How to clean everyday household surfaces
Clean everyday hard surfaces with a material-appropriate routine. Learn how cleaning differs from disinfecting and what to check on the label.
The how-to collection
Home & cleaning
Small jobs that make your space work better.
19 step-by-step guides
How to organize a drawer so it stays useful
Organize a messy drawer with supplies you already have. Sort its contents, create useful groups, and set up an easy daily reset.
How do I clean a microwave safely?
Remove everyday food splashes from a cool microwave using a soft cloth and mild dish soap, then rinse and dry.
How to read laundry symbols on clothing labels
Understand the main washing, drying, bleach, and ironing symbols on clothing labels before choosing a laundry cycle.
How to remove coffee stains from washable clothes
Treat a coffee spill on washable clothing, choose a fabric-safe laundry product, and check the stain before putting the garment in a dryer.
How to clean a washing machine without mixing cleaners
Clean a washer using its approved maintenance cycle, wipe accessible residue, and check dispensers and door seals with the machine’s manual.
How to clean a dishwasher and its accessible filter
Clear accessible debris, check the filter instructions, and run an approved dishwasher-cleaning cycle without combining products.
How to fold a fitted sheet into a tidy rectangle
Tuck the corners of a fitted sheet together, flatten the elastic edges, and fold a compact rectangle that fits your linen shelf.
How to change a light bulb in a table lamp
Replace an ordinary screw-in light bulb safely, match its base and wattage, and know when a damaged socket needs repair.
How to patch small holes in drywall
Fill nail holes and shallow dents with spackle, smooth the repair, and prepare it for paint without making the patch stand out.
How to remove a spring-loaded window screen
Remove a side-spring window screen without pulling the mesh, bending the frame, or confusing it with the glass sash.
How to tilt a window sash for cleaning
Identify tilt latches, support a lower window sash, clean it indoors, and understand why complete sash removal needs the exact model procedure.
How to use a multimeter: test an AA battery
Learn COM and V sockets, select DC volts, and take a simple AA battery reading without using the current input or household wiring.
How to replace a single-pole light switch
Understand a basic single-pole switch replacement, verify power is off, identify when to stop, and use the exact switch manufacturer’s wiring instructions.
How to hang a picture: studs, wall anchors, and a level frame
Hang a framed picture with the right wall anchors or stud fixing. Follow the stud-finder demonstration, measure the hanger position, and level the frame.
How to change a smoke alarm battery
Change a replaceable smoke detector battery, match the correct battery type and polarity, close the compartment, and test the alarm afterward.
How to lubricate a garage door
Lubricate accessible garage-door hinges and serviceable roller bearings, keep tracks clean, and recognize parts that need professional service.
How to shut off the water main inside your home
Find your indoor main water shutoff, recognize lever and wheel valves, check that the supply is off, and reopen the supply slowly after a repair.
How to replace a kitchen faucet
Change a sink-mounted kitchen faucet with a clear removal and installation sequence, including shutoff checks, mounting hardware, supply connections and leak testing.