Cleaning and Organizing - The Washington Post

Cleaning How-Tos

You’re probably not cleaning these 11 very germy spots

These often-overlooked places in your home can be hotbeds of germs, mold, yeast and pathogens. But once you know about them, cleaning them is easy.

By Susannah Herrada

We tested five TikTok cleaning hacks. Here’s what worked.

By Kalina Newman

How to safely dispose of old medications

By Melanie D.G. Kaplan

Your toilet is grosser than you think. Here’s how to clean it better.

By Susannah Herrada

Do the dishes better and faster with these easy tweaks

By Maya Pottiger

How to do the laundry better, according to a TikTok cleaning queen

By Jandra Sutton

12 simple decluttering and cleaning resolutions that anybody can keep

By Christina Sturdivant Sani

How to clean your bathroom in 10 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour

By Christina Sturdivant Sani

When the dishes mean war: Couples share their fights about the home

By Marisa Kashino

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

(Courtesy Peacock)

New show explores Swedish ‘death cleaning’ as a path to better living

Peacock series narrated by Amy Poehler takes a deep dive into Americans' obsession with stuff.

By Jura Koncius

How to run your house on clean electricity, no solar panels required

By Emma Foehringer Merchant

Composting is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started.

By Scott Kirkwood

These everyday items endanger the environment. Here’s how to handle them.

By Melanie D.G. Kaplan

Mayo, bread and other unexpected pantry items you can use for cleaning

By Jenny Xie

Want to break up with your gas fireplace? Here’s how to convert it.

By Marissa Hermanson

How to safely dispose of old medications

By Melanie D.G. Kaplan

Reader Q&As

Upcoming

Page Turner of HGTV takes questions on the secrets of flipping

By Jura Koncius5 days from now

Paint for moody master bedrooms, updating builder white: An expert’s tips

By Jura KonciusMay 11

Are gray walls dead? Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent answered that and more

By Jura KonciusMay 4

What is the best front door color? Your curb appeal questions, answered.

By Jura KonciusApril 27

Got mold in your shower and crud in the microwave? A cleaning expert took your questions.

By Jura KonciusApril 13

ORGANIZING

(iStock)

How to finally get an organized garage

Garages are a favorite dumping ground for all sorts of stuff making them a common pain point. These tips will help you take back control.

By Kathryn O'Shea-Evans

When cats can lock doors and raid food, pet-proofing gets extreme

By Courtney Vinopal

How to organize your books, according to people with thousands of them

By Rosa Cartagena

Downsizing during retirement can be draining. Pros can help.

By Amanda Long

Perspective

Professional organizers offered tips for getting your house in order

By Jura Koncius

12 simple decluttering and cleaning resolutions that anybody can keep

By Christina Sturdivant Sani

Marie Kondo’s life is messier now — and she’s fine with it

By Jura Koncius

7 inexpensive (or free!) ways to create a more organized closet

By Hannah Holland

Home cleaning tips

(Anthony Calvert For The Washington Post)

Your toilet is grosser than you think. Here’s how to clean it better.

All kinds of bacteria, mold and viruses can thrive in your toilet bowl. Take your cleaning game to the next level with this expert advice.

By Susannah Herrada

You’re probably not cleaning these 11 very germy spots

By Susannah Herrada

How to do the laundry better, according to a TikTok cleaning queen

By Jandra Sutton

Mayo, bread and other unexpected pantry items you can use for cleaning

By Jenny Xie

Do the dishes better and faster with these easy tweaks

By Maya Pottiger

These everyday items endanger the environment. Here’s how to handle them.

By Melanie D.G. Kaplan

You don’t need a ton of equipment to clean your home. Here are the basics.

By Marissa Hermanson

How to clean your bathroom in 10 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour

By Christina Sturdivant Sani

The 10 items every kitchen needs, according to experts

By Ashley Abramson

Here are the essential cleaning supplies that every home needs

By Marissa Hermanson

How to maintain, clean, repair and replace your home appliances

By Helen Carefoot