How to Get Rid of Pet Hair for Good

'Tis the season to purge, tackle those cluttered closets, and deep clean *everything* in sight. Follow my Spring into Clean series with Brit + Co through March and April for tips, hacks, and tricks. Happy (spring) cleaning, all!

Our bedrooms are designed to be places of peace, solitude, rest, and relaxation. But when they're cluttered up with stuff, it is absolutely impossible to feel any of those feels. To turn your bedroom into a relaxing sanctuary, you're going to need to purge, and you can even donate your unwanted items to your nearest women's shelter. Once you finally declutter, you'll have a space you won't ever want to leave.

1. Books, Magazines, and Newspapers: Yes, reading in bed is fun. However, rolling over to a stack of magazines, crumpled-up newspapers, or a pile of books is no way to wake up (especially on a Monday). Remove anything that's outdated or that you're not going to read (and try to be honest with yourself). I once kept a book desk-side that detailed very technical financial models and advice. I told myself that keeping it by my bed would give me the urge to read it and all of my financial woes would be gone. Eventually, I got rid of the book and I'm doing just fine, thanks. Mind you, it did help put me to sleep…

2. Clothing You Don't Wear: If your room is full of clothing you don't need, you can't make room for the things you do. Plus, it wastes your time when trying to put an outfit together. Who wants to sift through tons of meh pieces anyway? Trust me on this: It might be a hard pill to swallow, but bidding farewell to stuff that you don't wear makes all the difference in a bedroom. You can also check out our guide on how to declutter your closet.

3. Old Pillows and Blankets: Bedding isn't wine — we don't appreciate it more as it ages. Not only do these items feel old, but they are usually stained, filled with dust mites, stinky (thanks to body oils, sweat, and dust), and uncomfortable. Treat yourself to new bedding if your current set is looking (and smelling) worn.

4. Anything Work or Business-Related: Receipts, reports, projects, and presentations have no place in the bedroom. Move your work items to any other location in your home. Honestly, there's no way to relax when you are sleeping right beside your taxes or big presentation.

5. Old Accessories: How many times have you passed over that glitzy necklace, giant-brimmed hat, or bold sunglasses that you keep telling yourself you'll wear one day? Probably a lot. That's your cue to say goodbye to these items. Bundle them up and give them to a young lady who may enjoy them for dress-up purposes, or drop them off at a donation center and allow someone else to get true enjoyment from them.

6. That Clutter-Holding Chair: The clutter chair is so infamous that it should be on the FBI's most wanted list. Getting rid of it means that means you'll no longer have a place to throw your unorganized pile of half-clean clothing. Instead, invest in a stylish ladder where you can neatly hang half-worn clothing or lay out outfits for the day ahead. If you're not sure you can break the pile habit, tell it to take a hike and place the chair (or rack, or table) outside your room.

If you're looking for more cleaning tips and tricks, tune in next week for a new video on Melissa Maker's Spring into Clean series. And be sure to check out her Clean My Space Youtube and her book, Clean My Space.

Shoot us your purging, organizing, and tidying-up questions on Twitter!

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.

'Tis the season to purge, tackle those cluttered closets, and deep clean *everything* in sight. Follow my Spring into Clean series with Brit + Co through March and April for tips, hacks, and tricks. Happy (spring) cleaning, all!

Every time I scroll through my Instagram feed, I am amazed by all the beautifully curated kitchens and perfectly organized fridges. In my reality (and yours?), the refrigerator is anything but. Since it holds all our fruits, veggies, and leftovers, the appliance is bound to build up some grime, clutter, and countless jars of who knows what. Before you shove those year-old condiments toward the back, make time to give your fridge the spring cleaning it deserves. Hit the reset button and pitch the following seven items (or more!), and be sure to wipe shelves down before you put everything back.

1. Old Baking Soda: Baking soda left in the fridge for the purpose of deodorizing has a shelf life of three months. Once done, it can still be used to scour a sink or exfoliate your lips, but the deodorizing power is gone, gone, gone. So set a reminder on your phone and replace it every three months.

2. Jarred Sauces: Half-used jars of tomato sauce, salsa, tapenade, and pesto need to get the boot if they've been lingering for more than six months. Let's all avoid that unpleasant experience of opening a fuzzy jar of mystery gunk, okay?

3. Tomatoes, Avocados, Potatoes, Onions, and Garlic: None of these live in the fridge. Ever. To preserve them, keep the tomatoes and avocado on the counter and the potatoes, onions, and garlic in a cool, dark place. When your tomatoes and avocados are ripened enough, you may refrigerate them for a day or so. Any longer and strange things start to happen (think: awkward textures).

4. Specialty Foods: We've all been there — a three-hour Pinterest binge inspired you to make Pad Thai and source the most authentic fish sauce and Thai chilies you could find. Next thing you know, you've got a small shelf in your fridge dedicated to all things Thai. Next month, your new culinary obsession becomes Indian and Thai food is left holding the bag (err, sitting in the fridge). Find those foods, get really honest about them, and ditch what you don't use on the regular. If it is still good, offer it to a friend who you know will be thrilled to use it up.

5. Opened Wine, Soda, and Juice: Wine should never go in the fridge (meaning, you should drink *all* the wine). But in the event you just want a glass, remember that wine doesn't keep well after even a few days in the fridge. If you intend to cook with it, sure, keep it there until you can use it up. Otherwise, dump it. Half-consumed juice and opened bottles of soda should also get tossed. Soda usually goes bad within a week and juice (without an expiration date) should be dumped after one month or so.

6. Old Condiments and Dressings: Find all of your old condiments and determine if they need to go (check the expiration date; do a taste or smell test — if you dare). Ditch anything old or expired and find ways to use up almost-empty condiments fast. You could add salad dressing ingredients to an almost empty jar of mustard. Or create marinades using the same principle. This goes for things like mayo, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, etc.

7. Old Pickled Stuff: You know those jars of pickles and olives with three olives suspended in brine sitting in the back of your fridge. They're like something out of a haunted apothecary shop. So when will they ever appeal to you? Get rid of one-off pickled items by making a salad with them. A friend's dad used to make a salad for us with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and olives, and it was divine. You can then use the brine for chicken and finally get rid of those jars. Pickled items which are store-bought are good for 1-2 years, but if you've got a few left in the jar, use it up and move on.

Aside from purging the usual suspects like deli meats, old cheese, leftovers, and cleaning the crisper drawers, ridding your fridge of these items will no doubt give you the clean and serene fridge shelves you've been dreaming of. It takes under 30 minutes to do this and it makes your kitchen feel clean from the inside out. Good luck!

If you're looking for more cleaning tips and tricks, tune in next week for a new video on my Spring into Clean series. And be sure to check out the Clean My Space Youtube and my recently published book, Clean My Space.

What cleaning tips do you hope Melissa Maker will share in her Spring into Clean series? Shoot us your purging, organizing, and tidying-up questions on Twitter!

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.

Want to know what the best podcasts have in common? They're witty, captivating, and make you feel like you're listening to your best friend pontificate about everything from pop culture to first date horror stories. They may even teach you how to relax your mind or get a grip on reality because we know you tend to imagine worst-case scenarios (we do too!).

Since we love sharing our favorite TV series and books with you, we're getting even more vulnerable to share the podcasts we've been listening to so far in 2025. We just know everyone will be talking about them non-stop which is our goal!

Get to know the best podcasts you should be listening to right now!

1. Yap City — Brit + Co's Podcast 

Yap City

Brit + Co has our very own podcast that features hot takes from hosts Chloe Williams and Kayla Walden! Want to relive hilarious moments from the Oscars or obsess about book-to-film adaptations? Or, maybe you just need to know if someone's as obsessed with Severance as you are. No matter where you fall on the entertainment spectrum, Yap City's got you covered! (via Yap City)

2. We're Your Girls 

We're Your Girls

Best friends Tiffani Singleton and Taryn Delanie Smith know that life's messy, so they're talking about it. We're Your Girls listens like a inside conversation that's been made public because, well, they're girls girls! Even when they have different opinions, there's no catty behavior that's reminiscent of something from the Real Housewives franchise. It's just good, unadulterated fun that'll make you hit favorite before you're done listening to the first episode! (via We're Your Girls)

3. Call Her Daddy 

Call Her Daddy

Alex Cooper isn't here to give listeners more fluff that leaves them confused. Instead, she pushes the envelope and gently slides it back in a way that creates intrigue. For example, did you know you recently interviewed THE Monica Lewinsky to give her a platform to tell her unfiltered story? You may want to tap in if you haven't listened already because Ms. Cooper knows how to put on a show. (via Call Her Daddy)

4. Baby, This Is Keke Palmer

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Tell the truth — you can't stop thinking about Keke Palmer. From her hilarious one-liners to having several creative jobs, there's a reason she won Entertainer of the Year at the NAACP Image Awards. But you know what's on our radar? Her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.

She brings her same energetic and engaging energy to her interviews, creating an environment where guests and listeners alike want to soak up her thoughts. (via Baby, This is Keke Palmer)

5. Keep it Positive, Sweetie 

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Crystal Renee Hayslett isn't afraid to venture outside of acting to have healing conversations on her couch. With her rich and silky voice, she encourages guests to tell their stories without using rage-bait to pull listeners in. Sure, she doesn't mind saying the quiet parts out loud about being single or trusting one's career journey, but it always comes across as level-headed. (via Keep it Positive, Sweetie)

6. Magical Overthinkers 

Magical Overthinkers

We love Amanda Montell at Brit + Co so it makes sense her podcast Magical Overthinkers is on our list! Based on the title of her bestselling novel The Age of Magical Overthinking, you'll find topics about social media habits, doomsday topics, and more! (via Magical Overthinkers)

P.S. Revisit our interview with Amanda Montell for a taste of what to expect from Magical Overthinkers.

7. Giggly Squad 

Giggly Squad

Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo's Giggly Squad podcast is a welcome reprieve from all the chaos going on in the world. Whether they're dissecting their horoscopes or talking about relationship woes 👀, these besties are the girls you listen to when you want an escape from burnout. (via Giggly Squad)

P.S. Their book How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously hits shelves next month!

8. Naked Beauty 

Naked Beauty

The first time we heard Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli's words fill our ears, we immediately subscribed to Naked Beauty before knowing everything she'd talk about. Although she dives into all things beauty, she also includes pivotal conversations about love, motherhood, and career. Whether she's interviewing Issa Rae or Dita Von Teese, Brooke's got something to say and we think you should be all ears! (via Naked Beauty)

9. I Hate It Here

I Hate It Here

Hebba Youssef created I Hate It Here because she knows work culture can be soul-crushing at time. As the Chief People Officer at Workweek, she's seen more than her fair share of HR horror stories so she knows what you're going through. Also, she knows you've probably been unfairly blamed for things that are actually above your pay grade. So, think of I Hate It Here as an inside look into the world of HR and the people who are just trying to navigate as best as they can. (via I Hate It Here)

10. Well...Adjusting

Well...Adjusting

What can't Iady Robin Hopkins do? As an author, actress, and lowkey comedian, she's bringing her familiar energy to Well...Adjusting because she knows some of us are surrounded by proverbial fire. When you're ready to stop pretending "everything's fine," she'll be here to help you lower your cortisol levels so you can get serious about setting much-needed boundaries. (via Well...Adjusting)

11. The Hilary Silver Podcast 

The Hilary Silver Podcast

Hilary Silver wants you to become a little more self-centered, but hear her out! Her advice isn't about being so self-absorbed that you adopt an inconsiderate attitude. More so, Hilary's giving you modern "put your mask on first" advice because you can't show up for others if you don't know how to do it for yourself! (via The Hilary Silver Podcast)

12. House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth

House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth

Kenzie Elizabeth's is Gen Z's go-to gal for all things related to life in your twenties. Whether it's dissecting romantic relationships, friendships or your career, she's inviting you for a sit-down conversation you won't forget. (via House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth)

12. Therapy for Black Girls

Therapy for Black Girls

Licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford created the Therapy for Black Girls podcast as a way to help Black women prioritize their mental wellbeing. No one's meant to be strong all the time, but the idea of living a softer life doesn't always feel attainable for everyone.

With this podcast, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford's making a conscious effort to talk about topics of grief, career pivots, anxiety, and more! (via Therapy for Black Girls)

14. We Don't Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling 

We Don't Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling

What if we told you one of our favorite actors from This Is Us and Paradise has a beautiful podcast with his wife? Yes, THE Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathé decided to open up about their relationship in candid conversations we've been replaying.

Instead of claiming to be experts about matters of the heart, this married couple chats like two friends who genuinely like each other and aren't afraid to talk about different things that can impact a romantic relationship. (via We Don't Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling)

15. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

No one's a better best friend than your sibling which is something Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson know. From recounting their personal experiences to having guests answer questions sent in by listeners, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson is one of the best podcasts of 2025. (via IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson)

16. LadyGang

LadyGang

Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek, and Becca Tobin are still figuring life out. If that sounds oddly familiar, it's time you give LadyGang a listen because they're transparent about the ways they're stumbling around adulthood too. However, they're not necessarily praising making a ton of mistakes.

Their goal is to show women that other people are doing the best they can while aiming to spend time with the people they love. In this case, Keltie, Jac, and Becca are three besties who don't mind letting listeners in on their groupchat messages. (via LadyGang)

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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.