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The Guardian
30-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Four tips for home care, from vacuuming your mattress to … cleaning your dishwasher?
I am fairly tidy. I stay on top of vacuuming and laundry; I wipe down counters and sinks. But when it comes to appliances and structural issues at home, I don't know a thing. If you told me my AC was run by a family of small penguins who blow cold air through the vents, I probably wouldn't believe you, but nor would I have a better explanation. Enter: Kyshawn Lane, the man behind the wildly popular Instagram account Weekly Home Check. Every week, Lane posts videos about how to care for your home and the things in it. In a calm, encouraging voice, he demonstrates how to weather-strip your doors or label your electrical circuit breaker box. Lane knows that most of this information is not intuitive. He bought his first home, a 100-year-old house, in 2021. Lane's family had rented when he was growing up, so he wasn't used to all the maintenance that comes with owning a house. 'I didn't have much training in how to care for a home,' he says. 'I just knocked on the super's door when something went wrong.' Lane decided to teach himself how to care for his new property. He read books on the topic and attended what he called 'YouTube University' (ie watching a lot of home-maintenance videos) and realized these skills could save him from paying contractor fees. Lane and his partner drew up a 52-week checklist for home maintenance. They found it so helpful that they started sharing tips on Instagram. The first video, in June 2023, was about the importance of having a fire extinguisher in the house. Six months later, they had over a million followers. 'The content resonated with so many people, whether you were a renter or a seasoned homeowner or a first-time homeowner,' he says. 'If you treat your home well, it will repay you in so much love and care and comfort.' I wanted to treat my home well. I wanted love and comfort, and for my appliances to work properly – and to appear as calm and competent as Lane. Over the phone, he outlined four basic-home maintenance tasks I could start with. The drain in my bathroom sink hasn't been working properly. Maybe it was the earring I lost in there, the hair I always seem to be shedding or the multiple birth control and SSRI pills I have accidentally dropped into its depths. To address this, I need two very basic ingredients. As I will come to find out, there's almost nothing they can't do. 'Vinegar and baking soda in a home will change your life,' Lane says. According to Lane's video, I should pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by about ¼ cup of vinegar, and cover the drain opening with a wet towel to trap the reaction. After 10-15 minutes, flush everything out with boiling water. Lane suggests repeating this every two to three months to clear out any grease and hair that accumulates. One afternoon, I set a small pot of water on the stove to boil, grab baking soda, vinegar, measuring cups and a towel and head to the bathroom. I pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit, and then I return with the boiling water. I remove the towel and pour the water into the sink, but to my horror, it just sits there. The baking soda and vinegar have not cleared the drain; they seem to have further clogged it. I wonder how I'm going to break it to my partner and to my beloved building maintenance team. I pace nervously. After several minutes, I hear loud gurgling and gulping sounds from the bathroom. I rush to the sink, which is now empty, the water sucked down into the pipes. I run more water, which rushes quickly and smoothly away. I brag to my partner about the unclogged drain, and leave out the part where I thought I had ruined our pipes. Lane's next tip was to film a home-inventory video. This is important for both homeowners and renters, he explains: in the case of a major disaster, like flooding or a fire, having a record of your possessions can help when filing claims with both homeowner's and renter's insurance. (Insurers have different requirements for claims, so it's important to talk to your insurance company before making your inventory.) Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion I take my phone and dutifully film my whole apartment, opening every closet, cabinet and drawer. My cat follows me around, captivated, and climbs into every closet, cabinet and drawer, making it almost impossible to see their contents. My video is six minutes long, and the only thing I can prove I own is a camera-thirsty black cat. In his week eight video, Lane recommends mattress maintenance: specifically, rotating it 180 degrees to prevent sagging, and vacuuming the mattress to remove the dust, dead skin and allergens that can accumulate on its surface. He suggests doing this twice a year. I strip the bed, rotate the mattress, vacuum it, and report my progress to my partner, who is at work. 'Sick,' he texts back. I thump down onto the newly primped mattress. It feels the same, but I enjoy knowing I'm not stretched across a bunch of dead skin. Also, it forced me to wash my sheets. 'People don't know how much maintenance goes into appliances,' Lane tells me. 'People don't know dishwashers need to be cleaned!' 'Wow,' I say, having never once considered cleaning my dishwasher. Lane breaks down the process in a video: take out the dishes, remove the dishwasher racks, spray arm and filters. One tip is to film yourself doing this so you don't forget the order in which these all sit. Clean them all in the sink. Then, spray the inside of the washer with vinegar, and wipe it down with a damp microfiber towel. 'Pay attention to the edges and the soap dispensers, as this is where a lot of the gunk and build-up happens,' he says in the video. Then replace all the parts, and run a normal cycle. Lane suggests repeating this every one to three months. I hate this task the most. Taking out the racks, spray arm and filter is surprisingly easy. But I hate looking at the filter, and wish I could go back to not knowing it exists. The gunk on it looks like dryer lint, but wet. Gross. When I spray vinegar into the interior, it combines with the stale water to create a noxious bouquet that reminds me of a pubescent armpit. I wipe it down, replace the racks, and run a cycle. Afterwards, I make my partner admire my work. 'I don't think you have to wash the dishwasher,' he says. Will I repeat this in another month or three? Probably not. I like knowing that I can do it, though. And rotating my mattress and cleaning my drains is easy enough. Overall, I consider my home-maintenance experiment a success. I even have a lovely six-minute long video of my cat now.
Buzz Feed
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
25 Time-Saving Target Fitness Products For Home
A fitness mat whose 15mm of cushion will keep your joints nice and comfortable when you decide to fit in a bit of floor work in your daily routine. Your knees are writing you a thank-you note as we speak. Promising review: "Love the color, love the comfort! The extra thickness is so nice to have. Such a cute and good quality mat." —SarahkPrice: $23.99+ (available in three colors) A walking pad for all my fellow work from home homies who just can't find time in their day to get a walk in. Doing so at your standing desk or even in front of the TV at the end of a long day is a great way to keep your body and mind happy, relieve a little stress, and get the blood flowing. Promising review: "Remote control works great, it's small and easy to move around, I have been using it in the living room while watching TV and it took me a minute to get a hold of the balance but it's been good since. It's not noisy at all and very easy to use." —Anu RanjanPrice: $201.99+ (originally $569.99, available in three colors) A set of Blogilates resistance bands so you can get your curls on, rock some flies, and overall get a great arm, back, and chest workout in. This set comes with three bands in three different levels so you can up the intensity as you get stronger. Promising review: "I wasn't sure if I'd use these that often, but I totally do! I love using them at home, kind of like how I'd use a cable machine if I were at a gym. My favorite move is stepping on the middle of the band, leaning over, and doing a rear delt fly for my back muscles. They're also perfect for travel, and you can really do a lot with them. Bonus that the colors are so cute!" —LaurenPrice: $9.99 for a set of three A mini ab ball for crafting your own little Pilates class at home or with the help of YouTube University. Not spending $40 on a Pilates class is like making $40. Girl math, people. Promising review: "About the same size as a baseball. Works perfectly for physical therapy and yoga. It blows up easily and holds air well. I've had several months and only filled it up when I took it out of the box." —WatsonPrice: $7.99 (originally $9.99) A cute yoga mat for getting in a quick flow. It's nice and grippy and a little thinner than a regular floor mat so that when you move into balancing poses the squishy foam doesn't throw off your balance. The more you know! Promising review: "Loved the color of the mat. Thick enough material that I can lay comfortably on the floor. Holds up very well. Would recommend. Wipes down easily to clean." —LGalloway81Price: $24.99 A kettlebell because boy oh boy can you get in a quick, intense workout with these puppies on your team. Kettlebell swings are classic, but incorporating them into your squats, arm workouts, and ab work is a game changer. HIIT at home is made much easier with this one bit of equipment in your choice of six weights. Promising review: "Perfect addition to your home gym. I have the 25 lbs and it's durable, looks good, and performs as it should. I like that the bell is coated in nonslip vinyl, which I feel is gentler on floors if you're using this in your home. I've had mine since 2020, and it still works great and shows no signs of wear and tear." —paigePrice: $26.39+ (originally $32.99, available in 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30 pound sizes) A pair of double-sided ab sliders that work on carpet *or* hard floors so you can challenge your core with slow, controlled movement. Super hard, but super satisfying to watch yourself get better workout after workout. Promising review: "As an avid yoga and Pilates practitioner, I always seek new equipment to add to my routine. These core discs have become a daily staple, whether it's for stretching, working on stability, strength training for everything from the core down (and even used for upper body work when used with hands). Anyone looking to improve any of the above cheaply and simply, I'd recommend it greatly!" —_lunaesPrice: $7.99 (originally $9.99) A two-pack of Blogilates resistance bands for adding a little spice to your usual floor workouts. If you've never been subjected to doing clamshells with a resistance band in a barre class, get ready for an eye-opening experience! Promising review: "These are by far the best bands I have ever used! They don't roll up and are not tight like some bands are. Definitely buy!" —WiscomomPrice: $10.29 A yoga strap that all yogis could benefit from having nearby during their practice. If you're not super stretchy, a strap can help you reach your feet and access poses you're working towards, and if you're super stretchy it can help you deepen even further. An amazing, simple little tool. Promising review: "I purchased this item for my therapy after full knee replacement surgery and worked perfectly." —Sue $7.19 (originally $8.99) Some simple hand grips if the only thing keeping you from nailing pull-ups is grip strength. And to all my fellow rock-climbers out there, it doesn't hurt to passivley train grip in your idle moments! Promising review: "I work out regularly, and my arm strength is excellent. I believe in strengthening the body head-to-toe, and never thought about my hand strength until I saw these in-store. They're made well and increase my grip, which is essential for overall well-being." —jagPrice: $3.99 (originally $4.99) A weighted fitness hoop you can throw on while watching a movie to get a little burn going. Best of all the ring is adjustable so you can tailor it to your body and get all you can out of it. You didn't practice all that Hula-Hooping in elementary school for nothing! Promising review: "I've never had a weighted fitness hoop before so I do not have anything else to compare this to but I do enjoy this weighted hoop. I'm 5'6' and 135 lbs, and after removing a notch this hoop rests on my hips comfortably without squeezing. The ball weight moves around the hoop track easily if you give it the first throw around and start working your hips in a circular motion. I also have found that if I evenly and firmly stand on both feet while squatting a bit and get some of the motion work on my thighs that I can get a little thigh work out as well. The string the ball weight hangs from can be adjusted to have the ball weight hang shorter or longer to your preference (I made mine shorter). The hoop has some noise, but not offensively so. I expect I'll have to be doing this for a little bit to feel some burn, but it's something to help keep me moving more. Good price. I say go for it." —ValeriePrice: $23.99 An ab wheel that shoooo-ee really makes your core talk back to you, at least in my experience. A few rolls on this thing and my body's like "Okay, yep, we're getting stronger!" A quick, simple ab workout you can work into a daily routine. Promising review: "This lil' gadget is really nice and well-made for the price! It's sturdy, and gives a nice stretch for those ab workouts!" —Tr0n64Price: $7.99 (originally $9.99) An 8-pound weighted vest you can wear to up the intensity of bodyweight exercises and cardio *or* as some reviewers report doing, just wear around the house for some passive strengthening. Options! Promising review: "I love this weighted vest. I bought it in January and have been using it weekly on my treadmill, during outdoor walks, and the day as I do housework. It is very comfortable, adjustable, [and] easy to take on and off. I am 5'5", 36D, and it fits perfectly. Highly recommend!" —CHPrice: $27.99 (originally $34.99) A six-piece weight set with a nice little stand so you can get a studio-level arm toning workout in in the comfort of your own home. Promising review: "Honestly, all you could ask for in a small weight set. The weights are the correct amount and come with their own storage. I love that the colors match my color scheme in my apartment, so they're not as much of an eyesore to have out!" —RaddadPrice: $39.99 (originally $49.99) A cork yoga block to keep nearby bring your practice so you can reach for it whenever you need a little assistance, a balance helper, or a way to get deeper into poses. Its uses are practically endless, and cork is the best material for staying slip-free, especially if it's a sweaty workout. Promising review: "Nice, solid, but also heavy, which I guess is good as the weight adds to stability." —jjPrice: $11.99 (originally $14.99) An Owala FreeSip stainless-steel water bottle for staying hydrated during your at-home workout and life! Owalla is kind of That Girl right now in the water bottle world, as evidenced by my friends talking endlessly about how much they love it. And listen, my friends have good taste. Promising review: "The Owala FreeSip is practical, stylish, and versatile — perfect for anyone on the go or looking to up their hydration game. It's become my go-to bottle, and I'd recommend it to anyone who values functionality without sacrificing design." —MichellePrice: $34.99 (available in 10 colors) A set of anti-microbial four-pound ankle weights to juice up floor workouts as quickly as you can secure some velcro. They're also an interesting addition to a walk or jog if you feel like being an overachiever or challenging your muscles even if you don't have much time. Promising review: "I've been using the ankle weights for a few weeks now and enjoying them. I've noticed a difference in the tone of my legs, and I feel like my workouts are more challenging. I also like that I can wear them while I'm doing everyday activities, like walking or running errands. Overall, I'm pleased with the ankle weights. They're a great way to add resistance to your workouts and help you tone your legs. I recommend them to anyone looking for a quality pair of ankle weights." —Target ReviewerPrice: $18.39 (originally $22.99) A Glamorise no-bounce sports bra for keeping everything in place during your quick and intense HIIT workouts. Not even burpees are a match for this bra, whose full-coverage design, adjustable straps, and hook and eye closure work overtime to keep you supported. Promising review: "I love these!!! I started Orangetheory, so I am on the treadmill each time I go, and I really do feel like this bra helps my breasts not move at all. I have large breasts and want the best support, and I get it from this bra. I have three, and I love them. I will not use another brand for my sports bras!! Great quality and affordable too!" —Amanda $37.80 (originally $54; available in sizes 34C–50H) A yoga towel so if your hands are on the sweatier side (welcome to my world) you can ensure you stay right in place and ease any fear of sliding around. Downward dog is just a different experience once you're not scared that your hands are gonna fly out from under you. Promising review: "I didn't know yoga towels existed before this! What a clever idea. The towel itself is thin. One side has that microfiber feel, and the other is covered in non-slip nubs. I really appreciate the corner pockets to slip over your yoga mat and further prevent the towel from sliding around." —Jenny KPrice: $12.95 (originally $16.19) A sturdy foam roller because boy oh boy are you going to feel tight after leg day. Rolling out all your muscles is gonna feel great in a so-bad-and-yet-so-good way. Promising review: "Very well-made and sturdy with a cute design. I was debating between the travel size and the regular, but the travel is perfect and super easy to bring anywhere." —AmandaPrice: $11.99 (originally $14.99) A deep tissue massage gun that can relieve sore muscles from working out *and* get into knots caused by being in your desk era even if you don't have time to get an intense stretch or workout in. This one has three attachments for getting the pressure juuuust right, as well as heated and cooling settings for even more relief. It also comes with a carrying case. Read more about what massage guns can (and can't) do, plus how to use them, at Cleveland review: "Very expensive-looking for an affordable price. Feels very sturdy and the lowest setting is already strong enough." —AaronPrice: $84.99 (originally $99.99) A Bosu balance board you can use right side up or upside-down for squats, push-ups, planks, burpees, and whatever else that genius body weight exercise imagination of yours can dream up. Promising review: "I've always liked using the Bosu trainer at the gym, and when quarantine started, I ordered one for my home to stay active. It's easy and versatile to use for a lot of different exercises — squats, toe touches, abs, etc. Small and easy to store, and quick to inflate (comes with a hand pump)." —ErinMLPrice: $69.99+ (available in three colors) A two-pack of grippy socks to step safely and securely if you're working out on tile or wood floors. Barre and Pilates exercises are made *so* much easier with these little guys. Promising review: "Love that these are affordable for Pilates! Pilates is already expensive enough, and these are affordable socks that work great! They have also held up past repeated washes!" —SarlazerPrice: $10.39 (originally $12.99) A sweet Blogilates jumprope that'll get your heart pumping in no time! It felt so easy when we were kids, but picking up a jump rope as a grown-up is shocking when it comes to the cardio prowess it takes. Still fun though, that didn't change! Promising review: "This jump rope does not get twisted and tangled! The design is lightweight and makes jumping super smooth, so I recommend this for a beginner like me. Love Blogilates!" —Rachel KPrice: $14.99 A customizable step platform if you're the queen of aerobic workouts and want to be able to do them whenever you want. It has three adjustable heights and can also be used for plank exercises or any other time some height variation might be fun. Promising review: "Just what I wanted. The exact step we use at the gym!!!! Very sturdy. I use it on the floor with no mat under it exactly how we use it at the gym. It's sturdy; no slipping or moving at all. So glad Target had this; I can do my workouts at home instead of traveling to the gym. Arrived quickly and right out of the box ready to use. Thanks, Target!!!" —CJ RNPrice: $89.99 (originally $94.99)
