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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 199)

Cleaning & Organizing

The Best Dish Soaps for Squeaky-Clean Dishes, Tested

These dishwashing liquids are designed to cut through grime to save you time, water, and elbow grease.

Landscaping

Strategic Hardscaping Can Make Your Outdoor Space More Sustainable—Here’s How

Certain types of hardscaping, which provide durability and architectural definition to a yard, can also be good for the environment.

Lawn & Garden

How to Grow a Moss Lawn—and Why You Should

Moss lawns are low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional turf. Are they right for your property?

Wildlife

What to Do If a Bird Flies Into Your House

Feathered friends make for great window watching, but when they come too close, things can get chaotic. If a bird swoops in through an open window and gets stuck in your home, try this trick to shoo it back outdoors using a common household item.

Exterior

The Secret to Getting Your Homeowners Insurance to Pay for a Roof Replacement

Roof replacement can easily cost thousands of dollars. But there's one crucial step that's key to increasing the odds that insurance will cover such a massive expense—as long as you do it right.

Appliances

6 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Drying

If you always find yourself wiping water off your just-washed dishes, try these tips for troubleshooting a dishwasher that doesn’t dry.

Doors

Installing a Pocket Door

Homeowners who want to maximize space while having the convenience of a flexible layout should consider the pocket door. If you're thinking about installing one, first read our handy planning guide to see whether this retractable door system is right for you.

Cooling

Does Your AC Smell Like Gas? Here’s How to Troubleshoot the Issue Safely

When your AC smells like gas, it may be due to an actual gas leak. Know the signs to keep your home and family safe.

Driveways & Walkways

How to Clean Concrete Floors and Driveways

Cleaning concrete surfaces starts with a mild detergent, then you can up the ante as needed.

Grills

The Best Built-In Grills for Backyard Barbecuing

No self-respecting outdoor kitchen is complete without one of these cooking appliances.

Gardening

12 Ways to Keep Birds from Eating Your Garden Berries

Perplexed by what to do about birds pilfering your berry patch? Try some of these humane and harmless ways to protect your homegrown berries from the birds.

Windows

Everything You Need to Know About Transom Windows

Light lovers rejoice! These ages-old above-the-door architectural elements are back in a big way.

Cleaning & Organizing

Make Your Appliances Sparkle With This DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner Recipe

Clean and restore stainless steel surfaces around the house with this safe, simple, economical formula.

Pest Control

How to Make a Homemade Ant Trap: 3 Methods That Really Work

Looking for a natural ant killer that's safe to use in your living space? These home remedies for ants are easy to make using ingredients from your pantry and workshop.

Lawn & Garden

30 Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Easiest Garden Ever

Who has the time (or water) to waste on persnickety landscape plants? With careful plant selection, you can have a garden rife with texture and color, without a lot of upkeep.

DIY

Join Us for the Very First BobVila.com Webinar: “How a More Eco-Friendly Yard Can Beat the Summer Heat”

Save the date: Thursday, July 18 at 5:30 EDT.

Power Tools

The Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition and Pruning, Tested

For tearing out plywood sheathing, drywall panels, or even roof decks, it’s tough to beat the sheer cutting ability of a reciprocating saw.

Grills

The Best Grill Tool Sets for the Best BBQs

A backyard barbecue isn’t complete without the best grill tool set for preparing tasty meats and vegetables.

Gardening

Pruning Tomato Plants: 6 Mistakes Most First-Time Gardeners Make

Pruning tomatoes correctly will yield larger, healthier plants that produce more fruit—and an earlier harvest—if you avoid these all-too-common pitfalls.

Appliances

7 Likely Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Turn On—And How to Fix It

There are some washer issues you can fix by yourself in seconds—but others may require the help of a pro. Knowing the difference could save you time and money.