highly reviewed item on Amazon, this product features a reflective foil covering and a fail-safe zipper for easy access.

One Amazon reviewer praised the design, writing: “Having two zippers that meet rather than one that goes from one full side to the other is also super convenient.”

Best Overall

Jet Vortex Cone Dust Collector

The Jet Vortex Cone is quite popular, as evidenced by its stellar dust collection reviews. But what gives it an edge over the others? A two-horsepower motor, and vortex cone technology that guarantees continuous, systematic air movement. This feature allows for better chip separation, less clogging of the filter and increased packing efficiency of the collector bag.

It takes a single-stage design approach, adding the separation efficiency of a two-stage dust collection system while still keeping the operation quiet. This machine also features a fully enclosed, fan-cooled two-horsepower motor with continuous duty, meaning there’s more than enough horsepower to make sure you’re getting efficient air movement.

The Jet Vortex boasts a collection capacity of 5.3 cubic feet, and the 1,200 cfm (cubic feet per minute) stands up to its competitors. Collection bags have a sewn-in snap ring for fast and easy installation and removal. Its dual four-inch dust ports allow you to connect two machines at the same time—perfect for any workshop.

Pros

• Fan-cooled motor enables continuous usage
• Quick connect bag system
• Strong steel construction
• Four swivel casters

Cons

• Bulky
• On the heavier side

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Thankfully, there’s a method you can use to solve both of those problems. It’s called laundry bluing, and today, we’re going to share how you can get started.

What Is Laundry Bluing?

If you’re scratching your head wondering, “What is laundry bluing?” you’ll be happy to learn it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Basically, you can use a product to add a small amount of blue dye to effectively help you brighten white clothing or darken jeans that have faded. The key with laundry bluing is to be mindful of your dye concentration, as a higher concentration will darken jeans but could tarnish your white clothing.

Yep, while it might sound counterintuitive, a little bit of blue dye can make your white clothes, well—whiter. The pigment in the blue dye counteracts the yellow that happens as you wash your white clothes, which is why it’s a perfect quick fix. And if you didn’t know already, you should avoid using bleach for white laundry.

The product used, liquid bluing, is simply a colloidal suspension of very fine blue iron powder and water. And no, you don’t need to make it yourself—just buy a laundry bluing product like Mrs. Stewart’s.

How to Use Laundry Bluing

It seems simple enough, right? However, depending on which type of washing machine you have, you’ll need to follow a particular process to make laundry bluing as successful as possible. Regardless of how you add the bluing mix, be sure you skip any other laundry products (like fabric softener) aside from detergent. This is a common laundry mistake, but it will lead to staining.

In a Top Load Washer

Dilute 1/4 teaspoon of bluing with 1 quart of cold water of the bluing substance, or follow the instructions on the package. Then, begin the wash cycle and monitor the barrel until it’s halfway full of water. At that point, add the solution.

In a Front Load Washer

Dilute 1/4 teaspoon of bluing with 1-2 quarts of cold water, or as it instructs you on the bottle you’re using. Once your machine fills with water, add the mixture to the dispenser drawer.

However, if your washer’s drawers lock when your washing cycle begins, you can dilute the substance according to the bottle’s instructions and pour it into your washer’s available drawer.

These are the instructions you’d follow if you want to whiten your clothing. However, if you want to make jeans darker, you’ll use more bluing substance—up to one teaspoon for every quart of water you use. Of course, the more you use, the darker the jeans will be.

How to Remove Laundry Bluing Stains

Usually, we’d say too much of a good thing is impossible, but this isn’t the case with laundry bluing. If you got a bit too enthusiastic using this method and now need to remove laundry bluing stains, we’ve been there. Here’s the good news: removing these marks isn’t as tricky as it seems, and Mrs. Stewart’s provides an excellent tutorial that should help remove any stains. Here’s how to do it.

To start, gather your clothing into a container that you can cover. For instance, try a plastic bag with a twist tie that you then place in another bag or a bucket with a tight-fitting lid. It’s essential there are no leaks and that it’s airtight.

Then, create a solution of 1/2 cup ammonia to one quart of water. Ammonia is the only way to remove your bluing stains. For the best results, the water needs to be cold, and there needs to be enough solution to submerge your clothing entirely. In addition, your items will need to float in it.

Soak your clothes for 24 hours, and check on your clothing. If it’s gone, you’re all set, and you can now wash your clothing as normal, but use a non-bleach detergent. If it’s still visible yet fading, soak it for another 24 hours.

Because traditional down comforters are filled with the down feathers of geese or ducks, the feathers can bunch up and flatten when washed due to moisture and soap residue, and it’s not fun trying to spread them back out. Even if you have a down alternative comforter, which is typically filled with polyester or rayon, you may still experience some unwanted bunching. Luckily, if you know how to wash a down comforter properly, you shouldn’t have any problems. It’s easier than you’d think!

How to Wash a Down Comforter

Per appliance brand Whirlpool, you should wash your comforter two or three times a year if you use a duvet cover. Keeping a duvet cover or sheet over your comforter will keep it cleaner longer, and you can launder the cover more regularly. If you don’t keep a cover on your comforter, you should wash it every couple of months.

Other experts list a longer period of time between washes. For example, sleep experts at the Sleep Foundation state you may only have to wash a down comforter one to two times per year if you keep a duvet cover on it. Since down comforters are delicate, only wash yours when it needs it. If your down comforter is brand new, Whirlpool argues against using it straight out of the package due to the potential presence of “trace chemicals” or other irritants from the manufacturing process.

Washing a down comforter, also called a duvet insert, requires a few mindful steps:

1. Check the care label: Before you launder your down comforter, check its care label. If your comforter has especially delicate fabric (like silk) and the tag recommends having it laundered at a dry cleaner, then you should take it to a local cleaner. If the label has at-home care instructions, you’re good to go.
2. Repair rips: Next, look for any rips or tears that would cause its filling to come out in a wash cycle. Sew those up if you find any.
3. Treat any stains: Spot-check your comforter for any stains. You should pre-treat stains with a stain-removing solution. If you find blood stains or pet urine stains, use an enzymatic cleaner to treat those. When spraying your stains, lift the fabric of the comforter away from the fill and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
4. Load it into the washing machine: If you’re using your washing machine, check that it has enough room to handle bulky loads. If it fits well, you’re in the clear. Make sure it isn’t bunched up on itself.
5. Put your detergent in: Select a mild detergent. You may want to find a down-specific detergent. Less is more for your down comforter.
6. Fix your settings: Use your washer’s gentle or delicate cycle with warm water (not hot) and an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent residue gets rinsed out.
7. Run and wait: Once it’s washing, wait for it to finish its full cycle.

You can also wash a down jacket at home following similar steps.

How to Dry a Down Comforter

How you dry your comforter is just as important as how you wash it. Follow these steps carefully to complete your laundering cycle:

• Make sure your comforter has enough room in your dryer: You want it to dry completely to avoid mildewing. Down feathers have a specific scent when wet, so don’t be alarmed by the strong smell.
• Set your drying setting to low or delicate: Odds are, your instincts will be to use a high dryer setting, but if your dryer gets too hot, it can damage the down feathers.
• Stop your dryer every so often: Between your drying cycle, open your dryer to break up your comforter’s lumps. You may also want to add wool dryer balls, which can speed up the drying process. Take it out of the dryer and shake it every half-hour or so to help keep the clumps at bay.
• Be patient: It can take a few hours for your down comforter to completely dry. Down comforters are bulky, so a slow drying process is normal.

Things to Keep in Mind

Other things you should know to ensure your success:

• Most experts don’t recommend air-drying your down comforter due to the increased risk of mildew.
• Avoid dry cleaning—the harsh chemicals can damage your down comforter. If you need an expert cleaner, ask your local dry cleaners if they can launder the item, not dry-clean it.
• Because down comforters are at risk of mildew, you must make sure your comforter is completely dry. If mildew or mold takes hold, breathing it is dangerous, so you should take your comforter to an expert cleaner if this occurs.
• Don’t use too much detergent. It can coat the feathers and cause them to flatten and clump together.
• Don’t use any fabric softener. Fabric softener residue will cling to the comforter’s fill and, again, cause clumping and loss of insulation.
• Don’t let your dryer get too hot—check the temperature during your comforter checks to keep it from damaging the fill.

Down comforters aren’t the only items that require special care. Check out these laundry tips for hard-to-wash items. If you struggle to launder your clothes and are tired of shrinking and damaging your favorite pieces, read these laundry tips for washing your clothes, including how to fix shrunk T-shirts.

Residential heat pumps, which may replace gas and resistive heat furnaces over the next 10 years or so, have been around only since the 1990s. Heat pump water heaters are a more recent development. They account for about 1% of water heater sales in 2022, a number that will probably grow.

Heat pump clothes dryers are also new, at least to North America. Developed in Europe in the 1990s and widely used there since 2007, they were introduced to the American market in 2014. As of 2022, they claimed 2% of the market share for dryers.

Also known as ventless dryers, heat pump dryers have a number of advantages over traditional vented dryers, the lack of a vent being one of the most obvious. They do have drawbacks that could stand in the way of their popularity; we’ll get to those in a minute. But one powerful force pushes in the opposite direction — government policy.

States like California want to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for residential use, and the federal government actively promotes heat pump technology as an energy-efficient alternative. Vented dryers have been illegal in Switzerland since 2012. Similar bans could be on the horizon elsewhere, including North America.

What Is a Heat Pump Clothes Dryer?

One that dries clothes without an exhaust vent to the outside.

It features a tumbler like a conventional dryer. But instead of blowing hot air over the clothes and dispersing that air outside through a duct system, a heat pump dryer recycles the air. It warms it in the tumbler, then condenses the moisture into water via evaporative cooling. That water then drains through a tube. For this reason, it’s also known as a condensing dryer.

Besides the tumbler, the main working parts are a compressor (much like the one in an air conditioner or refrigerator) and coils, where a refrigerant cycles between liquid and gaseous states. Because they don’t need ventilation, heat pump dryers can be placed anywhere in a house or apartment. Many are stackable.

How Does a Heat Pump Dryer Work?

The refrigeration system in a heat pump dryer works like a dehumidifier. It’s driven by a compressor, which pressurizes a refrigerant in one set of coils to release heat. The pressurized refrigerant sprays through an expansion valve into another set of coils, where it turns into a gas. Because evaporation absorbs heat, the coils are always cold.

Air that enters the dryer through the intake port warms as it circulates past the condenser coils. Because it’s warm, it can absorb moisture from the tumbler. It then goes out of the tumbler and passes the evaporator coils, where it cools.

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and the excess moisture precipitates out and drips into a pan that can be emptied manually or connected to a drainage tube. The cooled air circulates back over the condenser coils and starts the cycle over again.

Benefits of a Heat Pump Dryer

Heat pumps dryers have many advantages over conventional ones:

• Less expensive to operate: Energy Star reports heat pump dryers are 28% more efficient than conventional dryers.
• Ventless: There’s no need to punch a hole in the wall for a vent. This eliminates the danger of lint buildup in the vents, which can cause fires. It also means you can put a heat pump dryer almost anywhere. That’s important in apartments where venting isn’t possible.
• Safer for clothes: A heat pump dryer operates at a lower temperature than a conventional one, so it’s easier on your clothes.
• Eco-friendly: Because they use less energy than conventional dryers, heat pump dryers are better for the environment.

Drawbacks of a Heat Pump Dryer

The list of drawbacks is slightly longer than the list of benefits:

• Smaller capacity: Although manufacturers are working to change this, heat pump dryers tend to be smaller than conventional ones. Drum capacities of four cubic feet are typical, compared to seven cubic feet for conventional dryers.
• Longer drying time: A heat pump dryer takes from 15 to 30 minutes longer to dry a load.
• Needs more maintenance: All that lint has to go somewhere. Most of it is captured by filters that need cleaning. But some collects on the condenser and evaporator coils, which also need to be cleaned periodically.
• Can get moldy: Water is constantly generated while the dryer is running. If any drips on the floor under the dryer, mold can become a problem.
• More expensive: Perhaps the biggest drawback is the price, about twice that of a conventional dryer.

Best Heat Pump Dryers

Heat pump clothes dryers, more commonly marketed as ventless dryers, are available at big box appliance outlets everywhere. Here are three of the best.

Best budget

The Energy Star certified LG Stackable Smart Dryer features 4.2 cubic feet capacity and Wi-Fi capability that lets you monitor the progress of the drying cycle from an app on your mobile device. A compact 24 inches square and 33 inches high, it easily fits in most closets. It plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and runs quietly.

Best splurge

The Miele TW180WP, also Energy Star certified, gets great reviews online. This is also a closet-sized unit with Wi-Fi capability that plugs into a 120-volt outlet. But what sets it apart is the SteamFinish feature, which blasts your clothes with steam to remove wrinkles at the end of the drying cycle. You can also purchase optional fragrance pods.

Best large capacity

The Whirlpool WHD862CHC offers the same seven-cubic-foot capacity of a conventional dryer. Although slightly larger than smaller-capacity dryers, it still fits into most closets. It’s Energy Star certified with a steam refresh cycle. It runs on 240-volt power and costs a bit more than smaller models.

You probably know about, or maybe encountered, bed bugs. But have you ever heard of bat bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny insects that suck the blood of birds and mammals. They’re one of the few species that adapted to living entirely with human beings.

Bat bugs are tiny bloodsucking insects, too. But they develop and feed in colonies of live bats, hence the name.

“For much of the second half of the 20th century, bat bugs were more common than bed bugs,” says Katelyn A. Kesheimer, Ph.D., an assistant professor and extension specialist at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. That’s because effective insecticides eradicated much of the bed bug population.

However, in the last 20 years, the world has become more of a global society. With that has come a tremendous resurgence in bed bugs.

“Since bed bugs are so closely tied with humans, we have unknowingly transported them around and around,” Kesheimer says. “This, paired with a build-up of resistance to insecticides, has made bed bugs much more common than bat bugs at the moment.”

Bat Bugs vs. Bed Bugs: What Do They Look Like?

Because bed bugs and bat bugs are “cousins,” it’s not surprising they look nearly identical, at least to the untrained eye.

Both are brownish-red and similar in size, approximately 1/4-in. long. Both have short, broad heads attached to flat, oval-shaped bodies. Because both are hairy, the only surefire way to distinguish between the two is with a microscope. If you look closely, bat bugs have longer hairs around their faces than bed bugs.

Whenever you’re dealing with a potential pest in your home, Kait Chapman, an extension educator and urban entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommends properly identifying first. “Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with also lets you know exactly how to handle the problem,” she says. “Bed bugs and bat bugs are treated very differently.”

Bat Bugs vs. Bed Bugs: Where Do They Live?

Bed bugs and bat bugs can be found on every continent except Antarctica. But bat bugs only flourish in areas with a sufficient population of bats.

Within a warm and cozy home, you’ll find bed bugs where people spend most of their time — in beds, sofas, upholstered chairs, etc. Bed bugs can also infect hotels (budget and luxury) and hospitals.

Bat bugs, on the other hand, rely heavily on their hosts. They reside in attics, behind walls, in chimneys — anywhere bats might roost. Take away the hosts, and bat bugs can’t survive or reproduce for very long.

“If the bats are removed, the bat bugs will wander looking for a blood meal,”  Kesheimer says. “But they will eventually die as they cannot survive on human blood alone.”

Bat Bugs vs. Bed Bugs: How To Get Rid of Them

Eliminating bat bugs

To get rid of bat bugs, you have to get rid of the bats in your home. If you find a large colony of bats in your attic, contact a wildlife removal expert to help.

Once the bats have been removed, you’ll need to seal up the cracks and crevices to prevent bats from reentering the home. After that, treat the area with an insecticide specially formulated to kill bat bugs.

Eliminating bed bugs

With bed bugs, Kesheimer says the process can be challenging and potentially expensive. Depending on the extent of the infestation, it can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

It often takes a thorough, methodical approach with several types of treatments — heat, chemical pesticides and/or both. That’s why it’s crucial to take immediate action.

“Many home treatments of bed bugs, including ‘bug bombs’ or other over-the-counter products, end up making the problem worse,” says Kesheimer. “This is because rather than killing the bed bugs, you are causing them to disperse through the residence and hide further in inaccessible places.”

She recommends hiring a pest control expert specializing in bed bugs, because only professionals stock some of the most effective insecticides against them. Before the pro arrives, you can save money by doing a lot of the prep work yourself,  like washing clothes and linens, moving furniture, isolating mattresses, etc.

“Make sure to look through all the crevices and folds of the area, especially upholstered areas like couches and mattresses where there are bends,” Kesheimer says. “These are great harborages for the bed bugs.”

It’s now illegal to sell certain popular laundry detergent brands in the Empire State. The ban went into effect at the end of 2022. The New York State Department of Conservation established a legal limit on how much 1,4-Dioxane, a potential carcinogen, can be present in detergent.

What Carcinogen Caused the Laundry Detergent Ban?

Simply put, 1,4-Dioxane is another thing in your home that could be making you sick. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified 1,4-Dioxane as a probable human carcinogen.

In recent years, 1,4-Dioxane has been detected in groundwater and drinking water supplies near chemical plants and waste sites. Because of manufacturing with ethoxylated ingredients, some household cleaning products also contain varying amounts of 1,4-Dioxane.

Under new state guidelines, any household cleaning or personal care products with more than two parts per million (PPM) of 1,4-Dioxane are banned. An even stricter limit of one ppm for 1,4-Dioxane in household cleaning and personal care products will take effect at the end of 2023.

What Popular Detergent Brands Contain 1,4-Dioxane?

According to a 2020 study conducted by chemical testing lab Bureau Veritas and commissioned by Ingredients Matter, 1,4-Dioxane was detected in many popular laundry detergents. Those ranged from conventional brands like Tide and All to plant-based brands like Mrs. Meyers.

Here’s the full list of brands that contained more than three PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, putting them all over New York’s legal limit:

• Arm & Hammer Clean Burst;
• Tide Original;
• Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear;
• Gain Original + Aroma Boost.

Many people find their hair is drier when showering with unfiltered or hard water, and dry hair can be more prone to fizziness and dandruff. A water filter can also be used to treat dry skin. If you have eczema or psoriasis, you might find that a shower filter is just what you need to help relieve dryness.

With more than 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the AquaHome in-line shower head filter is designed to remove harsh chemicals and heavy metals from your tap water. Plus, the filter can be installed in seconds on almost any showerhead without tools.

We tested the popular AquaHome shower head filter to see if it lives up to the hype—scroll on to find out how we tested the AquaHome filter and what we discovered after thoroughly using the product.

What Is the AquaHome Shower Head Filter?

The AquaHome shower head filter helps remove chloramine, fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, sediment and pesticides from tap water. It comes in a 15- and 20-stage filter design, which cleans your water and reduces dry skin, hair and nails.

Additionally, the AquaHome connects to virtually any showerhead type, including fixed, rain, handheld and smart showerheads. The installation process is quick and doesn’t require any tools (unless your showerhead is screwed on so tightly that a wrench is needed to unscrew it). Before installing the shower filter, you’ll want to wrap Teflon tape around the thread of the shower arm and shower filter. The filter fits between the shower arm and the shower head.

Why is the AquaHome Shower Head Filter Trending?

The AquaHome is super popular among TikTokers like @haulswithhales because it’s said to help with hair loss, rosacea and keratosis pilaris (those little bumps on the skin sometimes called “chicken skin”). More than anything, users note noticeable improvements in their hair health.

@haulswithhales If you were to only buy one thing I recommend from Amazon, let it be this!!! #amazonfinds #waterfilter #showerfilter #bestamazonproducts #amazonbathroomfinds #lifechangingproducts ♬ original sound – Haley | Best Amazon Finds

In addition to adding shine to your hair, a water filter like the AquaHome can relieve itchiness, dandruff and eczema. It can also prevent the growth of fungi, bacteria and mold in your shower area, which can harm your health. Because the AquaHome is affordable and easy to install, people are snatching it up left and right to try it out for themselves.

How We Tested It

We tested the AquaHome shower head filter to see if the claims about improved hair and skin texture are valid.

The installation process was as easy as removing the handheld showerhead, twisting the filter onto the shower arm and reattaching the showerhead. You’ll want to use Teflon tape and tightly attach the filter and showerhead to prevent leaks.

I showered with the AquaHome for about two weeks and noticed a few key differences in my shower experience. Firstly, my shower water smelled and tasted better. (I wasn’t filling up glasses of water from my showerhead, but water inevitably gets into my eyes and mouth during a shower.)

And just like filtered tap water from the kitchen sink, the filtered water from my shower was tangibly cleaner. Beyond a difference in my water’s taste and smell, I also noticed less soap scum buildup on my shower floor and walls (a sign of hard water from calcium reacting with soap to form a residue).

Now, for the part you’ve probably been scrolling for, did I notice improvements in my hair and skin? Yes and no. My hair seemed softer and bouncier after using the AquaHome filter, but the jury’s still out on skin improvements.

For reference, I have straight, coarse hair prone to frizz, which often looks weighed down. Showering with a filter reduced frizz and made my hair feel lighter. I don’t color my hair, so I can’t speak to how it affects color-treated hair, but multiple users noted that the filter helps their hair color stay bright longer.

I also have extremely sensitive skin and keratosis pilaris. Eczema and psoriasis are other skin issues I deal with on and off. While I rarely emerge from a hot shower without looking like a tomato, the AquaHome reduced some of the redness and itchiness I experience post-shower. It also seemed to soften spots on my skin where I don’t always apply lotion, like the back of my shoulders.

I tested the AquaHome shower head filter during extreme winter weather, so I was more proactive about applying lotion after each shower. However, my skin didn’t seem to dry out as much in between showers when using the filter.

The most significant difference I noticed while using the shower filter was in my hair. Perhaps with long-term use, I would see more differences in skin texture and softness. Still, I didn’t notice anything incredibly noteworthy about how the filtered water affected my skin.

AquaHome Shower Head Filter Product Features

The AquaHome is a lightweight shower filter available in five colors to match your existing showerhead. It comes with two filter cartridges that will last six months each, Teflon tape and rubber o-rings so that you have everything you need for installation.

Install the AquaHome filter in either the bathroom or kitchen to clean water wherever you need it most. Worried about the filter affecting the water pressure? Don’t sweat it–the filter won’t reduce existing water pressure, so you don’t have to worry about it changing the shower experience you love.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to install
• Available in 5 finishes
• Compatible with most shower arms and showerheads
• Comes with everything needed for instillation
• Includes extra shower filter cartridge

 Cons

• Can’t return if opened or used

FAQ

Do shower filters actually work?

In short, yes, shower filters do work. One of the main reasons for using a shower filter is to remove chlorine, which can negatively affect skin, hair, throats and lungs. While some experts say that shower filters don’t treat all of the water quality issues they claim to, most do well at managing chlorine-related issues, which can specifically affect the hair and skin.

What type of shower filter is the best?

The best shower filter will remove as many impurities as possible that can lead to dry skin and hair concerns. Shower filters that are easy to install, cost-efficient and don’t cause any leaks are ideal. Some filters will infuse vitamins for better hair care—the AquaHome infuses water with vitamin C.

The most effective shower filters use a KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) process to filter the chlorine and other impurities out of water. The AquaHome uses a KFD-55 system, the most common among KFD filters.

Is a shower filter good for hair?

Shower filters are vital in removing excess chlorine from your water, which affects hair. Your hair (and skin) will be dry and damaged if too much chlorine absorbs into the follicles.

How long do shower filters last?

Shower filters typically last for six months, depending on your chosen filter. The AquaHome filter should last the prescribed time of six months. Although some filters can last longer, we recommend regular replacement to ensure effectiveness (like you’d see for a fridge filter).

What Other Shoppers Had to Say

So what’s the best and easiest way to clean and keep it that way? I teamed up with my longtime friend, Becky Rapinchuk, the natural-cleaning expert behind the Clean Mama website, to answer those questions.

How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen?

That depends on how frequently you use it. We recommend following the Kitchen Cleanup Checklist below every time you cook. Then do the Weekly Cleaning Tasks and Deep Cleaning Tasks as needed.

Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

Start by gathering the following supplies:

• Cleaning sprays. Purchase products appropriate for stainless steel and glass surfaces. For stone countertops, follow your manufacturer’s guidelines or try Rapinchuk’s DIY countertop spray, good for stone counters and stove tops.
• A scrubbing agent like soft scrubbing cleanser, baking soda or Clean Mama’s Sink Scrub. A microfiber cleaning cloth with a scrubbing side removes hardened drips and spills without scratching surfaces.
• Dish soap and/or Castile soap.
• Vacuum cleaner and/or mini-vacuum.
• Microfiber mop with telescoping handle to dust and wash floors and walls.
• Bucket.
• Telescoping microfiber duster with attachments for cobwebs and ceiling fans.
• Dish cloths, dish towels and/or microfiber cleaning cloths.
• Pan scraper.
• Lemon juice (fresh or bottled).
• Baking soda.
• White vinegar.
• Large brushes for dishes and the garbage disposal, and detail brushes for appliances, grout and stove tops.

Kitchen Cleanup Checklist

Use the checklist below to tidy up every time you use your kitchen. The steps will vary depending on the complexity of what you’re cooking or baking.

• Clear the eating area if it’s part of the kitchen.
• Put away cooking ingredients and store leftovers.
• Load the dishwasher. If it has a rinse cycle or it’s ready to run, scrape off excess food before loading. Or rinse with a dish brush and water.
• Hand wash dishes, pots, pans and other items if you lack a dishwasher, or if you’ve got non-stick pans that aren’t dishwasher safe.
• Clean the table and countertops. Use a cloth dampened with water or an appropriate spray to wipe surfaces, catching crumbs in your hand.
• Wipe up spills on the stove, microwave and refrigerator with the appropriate cleaners and/or cleaning cloths. If needed, remove the microwave tray and give it a quick wash with soapy water and your dish brush.
• Sweep or vacuum crumbs off the floor and wipe up any spills.
• Drain the sink and give it a final rinse.
• Clean the faucet, handles and sink with a cleaning spray and dry cloth.
• Once dishes are clean and dry, put them away so you have a clean slate next time you’re ready to cook.

Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

Each week as part of your regular cleaning routine, check the following areas and do the needed tasks. If you’ve been following the Kitchen Cleanup Checklist regularly, you might check off some items without lifting a finger. (Nice work!)

Dust

Dust light futures, the top of the refrigerator, ceiling fan blades, open shelving, window sills, blinds and any other surfaces with an appropriate microfiber duster. Also be sure to do a quick check for cobwebs.

Cabinets

Check doors and hardware. Wipe away any spots with a microfiber cloth barely dampened with dish soap and water.

Counters and backsplash

Move appliances and other countertop items out of the way, working in sections. Spray the countertop and backsplash and wipe dry with a cloth. Clean countertop items like appliances and canisters with an appropriate spray and cloth.

Microwave

Fill a microwave-safe dish with about a cup of water and a little lemon juice. Turn on the microwave for a minute or two until it fills with steam and loosens any baked-on food. Wipe it down inside and out with the appropriate spray and a microfiber cloth.

Stove and range hood

For a gas stove, put burners and grates in the dishwasher and clean the top of your stove. Use a scrubbing microfiber cloth to remove hardened bits of food for gas and electric stove tops. Clean the range hood and filter.

Refrigerator

Do a quick inventory. Remove any food past its prime and wipe up any spills with a damp cloth. Finish by giving the outside a quick wipe with your refrigerator spray.

Dishwasher

Wipe down the front, the sides of the door and the handle.

Clean the floor

Start by vacuuming the floor and baseboards to remove crumbs, pet hair and dust. When done, run your microfiber mop head under tap water and wring out the excess. Attach the mop head to the handle and clean the floor. Use a pan scraper to remove food or dirt that doesn’t come up easily.

Clean the sink

Scrub your sink with your cleanser and a cleaning cloth. Clean the faucet, handles and sink with a multipurpose or disinfecting spray and a dry cloth.

Kitchen Deep Cleaning Tasks

These can be done as needed.

• Dust all surfaces.
• Wash walls, baseboards and doors with warm water, Castile soap and a microfiber cloth.
• Wash light fixtures and/or ceiling fan blades with dish soap, water and a microfiber cloth.
• Wash window treatments following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Declutter kitchen cabinets and drawers and organize the pantry.
• Wash cabinets and drawers with Castile soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth.
• Clean your sink sprayer by soaking it in white vinegar.
• Deep clean the garbage disposal with 1/4-cup baking soda, 1/4-cup lemon juice and a garbage disposal brush.
• Organize and clean your refrigerator and freezer. Be sure to clean the coils and underneath with your vacuum cleaner or microfiber duster.
• Deep clean the dishwasher by running a quick cycle with a cup of vinegar.
• Deep clean inside, outside and underneath the oven and stove.
• Seal granite countertops and grout as needed, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Create a Schedule for Cleaning

Nobody wants to spend their time cleaning, but if you can carve out a routine for yourself, it will help save time in the long run as you’re already on top of cleaning.  Set it up a regular checklist based on how often things need to be cleaned. For example, take time to vacuum twice a week, especially if you have pets. When it comes time for an annual top-to-bottom housecleaning, create a schedule that spreads out the cleaning over a week, rather than turning it into two, 16-hour days.