To determine the best washer and dryer sets, we spent hours researching top-rated units, considering factors like capacity, features, efficiency, price, and more. We also consulted Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at appliance and home retailer AJ Madison, as well as John Carey, co-founder and vice president of appliance retailer Designer Appliances, for recommendations on choosing the best options for you. “I always tell my customers to think about the cycles they actually use,” says Petrino....

“Most users find that front-loading washers can help decrease not only water bills, but energy as well,” says Caroline Dutka, brand manager at CD One Price Cleaners. “With a typical faster dry cycle due to a more efficient spin cycle, the amount of time clothes spend drying in a front-load washer lessens the load on bills.” When shopping for the best front-loading washer for the home, Dutka recommends that, in order to determine if this type of washer is for them, shoppers should first decide whether they’re okay with the less comfortable position for use (as opposed to a top-loading model) and how many loads of laundry they currently have on a weekly basis....

Especially during the winter months, being too cold in bed can lead to poor sleep quality. A heated mattress pad is an easy solution to keep you warm and comfortable all night. We put 22 heated mattress pads to the test in our lab and evaluated them on their comfort, durability, and heat performance. We chose the Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad as our top pick because of its waterproof fabric, safety features, and quick heating ability....

To find the best cleaners for laminate floors, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors such as type, use, and formula. We also consulted expert Sarah Jameson, Marketing Director of Green Building Elements, for tips on what to look for when buying laminate floor cleaners and how to use them properly. Our top pick is the Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner for its impressive cleaning power, versatility, and safe formula....

A microfiber cloth and a gentle cleanser are the only tools you need to clean stainless steel, says Alicia Sokolowski, President and Co-CEO at AspenClean. “Avoid abrasive cleaners, ammonia, bleach, and abrasive tools like steel wool pads,” she says, as these can dull, discolor, or scratch the surface. Our top choice for the best stainless steel cleaner is the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. Its two-in-one formula makes it easy to clean and shine with one swipe, plus it also comes in wipe form—which makes cleaning your stainless steel appliances even easier....

To find the best white noise machines, we thoroughly researched the various models available and considered factors like size, sound settings, and portability when coming up with our recommendations. We also spoke to Dr. Lindsay Browning, neuroscientist, psychologist, and sleep expert, for tips on how to pick a sound machine that suits your needs. One of the most important things you should look for in a good white noise machine is the ability to control the volume....

“I know a lot of people think that they can’t invest with kids or pets, but finding a piece that will stand up for years will also stand up to kids and pets and lots of use,” says designer Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors. “Cheap furniture may only last you a few years, and with the addition of kids and pets, even less.” To determine the best kid- and pet-friendly sofas, we researched options with upholstery materials and colors that are best for preventing or hiding scratches and stains....

To come up with these recommendations, we thoroughly researched the best laundry detergents on the market and rounded up our top picks based on factors such as type (like pod, powder, or liquid), formula, and available scents. For expert insight, we tapped Leslie Reichert, the Green Cleaning Coach and author of the book “The Joy of Green Cleaning.” She explained how laundry detergents remove germs from clothing and discussed the importance (or lack thereof) of expiration dates....

It’s October Mist (1495)! October Mist (1495) is a shade of sage green. This calming shade was chosen as a canvas for the Color Trends 2022 Palette. This year’s Benjamin Moore Color of the Year looks beautiful all on its own—we could see it in a spa-like bathroom or creative home office—but we’re even more excited about the hue as a jumping off point for the other 13 colors in the “trends palette”....

How to Make Watermelon Cake from the Whole Fruit Follow these step-by-step directions to make a fresh watermelon cake that serves a large group. With summer-fresh watermelon at the core, you can make all kinds of healthy watermelon recipes, but when it comes to one that surprises and delights, this watermelon cake recipe trumps them all. Related Video

“This lightweight squeegee does a fantastic job of cleaning water droplets off glass shower doors to prevent stains and buildup. I’ve used it for about two years, and it hasn’t started to show any signs of rust or wear,” said Sole. “Plus, it comes with multiple finish/color options and minimalist mounting hardware, so you can keep it in the shower without it cramping the style of your space.” Not only can you use the squeegee to clear droplets and buildup away from your shower doors and tiling, but the brand also notes you can use it on countertops with your cleaner of choice, so you can clean multiple surfaces in one go....

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The chicken casserole starts with pre-cooked chicken. Since this recipe is from the “Luscious Leftovers” section of the cook book, feel free to use leftover boiled chicken breasts or purchased rotisserie chicken. To the chopped chicken, deBoschnek adds sliced celery, which she says “gives better crunch” than finely chopped celery. For added crunch, slivered almonds are added to the casserole mixture. In addition to some salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added as a flavor enhancer....

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The ClearSpace stackable storage bins are made from BPA- and chlorine-free plastic, and they come in a set of four. Each one measures 10 by 6 by 3 inches, and they’re shatterproof, according to the brand. The bins are designed for you to use interchangeably, so you can easily store fruits, vegetables, and drinks in your refrigerator, or hold cans, bars, and dry goods in your pantry. And while the sale is live through the weekend, each bin is just over $6 apiece....

The typical reach-in linen closet is 30 to 36 inches wide and 15 to 24 inches deep, says Scott Davis, vice president of product development and marketing at Closetmaid, a storage system manufacturer, and can be found either in a bathroom or a hallway near the bedrooms. While exactly what people store in their linen closets varies, Davis suggests you resist the urge to store “anything and everything” in here....

At Dante, a Manhattan bar that specializes in classic cocktails like Negronis, Linden Pride makes his signature Negroni more gin-forward and drier. That is, he adds more gin than Campari and vermouth, so that not all three alcohols are proportional, as in a classic Negroni. Dante offers 14 types of Negronis, which swap in various bitters, Amari, vermouth, and the base spirit. The most popular riff: A Mezcalito which substitutes mezcal for gin....

If you’re in need of a break from screen time, or you’re just looking for a fun way to spend time with the family, we’ve rounded up some classic board games that are still around today. Board games are one of the products most affected by the shipping crisis right now, so if you have your eye on a new game, don’t wait to order it! If you’re feeling inspired to host a family game night, these are a few of our favorite vintage-style board games....

Enjoy the assets year-round in a mild climate. Where winters are frosty, savor your little garden throughout the growing season, then bring the plants indoors. Or consign them to compost before cold weather arrives; empty, clean, and store the container for next year’s garden. How to Create an Easy-Care Water Container Garden Galvanized tub or other watertight containerSeveral bricksAquatic plantsWaterRocks Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata)Canna (Canna spp.)Variegated society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia spp....

To explore what a sizable budget of $625,000 might get you around the United States, we found three homes priced close to that number in different corners of the country. These homes vary in size or style (or both!) and might give you a sense of what to expect if you’re searching for a home within this price range. Kansas City, Missouri: $625,000 Square Feet: 4,095 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2½ Listed by: Suellen Dice, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes...