Home Appliances

Should you replace your washing machine or repair it? The answer would be obvious if it were something less price like a toaster. But we can help you reach a sound decision.

By Victoria Vogt

High-efficiency washing machines have become very popular recently. And they use their own special detergents. You may have wondered if they're safe for baby's clothes. Keep reading to find out what to look for and how to make your own detergent.

By Laurie L. Dove

There's been a revolution in washer design in recent years to make residential appliances more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But how are manufacturers making the two work together?

By Sara Elliott

Whether you want to protect the environment or protect your clothes from wear and tear, high-efficiency washing machines are picking up momentum in the marketplace. Talk about going green: You'll even save some cash on your electric and water bills.

By Mark Boyer

If you haven't heard of low-water or high-efficiency washing machines yet, you will the next time you go shopping for a washer. They promise to use 40 percent less water and 90 percent less energy than conventional machines. But they cost more to purchase too. Should you get one? We'll weigh the pros and cons.

By Josh Briggs

It's the centerpiece of many festive occasions. It keeps beer fresh and makes it portable. So how is it designed and manufactured? And where does it go when its party days are over?

By Oisin Curran

Does your washer-dryer combo dominate the laundry room? Is the kitchen cluttered with giant machinery? Is your dishwasher cramping your style -- and your space? Things don't have to be so cluttered, and there are gadgets out there you don't have to force into your home.

By Heather Kolich

A clear bottle depicting a pristine artesian well (presumably with some of its contents inside) versus the metal tap in your sink -- which is more enticing? But are those popular plastic conveyances really the smartest choice?

By Colleen Cancio

An informed consumer is a happy consumer. Here's the information to help you decide between a stacked or side-by-side washer-dryer and keep you smiling.

By Emilie Sennebogen

They've been bringing us relief from the heat since the late 1800s, but do you know how ceiling fans really work? And, did you know they can help keep you warm in the winter?

By Jessica Willis

You may not be able to keep up with the Joneses who bought one of those newfangled, oh-so-green front- load washers, but you can still use high-efficiency detergent in your old washer, right? We examine the answer.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Front-load washers and energy efficiency go together like soap and water, but can top-loaders save energy, too? We explore your options.

By Emilie Sennebogen

A cherry red front-load washer might look cool in your laundry room, but when it comes to practicality, the top-loader has a lot going for it. What are its perks?

By Debra Ronca

It heats up, has moving parts and literally does loads of work. So, how can you keep that dryer of yours working efficiently for years to come? Dryer vent cleaning is key. We'll show you how to do it right.

By Emilie Sennebogen

You may think you're getting a deal by buying a cheap appliance. But what if it sucks you dry via your energy bills? We'll tell you how to make the right choice.

By Debra Ronca

Dust mites like to feed on your dead skin cells, so it's likely your bed, sheets, comforters and pillows are full of the allergy-inducing critters. Can you wash them away, and is one washing machine as good as another?

By Jessika Toothman

The Toto Washlet, a toilet seat with a personal spray jet, is marketed as a cleaner -- and greener -- alternative to toilet paper. How does this bidet-like product work to keep you fresh?

By Shanna Freeman

Washers and dryers are some of the most convenient modern appliances around, but they typically have one major disadvantage -- too much space. Washer dryer combos attempt to solve that problem, giving you clean clothes in one cycle.

By Jessica Brown

Whether you think the "clap-on, clap-off" advertisement was hilarious or annoying, the Clapper is one of the 20th century's most iconic inventions. How do a couple of sharp noises turn on your television?

By Tristin Hopper

Instead of throwing away trash, many people use automatic composters to recycle garbage into garden-friendly fertilizer. But are the high cost and potential odors worth the benefit?

By Sarah Grace McCandless

Kegerators store and pour beer differently than standard kegs do, but at a higher price. How do these systems work to produce a perfect glass of beer?

By Thorin Klosowski

Tankless toilets, which conserve water and take up less space than standard models, are common in public restrooms and some urban homes. Are the benefits worth having one in your home?

By Colleen Cancio

The average American family does 300 loads of laundry a year, and most use more than just water to get their clothes and linens clean. How do detergents help lift dirt, sweat and stains out of laundry?

By Emily Frydendall

Cleaning out your gutters can be a tricky, dangerous project. Climbing up ladders and heaving large piles of leaves only increases your risk of injury. What if you had a robot that could clean your gutters for you?

By Meghan E. Smith

If you crave a warm, home-cooked meal, but don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen, a slow cooker may be just what you need. But how do slow cookers work?

By Jill Jaracz