When I moved into my first home, I noticed an interesting trend: my guests kept gifting me cleaning supplies. I turned to my BFF and asked, "Should I be offended?" After all, I’d always thought of myself as tidy and organized — but deep cleaning? That wasn’t exactly my thing.
Granted, I was going through a major life change and cleaning my home wasn't a top priority, but I clearly got the hint. During a recent visit, my mom shared a few game-changing tips for cleaning my washing machine and dishwasher (spoiler: all you need is vinegar!). Since then, I've picked up more tricks to tackle the tub, oven, and beyond.
So, here’s a comprehensive cleaning guide to help you kick off the holidays and 2025 with a clean slate and home.
There's this common misconception that washing machines are always clean just by running loads of laundry. I learned the hard way, not true. Over time, detergent residues, fabric softener, and minerals from the water build up in your washing machine, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Yuck! To keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh and truly clean, a monthly deep clean is a must.
How to Clean It: Once a month, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of distilled white vinegar. This will help break down any buildup inside the drum, as well as eliminate any bacteria. For front-loading machines, don’t forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door where mold loves to hide. I just did this and it was frankly, gross, but so satisfying in the end. Wipe it down with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it air dry.
You and your partner may argue over how you load the dishes, but have either of you actually cleaned it? Dishwashers, like washing machines, build up icky grime over time from food particles and soap scum, causing a stink and making your dishwasher work less well. A quick monthly clean can keep it in top shape.
How to Clean It: Pour a cup of vinegar inside and run a hot water cycle with no dishes. Afterward, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another cycle. This combo will help remove lingering smells and make your dishwasher sparkle.
If you're not using your oven for big meals all the time, twice a year is usually enough cleaning it will need (whew!). Otherwise, every few months will do the trick. Cleaning off all that baked-on grease and food residue with a biannual clean will keep it working more efficiently and ready for your next festive feast.
How to Clean It: Create a thick paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the inside of the oven, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit overnight, and then wipe away the grime. Finish by spraying a little vinegar to tackle any remaining residue. You can also try a store-bought oven cleaner that works in minutes like Easy-Off.
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Sometimes, it’s the places we don’t see that need the most attention: under the fridge, behind the couch, and in vents. A thorough dusting every three months will keep allergens at bay.
How to Clean: If you don't already have a robot vacuum, use a standup vacuum with a hose attachment or a microfiber cloth to reach these spots. For vents, remove covers and gently wash them in warm, soapy water. Replace disposable filters every three months too.
My least favorite room to clean: bathrooms, which tend to build up mold and mildew quickly due to all the moisture. A quick weekly clean can prevent buildup, while a monthly deep clean will ensure everything stays sparkling and germ-free.
How to Clean: I recently discovered Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover for my shower glass doors and it works great. For your tub and shower, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar as a natural scrub. Spray the surfaces with vinegar, sprinkle baking soda over them, and scrub with a brush or simply use your favorite all-purpose cleaner like Method or Meyers. Rinse well. Also, keep a squeegee in your shower to reduce buildup over time.
There's nothing better than climbing into your bed with freshly cleaned sheets. You should wash your bed sheets once a week, or every two weeks at most. If you sweat a lot in your sleep or suffer from major allergies, try to clean more often than that.
How to Clean: When washing your sheets, use a paraben-free and dye-free detergent like Seventh Generation or Arm & Hammer Free & Clear, especially if you have sensitive skin and wash your pillowcases and bed sheets at the same time to keep dirt at bay.
Cleaning your windows every fall and spring can make a huge difference in brightening your home with more natural light and help you enjoy a better view. You won't regret it!
How to Clean: Use your favorite glass cleaner or put a few drops of dish soap in a warm bucket of water. First, wipe the frames with a dry cloth or a brush to remove dust and debris. Then using a sponge, start from the top and work down to lift off dirt, fingerprints, and grime. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish, and a clean microfiber cloth (to prevent lint) to dry any remaining water droplets around the edges.
Here's to a happy, healthy clean home! My last two tips: Bring in air-purifying plants to naturally clean your indoor air and pretty up your home. And for pots and pans that still show burnt marks, I found a sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friend with a nice scrub does the trick!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
We have a serious appreciation for all things creative, like these plus-size Halloween costumes, and we have a hunch you’ll love some of our newest finds, too. Afterward, if you still haven’t decided on which costume to wear this Halloween, gather your group of besties and get their opinion — or, better yet, pick out a group Halloween costume, and you can all dress up together! Here are 40 of the most curve-lovin’ (and seriously hot) plus-size Halloween costumes you’ll find out there this season.
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Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.
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Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”
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Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.
Yandy
Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.
Brit + Co
This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)
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Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.
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There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.
Brit + Co
We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)
Halloween Costumes
This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.
Yandy
Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!
Halloween Costumes
You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!
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We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.
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You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.
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One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.
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Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.
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It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!
Halloween Costumes
We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.
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We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.
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The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.
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If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!
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Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!
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The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.
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If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.
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Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!
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Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.
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If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.
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This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!
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No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.
Halloween Costumes
With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.
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Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.
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We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.
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Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?
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Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!
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If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.
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While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
When you're often the life of the party and happen to be partnered up and in your 30s, you'll instantly turn heads when you say no to booze. I can personally attest to the difficulty of this. As someone who loves happy hour and has a particular affinity for lemon drop shotsin totally inappropriate settings, there was no way I could get away with *not* drinking without inviting questioning looks.
Before I give you the guide to fake drinking when you're secretly pregnant, let me take this moment to make a PSA. If you see that a female friend of yours isn't drinking and she usually does, try not to ask her if she's expecting in front of everyone. She might be secretly pregnant, taking fertility drugs that can't be combined with alcohol, just trying to lower her dosage of alcohol with the hope that it helps her get pregnant. There's also the chance she might just be…not drinking. Be as it may, no one wants to be bombarded with pregnancy questions.
Of course, not everyone is going to take my PSA seriously, so I've got some tips and tricks for all you pre-reveal preggos. These same tips apply to gals who are not drinking because they are trying to conceive. I was personally in this non-drinking camp for about five months before getting pregnant.
And how's this for proof? I organized and attended a bachelorette party for two of my very best friends with about eight of my other besties present — and no one had ANY idea I was pregnant. So, trust me — I'm a bona fide pro at fake drinking.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
This was one of my earliest discoveries in the world of fake drinking. No one can see your drink when it's in a can. You might read that and think, yeah so? Well, take that can with you to the other can, and dump it out in the sink. Fill it up with water and no one will be the wiser. In fact, they'll think — wow, she's really blasting through those Coors Lights. Pro tip: Be sure to wipe any water drips off the can before you leave the bathroom, and rinse the sink so there's no errant beer foam floating around.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
If you have to order a real drink, choose a clear cocktail. This is the classic move. You creep over to the bar when no one else is around, and order a club soda with lime. Think of it as a mocktail. Be sure to ask the bartender to serve it to you in a cocktail glass — a giant water glass or plastic cup is a dead giveaway.
If it's impossible to get alone time at the bar, order a vodka soda (or gin and tonic). Then take it to the bathroom, dump out the liquid (use a straw to keep the ice and any garnishes in the cup), then fill it with water instead. Complain about the soda or tonic being flat if anyone questions your drink's lack of tiny bubbles.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Make friends with bartenders. At first, bartenders give you a bit of side-eye when you ask for a club soda in a cocktail glass. They won't ask you what the deal is, but you can let them assume what they like — especially when you order that second or third club soda in a cocktailglass.
If you're feeling cavalier, and you and the bartender have really hit your stride, you can even say, “I'll take anything non-alcoholic that looks like a cocktail." I actually made SUCH good friends with a bartender at a wedding where I was fake drinking that every time I came over to the bar, he immediately winked at me and gave me “my regular." My friends guffawed at the fact that I was already friends with the bartender. Pro.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Allude to a possible tannin allergy. Wine is the toughest thing to fake, so don't even try. Tell your friends about how, out of nowhere, you've started to get headaches immediately after drinking a glass of wine. When they're like, “Is it just when you drink red?" reply with a frustrated sigh, “No, both red and white make me feel crappy — maybe it's a tannin thing?" Then get your faux canned beer or clear mocktail, and call it a day.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Ginger ale is a GREAT substitute for Champagne. Ginger ale looks like Champagne, it smells kind of like Champagne, and if your friends are tipsy enough and take a sip, they'll actually believe that it IS Champagne. Don't overdo this one though — too much sugary soda is not a good thing for you and your secret babe!
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Pretend to be getting over a cold (so no one asks for a sip). After all, it's sick season! [Insert fake coughs here]
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Always be the one to order or serve a round of shots. Shots are one of the toughest things to fake. Like, really difficult. And you might be thinking, who still takes shots anyway? Well, the answer is: I do. Or rather, I did. It would have been impossible to be at my two besties' bachelorette party without at least one round of shots. So what's a preggo to do? Serve 'em up, of course.
Because shots are best served as a surprise to inspire a second wind in any given party, you can creep into the kitchen to set things up. Pour all but one, and fill that one with a substitute. Ideally, it looks like what you're serving, and if that's not possible, make 3-5 of them vodka shots including yours, which is actually… water! If ordering shots at a bar, you're probably already friends with the bartender, so just ask him to make yours a fake one and to put a napkin or coaster under it on the tray that comes out.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Keep a drink in your hand at all times. This is an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning. If you don't have a drink on hand, someone will either hand you one or give you a hard time for not drinking. DO NOT give them that opportunity ;)
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Never leave your drink unattended. Hopefully, you already have this rule in your wheelhouse from your college days. In this case, the key here is avoiding two things: friendly refills and someone accidentally picking up your drink and finding out it's phony.
Rosee Canfield for Brit + Co
Avoid being the first one to hit the hay. If you've already been squirreling around on the beverage front, the next clear sign that you might be secretly pregnant is when you're the first one to go to bed. So don't do that. Don't go to bed. Ever! Okay, at some point you'll need to go to bed because you need a TON of sleep in your first trimester, but avoid being the first party pooper at all costs.
And don't use getting up early “for a run" or “to do some work" as an excuse for going to bed — friends that know you will see right through that.
And there you have it, all you need to know about being a fake party animal when you're in the very early stages of expecting. Cheers! (But fake cheers, obvs.)
What are your best fake drinking tips? Share them with us @BritandCo!
Every DIY project needs the right tools and materials to bring your vision to life, and this selection highlights the must-have items you’ll want for your next creative endeavor. Whether you’re tackling home improvements, crafting custom decor, or building something from scratch, these essentials will help you work smarter and achieve professional-level results. From versatile tools to high-quality adhesives and innovative gadgets, our list includes everything you need to make your DIY dreams a reality. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to try your hand at something new, these items are the perfect companions for your next project.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Amazon
Create unique designs with reusable stencils. Whether it's for walls, floors, fireplaces, or kitchen counters, these stencils make it easy to personalize your space. DIY enthusiasts love how simple they make, adding one-of-a-kind touches to any project.
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Bring vibrant colors and privacy to your windows with stained-glass window decals. These decals not only block out prying eyes but also scatter beautiful rainbows across your space when the sunlight hits. They are perfect for adding charm and brightness to your DIY decor.
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Showcase your favorite books and maximize space with floating bookshelves. These shelves are perfect for combining functionality and style, eliminating the need for bulky furniture while keeping your room looking sleek and organized.
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Give your kitchen a budget-friendly transformation with a cabinet painting kit. This DIY essential allows you to refresh tired cabinets, giving your space a fresh and modern vibe without the cost of a full renovation.
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Upgrade outdated furniture with brass handles. This pack of ten shiny handles instantly elevates dressers, cabinets, or wardrobes, adding a touch of elegance that’s perfect for any DIY makeover.
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Revitalize leather furniture with a deep leather cleaner. Perfect for sofas and chairs, this cleaner adds moisture and removes dirt, helping maintain a luxurious look without costly replacements. It’s a DIY essential for leather care.
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Make your entryway pop with a can of front door paint. Choose from vibrant or neutral shades to refresh your door and give your home an inviting and stylish curb appeal.
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Add artistic flair to your walls with a removable arch wall decal. These decals give the look of a painted design without the effort. Many DIYers even use them as a bold, creative headboard solution for their bedrooms.
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Revamp your garage doors with magnetic decorative hinges. No tools or drilling required—these easy-to-apply magnets give your garage a charming, updated look in minutes, making them a favorite for quick and impactful DIY projects.
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Modernize your countertops with stone-effect spray paint. It’s a quick and affordable way to achieve a contemporary, high-end look without the need for expensive renovations. Perfect for giving your kitchen or bathroom a sleek new finish.
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Transform your decor with a Sculpd pottery kit. Whether it's plant pots, catch-all trays, or candleholders, this kit provides everything you need to create stunning, kiln-free designs that bring your DIY visions to life.
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Simplify lighting upgrades with a recessed light conversion kit. Easily install pendant lights and add a designer touch to any room without the hassle, giving your space a stylish, modern feel.
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Restore worn wood surfaces with a wipe-on finish restorer. From furniture to cabinets and railings, this easy-to-apply solution revitalizes tired wood, leaving it polished and looking brand-new.
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Beautify your space and gain privacy with a faux-ivy privacy screen. These lush panels are perfect for hiding unsightly areas while creating a green oasis that enhances your surroundings.
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Revive stained driveways or walkways with a magical oil stain remover. Simply apply, let it dry, and brush away stains to restore your pavement to its former glory with minimal effort.
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Refresh your floors affordably with concrete paint. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts, this paint transforms dull surfaces into eye-catching spaces, delivering stunning before-and-after results.
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Upgrade old furniture with metal furniture leg replacements. This affordable alternative to buying new pieces instantly modernizes cabinets or sofas, giving your furniture a sleek and stylish update.
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Give your sofa a chic makeover with thick velvet slipcovers. These slipcovers transform old couches into fresh statement pieces, complete with nonslip straps for a snug fit—TikTok-approved and budget-friendly!
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Add flair to your home with peel-and-stick tile decals. Perfect for backsplashes, fireplaces, and more, these realistic decals provide a high-end look at a fraction of the cost, making DIY transformations easy and fun.
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Upgrade your home’s safety with extra-strong, lockable window restrictors. These easy-to-install devices allow fresh air to flow while keeping windows secure, making them a favorite among TikTok renters looking for added peace of mind.
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Illuminate your property and boost security with this waterproof motion sensor outdoor light. Its super-bright design deters intruders while lighting up pathways. DIY enthusiasts love how simple it is to install, making it a must-have for home improvement projects.
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Add charm and practicality to your space with floating shelves. Perfect for kitchens or bathrooms, these shelves provide stylish storage solutions while blending seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic. They’re a DIYer’s dream for combining form and function.
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Organize your entryway or closet with the Simple Houseware three-tier shoe rack. Its compact design is perfect for maximizing small spaces. Loved by DIYers, it’s a practical addition to any home improvement project aimed at tidying up clutter.
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Tackle tough toilet stains with pumice stones. These handy tools remove hard water marks without scratching surfaces, making them a staple in any DIY cleaning kit. TikTok fans rave about their effectiveness for sparkling bathrooms.
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Refresh your bathroom grout with a nifty pen. Skip the hassle of re-grouting and use this quick, cost-effective solution to make your tiles look brand-new. It’s a favorite among DIYers seeking budget-friendly updates.
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Restore the shine to your wooden furniture with beeswax polish. This polish enhances the wood’s natural beauty and protects it from further damage, making it a go-to for DIYers who love reviving vintage pieces.
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Keep carpets pristine with a powerful stain remover. Whether dealing with red wine or muddy footprints, this cleaner is a favorite among TikTok DIYers for keeping carpets looking fresh and new.
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Transform your walls with Society6’s peel-and-stick wallpaper. This easy-to-apply, removable wallpaper allows DIYers to create stunning accent walls without the commitment of permanent changes. Its wide range of designs makes it a hit for instant room makeovers.
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Add a modern touch to your space with a pack of peel-and-stick abstract line decals. Perfect for personalizing walls, furniture, or notebooks, these stylish decals are easy to apply and remove.
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Save space and time by mounting your TV effortlessly with this slim studless TV wall mount. Its innovative design keeps your screen secure and your walls damage-free.
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Give your room an instant upgrade with a set of pre-made wall panels. These easy-to-install panels add texture and sophistication to any space.
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Make a statement in your home with this top-rated Baroque mirror. Its ornate design adds elegance to entryways, bedrooms, and living rooms.
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Bring a nostalgic vibe to your home with a cool bamboo beaded curtain. Ideal for doorways or as a room divider, it’s a unique decor piece with retro charm.
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Unleash your creativity with broken mosaic tiles. Use them to craft colorful coasters, picture frames, or a stunning DIY backsplash.
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Refresh furniture and surfaces with a roll of marble contact paper. This affordable alternative to real marble adds a touch of luxury to countertops, cabinets, and more.
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Build your own tiny masterpiece with a DIY miniature house kit for adults. Packed with intricate details, it’s a rewarding project for creative minds.
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Stay organized and creative with this label maker machine. Whether for home, office, or crafts, it makes labeling and designing effortless.
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Upgrade your workspace with an adjustable wood shelf, the perfect addition to keep your books, tools, or materials neatly arranged. Its sleek and natural design not only organizes your essentials but also enhances the aesthetics of your desk, making it both functional and stylish.
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Bring order to your drawers with a set of stackable clear drawer organizers. Perfect for pens, sticky notes, and all your small essentials, these organizers ensure everything has its place. No more digging around—just streamlined access to everything you need for a productive DIY session.
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