Articles by Bonnie McCarthy

If you’ve ever had a carpet freshly cleaned or rolled out a new area rug only to watch in horror as it became a stain magnet for everything from pet accidents to spilled wine and dirty shoes, you know the feeling: part panic, part action hero that tra…

Although hardwood flooring is an investment, it’s one worth considering, according to the National Association of Realtors. The group’s data show that new hardwood flooring more than pays for itself at selling time. What’s the best way to clean and ca…

As autumn’s last leaves fall, cleaning rain gutters should rise to the top of the to-do list. Skip the chore, and you’re asking for problems that include falling gutters, flooding and a cracked foundation. Here’s how to clean your gutters before those…

Transitioning out of summer means swapping flip-flops for boots, making room for winter coats and trading swim stuff for snow gear. And that’s why it’s the perfect time to clean and reorganize those closets you’ve been meaning to conquer. Tackle the t…

Transitioning out of summer means swapping flip-flops for boots, making room for winter coats and trading swim stuff for snow gear. And that’s why it’s the perfect time to clean out and reorganize those closets you’ve been meaning to conquer. Tackle t…

Designers have often debated whether or not stainless steel will continue to reign supreme in kitchens or lose its appeal to glossy black or white appliances boasting sleek, smooth finishes.While the debate continues, so does the popularity of stainle…

“Nothing moves like marble,” says Stephanie Laney, lead designer for Surfaces USA, referring to the impression of movement created by the veining inherent in the carbonate stone. “We love the movement.”What most people don’t love, however, is the conc…

It may seem redundant to clean a dishwasher, but that’s exactly what housekeeping experts advise to ensure that your hardworking machine stays in top shape. Cleaning every four to six weeks will help reduce the buildup of lime scale and soap scum and …

The kitchen takes center stage during the holidays, and the stove-top and oven (along with the cook, of course!) are the stars. Here’s how to get them clean and ready for their close-up.

Most people loathe household chores. But is any cleaning task more difficult to stick to than squeegeeing shower walls and doors after use? The squeegee rule, a seemingly reasonable request to reduce hard-water stains, mineral buildup and mildew, is g…