When your high-efficiency front-loading washing machine or dryer stops working, many issues are simple to diagnose and can be repaired with just a few tools and some easy instructions. Whirlpool offers troubleshooting tips for its washers and dryers online along with other product information like user guides. Take a look at these common problems. Then, you can decide whether to call a technician and pay for a repair call and parts or try your hand at repairing the problem yourself....

Brown Leaves vs. Brown Spots Crepe myrtle leaves turning brown—with the whole leaf turning brown or browning along the edges and sometimes accompanied by curling—is different from the emergence of brown spots in the middle of the leaf. Such spots can indicate a Cercospora leaf spot disease, which is caused by a type of fungus (Cercospora lythracearum) and is an entirely different problem. Cercospora leaf spot is a bigger problem in areas with high humidity than it is in other areas....

This plant originated in Europe but has naturalized freely in North America and can be found throughout the Midwest, Northeast and western states, growing along woodland edges, in meadows and on the drier edges of wetlands. It’s fairly adaptable to different growing conditions. Though the flowers are slightly less showy than other hardy geranium varieties, and the stems are shorter (so they don’t wind in and out between other plants in the way some hybrid varieties do), they’re an excellent choice for woodland gardens, fern gardens, or as an easy ground cover for semi-shaded areas....

Here are 20 window treatment ideas for all the windows in your home.

Why Not All Flowers Are Hummingbird-Friendly Hummingbirds may visit hundreds of different flower species, but not every type of flower is equally appealing to these nectivorous birds. With approximately 400,000 flowering plants in the world, there are many blooms that hummingbirds do not like. Many flowers produce no nectar at all and, therefore, have no food that will satisfy a hungry hummer. Furthermore, hummingbirds have evolved their specialized, needle-like bills to probe deep into flowers with elongated tubular shapes, and flowers that have other shapes such as puffs, bowls, saucers, or lips are less attractive to hummingbirds....

After a long day, there’s nothing better than falling onto a soft mattress and cocooning yourself in a fluffy duvet. Did you know your bed frame matters just as much in this equation, though? A low-quality one will creak, waking you every time you roll over, and weak slats can even shorten your mattress’ lifespan. Of course, style, weight capacity, and durability are all important factors as well. That’s why we were inspired to test out the Zinus Paul Metal and Wood Platform Bed—an affordable, surprisingly well-received frame....

Light Coneflowers of all kinds thrive in full or partial sun, tolerating the heat without a problem. These plants need at least five hours of sunlight a day. Water This plant is drought tolerant. It only needs about an inch of water every week. Soil Coneflowers prefer well-draining fertile soil. However, it’s not a fussy plant and can still live in poor soil. Temperature and Humidity Most coneflowers are cold-hardy in zones 3 to 8, including the Firebird variety....

1. Old Cassettes, VCR Tapes, CDs and DVDs Now that we’re well into the 21st century, you’re most likely streaming your music and videos. This is not only a convenient practice for those of us frequently on the go, but it can save free up of precious shelf space back home, too. As designer Dawn Heuer says, “None of us need to have old CDs or DVDs laying around… Anything that can be digitized should be!...

But what if you set aside a special corner or even a room of your home that was completely devoted to banishing stressful emotions? Meditation can be a great way to do just that, through focusing, breathing, and clearing your mind. Your meditation practice can be improved through comforting surroundings and thoughtful design details, which you can achieve in your own home without having to go to a studio. Here are 10 meditation spaces that will have you saying namaste in no time....

Here are ten innovative features to look for when you’re shopping for a new toilet: Comfort Stool Height So-called comfort-height toilets are about 2 inches taller than standard models, making it easier for aging baby boomers or anyone with mobility issues to sit down and stand back up. Models range from about 17 to 19 inches high (similar to sitting in a chair) and are usually compliant with ADA standards....

Unfortunately, there are few vegetables that are prone to more problems than tomatoes. The trick to growing great-tasting tomatoes is to choose the best varieties, start the plants off right, and control problems before they happen. Start here with some time-tested tomato growing tips to ensure your tomato bragging rights this year. Transplant tomato seedlings into their own 4-inch pots shortly after they get their first set of true leaves....

Rain gutters are available in a number of common styles and shapes, plus various materials, including aluminum, vinyl, galvanized steel, copper, and zinc. These products also come in a range of color options, so you can find a gutter system that matches or accentuates the outdoor aesthetic of your home. Learn more about these types of rain gutters and get some helpful tips for deciding on the right type of rain gutter for your home....

Here are 10 tool organization tips to help you tidy up your workshop. For instance, here’s a DIY storage cabinet designated for table saw equipment. When planning a workshop layout, this cabinet would be hung in close proximity to the table saw. Details like this might seem trivial at first, but they will enhance the ergonomics of the space. Table Saw Storage Cabinet from Popular Woodworking Building a tool cabinet is a smart way to maximize any vertical space you have to spare....

Multifunctional furniture items have been making waves in living spaces not only because they cut down on what’s not necessary, but they’re often the foundational elements of a smartly and efficiently designed home. Though these multitasking pieces are useful in smaller places that need to preserve space, any apartment or house can really benefit from the way they work. These items don’t have to be wildly elaborate—some of them are surprisingly simple—but they still provide uses that basic furniture can’t....

​Here are 12 low-maintenance perennials that more or less enable gardeners to “set it and forget it"; they re-grow year after year with little to no attention. There are several species of the Achillea genus that are common as garden plants. Most have yellow flowers, but there are many hybrids derived from cross-breeding species or other hybrids. An example is the very popular ‘Moonshine’, a cross between A. clypeolata and A....

Sumacs are generally shrubs or small trees. Most have compound pinnate leaves (with leaflets arranged around a central stem), but some have simple leaves or trifoliate (three leaflets) leaves. Sumac species include both evergreen and deciduous types, and they generally spread by suckering, which allows them to quickly form small thickets but can also make the plants overly aggressive in some circumstances. Sumacs are often planted for the bright fruits (drupes) that are a favorite food of birds, and for the autumn color, which is usually a bright yellow, orange, or red....

Below, we’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite setups, all of which will make you want to hop on board this decor trend today. Note that a cursive font and a more subdued color are excellent ways to make a neon sign feel more current and not so old school. “They bring back a fun, nostalgic feeling for many,” designer Marlaina Teich says of such pieces. “They are retro, yet today’s designs provide a fresh, modern look....

While you may wish you could snap your fingers and more counter space would appear, the next best thing is a good selection of countertop organizers at your disposal. The following options will elevate, organize, and just generally keep the peace in your kitchen.

Well, good news! Though Santa-themed decor might need to head to storage, many decorative items that are included in holiday scenes can remain in place throughout winter. Still, others can be shifted or adapted slightly and easily make the move from holidays to every day.