Rocks That Explode Around Firepits
If you've got a fire pit, there are certain types of rocks that will explode if they make it into the flames. Here's what you need to know.
Read MoreJill Harness
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Hunker uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding home improvement and design, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Jill Harness
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11 'Little Free' Ways To Help Your Community Right From Your Yard
Little Free Libraries are fairly common these days, but there are many other "little free" ways you can support your community by supplying free food, clothing, plants, craft supplies, and more right from your yard.
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Creeping Thyme Lawn: How To Grow Your Own (And Why You Should)
Learn how to plant a lush, aromatic, and low-maintenance creeping thyme lawn. It needs a lot less water than grass, and bees and other pollinators love it!
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Does Polyester Shrink?
Does polyester shrink? Not very easily. We tested some of the most commonly recommended methods to shrink polyester to see what really works and what doesn't.
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What Causes Red Algae In Swimming Pools?
Red algae are bacteria, not algae. Even so, the source of red algae is the same as what causes algae in a pool, and the treatment is very similar as well. Discover how to get rid of red algae and prevent it from happening in the first place.
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How To Attract Crows — And Why You'd Even Want To In The First Place
If you want to know how to attract crows to your yard, start by thinking about what a crow needs for survival: food, shelter, and water. These tips can make them feel at home.
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Does Vinegar Kill Ants?
Vinegar serves as an effective ant repellent because it makes it impossible for ants to smell the pheromone trails they use to communicate with one another.
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I Released Live Ladybugs For My Garden Pest Control. Here's What Happened
Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles, are beneficial insects that offer natural pest control and other advantages for your garden. Discover how ladybugs for a garden can help control aphids, mites, and other garden pests while also promoting pollination.
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How To Store Apples So You Always Get That Beautiful Bite
From an expert, learn more about how to store apples, including cut apples and fresh-picked apples, as well as how long apples last and how to freeze them.
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What Are Co-Ownership Homes And Why Are They So Popular?
A co-ownership home agreement can allow you to purchase a bigger, better house than you would otherwise be able to afford, but owning a home with other people does have drawbacks.
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How To Store Grapes So They Don't Immediately Get Soft And Squishy
To learn more about how to store grapes, we spoke with an expert on the topic to find the best way to store grapes so you can keep yours fresh for as long as possible.
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How To Remove White Stains From Wood Furniture
If you see a white stain on wood furniture, it means that moisture has penetrated the finish. The good news is this is easy to repair without sanding or refinishing. Learn the best ways to get rid of white stains on your wood furniture.
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How To Store Watermelon So It Is Always Crisp And Satisfying
Discover how to store whole watermelon, cut watermelon, and half a watermelon and learn how long watermelon lasts, if you can freeze watermelon, and how to pick a watermelon at the store.
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I Tried 9 Methods To Soften My Towels. Here's What Actually Worked
There are a lot of competing ideas online when it comes to how to make towels soft again. Unfortunately, a lot of them simply don't work. We know because we tested them all.
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Are There Actually Plants That Repel Mosquitoes? Here's What The Science Says
Though there are plants that repel mosquitoes, it's going to take more than setting out a few on the patio to avoid these annoying pests. Learn about plant-repellent myths in this deep dive.
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Planning A Remodel This Year? These Projects Have The Worst Return Value
These home improvements might make the current homeowners happy, but they have terrible returns when selling the house, and some may even lower the house's resale value.
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9 Expert Tips For Cleaning Your House FAST Before Company Arrives
These simple tricks can help you make your house look presentable for soon-to-arrive company if you have a lot to clean and only a little time to clean it.
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Planning A Remodel In 2023? Here Are The Home Improvement Projects That Have The Best ROI
These home improvement projects should provide homeowners with the best return on their investment, and these upgrades may make their home more comfortable too.
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You May Want To Reconsider How You Store Your Soy Sauce
Does soy sauce need to be refrigerated? We asked an expert about how to tell if your soy sauce can be left out and whether it has gone bad.
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What Is The Proper Height For Closet Rods & Shelves?
The ideal closet shelf height is about 84 to 87 inches, and a standard closet rod height is around 72 inches. Learn more about why these heights are set at these standards, and how to create a more easily accessible closet for everyone.
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The Best Native Plants For Landscaping: A State-By-State Guide
Native plants conserve water and support local wildlife and are disease- and pest-resistant. These are the best native plants for each state in the United States.
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Should Mustard Be Refrigerated? You Might Be Surprised By The Answer
Does mustard need to be refrigerated? Does it go bad? We asked an expert to find out more about how to store this condiment.
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8 Unexpected Flowers To Grow In Your Garden This Year
Why have a basic flower garden this spring and summer when you could have a garden filled with unexpected blooms that will blossom from early spring all the way through fall?
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How To Remove Armpit Stains From Clothing, According To Sweat And Cleaning Experts
Using a good armpit stain remover is critical in eliminating yellow discolorations from your shirts, but you may be able to avoid getting these stains at all if you buy the right deodorant.
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17 Items That Can Make Life Easier For Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders
These household products for the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom can make life a lot easier for kids with sensory processing issues, including ADHD and autism.
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How To Dispose Of Leftover Wood Stain
You should know how to dispose of wood stain before you even purchase it for a project. Ideally, you'll find someone else who can use the stain rather than throwing it away. If not, there are different ways to dispose of water-based (latex) and oil-based stains.
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When To Bring Plants Inside — And What Temperature Is Too Cold?
If you allow your houseplants out on the patio for summer break, they will appreciate it, but be sure to bring them back indoors before it is too cold. Ready to bring your plant babies back indoors? Here's what you need to know.
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