How to Clean a Toaster Oven: Tips and Tricks
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Add vinegar to dish soap for extra degreasing: Need a meaner substance? You don’t want to use it all the time, but vinegar does help degrease a pan or an oven when simple elbow grease won’t do. And while it’s a little harsher than basic dish soap, it won’t do a lot […]
How to Clean Everything On Your Bed (2025)
If you use a duvet cover over your comforter instead of a top sheet, Holliday-Bell says washing it every two to four weeks along with your comforter is typically sufficient, depending on your personal preference and usage. I know it’s tempting to leave your duvet cover in place for months at a time since they’re […]
How to Shop for a Smart Lock (2024)
You might already have a smart home hub if you have certain smart speakers like an Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ($100) or smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) ($150). If you’re an Apple HomeKit user, you might have a HomePod or Apple TV to act as your home’s hub, but HomeKit […]
How to Fold (and Store!) Your Sheets
You need to fold the fitted sheet carefully to create nice clean lines. I like taking a few seconds to create pointed corners out of my fitted sheet before I start folding; you can use the corner seams to find the corner, and flatten it out for a sharper corner than you’d usually get when […]
I’m a New Homeowner, and Here’s How to BYO Smart Home
I was surprised how many smart home products were included. My builder gave us the option to install even more devices during the building process, which would’ve cost almost $2,000 for a handful of door sensors, two motion sensors, a siren, and two control panels. We opted out. I figured I could easily rig those […]
How to Deter Thieves and Improve Your Smart Home Security
Some of our favorite security cameras also come equipped with floodlights. The Arlo Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera ($215) goes up to 3,000 lumens, enough to illuminate a driveway or garden, and doesn’t require electrical wiring, making it easy to install. The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro ($150) is a more affordable option that also offers 3,000 […]