Check out these captivating outdoor fireplace ideas that will transform your outdoor space into a cozy haven.

There’s nothing like gathering around a fire with your friends and family on a chilly evening. The right outdoor fireplace brings warmth to an outdoor area and is a spot to convene and make lasting memories. If you’ve been considering getting an outdoor fireplace, here are some ideas to help you get started.

4 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Outdoor fireplaces come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Most homeowners want one that fits the style of their home and is compatible with their outdoor space. Style compatibility affects your design choice, the materials you choose, and the size and placement of the outdoor fireplace. Here are a few styles to consider.

#1 Traditional Outdoor Fireplaces

A traditional outdoor fireplace made of brick or stone can work well with a home that has exterior brick or stone elements. Matching the elements and tones in your fireplace to your home’s exterior helps create a cohesive look. Traditional materials like brick or stone are also a great option for homeowners seeking a classic wood-burning fireplace. If the masonry is sound, stone or brick fireplaces will generally require little maintenance. If you choose this option, you’ll need to consider having a professional check on your fireplace once a year to ensure it’s still in good shape.

#2 Modern Outdoor Fireplaces

A minimal outdoor fireplace can complement a home with a clean, modern look. Combine materials like stucco, stone, or concrete with a pared-back, sleek design. A gas fireplace is relatively low-maintenance option that suits the look and feel of a contemporary home. It also helps keep your patio warm and inviting well after the summer months. Apart from general masonry checks and regular cleaning, these fireplaces don’t usually require much upkeep.

#3 Sustainable Outdoor Fireplaces

Homeowners seeking sustainability might consider gas or electric fireplaces. If these aren’t for you, other sustainable fuel options, such as ethanol or wood pellets, produce less smoke and ash. As for exterior materials, explore locally sourced stone, sustainably sourced wood, or recycled metal.

#4 Customized Outdoor Fireplaces

If your home incorporates some unique design elements that are difficult to replicate, you might check into a custom outdoor fireplace built to your specifications. You can choose from many materials, including steel, concrete, stone, and wood. Qualified contractors and designers can help ensure your custom fireplace suits your needs.

Advantages of Outdoor Fireplaces

Building an outdoor fireplace may be a considerable undertaking, but it offers some excellent benefits.

Outdoor Fireplaces Can Add Character

An exterior feature like an outdoor fireplace adds visual interest to your home and helps it stand out. It also helps family and guests enjoy outdoor entertainment more.

Outdoor Fireplaces Increase Joy

Don’t underestimate a fire feature’s role in making your home a fun and joyful place. Homeowners who added an outdoor fire feature reported a joy score of 9.7 out of 10 after finishing the project, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features.”

Outdoor Fireplaces Can Beautify Your Space

An exterior feature like an outdoor fireplace can be a great focal point in your outdoor patio, backyard, or deck. If you’ve long thought your patio lacked something special, a well-designed outdoor fireplace may give you the refresh you’ve been looking for.

Before You Build

Before deciding on the project, consider some of the issues and requirements.

Safety Matters

In most cases, outdoor fireplaces are a safe addition to your home. But if you have pets or young children, you’ll need to implement strict fire safety rules about keeping a safe distance from the fire. Make sure your outdoor fireplace is a safe distance from your home and other structures as required by the local code. And, before starting a fire, check with your local forest service office to find out about burn authorizations or fire restrictions.

Budget Concerns

Building a fireplace can be pricey when you compare the costs to other features like fire pits. The average cost to build a firepit is around $850, though depending on their choice of fire pit, homeowners may pay between $200 to $5,000. By comparison, the average cost to build an outdoor fireplace is roughly $3,000, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $9000. Homeowners on a strict budget may want to consider an outdoor fire pit instead.

Maintenance Needs

While gas and electric fireplaces require professional attention, traditional wood fireplaces require regular cleaning. Even with a small outdoor fireplace, this can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if you have a busy life.

But what kinds of maintenance does an outdoor fireplace require? Take a look at the following section.

Placement Consideration

Your outdoor fireplace’s location will vary based on building codes in your area, so look up local requirements before starting work on your project. A good rule of thumb is that your fireplace should be at least 10 – 15 feet away from your home, property line and any other structures or flammable materials. You’ll also want to place your outdoor fireplace such that it doesn’t face prevailing winds or obstruct any views.

Fuel Options

Many factors may influence fuel choice including your desire for convenience, your aesthetic preferences, and budget. Consider the pros and cons of a few different fuel options.

• Wood: Wood is the natural choice for anyone seeking a warm, traditional fireplace. However, a wood burning fireplace needs frequent cleaning and the smell of woodsmoke may be undesirable for some home owners.
• Gas: Natural gas is a clean and cost-efficient option offering a controlled burn. However, some home owners may find a gas flame less comforting and more sterile compared to wood options.
• Electricity: An electric fireplace often has a built-in heater that operates separately from the flames. This allows you to get the look of a roaring fire with or without the heat. Electric fireplaces are convenient, and produce a different aesthetic and ambience than wood burning options.
• 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and light care keep your outdoor fireplace neat and ready-for-use. Here are some important tips to bear in mind:

• Keep the fireplace clean by brushing away dust, ash, and other debris between uses.
• A wood-burning fireplace may require an annual professional cleaning and chimney inspection to function as it should.
• Regularly check for potential problems like excessive smoke and ash build-up.
• Check your gas fireplace for fuel leaks and keep the gas valve turned off when the fireplace is not in use.
• Certain materials may need extra care. For instance, an outdoor stone fireplace may require sealant.

Fire safety is also an important concern with outdoor fireplaces. Here’s are some general guidelines homeowners should stick to:

• Don’t leave fires unattended.
• Understand your fireplace’s ventilation system and have a professional check it if you suspect any problems.
• Ensure that any custom work follows local fire safety codes, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Find Your Perfect Outdoor Fireplace

There are many different materials and outdoor fireplace designs to choose from. The perfect match can complement your home and landscaping to create a balanced and well-coordinated result. The right outdoor fireplace can transform your deck or patio. It makes the area more inviting and comfortable, adds character, and injects personality to your outdoor space.

Look for an experienced contractor who uses high-quality materials and can match the outdoor fireplace to your vision while meeting local regulations and requirements.

Bathroom storage can be awfully tight. Bust it out with these ideas.

You fantasize about a bathroom big enough for hot yoga after a steamy shower — a space that can be your personal refuge from the hurly-burly of your house (your life!).

Instead, you’ve got a bath cluttered with all your toiletries right out there in plain view for all your guests to judge, umm, see. It’s like a metaphor for your life: so cramped, you dread trying to blow out your hair tomorrow.

You need space. Here’s how to gain some in your packed bath (collected from the pros).

9 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

#1 Hang Shelves in Unusual Places

Being savvy about the type of shelf you choose (think picture ledge instead of bookshelf) and where you hang it (like in that dead wall space between your sink and mirror) can make all the difference in a teeny bathroom (now you’ve got a toothbrushing station — and more sink space!).

Or go big. And UP. A wide shelf above your bathroom door is instant storage for your vacation beach towels.

#2 Go Into the Walls for Even More Shelves

Feeling cramped often leads to daydreams of taking a mallet to those close-together walls, “Fixer Upper”-style. So do it, really. You’d be amazed at how much storage space hides behind bathroom walls between studs that stand 16 inches apart.

Knock out some drywall (just be sure to check for electrical and plumbing lines first!), then throw in some shelves between the studs.

Keep it open if you’re storing towels or nice-looking bottles of lotion there, or add a door for a little more discretion.

#3 Add Storage to Your Pedestal Sink

Just because your pedestal sink came with the same amount of storage as your yoga pants doesn’t mean there’s no potential there.

You can buy (or build, if you’ve got the DIY bug) cabinets that wrap around the base and, literally, create storage out of thin air. There are lots of options, like Hammacher Schlemmer’s fancy pedestal cabinet that’s priced at $150 and comes with two shelves, tilt-out drawer, and even a magazine rack.

Another DIY solution: Dress your pedestal with a skirt that hides whatever you stuff behind it. It can even be a no-needle, no-sew project. Just use heavy, double-sided tape to attach and hem it.

#4 Put Part of Your Toilet in the Wall (for Real!)

Unless you’re raising sea creatures in your toilet tank (just kidding! Don’t do that!), your large, porcelain cube is eating up valuable space.

Consider a wall-hung toilet (starting at $185). It’s minimalist-chic, and frees up floor space because the whole thing sits closer to the wall.

Since the tank and plumbing hide behind the wall, be sure to leave an access panel to save yourself grief down the road.

Tip: A towel bar, or even some light shelving, can be mounted on the access panel for added storage where your toilet tank used to be.

#5 Get the Most Streamlined Faucet You Can

Itty-bitty bathrooms are perfect for simple, single-handle faucets that save space on your sink surround.

Sure, it’s just a few square inches you’ll save, but that’s valuable bathroom real estate when you’re in the middle of trying that new updo, brushing your teeth, and doing some self-maintenance.

#6 Hide Toiletries in Hanging Baskets

These hangables give even ugly bottles and brushes some style, as well as a home. Most baskets are light enough to mount to the wall using a 75-pound picture hook hammered into a stud (we love those studs!). Or, install an extra towel bar — or the infamous Ikea storage rails — and attach baskets and buckets via S-hooks.

#7 Get a Spacious Feeling With a Window

If your dark, dank bathroom has no window, and it’s on an exterior wall, add one! It’ll reboot your mornings like nothing else.

It’s not the cheapest option ($655 to $1,050 installed). But it’s sooo worth it to get those sunny rays.

Because your bathroom will just feel bigger. And it’ll let fresh air in, which puts the brakes on mold and mildew. Pick a vinyl window, which won’t rot like wood will (plus vinyl is usually cheaper).

#8 Mount a Second Shower Rod (or Double Rod)

If your shower surround is minimalist in all the wrong ways, you know the misery of stashing bottles and razors and soap in tiny, wet, slippery corners.

But no law says a shower can only have one rod. If you hang a second tension rod inside the shower and add some S-hooks, you can turn your shower into a hanging storage jungle with buckets and caddies.

Tip: You can also buy a double shower rod to do the same thing — or, put the shower curtain on the inside rod and use the outside one to hang towels.

#9 Hack Some Suction Cup Hooks

For something super easy, super quick that’ll give you some instant relief in your cramped bathroom, try suction hooks, which you can hack with elastic hair ties and mount to shower walls.

Slip razors, shampoo, conditioner through the ties, which will corral the usual shower mess.

 

 

 

For style, sanctuary, and ROI, you can’t go wrong with these bathroom design ideas.

All those pretty photos on all those pretty home design websites are fun to click through — but maddening when you’re making bathroom remodeling decisions. Too many choices.

We’ve got your back: We distilled all the visual noise down to the essence of what makes a bathroom remodel truly great.

With the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS® estimating the typical cost of a bathroom remodel at $35,000, you’ll want to make sure you get maximum comfort, convenience, and enjoyment — and resale juice when the time comes to sell.

Here’s a list of practical (and hedonistic) features.

#1 Heated Ceramic Tile Flooring

Enduring, waterproof, and good-looking, ceramic tile bathroom flooring is the classic, never-out-of-style surface material for any bathroom. Plus, consumers (read: future buyers) love it: In a survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 71% of respondents said ceramic/porcelain tile was their No. 1 choice for bathroom flooring.

With prices ranging from $7 per square foot to $55 and more, you’ll find a huge array of choices, styles, and colors that’ll work with any budget.

But ceramic tile can chill your tootsies. Pair your ceramic with thin electric radiant mats that go under the tile without raising the floor level — ideal for retrofit installations.

Radiant heat is often more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates heat loss through the ducts, says the U.S. Department of Energy. It also distributes heat uniformly across the floor, taking less time to warm a room than other types of heat.

At $8 to $15 per square foot to install, radiant mats are as easy on the budget as they are on the sole.

Nice-to-Have Ceramic Tile Accompaniments

No-slip ceramic tile. With its finely textured surface, it’s great for traction, making it an exceptionally safe bathroom flooring for young kids or folks with limited mobility.

Look for one of two ratings on the packaging.

1. A COF (coefficient of friction) standard of .60 or greater means the Ceramic Tile Institute rates the tile as nonslip when wet.
2. The DCOF (dynamic coefficient of friction) AcuTest measurement, the gold standard, requires a value of .42 or above for nonslip tile.

Tip: Nonslip tile’s texture can trap dirt, and that requires extra elbow grease to clean.

Epoxy grout. New formulas resist staining and discoloration over time better than traditional ones. They’re also more flexible than regular grout and less prone to cracking, making them ideal for flooring installations.

The key to grouting success is the installer. Make sure your contractor is familiar with epoxy grouts, which require finesse to shape and handle. They’re the most expensive option, at 25 cents to $1 per square foot, according to HomeGuide.

Programmable radiant heat thermostat. Want to treat yourself extra nice? Greet the day with a sigh of relief when you add a wall-mounted programmable thermostat (about $80 to $140) that’ll start warming up your floors whenever you want. How about a half an hour before your alarm goes off?

#2 Curbless Walk-in Shower

More than 66% of respondents to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects said walk-in, curbless showers are gaining popularity. It’s for good reason: They’re stylish, safe for folks of all ages, and oh so easy to clean.

They dovetail nicely with ceramic tile floors, too. You can have one continuous surface that moves seamlessly from the shower to the main bath area.

Plus, they’re all about marketability. As the population ages, a contemporary walk-in is a selling point.

Be sure to hire a remodeling contractor with experience. Making a curbless shower takes know-how. The shower floor has to slope to the drain hole, which means the new drain will be located below the surface of the existing floor.

To make that work, you’ll have to remove old flooring and subflooring and alter the framing underneath the floor. It’s a good idea to consult with your local building authorities beforehand so that the work will be up to code and pass inspection.

We love natural stone, but in this battleground of soaps, lotions, pastes, and poultices, we prefer the impervious beauty of synthetic, low-VOC quartz.

Quartz countertops earn a top rating in countertop materials ratings thanks to their appearance, low maintenance, and high resale value, according to The Spruce.Quartz countertop material is a synthetic composite made up of about 90% quartz particles held together with binders. It’s virtually maintenance-free —  it never needs to be sealed — and comes in dozens of styles and colors. If you’re stuck on the idea of stone, many quartz versions mimic the real thing.

Quartz runs $55 to $155 per square foot, installed. Granite can cost from $45 to $300 per square foot, including installation.

#4 One Big Sink Instead of Two Small Ones

Togetherness is a beautiful thing, but in the master bath, you’re church and your partner’s state. Establish your individuality without losing your bond with a large (38-inch or more) sink ($309 to $854). One big sink saves more counter space than two and still lets you both wash up simultaneously.

Spec an undermount sink to go with your quartz countertop — undermounts have no protruding lip and help make cleanup a snap. The perfect companions to quartz countertops are undermount lavatory sinks. Eighty-five percent of respondents in an NKBA survey said easy-to-clean undermounts and integrated undermount configurations will be prominent.

Tip: Extra-large undermount sinks may need extra support. Check the sink specs and confer with your installer before you buy.

#5 Single-Hole, Motion-Activated Faucet

Ah, the savings. “Motion-activated, touchless faucets shut off automatically, so you’re not running the water continually, like when you’re brushing your teeth, which saves a significant amount of water,”  says John Petrie, owner of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and a past president of the NKBA.

Besides that, we love the fact that sleek, single-hole touchless faucets are right in step with the calm, simple lines of transitional style. Transitional is a universally appealing, trend-defying design that’s cozy and elegant, and supports a strong return on your investment.

Finally, have you ever tried to clean around a two-handle vanity faucet with a narrow (four-inch) spread? Did you require therapy afterward? We heartily endorse the single-hole, lever-type faucet for your bathroom sink — and your sanity.

These tres-cool faucets average $30 to $600. Some have temperature controls so you (or your kids) can’t get scalded.

For extra utility savings, look for faucets with the WaterSense label that use only 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) compared with the standard 2.2 gpm flow of regular faucets.

#6 Humidity-Controlled Exhaust Fan

A fan or an operable window in a bathroom is required by building code. But who wants to open a window in winter to get rid of excess humidity? Get a fan with a humidity-sensing on/off switch. It’ll turn on when moisture levels are high and automatically shut off when things return to normal. That keeps mold at bay, ensures you’re not sucking out air-conditioned or heated indoor air, and prevents the fan from using power long after it needs to.

Tip: Make sure your contractor vents the fan to the outside, not the attic, or you might develop mold problems aloft.

Other fan options include multiple speeds, nightlights, and manual timers. You’ll pay up $100 to $400 for a humidity- or motion sensing exhaust fan.

#7 High-Efficiency, Dual-Flush Toilet

Saving water is our future; a high-efficiency, dual-flush toilet reduces water usage and appeals to any buyer looking for a cost-effective home.

The average person with a dual flush model flushes 40% less water per day than someone with a low-flow toilet, according to Caccia Plumbing. That can save on utilities and is good for the environment.

Tip: Bidets are standard features in Asia and Europe, but they’ve been slow to catch on in the U.S. Nevertheless, some manufacturers are creating hybrid toilets and toilet seats. Bidet toilet seats cost $170 to $650, and bidet toilet prices are $1,200 to $2,000.

#8 Pocket or Sliding Barn Door

The floor area of a bathroom is precious. Why waste any of it with a swinging door that eats up some 14 square feet of space? A pocket door or barn door slides out of the way without requiring any clearance, leaving more room for storage and design flexibility.

Old, salvaged doors of all kinds make showpiece barn doors for your bathroom.

So pocket or barn doors? Either can work well, depending on your budget.

Not everyone is a fan of pocket doors, which disappear into the wall. Some say the typical recessed door pull for pocket doors is awkward and can pinch fingers.

Modern tech to the rescue: You can find edge-mounted pocket door hardware with a handle that pops out at the touch of a button for $279. Or, add a door stop inside the wall framing to prevent the door from sliding all the way inside the wall. That way, you can safely use a recessed pull or add a traditional handle or knob to open and shut the door.

 

You can install a barn-style door, which hangs from a track above the doorway and slides in front of a wall, for less. It’s a good DIY project. Barn door kits cost $638 to $768, but if you’re handy, buy the hardware for $75 to $251 and make your own door, or find a used door at a salvage building supply store.

#9 Calm Colors

It’s always cool to be up on trends, but we say make your bathroom an exception. It’s your sanctuary, and it should be soothing and filled with light.

That doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, it’s a good idea to include a painted wall surface so you can dash color about on a whim and change it just as easily. Nonpermanent items, such as artwork and antique mirrors, add beaucoup personality.

But permanent surfaces — ceramic tile and fixtures — need quiet, calm neutrals. Trending colors include blues, greens, whites, grays, and neutrals, according to the NKBA.

“A neutral color palette really is safe, especially in terms of resale value,” says Petrie. “You can always be expressive with colorful towels or curtains, things that are less expensive and easier to change than more permanent features.”

Plus, lighter colors help bounce light around, helping you see what a fantastic bathroom you’ve put together.

When planning a master suite addition, don’t just think “bump out” — think “build up,” “do over,” and “fold in” the space you already have.

A primary suite addition is a place to call your own — no kiddie toys, no teens hogging the bathroom a heavenly space where you can bathe, dress, or simply relax in peace. But paradise doesn’t come cheap.

A primary suite addition to a house has a national median cost of $172,500 and pays back 56% of its cost, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Primary Suite Building Basics

Bumping out your house to add a primary suite means giving up yard space, excavating, pouring a foundation, framing — the whole shebang that requires the full range of tradesmen, from roofer to plumber to tile-setter.

You’ll need zoning approval and building inspections, expanded heating and cooling systems, and probably an upgraded electrical panel, water heater, and burglar alarm, too.

 

Think Outside the Bump-Out

If you take advantage of existing space for your primary suite addition, you can trim 20% to 60% from your budget. Here’s how.

Build up instead of out: Add your primary suite on top of ground floor space — over a porch, garage, or previous addition. The disadvantage? Ground-level space is easier to age into.

Steal underutilized space: Incorporate that rarely used guest room — even better, that extra bathroom — into your primary suite. You’ll save thousands if you can tap into existing water and sewer lines.

Finish unfinished space: Convert unfinished basement, attic, or even garage space into a primary suite. Because you don’t have to build a foundation, exterior walls, or a roof, you’ll save 50% to 60% compared with a full-scale addition.

Gift That Keeps on Costing

Your primary suite expenses don’t end when the last faucet and light switch are installed. Every month you’ll pay higher energy bills to heat, cool, and light your new space.

If you add 400 square feet to a 2,000-square-foot house — 20% more space — your energy bills likely will grow by 20%, too. Your property tax bill may increase by a larger percentage, because you’re adding space and installing a bathroom, which tax assessors value at a higher rate than other rooms.

Be Realistic About Payback

Adding a primary suite will make a big difference to your life, but may not equally impact the value of your house. If yours is the only primary suite on the block, you’ll recoup less than if primary suites are standard in your neighborhood. Not everything is about money, however. If you plan to stay in your house for another three to five years, adding a private oasis could just be … priceless.

Here’s the inside scoop on how to tackle the dreaded chore of deep cleaning.

With the turn of the season comes a household chore Americans love to hate: spring cleaning. Whether you call it spring cleaning or deep cleaning and do it in the spring or another time of year, the idea is the same. You break out the sponges and brooms and get scrubbin’ on — and behind and under — every surface in your home.

The reasons to do it are more than tradition. A deep clean is good not only for your home but maybe even for your mental health. Homeowners say a clean home improves their well-being and lowers their stress, according to a survey by OnePoll.

The survey, conducted in 2023, found that 68% of consumers call spring cleaning overwhelming, and many say they often postpone the heaviest tasks for days. Some never do it at all.

But consumers may be warming to the idea, according to a spring 2024 survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute. It showed that 80% of US households do deep cleaning at least yearly. However, 10% do it every other year, and 6% don’t do it at all. Another interesting finding: The biggest reason consumers dread deep cleaning is dealing with places that are hard to reach, such as behind or under furniture or appliances.

No matter where you fall on the frequency or dread scale, don’t throw in the towel on getting optimal results. Read on for the low-down on deep cleaning and how to make the process less stressful (we see you, robovacs!).

When and How Often to Deep Clean

“You should do a deep clean once a year or maybe even twice a year,” says Debbie Sardone, owner of Buckets & Bows Maid Service in the Dallas area and SpeedCleaning.com. “It doesn’t have to be done in the spring; it could also be in the summer, fall, or winter, she adds.

Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the ACI, agrees about flexible timing. “Depending on your regular cleaning routine, you can deep clean twice a year — once in the spring and again at the beginning of winter. Or you could deep clean at the beginning of each new season.” The key is to make the process more manageable.

How Is Deep Cleaning Different from Routine Cleaning?

To destress the process, it helps to break down what’s involved. Deep cleaning takes your typical day-to-day or week-to-week cleaning a lot, well, deeper. It’s all about removing dirt, grime, scum, and gunk all around your home — even under the bed and behind furniture and appliances.

Routine cleaning, which often is done weekly or every other week, focuses more on tidying up spaces and spot cleaning, including:

• Vacuuming or mopping floors
• Wiping countertops and surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Taking out the trash
• Dusting furniture and shelves
• Scrubbing toilets
• Cleaning and wiping off surfaces as they become dirty

“Deep cleaning encompasses the nooks and crannies of your space, from the blinds and curtains to walls, ceiling fans, and upholstered furniture,” Sansoni says.

“Places that collect a lot of dust and dander, like shelves and spaces behind the furniture, should be the focus of some of your deep cleaning to mitigate asthma and allergy triggers,” he adds. “High-touch areas, like doorknobs, remote controls, and even keyboards should be cleaned and disinfected to kill bacteria.”

Deep cleaning extends to purging and decluttering. “Don’t get so sidetracked vacuuming and dusting that you forget to ever purge or declutter a drawer,” Sardone says. You need to declutter periodically or else everyday messes and clutter can quickly get out of control, she adds.

How to Make Deep Cleaning Manageable

Make a home cleaning schedule that includes a room-by-room cleaning task checklist. Sardone recommends listing deep cleaning and routine cleaning chores by frequency:

• Daily: Spot cleaning and tidying up your space, such as by emptying the dishwasher, attending to any spills, cleaning, and putting away dishes or clothes.
• Weekly: Surface-level wiping of countertops, vacuuming floors, and dusting
• Periodic or deep cleaning: Wiping down baseboards, ceiling fans, and windows, and scrubbing surfaces more thoroughly than you would day-to-day.

Daily and weekly cleaning don’t need to take hours. “You can spot clean in a matter of seconds,” Sardone says. “If you see a problem with the toilet, grab a toilet brush and give it a quick scrub. If you see a blemish on the bathroom mirror, wipe just the spot with cleaner. You don’t have to clean the entire mirror.”

If you keep up with daily and weekly cleaning chores, deep cleaning or spring cleaning your home will be easier, she says. “For a lot of people who don’t do deep cleaning, they likely haven’t kept up with their maintenance cleaning,” Sardone says. It makes deep cleaning so much more work, since the grime has built up to a higher level.

What Should Be on My Deep Cleaning Checklist?

A 2023 consumer survey by the ACI found that consumers list these tasks as the top priorities when deep cleaning:

• Wash windows
• Clean behind furniture
• Clean appliances
• Wash bedclothes/linens
• Scrub floors
• Clean fabrics/upholstered surfaces
• Clean the garage
• Wash curtains
• Clean the basement

Cleaning Checklist by Room

You can break down your tasks by room, as well as by routine versus deep cleaning, to help you prioritize the job and starting with the easiest room (or hardest, depending on your motivation). Here’s a checklist to help you get started.

Kitchen

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Remove any food splatters
• Clean and put away dishes
• Wipe countertops
• Sweep or mop floors (wet mop weekly)
• Empty trash
• Clean and disinfect cutting boards before and after each use
• Clear food particles and grease residue in sink and elsewhere

Deep clean:

• Polish kitchen cabinets and knobs (remove dust from upper cabinets)
• Clean refrigerator shelves and outside coils
• Defrost freezer
• Clean out pantry
• Clean and scrub oven (including interior door)
• Wipe drawers and cabinet shelves
• Clean behind large appliances
• Scrub grout
• Wash inside and outside of trash bins
• Clean out filters for dishwasher and range hood

Bathrooms

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Spot clean items as needed
• Wipe sink, toilet, counters, mirrors weekly
• Empty trash
• Remove soap scum and grime
• Rinse tub and shower after each use (use spray cleaner)
• Vacuum and wet mop floors weekly
• Wash towels

Deep clean:

• Scrub grout
• Polish shower, toilet. and sink
• Replace or wash shower liner
• Clean showerheads and faucet filters
• Wash bath mats
• Clean and declutter under the sink and cabinets
• Vacuum and clean bathroom exhaust fan and air vents

Living Room

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Vacuum and mop floors
• Dust surfaces
• Tidy up

Deep clean:

• Move furniture to vacuum hard-to-reach areas
• Vacuum sofa and chairs (including under the cushions)
• Wash curtains
• Dust and clean lamp shades
• Wipe down window blinds
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fan blades
• Shampoo rugs or carpets
• Wash windows and windowsills
• Sweep out fireplace

Utility Room and Laundry Room

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Sweep floors
• Clean out lint trap after each use
• Empty trash
• Dust shelves

Deep clean

• Check and clean drain filters
• Wipe down the drum’s seal
• Run a service wash on the machine

Bedrooms

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Clean and put away clothes
• Make the bed
• Wash bedding regularly
• Vacuum rugs or carpet
• Dust furniture

Deep clean:

• Clean ceiling fan blades and lighting fixtures
• Vacuum mattress (spray with fabric refresher); flip mattress
• Vacuum behind the bed and furnishings
• Wash all bedding and fabrics, including bed skirts and decorative pillow covers
• Wipe down blinds
• Wash curtains
• Declutter closet

Throughout Your Home

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Dust
• Vacuum and mop regularly
• Spot clean surfaces as needed
• Tidy up and remove clutter

Deep clean:

• Sanitize door handles
• Clean baseboards and moldings
• Wash windows and window sills
• Wipe interior and exterior doors and trim
• Vacuum heat registers and air vents
• Wipe switch plates and light switches
• Change out smoke alarm batteries

Outdoors

Routine (daily or weekly):

• Mow the lawn
• Rake leaves
• Prune bushes and remove weeds as needed
• Sweep decks and porches

Deep clean:

• Scrub or pressure wash deck or patio
• Clean gutters
• Wash outdoor furniture
• Clean grills and BBQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning

No matter how much you’ve developed your deep cleaning skills, you may still wonder if there’s a better way or a new gadget to lighten your cleaning load. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you check what you might be missing.

What Are the Best Cleaning Tools to Use?

You don’t need the latest and greatest innovations to clean your home. “Keep it simple and very basic,” Sardone says. “We tend to quickly complicate our cleaning with the newest products. But they can then quickly overwhelm us.” Here are Sardone’s favorite cleaning aids:

• Melamine sponges: These foam-like sponges can be used to remove scuff marks from walls and baseboards as well as layers of dirt and grime and other stubborn stains. (The Magic Eraser is a retail version of this.) These can damage surfaces if used incorrectly, so, read labels and test before use.
• Microfiber towels: Dust and dirt cling to these absorbent cloths. They require less cleaning product than a cotton towel and can be effective for “dry dusting” furniture when you don’t want to use a product.
• Robotic vacuums: These smart vacuums can navigate autonomously around a home while cleaning the floors. “These are not usually effective enough for deep cleaning a floor, but they can be fantastic in a pinch to help keep floors clean day to day,” Sardone says. They’re especially helpful at removing pet hair, she adds.
• Pumice stones: This abrasive cleaning aid can be used to gently rub out tough stains, like calcium deposits and soap scum. Sardone says they’re effective for removing gray, stubborn water lines on the inside of toilets.
• Natural/green products: Eco-friendly cleaning products don’t contain harsh chemicals. “If you can smell it, you’re inhaling it,” Sardone says. “If it makes you cough, you’re ingesting it. Consider using all-natural cleaning products with no odor.” You can buy store versions or use natural household items like baking soda and vinegar.
• Natural/green products: Eco-friendly cleaning products don’t contain harsh chemicals. “If you can smell it, you’re inhaling it,” Sardone says. “If it makes you cough, you’re ingesting it. Consider using all-natural cleaning products with no odor.” You can buy store versions or use natural household items like baking soda and vinegar.

Tip: Put your cleaning tools within easy reach. Sardone recommends keeping cleaning products below each bathroom sink, including a glass cleaner, disinfectant, and all-purpose cleaner.

Also, embrace some cleaning hacks: For example, Sansoni suggests using daily shower cleaner to keep the shower and tub surfaces clean. “Mist surfaces right after showering, while the walls are still wet. No rinsing, wiping, or scrubbing is necessary,” he says.

Which Method Should I Use for Cleaning Surfaces?

There’s no one-size-fits-all to cleaning every surface in your home. Cleaning options range from disinfecting to steaming. Some cleaning methods can even damage household surfaces if not used correctly. For example, vinegar is known for being a favorite eco-friendly cleaner, but it’s acidic and can corrode wood and stone if not used properly.

Here are three common cleaners and methods:

1. All-purpose cleaners: These can be used to remove grime, grease, and everyday messes on various hard surfaces. Avoid using them on unfinished surfaces, like raw wood or unsealed stone. They’re best for countertops, floors, appliances, and everyday cleanups.
2. Steam cleaning: This chemical-free solution uses steam to dissolve and remove dirt, grime, dust mites, and contaminants. Dry steam cleaners can be used on nearly any nonporous surface, like tile or sealed countertops, too. Avoid using them on drywall, marble or porous stones, or unsealed wood. It’s best for flooring (carpets, sealed tile, and hardwood floors); countertops; grout lines; mattresses; and furniture.
3. Disinfectants: They use chemicals, often in bleach and alcohol solutions, to kill germs on surfaces and household objects. Bottles are often labeled as “kills 99.9% of household germs.” Avoid using these for day-to-day cleaning. They’re best for cleaning surfaces contaminated from cooking raw meat or preventing the spread of illness.

Tip: Sardone follows a “rule of three” when disinfecting household items. First, wipe the surface clean with an all-purpose cleaner to remove the grime and grease. Next, use a disinfectant, following the bottle instructions for how long the product should remain on the surface before wiping it away. Last, follow up with an all-purpose cleaner to remove any chemical residue from the disinfectant.

What Are the Germiest Places in a Home?

We know the usual suspects that are germ hubs in our homes, namely bathroom and kitchen surfaces, fixtures, and appliances. But what about items lurking in those rooms that you may not have thought about? Toilets are not only germy, but when flushed, they can spread microorganisms on surfaces and items nearby, according to a 2021 University of Arizona study published in the “Journal of Applied Microbiology.” That means toothbrush holders and toothbrushes are directly in the line of fire. The Washington Post recommends closing the lid before flushing and storing toothbrushes in a drawer or medicine cabinet.

Other secret places for unsuspecting homeowners to clean include the disposal flange in your kitchen sink, your coffeemaker’s reservoir, sponges and towels in the kitchen, and knobs and buttons on kitchen appliances.

Here are other lesser-known areas:

• Filters: In the dishwasher, a strainer at the bottom should be routinely unscrewed and rinsed and cleaned. “It may contain months — or even years — of decaying food particles,” Sardone says. (If your dishwasher starts to smell bad, it’s a sure sign your filter needs cleaning.) The vent hood above the stove and even the microwave also have filters that need to be regularly cleaned.
• Air conditioner vents: The vent grilles on your floors or walls can become a dust magnet. Vacuum the outside and inside, and wipe gently with a towel. Also, if you have an air filter inside your vents be sure to regularly clean those, too.
• Ceiling fan blades: The top of the blades can become caked in dust over time.
• Shoe shelves: Dust balls and dirt can accumulate.
• Oven doors: The interior glass of the oven door can become coated in difficult-to-remove grime if they aren’t regularly cleaned.

Should I Call a Pro for a Deep Clean?

Most cleaning businesses offer a variety of services, including a weekly or biweekly service for routine cleaning or a one-time deep clean. If you’re looking for a deep clean, be sure to ask for a specific list of what the company provides. “If the list just says sweeping, vacuuming carpets, polishing furniture, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing toilets and showers, that’s not a deep clean,” Sardone says. “But it should include things like washing baseboards, ceiling fan blades, and blinds, and wiping doors and cabinet fronts.”

What Are the Most Common Cleaning Mistakes?

No one wants mistakes, but the good news is that you can easily avoid two common ones. The first is failing to read the directions on your cleaning products, says Sansoni. It can result in damaging a household surface.

The second is “not doing anything,” Sardone says. “When you don’t keep up with cleaning, it builds up and can become unmanageable. [Problems include] soap scum that builds up in the shower or grime that builds up in the sink or a heavier coat of dust. Old dirt is way harder to clean than new dirt. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with daily, weekly, and deep cleaning.”

Dog-friendly landscaping tips so you can have a beautiful yard and a happy dog.

Landscaping for dogs is easy with these tips about what to do and what NOT to.

Like choosing the right mulch.

Mulch

DO: Use gravel, shredded hardwood mulch, or wood chips; they won’t stick to longhair coats.
DON’T: Use cocoa mulch, which may contain theobromine, the same ingredient that makes chocolate poisonous to dogs.

Yard Features

DO: Create a water feature so your dog can cool off on hot days.
DON’T: Install a pond or pool that’s hard for your dog to enter and exit.

DO: Add a sandbox your dog can feel free to dig in. Bury bones and treats at first to pique their interest.
DON’T: Think that sandboxes are maintenance-free. Keep a shovel and rake nearby to cover holes and clean waste.

Plants

DO: Use organic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides on lawns and plants.
DON’T: Spread toxic lawn and plant care products, which can harm dogs. Studies have shown that exposure to pesticides may affect dogs similarly to how it affects humans. Scientists have linked lawn chemicals to canine cancer, according to EcoWatch.

DO: Select plant species that reduce fleas, such as lavender, rosemary, and mint, and others that are good for dogs to eat — blueberries, strawberries, wheat grass, and oat grass.
DON’T: Select plants that can make your dog sick, like foxglove, iris, monkshood, and lily of the valley.

DO: Landscape with urine-resistant plants, such as Euonymus japonica (Japanese spindle tree) and Burkwood osmanthus.
DON’T: Freak out when you find yellow and brown spots in your lawn caused by urine. Reseeding is a simple and easy cure for those spots. Or create a potty station.

Boundaries

DO: Create paths or walkways along routes your dog already travels.
DON’T: Think you can redirect your dog away from areas they’ve already claimed. Don’t resort to planting thorny shrubs or other plants to deter them. You’ll both be sorry.

DO: Edge flowerbeds with rocks or foot-tall shrubs to protect your posies.
DON’T: Use a metal edging that can cut your pooch.

DO: Give up the idea of having a perfect yard — a place that’s perfect for you and your pet is better.
DON’T: Let your dog rule the roost. Train them to respect boundaries and do their business in a designated spot.

Cleaning your home’s siding every year and keeping it in good repair extends the life of any siding and heads off replacement costs.

With a bit of preventive maintenance, your home’s siding could be trouble-free for 50 years or more. And that means you won’t have to replace siding as often.

Cleaning siding removes the dirt and mildew that shortens the life of the siding. A clean house protects your investment, too. Some real estate appraisers say good curb appeal can add 5% to 11% to the value of your house.

Cleaning All Types of Siding

All types of siding benefit from an annual cleaning to remove grit, grime, and mildew. Cleaning an average-sized house may take you and a friend every bit of a weekend. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a bucket of warm, soapy water. Mix one-half cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers) with one gallon of water.

2. Divide your siding into 10-foot sections. Scrub each section using a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Work from bottom to top to avoid streaking and rinse often. (For two-story homes, you’ll be using a ladder, so keep safety foremost.)

What’s a Professional Cleaning Cost?

If you don’t have the time — or the inclination — you can have your house professionally cleaned for $100 to $650. A professional team will use a power washer and take less than a day.

You can rent a power washer to do the job yourself for about $35 to $175 per day, but beware if you don’t have experience with the tool. Power washers can strip paint, gouge softwoods, loosen caulk, and eat through mortar. Also, the tool can force water under horizontal lap joints, causing moisture to accumulate behind the siding.

A siding professional has the expertise to prevent water penetration at joints, seams around windows and doors, and electrical fixtures.

Inspecting Siding for Damage

All siding: Siding is vulnerable to water infiltration where it butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings. Look for caulk that has cracked because of age or pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65 degrees for maximum adhesion.

Wood siding: Check for chipped or peeling paint and cracked boards and trim.

Stucco: Be on the lookout for cracks and chips.

Brick: Look for crumbling mortar joints.

You’ll want to repair any defects before cleaning. The sooner you make repairs, the better you protect your house from moisture infiltration that can lead to dry rot and mold forming inside your walls.

Repairing Wood, Vinyl, and Fiber-Cement Siding

Repairs to wood, vinyl, and fiber-cement siding require the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact. Unless you have the skills, hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor. Expect to pay $1 to $15 per square foot to replace one or two damaged siding panels, depending on the material, or pieces of wood clapboard.

Repairing Brick and Mortar

Crumbling and loose mortar should be removed with a cold chisel and repaired with fresh mortar — a process called repointing. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can repoint mortar joints between bricks, but the process is time-consuming. Depending on the size of the mortar joints (thinner joints are more difficult), a masonry professional will repoint brick siding for $4 to $25 per square foot.

Efflorescence — the powdery white residue that sometimes appears on brick and stone surfaces — is the result of soluble salts in the masonry or grout being leached out by moisture, probably indicating the masonry and grout wasn’t sealed correctly.

Remove efflorescence by scrubbing it with water and white vinegar mixed in a 50/50 solution and a stiff bristle brush. As soon as the surface is clear and dry, seal it with a quality masonry sealer to prevent further leaching.

Persistent efflorescence may indicate a moisture problem behind the masonry. Consult a professional building or masonry contractor.

Repairing Stucco

Seal cracks and small holes with color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. Try pressing sand into the surface of wet caulk to match the texture of the surrounding stucco. Paint the repair to match.

To repair larger holes and cracks, you may want to call in a pro who’s familiar with stucco work. A professional charges $600 to $2,480 for a repair job, depending on the size of the damage. Repainting the patch to match your siding will be up to you.

Removing Mildew

Stubborn, black spotty stains are probably mildew. Dab the area with a little diluted bleach; if the black disappears, it’s mildew. Clean the area with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wear eye protection and protect plants from splashes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.