Hint: Its more often than you might think! Curtains and drapes can be major dust traps; here’s how to clean them. But how often do you actually need to wash them? Credit:Nicholas Johnson The experts at theAmerican Cleaning Instituteshare their top tips. Do You Actually Need to Wash Curtains? Curtains are not just for aesthetics and privacythey also filter dust particles and smells out of the air. Credit: Brie Williams...

Set a routine gutter cleaning schedule to avoid damage to your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. Getty Images / Willowpix Gutter cleaning might not seem that important at first glance. Luckily, it isn’t a difficult job. Credit:Getty Images / Willowpix Use this guide to find out how often you shouldclean your gutters. Why Is It Important to Clean Your Gutters? How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? Before setting a cleaning schedule, check the condition of the gutters....

They dont show dirt, but ice cube trays should be cleaned occasionally. Heres how to clean them and how often. Its easy to let ice cube trays sit in your freezer for monthsor even years. Credit:Brie Goldman However, if youre using them for more than just water (maple syrup ice cubes, anyone? ), you should scrub them down after every use to keep theice cubes extra clean. Its a good idea to wash your plastic or rubber ice cube trays regularly, Mock says....

Getty Images / Kinga Krzeminska Windows are a key component of most homes. However, windows must be regularly maintained to ensure they remain in good condition. How Often Should You Clean Your Windows? Credit:Getty Images / Kinga Krzeminska Its a good idea to deep clean the windows aboutonce every six months. Additionally, a light cleaning about once a month helps remove smudges, fingerprints, and streaks. Insect Activity Having insects near your home isnt ideal....

Keep your lawn mower blades sharp for optimal lawn care. This will ensure that the blades are sharp enough to cut the grass instead of ripping or tearing it. double-check to take these factors into consideration to better determine how frequently your mower blades should be sharpened. Credit:Getty Images / ollinka Mowing frequency:How often you use the mower is one of the top factors to consider. It’s important to avoid items like curbs, rocks, garden edging stones, or tree roots....

You might be surprised to learn that some experts recommend washing your kitchen towels every day. But do you actuallyneedto wash them that often? Think about it: When was the last time you actually washed your kitchen towels? Credit:Left: John Bessler; Right: ANTHONY MASTERSON PHOTOGRAPHY, INC. | Design: Better Homes & Gardens Have you ever used the same towel for a week or longer? Well, it depends on a few things, including what youre using them for....

You probably know it’s crucial that you wash your bath mat, but how often can be confusing. We’re here to clear things up. But how often are you supposed to be washing these bathroom staples? Credit:Getty Images / Aitor Diago If you have a machine-washable bath mat,wash it alongside your towelsaccording to your laundry schedule. Extrapolating from this, the number of uses between washings is approximately 14 to 28. Those people may want to use cues to alert them that it is time to wash their bath mats....

Learn which items should be cleaned after each use, and which can be cleaned weekly or monthly. If that sounds like a huge hassle, it’s actually much simpler and faster than you may think. If you just finished a hot yoga class, your mat probably needs a good clean. Credit:Olha Danylenko / Getty Images Treadmill How often to clean it:Vacuum around and clean it weekly. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild disinfectant cleaner to wipe down your treadmill after every use....

Knowing how to water a money tree is key to keeping it looking good. Both of these watering techniques are easy; the method you choose to use is totally up to you. Overhead Watering Money trees can be watered from the top down using a small watering can. Credit:t sableaux / Getty Images It also keeps the plants leaves dry, which reduces the spread of certain plant diseases. Unfortunately, the symptoms of overwatering and underwatering look quite similar....

Find out how and when to water strawberry plants so they thrive in pots or garden beds. To help you keep track of when to water strawberries, keep these tips in mind. This is important as strawberries are highly susceptible to powdery mildew if their leaves stay wet. Credit:Michael Hanson These plants can quickly develop root rot in soggy soil. Here are a few more ways to ensure your strawberry plants produce bigger and better-tasting harvests....

The iconic color duo has become a holiday staple. Jay Wilde There’s no color pairing more synonymous with Halloween than orange and black. It’s actually rooted in seasonal symbolism that dates back to an ancient Celtic ritual. Credit:Jay Wilde While the traditions have (thankfully!) Taking note of this holiday trend, the company started publishing what was calledDennison’s Bogie Bookin 1909. As technology evolved following World War II,Halloween decorationsbecame more elaborate and went beyond handmade paper decor....

Learn how stringing popcorn has become a Christmas tradition. Why Do People String Popcorn? Crafting garlands wasn’t the only way early Americans used popcorn during the holidays. Credit:Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images In the 19th and 20th Centuries, popcorn balls were a popular Christmas decoration and gift idea. Families would use the marshmallowy treats to decorate their mantles, doorways, and Christmas trees. Keep reading to learn how to make your own popcorn garland at home....

Masterclass It is said thatbreakfastis the most important meal of the daybut it can also be the most repetitive. In this series, I am diving into breakfast, El-Waylly said in her class. Id argue its the most versatile meal of them all, and were exploring many different ways to indulge. Credit:Masterclass She explains simple pleasures, like a good tortilla with butter and salt, too. It makes a delicious breakfastor lunch or dinner....