Home Improvement

Three words -- "organizing your closet" -- might strike fear in a lot of people. But having a clean storage space doesn't have to be a complicated process.

By Debra K. Melchior & Austin Henderson

The fastest way to get a new ceiling is to install ceiling tiles directly to an existing drywall ceiling. If the ceiling surface isn't sound or has open joists, staple the tiles to furring strips. Here are extensive installation instructions.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Stripping off the old wall covering is usually wiser than leaving it on. New coverings adhere better to stripped-down surfaces. There are several ways to approach the job. Learn how to remove wallpaper.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

A suspended ceiling can cover a lot of flaws and obstructions, including pipes, wiring, and ductwork. It works, however, only where you can afford to lose some ceiling height. Here are extensive installation instructions.

Installing ceramic tile is easy with modern fast-setting mastics, sealants, and grout. Whatever style or size you choose to install, the principles are the same. Learn how to install ceramic tile.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Baking soda can safely tackle kitchen jobs above and beyond the legendary box at the back of the refrigerator. Learn more about how baking soda can play a role in the kitchen.

By Christine Halvorson

Want a cleaning product that lives up to the hype? One cleanser really can freshen your entire bathroom - and it's probably already in your cabinet.

By Christine Halvorson & Christine Venzon

Salt can be a useful tool around the house. Salt is an extraordinary cleaning and deodorizing agent for your entire home. Learn more about how salt can help with numerous household projects.

By Christine Halvorson

Salt is a super stain remover on clothing, helps maintain bright colors, and can even eliminate sticky spots on your iron. Learn about how salt can be used in the laundry room.

By Christine Halvorson

Vinegar is perfect for many outdoors projects and activities. It is a great alternative to toxic chemicals for controlling weeds, pests, and disease. Learn about the role vinegar can play in the backyard and beyond.

By Christine Halvorson

Vinegar's chemical properties make it ideal for use in many common repair and maintenance jobs. Find out about vinegar's home-improvement benefits, from removing rust and wallpaper paste to eliminating paint odors.

By Christine Halvorson

Vinegar is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to pretreating stains, softening water, and boosting regular laundry detergents. Learn how vinegar helps with the laundry.

By Christine Halvorson

Vinegar has astounding power over the surfaces in your home, acting as both a cleaning and deodorizing agent. Keep reading for helpful and surprising hints about how vinegar can be used to clean your home.

By Christine Halvorson

Mobile printing allows people on the go to print documents wherever they choose. Learn about mobile printing and find out how a mobile printer works.

A home office can be as small as a folding file or as large as a room. Learn how to create a home office, from mapping out your space to filling it with equipment.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

This helpful article will give you eight basic rules for organizing your paperwork, plus a more detailed description of filing techniques that work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Every home-dweller eventually has to contend with pests like insects, rodents, and raccoons. But don't fret: There are time-proven ways to deter and eradicate these little beasts. We've collected some in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Although modern appliances have removed much of the misery of doing laundry, someone still has to sort it, load the washer, etc. Read these cleaning suggestions for clothes that are made from natural fabrics.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Along with good laundering and mending techniques, your clothes will benefit from proper care and storage. Follow these guidelines on how to keep your clothes and shoes in good condition.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Most small kitchen appliances are designed to be easy to clean, but they still require some work. Follow these suggestions and guidelines for cleaning blenders, toasters, coffeemakers, waffle irons, and more.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Sometimes we get so caught up in cleaning 'the bones' of our home, we forget about the dirt accumulating on what's actually in it: the furnishings. Follow these tips and guidelines for cleaning furnishings.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cleaning your fireplace regularly will ensure that it remains safe and efficient. Learn how to eliminate excess soot, ashes, and dangerous creosote tars.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

It's hard to get a good night's sleep if your bedding is dirty. Therefore, maintaining clean pillows, bedspreads, blankets, and other bedding materials should be a major priority. Find out how it's done.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

They keep the contents of your school locker safe. They secure precious documents and monetary instruments. Some of them can even take a bullet. Learn about what's going on inside combination locks.

By Robert Valdes

This set of articles includes explanations of lockpicking and safecracking, as well as the mechanical workings of many of the most common types of locks.

By Marshall Brain