If you’ve started looking for a brand-new stainless steel pan set, don’t toss out your current ones just yet. There are many ways to give your pans a glow up. Whether your pans have become burnt and rusted, we’ve gathered some ways to revive your dull, lifeless-looking cooking pals.

Read on for everything you need to know from cleaning methods and maintenance tips, to eco-friendly ways and products to bring your pans back to life. 

Related: How to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)

How Do You Clean Stainless Steel Pans? 

Even professional grade stainless pans need a little love if they’ve been overused. Fortunately, there are foolproof ways of cleaning your pans. Here are a few tips to follow: 

Use a Mild Detergent 

Mild detergent like dish soap and warm water is a simple yet reliable cleaning method. It helps keep your stainless steel pans clean from grease, dirt and grime without damaging the surface. 

Use Specialized Stainless Steel Cleaners 

If your burnt pans are a bit more stubborn, try your hand at specialized stainless steel cleaning products that target tough rust and grime. These are available in sprays, powders, mixtures, wipes and creams. These products not only remove rust and grime but also stains, fingerprints and smudges. Just be sure to wear protective dishwashing gloves or non-latex gloves to prevent skin contact. 

Related: The Best Way to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain 

Natural Remedies

If specialized cleaning products are not your cup of tea, baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that are milder and more eco-friendly. 

The Baking Soda Method

1. Warm up your pan and pour a quarter cup of baking soda for small pans, or half a cup of baking soda for larger pans. Add one to two cups of hot water to the pan. Let it simmer until the water is reduced but not completely evaporated and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, creating a paste. 
2. Next, gently scrape the bottom with a soft brush, sponge or silicone scraper. 
3. Rinse the pan with warm water and soap and dry thoroughly.

The Vinegar Method

1. Heat your pan and add equal parts of white vinegar and hot water together. Make sure the vinegar and the water solution cover the burnt area of your pans. 
2. Let the vinegar and water boil until you notice the burnt sections start softening. Gently start scraping the pan until the burnt-on food is lifted. 
3. Empty your pan and wash it with hot, soapy water. You can wipe the pan with grain before drying completely. (PS: always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks and to maintain finish) Vinegar is also an excellent option for removing stains and fingerprints, so your pans look good as new!

Related: How to Deep Clean a Dishwasher

How Do You Maintain Your Stainless Steel Pans? 

Regular Cleaning 

Regular cleaning using a mild dish soap or mild mixture helps prevent dirt, grime and residue from damaging the pan’s surface. The more regularly the cleaning, the longer your stainless steel pans will maintain their shine and life. 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals 

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia and other strong acids. These can damage the protective layer on top of your pans. Heavy industrial cleaners can wear away and damage your burnt pans even more.  

Thoroughly Dry Your Pans

After cleaning your stainless steel pans, make sure to dry them thoroughly and completely to prevent water spots and possible corrosion. 

Apply a Stainless Steel Protector to Your Pans

To maintain their shine and prevent rust, apply a protective coating of stainless steel protector or food-grade silicone spray to create a barrier against corrosive elements. This will help maintain the integrity of the stainless steel surfaces.

Related: Everyone’s Talking About Decluttering: I Tried the Viral Cleaning Routine for a Week

What Other Eco-Friendly Products to Use? 

There are many kinds of eco-friendly products you can get your hands on that will work just as well as detergents and mixtures. Here are some great options that deliver results and are much healthier: 

Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Aside from vinegar and baking soda, olive oil and lemon juice can also be great natural, non-toxic methods. Mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. Dab the mixture on the burnt areas of the pan and gently scrub the areas using a non-abrasive sponge, brush or microfiber cloth. The lemon will also give your pans a nice fresh scent. 

Reusable Cloths

Reusable cleaning cloths help reduce waste and are much more eco-friendly than regular paper towels. Instead of using paper towels to wipe or dry off your pans, opt for reusable cloths to help with restoring shine.

Struggling with limited bathroom space or feeling overwhelmed by clutter? We’ve got plenty of smart storage solutions to help you maximize your bathroom — whether it’s big or small. The best part? Many of these ideas require no installation and are ready to use right away!

Related: Everyone’s Talking About Decluttering: I Tried the Viral Cleaning Routine for a Week

Under-the-Sink Solutions

The space under your sink is prime real estate for storage, yet it’s often underutilized. A two-tier storage system with sliding drawers is a game-changer — it maximizes vertical space while keeping everything neatly organized across two levels. Plus, the sliding drawers make it easy to access items without disrupting the rest of your setup.

Stackable Acrylic Drawers

Clear, stackable acrylic drawers are a sleek and space-saving way to store your essentials. Since they’re transparent, you can easily see what’s inside at a glance. These drawers are perfect for organizing makeup, dental products, razor refills, loose cords, chargers and other small accessories while keeping them dust free.

Assorted Bins and Baskets

Bins and baskets in various sizes help keep small items like Q-tips, medications, creams and ointments neatly contained and easy to access. Opt for labeled or color-coded containers to create an even more organized look.

Hooks for Extra Hanging Space

Hooks are a simple yet effective way to keep towels and bathrobes within easy reach. If you prefer a non-permanent option, adhesive hooks are a great alternative. In the shower, suction hooks provide a hassle-free solution for hanging loofahs and shower brushes.

Related: The 10 Best Cheap Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Over-the-Door Racks

The back of the door is an underrated storage opportunity! Over-the-door racks and hooks instantly add extra space without taking up floor area. Use them to store everyday essentials like moisturizers, hairbrushes, hairdryers and styling tools.

Towel Ladder

A towel ladder isn’t just functional — it doubles as a stylish decor element. It’s especially useful in a guest bathroom for storing extra towels or next to a bathtub for easy access.

Portable Caddy

A portable caddy with multiple shelves can instantly double your storage capacity. It’s a great way to keep your most-used skincare and bath products organized, and since it’s mobile, you can move it around as needed for added flexibility.

With these clever storage solutions, you can create a more organized and efficient bathroom — no renovation required!

All it takes is a little determination and a few hours of your day to completely makeover your closet experience. Plus, what better time to go through your drawers and clothing than the spring?

If you’ve been staring at your wardrobe and thinking you have nothing to wear, or are tired of stuffing your dressers shut, it’s probably time to declutter your clothes. It may seem overwhelming, but follow our step-by-step guide to tackle that closet clutter and finally feel free.

For more inspiration and motivation, watch pro organizational experts transform homes one room at a time in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Home Network and STACKTV. Try it free today!

Step 1: Get Mentally and Physically Prepared

The first step to declutter clothes like a pro is to get organized and motivated. That means setting aside a specific block of time for the task by marking it on your calendar and pumping yourself up for it. Make a playlist, stock up on your favourite beverage, and ensure you have enough boxes, bags, markers, painter’s tape (for marking bags) and any other supplies you may need.

Step 2: Start Section by Section

Marie Kondo may be a fan of taking everything out all at once, but for some people that can be completely overwhelming. Instead, start small. Go drawer by drawer or section by section. Perhaps you want to ease yourself in by going through your sweaters or dressers, or maybe jeans and slacks is more appealing. Either way, make a plan and stick to it. Even if you don’t get everything done that you wanted to in your timeframe, you’ll feel better for making a dent. And, you won’t be stuck with a giant pile of clothes on your bed.

Related: Weekend Home Makeover — Expert Tips From Clea and Joanna

Step 3: Use the Pile Method

Sure, you may not want to create a giant mountain of clothes when you’re starting out, but as you begin to go through each section it’s important to stay organized. So, create piles of clothes based on whether you want to keep, donate or trash. If you’re undecided on an item, don’t dwell on it. Put it in a fourth pile to tackle afterwards.

Read more: Everyone’s Talking About Decluttering: I Tried the Viral Cleaning Routine for a Week

Step 4: Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Sometimes, it’s easy to throw out a shirt full of holes or shorts you haven’t worn in three years. But odds are that, if you’ve been holding onto a bunch of items, you have a hard time getting rid of things. That’s why you should ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have more than one of this item? If the answer is yes, keep your favourite. And maybe a backup. Everything else should go to the donate or trash pile.

Does this actually fit me? And by “me,” we mean the current, unedited version of yourself. What’s the point of hanging onto clothes that used to fit or might fit again one day? Accept yourself for who you are right now and let go of anything else.

Is it damaged? If you’re handy with a sewing machine and actually plan on fixing your threads, by all means hold onto that ripped sweater. But be honest with yourself. If you have no plans on mending it in the near future, say ciao.

Have you or will you wear it? If you haven’t worn something in the past year or two, you should let it go. Lifestyles change, and sometimes older wardrobe items no longer serve your current situation. If you’ve stopped going into an office every day, do you really need that massive work wardrobe anymore? Or, if you’ve returned to the office and no longer zoom in your sweatpants, perhaps it’s time to downsize the yoga gear.

Is it sentimental? Sometimes we hold onto things because it brings us happy memories, and that’s totally fair. But if you hold onto too many items like that, your closet is going to explode.

Step 5: Tackle the Maybe Pile

Remember that pile of clothes you were unsure about? Now that you’ve gone through everything else, it’s time to truly go through those pieces and decide what to keep, toss and donate. Use the question system above to keep you on track when you declutter clothes.

Step 6: Organize, Organize, Organize

Now that you’ve gotten your closet down to size, it’s time to get organized. If you had a hard time remembering which items you hadn’t worn in a while, try the backwards hanger method: hang everything backwards and rotate the hangers when you wear the item it holds. After a year, you’ll know for sure what you wear and what you don’t.

It’s also a good idea to organize things seasonally. Heading into spring and summer, put bulky winter items away in boxes or on a high shelf. If you tend to go on holidays, consider putting together a holiday box with items you only ever take with you when you go away. Finally, if you have special events you occasionally dress for, store those clothes away from your regular wardrobe. The less you have to look at daily, the calmer you’ll feel.

Check out: The Secret to Storing Holiday Decorations in Small Spaces

Bonus Tip: Tap Into a Trending Method

There are tons of helpful tips on how to declutter your clothes on social media, so if you need some extra motivation or structure, consider one of the following ideas:

The one in, one out method: Once your closet is organized, take something out for every new thing you put in.

The 90/90 rule: If you haven’t worn it in 90 days and don’t plan on wearing it for another 90 days, it’s time to say goodbye.

The 333 decluttering method: Keep only 33 pieces of clothing, accessories, shoes and outerwear to wear for the next three months. Underwear, sleepwear, workout clothes and wedding rings don’t count.

The 12-12-12 decluttering method: If you have a ton of clothes and don’t know where to start, try this rule. For every 12 items you keep, donate 12 and toss 12 more.

Learn more on decluttering and transforming your space with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Home Network and STACKTV. Try it free today!

I have a complicated relationship with clutter, decluttering and establishing a cleaning routine — and I don’t think I’m alone. Thanks to my impulsivity and never-ending search for novelty, my living spaces go through boom-and-bust cycles. I’ll collect new art, antiques, shiny kitchen gadgets or thrifted clothes until there’s no more space, then I’ll clear it all out until there’s barely anything left.

For years, I’ve searched for ways to slow down this cycle. I’ve tried keeping only what “sparked joy” à la Marie Kondo and following The Minimalists‘ edict: “Love People, Use Things”. Now I’m super-skilled at minimizing… but remain terrible at maintaining. Same goes for my cleaning routine: great at the oh-so-satisfying deep clean, dismal at the boring maintenance cleaning.

I’ve tried chore charts, check lists, days-of-the-week tasks, and equitable household division with Fair Play cards, but nothing sticks (except grime!).

Finally figuring out the formula for keeping everything clean and living clutter-free holds an ever-present spot on my life-hack to-do list. Honestly, it’s a continued source of deep frustration (and possibly shame?). So, when discovering this new wave of trending TikTok creators, all gung-ho about decluttering and dispersing cleaning advice, I was keen to dive into their viral cleaning routines and try out some new methods for a week.

Related: How to Declutter Your Home Fast (in Under 30 Minutes)

#cleaningroutine TikTok Trend Deep Dive

There seem to be two main themes on #organizingtiktok — the decluttering process and cleaning routines. Creators, such as Canadian professional organizer Cassandra Aarssen (@clutterbug_me), break down the decluttering process room by room. In her videos, Aarssen sprinkles in bitesized bits of advice on how to get motivated (use a five-minute timer!) or where to start (toys!).

There are also lots of simple, meme-able rules, such as Aarssen’s “Four Hard Truths”:

1. Tidy people have less stuff
2. Tidy people do their dishes every day
3. Tidy people have homes for everything they own
4. Tidy people clean up for five minutes throughout the day

Another creator, who’s had a meteoric rise on the back of the viral #cleaningroutine trend, is American influencer Kylie Perkins (@sociallykylie). Her videos were getting around 15K views a year ago, but they grew quickly and exponentially. Her latest viral video, titled “What if cleaning your house really was the answer to everything”, received 3.9M views.

Perkins shout-talks to camera while speed walking her viewers through her morning, afternoon and nighttime #stayinmotion cleaning routines (which she purports to be life changing). Her videos are peppered with motivational “tough love” talk. Think Tony Robbins but a young, Christian mom of two in North Carolina with amazing hair and ADHD.

“It’s Monday, and I’m waking up and I have to come deal with this?” says Perkins, pointing to her messy work-from-home desk. “Absolutely not! Deal with it tonight — set yourself up for success so you can take care of the future you. Get it done.”

Related: How to Completely Declutter Your Home in Just Two Weeks

The Cleaning Routine Experiment

To avoid bringing “today’s mess into tomorrow”, I broke down Perkins’s three viral cleaning routines into steps and times. Then, I gave them a go for a week, with mixed success (and feelings).

1. #morningroutine (15-20 mins.)

1. Open curtains for morning light (“This one simple, simple, simple task that takes one second will change your mood, I promise you,” says Perkins. “Get up and open your curtains.”)
2. Open the windows for 5-10 mins… even if you live in a cold climate (Perkins is originally from Alaska.)
3. Make the bed (“Just get up and do it, no excuses!”)
4. Put away clothes from the dryer
5. Empty dishwasher

Results: The morning routine wasn’t life changing — as in it wasn’t much of a change from my regular life. I already open the curtains (that’s normal, right?) and make the beds in the morning. My husband empties the dishwasher as I can’t stand the sound of clean ceramic being dried or stacked (hi, sensory issues!).

Opening the windows in the morning was actually a tip from my parents’ German housecleaner I had forgotten about. Adding that back in did feel good and freshen up the space quite literally. I put away clean clothes at night, after the loads from the day are complete, so I kept that task for later.

Note: She also seems to have a fourth mid-morning cleaning routine that happens after breakfast and before she and her husband start work. This is where the real time suck happens! When I did this alone, it took more than an hour.

This includes: loading the dishwasher and cleaning the front, wiping kitchen counters and sink, sweeping the kitchen floor, clearing toys from the living room, sweeping the living room, brushing off the couch and its cushions, picking up clothes, and loading the washing machine. In one video, she did hand off the second half of this cleanup to her husband because she had to get to work before him.

2. #afternoonroutine (15-20 mins.)

1. Flip laundry
2. Clean and put away lunch dishes
3. Pick up toys (if kids are home during the day)
4. Sweep kitchen and living room (again)

Details: The afternoon “turbo mode” routine is all about prepping for the evening so that nighttime — especially with kids — doesn’t become overwhelming. She buzzes around, loudly talking a mile a minute and frantically throwing laundry and toys left and right. It perfectly illustrates her “stay in motion” catchphrase. One commenter posted: “Why are you yellingggg at us”.

Perkins does caveat that this protocol is for stay-at-home moms, work-from-home moms, or moms who have the ability to be home to do it. Yep, there are a lot of problematic assumptions about the division of labour here — and throughout her cache of viral, cleaning-routine videos.

She adds that if you’re working out of the house then no one’s home to make it dirty, so that’s easy! Or if your morning and nighttime routines are solid, you can skip the afternoon one too.

Related: How to Start a Junk Journal

Results: Yeah, I failed at this one. Flip laundry was the best I could do. I work from home and have limited hours to do so before picking up my kid from preschool. If the choice is spending precious solo time scrubbing soup bowls or finishing a story on deadline (it’s this one!), I’ll always choose the latter.

A few months ago, I talked to my husband about feeling overwhelmed during the day trying to keep up with maintenance cleaning and paid work. We decided (together) that he would take care of the dishes when he got home in the evening instead. (Neither of us volunteered to sweep.)

3. #nighttimeroutine (45-60 mins.)

1. Dishes in dishwasher (“Do not bring today’s mess into tomorrow,” says Perkins. “You need to build a good nighttime routine so when you wake up tomorrow, it’s a fresh new day.”)
2. Put hand-wash dishes away
3. Clean countertops and table
4. Wipe down fronts of cabinets, fridge, etc.
5. Sweep kitchen and living room
6. Toys away
7. Turn on washing machine (“It’s so freakin’ good and it’s so freeing,” says Perkins, after turning on that last load. “Then you get the rest of your night to just, like, vibe!”)
8. Mop floors

Details: In one of her viral nighttime-cleaning-routine videos, a commenter responds, “Wait we are mopping every night?!” My thoughts exactly. Is this what people do? Is this why my floors are the way they are?

Perkins affectionally calls this routine #closingshiftcleaning, which I appreciate as a former server/bartender who had to mop very sticky floors at the end of the night. Since the kids are asleep, Perkins and her husband split these tasks, which does help cut down the time. But this routine is a hefty one, taking up to an hour to complete… at the end of the day.

Perkins has some thoughts on that too: “No one wants to do this after a long day, no one wants to get up and have to reset their house. But the amount of mental clarity it’s going to give you, and how much it’s going to help you in your day-to-day life going forward, it’s so worth it.”

Related: 10 Hidden Spots That Need a Deep Clean in Your Bedroom

Results: Resetting the house for the next day is something I get. In fact, I’ve been doing it for years, but called it “clearing the decks”. As a naval-warfare term, where sailors would remove loose objects from the deck before a battle, it always seemed fitting. But for me, clearing is easy; the cleaning routine is my daily battle.

To help set myself up for success, I placed easy-to-use biodegradable wipes near the counter and in the bathroom — and I used them! I’ve moved the mop just a bit closer to the kitchen where I can now see it. But neither of us have used it as part of the nighttime reset — yet. As I move along on my cleaning/decluttering journey, I’m OK with taking baby steps.

We all only have so many minutes in a day, but using a few of them to chip away at household tasks can make an overall difference. And when future me is in need of some motivational shouting, I know where present me can get a dose of that TikTok cleaning #toughlove.

Intentional design uses thoughtful practices to maximize a space, and while that is always important, it is arguably even more so when working with a small home. Here are some ways to incorporate it yourself.

1. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture

In a small space especially, it’s a great idea to have your furniture and decor do double duty – think a bench or ottoman that also boasts hidden storage, a murphy bed or sleeper sofa, or a hidden trundle in your bedframe.

2. Don’t Forget About Vertical Space

Utilizing vertical space in a small home can add both much-needed storage and visual interest. This can take the form of everything from full height cabinetry and millwork, bunk beds, hanging pot storage in the kitchen, pull down drying racks, and slat walls for hanging storage in utility spaces like entries, mudrooms and garages.

Related: Our 10 Favourite Coffee Tables for Small Spaces 

3. Go Custom When You Can

Some may think it counterintuitive to invest in smaller spaces, but it is quite the opposite. Introducing custom-built seating or storage ensures it fits seamlessly into your small space and everything feels balanced. We love this solution for banquette seating and small-but-mighty workstations.

4. Embrace the Quirks

Leaning into aspects of your small space that can seem challenging at first allows for unique design – consider hanging a mirror in front of a window or off centre, going with a single or asymmetric wall sconce and continuing shelving across a window mullion as designer-approved options.

Related: 10 Nightstand Solutions for Small and Awkward Spaces

Regardless of the size of your space, intentional design goes beyond being just a trend to provide you with thoughtful and functional design, that will serve you for a long time to come. Going hand in hand with concepts like “slow design”, approaching your space with consideration for how you use it daily is something we all should be doing!

Stubborn salt stains are an unfortunate but inevitable part of winter. Let’s break down how to get rid of them in a few common items like shoes and car mats, without any chemicals and with items you probably already have on hand.

Materials you’ll need:
– microfiber cloth

– clear dish soap

– boar bristle brush (optional)

– kettle

– shop vac

Related: 10 of the Best Ways to Deep Clean Your Outdoor Rugs

For Shoes:
To get salt stains out of shoes all you need is warm to hot water on a microfiber cloth with a little bit of dish soap. Scrub the salt stains off the shoes gently and allow to dry. It’s that simple! If your shoes are suede, you can use the same method but swap out the microfiber cloth for a boar bristle brush and scrub in gentle circular motions.

For car floors and mats:

Once again, you don’t need much to get your car’s interior looking good as new during the winter months. Boil some water and pour it directly on the salt stained areas. This may seem scary, but trust the process and have a shop vac on hand to soak up any access from the pour. If the stains are fresh, that should do the trick, but if they’ve been sitting a while use a brush to help work out the stains and let air dry. This method also works for outdoor mats and floor mats.

Related: How to Get a Wine Stain Out of Furniture

With a little elbow grease you can easily restore your salt-stained items to nearly-new form! Repeat as often as necessary during the winter months, and don’t be afraid to try the same steps on other outdoor garments, like jackets and snowpants, too!

There’s no denying that living with other people can be challenging, especially when maintaining certain shared spaces like the kitchen. A communal fridge can bring out the best and the worst of us; but if you can agree on the specific way to organize the space, you may find that sharing a refrigerator isn’t so bad.

From roommates to partners and family, sharing spaces requires an open mind, good communication and a little compromise. To help in those efforts, we’ve whipped up some guidance on how to get your fridge in top shape, no matter who you’re sharing it with.

Related: How to Organize Your Fridge for Less Food Waste

Get Organized

The first step towards a harmonious shared fridge experience is organization. There are several ways to arrange a fridge to maximize space, and it’s important to keep in mind that some compromise may be required to land on the perfect system. Get everyone in the house involved to determine which tools you’ll use to keep everything in its place, such as clear bins, glassware, shelving and dividers. All you have to do from there is maintain the process you agree on, and it will be smooth sailing.

Divide the Fridge Space

Many housemates agree to divide the shelves by dedicating a specific spot for everyone. You could also split the fridge space in half, depending on how many people you live with. The same can be true for partners who prefer different diets and like to keep their items separate for easier access. In any case, an arrangement that ensures each person knows where to stock and access their goods will make fridge maintenance as seamless as it should be.

Related: How to Organize Kitchen Cupboards to Optimize Your Storage Space

Lead With Kindness

It can be easy to bust out the label maker and slap your name on every item you’ve purchased. Instead, step back and brainstorm softer ways to identify your items. A few tried-and-true methods include colour coding items with stickers, or using coloured bins or rubber mats to carve out the spot where your items reside. Above all, avoid passive-aggressive attempts to claim ownership of things, and embrace mutual agreements on what works best for the household.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning schedules aren’t the most glamorous part of living with others, but they can ensure consistency while limiting clutter and unwanted smells from the fridge. It’s also the perfect excuse to check expiration dates on dairy, sauces and produce starting to turn. All it takes is a little commitment and some elbow grease.

Related: This Is the Best Way to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain

Clear Communication Is Key

From expensive ingredients to your must-have faves, there will always be something in the fridge you’d rather keep to yourself. If there is an item you prefer not to share, you should make that clear with the other(s). Leading with positive communication could mean leaving a note or sending a message to let others know that the new sesame oil you bought from the specialty stores is off limits.

Sharing Is Caring

Delegate a spot in the fridge for communal items. Many folks who share a kitchen agree to share everyday fridge door items like condiments and butter. For items that turn faster than you can eat, a mutual location for everyone to partake can positively impact food waste and generosity in the home. Consider pulling items close to expiry to the front or in a specific spot, in order to encourage everyone to use them quickly.

Related: 10 New Home Appliance Trends You’ll Soon See Everywhere

A Shared Checklist for Grocery Shopping

Whether through an app or notepad, combining forces with a grocery checklist ensures no overlap on the things you agree to share. Not only will this small effort help you avoid spending more money than you have to, but it could also open the door to communicating about sharing food beyond the condiments door. For example, if you add an item to the group list that someone already purchased but can’t use up in time, you could use what’s available instead of running to the store.

When in Doubt — Freeze It

We often forget about how much space we can afford in the freezer. Decide which items belong in the fridge and what can fit in the freezer instead. For example, meat you don’t intend to consume right away can go into the freezer, so can leftovers you don’t think you can finish in time. For freezer items in bulky boxes and containers, remove access packaging to store items more efficiently while making room for other items.

Related: Everything You Need to Set Up an At-Home Coffee Bar

Make Meals Together

Our final recommendation comes straight from the heart: sharing a meal. Not only will you save time, money and fridge space, preparing meals together is also a great way for roommates and couples to connect. Make it fun by putting on a podcast or personalized playlist. For those feeling more adventurous, select a theme for the meals you intend to cook together and build a schedule to share related tasks. We guarantee it will bring the whole house together while filling your soul with good food – and even better company.

Pets bring joy and companionship into our homes. They offer unconditional love, and we treat them like family. But while they add so much to our lives, they can also contribute to poor indoor air quality in ways most of us aren’t aware of.

As Mike Feldstein, founder of the air purifier company Jaspr, notes, “Pets are amazing, but they bring along fur, dander and allergens that can seriously affect your air quality. A lot of people don’t even realize it until they start feeling the effects.” If you’ve been experiencing sneezing, congestion or other allergy-like symptoms, your pets may be part of the problem.

Related: 10-Minute Cleaning Routines: How to Clean a House Fast

How Dogs Affect Indoor Air Quality

While dogs are our best buddies, they’re also notorious for tracking the outside world into your home. Every time they go outside, they pick up pollen, dirt and even chemicals from lawns and sidewalks, bringing them straight into your living space. Even if you’re diligent about keeping your home sparkling clean, your dog may be introducing new allergens every time they come back inside. These contaminants accumulate over time, and that impacts the air you breathe.

Beyond external pollutants, dogs also produce their own allergens. Their fur sheds constantly, floating through the air and settling on furniture and carpets. There’s also pet dander; the microscopic flakes of skin that become airborne and can trigger allergies and asthma. These particles can linger in the air and settle in fabrics, leading to prolonged exposure. Even people who aren’t usually allergic to dogs may find themselves reacting at some point, thanks to the continuous presence of these allergens.

Another often overlooked factor is moisture. Dogs add humidity to a home through their breath and wet fur, creating an environment where mould and mildew thrive. If you’ve ever noticed a musty smell or condensation on your windows, excess moisture from pets could be a contributing factor. Mould spores, in particular, can be harmful when inhaled. This can lead to respiratory issues and worsen conditions like asthma.

Related: 12 Stylish Dog Beds That Fit Any Home or Style

How Cats Contribute to Indoor Air Issues

Cats, despite their reputation for cleanliness (and general awesomeness), present their own challenges when it comes to indoor air quality. In addition to shedding fur and dander, their litter boxes can be a significant source of airborne toxins.

Clumping litter, in particular, can release fine dust that circulates through your home, causing potential respiratory issues. This dust settles on floors, furniture, and bedding, so even people without direct contact with the litter box may be affected. Over time, inhaling these particles can cause irritation in the throat and lungs, particularly in those with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Related: How to Keep Your Cats Away From Your Plants, According to an Expert

Another concern is ammonia, a compound found in cat urine. In high concentrations, it can irritate the lungs and worsen existing respiratory conditions. A poorly maintained litter box can cause ammonia levels to rise, leading to an unpleasant, funky smell and possible health risks. Even if you clean regularly, some of these volatile organic compounds can linger in the air, further reducing indoor air quality.

Additionally, because cats groom themselves so frequently, they ingest environmental contaminants that later get released into the air through their saliva and fur. When a cat cleans itself, allergens, dirt and other particles can become airborne, further contributing to indoor air pollution. This is especially problematic in homes with multiple cats, where the concentration of allergens tends to be much higher.

Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

What You Can Do to Improve Air Quality

The good news is that there are several steps dog and cat owners (parents!) can take to improve indoor air quality. The first step is regular grooming. Brushing your pets frequently reduces the amount of fur and dander circulating in your home. Bathing dogs regularly and using pet-friendly, non-toxic shampoos can also help wash away allergens and nasty pollutants before they spread.

Frequent cleaning around the house is equally important. Vacuuming carpets, upholstery and pet beds with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can trap tiny particles before they become airborne. Washing pet bedding and household fabrics on a regular basis can prevent allergens from accumulating. For cat owners, switching to a low-dust, natural litter can reduce airborne toxins and improve overall air quality.

Related: The Gross Reason You Need To Wash Your Pillows More

Air filtration is another highly effective way to maintain a healthy home environment. Investing in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pet dander, fur and other airborne contaminants like mould and bacteria. These devices work best when placed in areas where pets spend the most time, such as living rooms and bedrooms. Some advanced purifiers also tackle odours using activated carbon, making the home feel fresher overall.

Ventilation also plays a crucial role. Opening windows periodically allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants. If weather conditions make this difficult, using exhaust fans and dehumidifiers can help regulate humidity levels and prevent mould growth.

Related: 10 Hidden Spots That Need a Deep Clean in Your Bedroom

A Healthier Home for You and Your Pets

Living with pets doesn’t mean you have to suffer from poor air quality. Simple adjustments like regular grooming, routine cleaning and using an air purifier can make a significant difference in the health of your indoor space. Understanding how pets impact air quality allows you to take proactive steps to make sure your home remains a clean and comfortable environment for both you and your furry babies.

Jaspr’s Mike Feldstein emphasizes the role of air purification in maintaining a healthy home. “We’ve helped so many pet owners create cleaner, healthier homes by tackling those invisible issues, and they tell us so! With an air purifier like Jaspr, you can enjoy the company of your pets without worrying about the air you’re breathing.”

With the start of a new year, you may be casting your eye around the house and noticing neglected corners you’re just itching to clean. You’re not alone: The idea of cleaning house as a means of spiritual or physical renewal is one that resonates in many cultures around the world.

The act of cleaning has special meaning for the Lunar New Year, starting this year on January 29 and falling under the sign of the snake in Chinese zodiac. Celebrated across Asia, Lunar New Year is particularly important in China, where celebrations span weeks and business often shut down for what is also commonly known as the Spring Festival. Cleaning one’s house is considered necessary preparation before the communal celebration, and a traditional way to clear out the old year’s detritus.

Clearing the Way for a Family Feast

Since Chinese New Year begins with a large reunion meal (tuan nian fan) to gather family at home the night before, it is traditional to start the year off with a clean house. Similar to many Chinese traditions, the act of cleaning is also based on a play on words, where there are similarities between the mandarin word for “dust” and “old”.

This activity may include several generations, depending on the family and circumstances, although some traditions have changed in recent years in how rigorously families follow them.

Timing is Key

All cleaning and shopping must be completed in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, from the 23rd to the 29th of the 12th lunar month (these dates may vary by region in China).

On a very practical level, the frenzy of cleaning means that the house is nice and tidy for the reunion dinner on the night before Lunar New Year, or for guests to come and bai nein (visit their elders to pay their respects on the first day of the new year). Visiting friends and family continues throughout the first week, with gifts, fruit and red packages exchanged to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Sweeping Success

In terms of specifics with cleaning, sweeping in particular is symbolic of ridding the house of the bad luck of the past year and is done well before celebrations start. For traditionalists, bamboo leaves can be used to sweep the floor, although modern brooms are more common today. Conversely, on the first few days of the Lunar New Year, sweeping, taking out the garbage or even throwing out water should be avoided so as not to purge good fortune. To avoid temptation, brooms can even be hidden away. Mopping, scrubbing and washing are also to be avoided until after the first few days of the new year.

Related: Learn About the Meaning Behind Lunar New Year Decorations

Time to Decorate

Once the house is clean, the fun begins. Colourful decorations, including gold printed symbols such as fu, meaning happiness or good fortune, or black-inked couplets on red paper expressing wishes for a better year are hung on the front door. Fruit trees such as kumquats are prized due to the wordplay around the name in Cantonese (gam gat sue), which is reminiscent of the words for gold and good luck and the kumquat’s golden hue and round shape resembling coins.

Inspired to sweep out some bad luck of your own? However you clean house before this Lunar New Year, here’s to a prosperous Year of the Snake, and gung hei fat choi.

Related: How to Clean Smarter, Not Harder With These Professional Cleaner Tips

*Note: All Chinese names in this article are English phonetic translations of the Cantonese terms and may vary in terms of spelling.

Everyone knows it’s important to wash your bedsheets regularly, preferably once a week if you can swing it. Sheets can accumulate more bacteria than a doorknob within seven days, so keeping fresh bedding on the mattress is a good way to fight illness, allergies and skin problems.

But what about when it comes to washing a duvet? Sure, washing a duvet cover may be part of your regular cleaning routine, but as it turns out, washing a down duvet is equally important. If you want to sleep in a clean bed without ruining the down and fabric fibers, here’s what you need to know.

How Often Should You Wash a Duvet?

The good news is that you don’t need to wash duvets as regularly as you do your sheets and duvet cover. Unless you have an accident or a spill on the duvet, you only need to clean it once a year. That’s the same advice whether you have a down-filled duvet or a synthetic version.

If you only use your duvet during winter, wash it before you make the bed. Otherwise, consider adding the task to any significant yearly cleaning rituals, like spring cleaning, to remind yourself to do it.

Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

What Is the Best Way to Wash a Duvet?

It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but if you can’t find them and have a washing machine big enough to hold the duvet, you can use that.

Down duvets don’t always hold up against harsh chemicals or detergents, so select a mild or gentle detergent when you wash yours. Use warm water and a gentle cycle to protect the fabric, and set the machine to the extra-rinse function. That helps to remove any leftover detergent from the duvet at the end.

If you have a real duvet with goose down and a washing machine with a central agitator, consider sending your duvet out for cleaning instead. Otherwise, you could run the risk of rips.

How to Spot Clean a Duvet?

Stains are never fun, but they’re incredibly tiresome on a duvet. To remove them, fill a spray bottle with warm water and grab a mild stain remover. Push the filling away from the stained area and apply the stain remover to the outer fabric. Pat the fabric with a clean, white rag and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. If the stain is still there, try rubbing the fabric together or scrubbing it with a clean brush.

Once the stain is gone, spray the area with the bottle to remove any soap. You can now blow dry the area or wash the entire duvet following the steps above.

Related: 8 Cleaning Secrets From Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Should You Soak a Duvet Before Washing It?

Some people like to soak their duvets in a giant container or bathtub overnight before washing it, but that isn’t necessary. However, to clean your duvet by hand, fill the container with warm water and a small amount of mild or natural detergent.

Push the duvet into the water mixture and make sure it’s thoroughly submerged. You don’t need to soak the duvet overnight; if there are no tough stains or spills, 10 minutes should be enough. After that, drain the water and begin rinsing the duvet with fresh water until all the soap is gone. Lay it flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated room to dry.

How to Dry a Duvet?

If you’ve got a dryer big enough to handle your duvet, that’s your best bet to ensure it dries thoroughly (and quickly!). Place the duvet in the machine and select a low, air-dry setting. It may take a few hours, and you’ll need to stop the machine a few times to redistribute the duvet and ensure equal drying.

If you have dryer balls or tennis balls, throwing them into the dryer with the duvet can also help to redistribute the feathers and keep them from clumping as the duvet dries. Tennis balls will also create air pockets, which make the duvet fluffier.

Just remember that whether you have natural or synthetic down, both materials cannot stand high heat, so use the lowest heat setting.

If your dryer isn’t large enough to hold the duvet, dry it on a clothesline or drying rack.

How to Clean Other Down-Filled Items

If you’ve got other down-filled items to wash, like sleeping bags, jackets or pillows, always treat them gently. That means using warm water, mild detergent, a gentle cycle and no extra scents, which can break down materials over time.

Before washing, zip any zippers and empty pockets. Check for loose seams that tear easily during washing, and reinforce them if necessary. Always use the extra rinse option to ensure all soap is washed away.

In doubt? Just like with a duvet cover, you can always turn to a professional for a thorough clean.