Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 151)

Couple decorating potted living Christmas tree.
Design

The Most Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree of All? A Living One

Love the look of a natural Christmas tree, but hate the idea of cutting it down? Learn how to pick out a live tree that you can plant after the holidays.

A natural gas meter on the exterior of a home with grey siding.
DIY

How to Turn Off the Gas to Your House

Don’t be left searching the deepest recesses of your home during a gas emergency. Now’s the time to know where your main gas line is and how to shut it off—and how to shut off individual appliances.

A young couple putting recyclables into a home recycling bin.
Interior

I Started Recycling in 2023—Here’s Why It’s Not What I Expected

As with many well-intentioned things, complicated rules and common misconceptions can put a damper on household recycling.

The best central-vacuum system (the canister and long hose with cleaning head) mounted on a white wall.
Reviews

The Best Central Vacuum System for a Whole-House Clean

A central-vacuum system makes it easier to vacuum the entire house without lugging around extra equipment.

standard door size
Interior

Standard Door Size 101: Important Measurements All Homeowners Should Know

Which types of doors are easiest to install, and easiest on the wallet? When should you order custom, rather than buying off the shelf? Here's what to know before your next DIY door project.

Hands of interior designer and client discussing 3D renderings of rooms design
Design

12 Fresh Ways to Redecorate Responsibly

Create a chic and modern home by redecorating with sustainable and budget-friendly tips that are kind to the planet and your finances.

A group of the best stick vacuums together on a wood floor against a wall.
Reviews

The 9 Best Stick Vacuums You Can Get, Tested

Depending on the type of flooring, a stick vacuum may be the ideal tidy-up tool. Here’s the scoop on its attributes and features, plus our hand-tested picks to help shoppers find the perfect stick.

Woman pruning hydrangea
Lawn & Garden

How to Prune Hydrangeas in 3 Simple Steps

Is the size of your snowball bush snowballing out of control? We can give you tips on how to cut it back without eliminating its blooms.

dad and son use mosquito spray.Spraying insect repellent on skin outdoor.
DIY

How to Make Homemade Mosquito Repellent: 6 Easy, Effective Recipes

Reluctant to expose yourself and your family to chemicals found in commercial bug sprays? Mix up an effective but nontoxic homemade alternative.

AC Unit Fan Not Spinning
Interior

Solved! Why Is My AC Unit Fan Not Spinning?

Keeping cool when it’s hot outside requires a properly working AC unit. If your AC unit fan isn’t spinning, here are some ways to troubleshoot this common issue.

Potted plant with yellow and red flowers.
Lawn & Garden

Beyond Poinsettias: 23 Houseplants That Bloom in Winter

It may be getting cold outside, but wintertime is showtime for some houseplants. These indoor winter plants are sure to invigorate your interior—and your soul—with beautiful blooms while you hibernate until spring.

Gray Squirrel finds a nut and digs it up
Lawn & Garden

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Garden Beds and Potted Plants

If you consider squirrels more pesky than playful, there are a number of ways to invite them to leave your garden without harming anyone.

how to get rid of japanese beetles
Lawn & Garden

9 Ways to Rid Your Garden of Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles can wreak havoc on your garden, particularly roses, trees, and berry bushes. Here's how to get rid of the insects without resorting to chemical insecticides.

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies Options
Reviews

The Best Carpet Cleaning Companies, Vetted

Are your carpets dirty and need to be refreshed? The best carpet cleaning companies remove dirt, allergens, and stains while sanitizing and deodorizing.

A group of the best sharpening stone options laid out together on a dark surface.
Reviews

Testing the Best Sharpening Stones for Knives and Tools

Bring a fine edge to that set of dull blades with one of these top sharpening stones.

The package of the North Spore Mushroom Kit on a kitchen counter.
Reviews

We Tested the North Spore Mushroom Kit To See if We Could Grow Mushrooms At Home

I tested this mushroom growing kit to see if its ease of use and cost make it worth the purchase.

A person cutting the root ball of a plant using the Truly Gardnen hori hori knife.
Reviews

One Tool to Do It All: Truly Garden Hori Hori Knife Review

This knife is the digging tool of choice for gardeners who value versatility.

The Bisseell SpinWave floor scrubber on a wood floor with included scrubbing pads and cleaning solution.
Reviews

Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested

The Bissell SpinWave promises to clean hard floors without hands-and-knees scrubbing, so we put it to the test. Here’s what we loved—and what could be better.

The Chilipad Sleep System and remote sitting on a carpeted floor next to a bed.
Reviews

Reviewing the Chilipad Sleep System: Great When Hot, Otherwise Not?

The Chilipad Cube uses temperature-controlled water to help you chill or heat your way to better sleep. But how well does it work?

A person removing the battery from the Ego Power+ 650.
Reviews

Tested: Is the Ego 765 Leaf Blower Really the World’s Most Powerful?

When it comes to battery blower performance, this is one of the toughest competitors.