The cushions are sagging, the fabric is stained, and youre sure its even starting to smell funky. If youre anything like me,your sofa is one of the essential pieces of furniture in your home. Its where you spend countless hours lounging, entertaining, and simply enjoying life. So when it comes time to choose a new one, its not a decision to be taken lightly. But fear not, my sofa-loving friend!...

(Hint: They should have these three key characteristics.) If not, it’s time to go shopping and ensure your new ones do. Test Kitchen Tip:Even if you have nonstick cookie sheets, lining them withparchment paperis a good idea. Credit: Scott Little It makes cookie removal and cleanup much easier. Here are a few features to steer clear of when you’re looking for the best cookie sheets: Because this pan has four raised sides, it’s considered a baking sheet or jelly roll pan, not a cookie sheet....

Nothing tops that rich, homemade flavor. Plus, they’re fully customizable when you make your own (Love rosemary? Go ahead and add some. Credit: Mike Dieter Skip ‘em!). Here’s how to clarify stocks and broths at home. You’ll need a colander or sieve, cheesecloth, and egg whites. Be sure to use 100% cotton cheesecloth when clarifying stock. Step 1: Strain Stock Strain your stock or broth. Step 2: Make Egg White Mixture Make an egg white-water mixture....

Keep your crossbody bag looking brand new with these effective cleaning tips. Emily VanSchmus Back in the day, you might have called them fanny packs. Lately, however, theyve been marketed as belt bags. Credit:Emily VanSchmus How to Clean a Belt Bag Before you begin, determine how dirty the bag actually is. If there’s only a small mark or two, you likely can get away with a quick spot-clean. A damp cloth and a dab of laundry detergent should do the trick for minor stains and smudges....

There’s no question that your bird bath needs the occasional scrubbinghere’s how to do it properly. If the basin is still dirty after wiping, it will need to be cleaned. “Avoid any other cleansers,” Rowden says. Credit: Bob Stefko “They aren’t necessary and can harm birds and their plumage.” Mix the water and vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket for easy system to the bath. Rinse the basin thoroughly with clean water after scrubbing with the vinegar solution....

Remove the filter and set it aside. A toothbrush can be useful for scrubbing tight corners, particularly in the reservoir. Do not put Brita pitcher parts in the dishwasher. Credit:Getty Images / vladans Rinse Rinse all the parts with hot water. Dry and Reassemble Dry all the parts with a clean kitchen towel. Reinsert the filter, replacing it with a new one if needed, and reassemble the pitcher. Step 1: Create Solution....

Eliminate stuck-on residue from scorched cookware with these methods for cleaning burnt pots and pans. Using too much heat or stepping away too long can quickly scorch whatever you’re whipping up. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda should be enough to clear away most stuck-on residue. Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena Step 2: Let Sit.Let the pan sit overnight. Step 3: Scrub and Rinse.Gently scrub the pan with a non-scratch sponge....

Heres how to keep your car’s interior from becoming a disaster zone. For such a small space, a car’s interior can quickly turn into a big mess. What is Short-Burst Cleaning? Credit: Peter_Horvath / Getty Images With short-burst cleaning, you make the most of those tiny pockets of time throughout your day. There are alsoroutinesthat qualify as short-burst cleaning: discrete tasks that can be codified into quick, step-by-step practices. These types of routines can help to alleviate stress....

Copper is afascinating metalthat has a reputation for being temperamental. However, that reputation is a bit unfair. It’s simply the nature of copper. Credit: Werner Straube The good news is that cleaning a copper sink is as easy as washing a dish. Copper sinks should be cleaned daily with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. To prevent spotting brought on by minerals in the water supply, dry the sink after every use....

A clean feeder ensures the hummingbirds in your garden stay happy and healthy. “Flush the container with hot water after emptying it to remove the spoiled leftovers.” Take Apart the Feeder Collins says it’s easier to cleanse the contraption once it’s dissembled. Credit: jhorrocks/Getty Images Plus, your feeder will get a much more thorough cleaning this way. Clean the Feeder Soak your feeder parts to help loosen the residue. Then, rinse the feeder well with cold water....

Use this four-step routine to achieve a sparkly, spot-free reflection every time. If you’re struggling toclean your mirrorswithout leaving streaks and dust behind, you’re not alone. Use these four easy steps to simplify your mirror-cleaning routine for a sparkling surface, every time. Credit:Emily Followill Do you see dust, oil-based soils, fingerprints, makeup, or a combination? To remove dust,use a duster or microfiber towel. A simple mixture of hot water and dish detergent should do the trick....

Your fur baby is the best, but that smell coming from its bed is not. A removable cover makes cleaning your pet bed a breeze. Simply unzip the cover and pop it into the washing machine with unscented laundry detergent. Credit:Cavan Images/Getty Images While the cover is in the washer, remember to vacuum the pet bed pillow insert. This includeslaundry detergent, as well as stain removers andodor eliminating powders or sprays....

We hate to break it to you, but you’re likely not cleaning your yoga mat enough. Just be sure you don’t drench your yoga mat in the process. Fill the bottle up the rest of the way with water. Credit: jacoblund / Getty Images Let Mat Dry Allow the mat to dry completely before storing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions for best results. Ensure the entire surface has been steamed....