Chiana Dickson
Chiana is a content editor at Homes & Gardens and is our resident 'queen' of non-toxic living.
She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips – many of which she tests and reviews herself in her own home to ensure they will consistently deliver for her readers. As a result, she was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024. She also has a first-class degree in Literature from Lancaster University.
Outside of work, home is her favorite place. Chiana loves all things organizing and DIY, spending most of her time pulling apart her rented two-bed Victorian terrace and reorganizing and decorating, encouraging those around her to find beauty in their homes to make it a comforting space.
Latest articles by Chiana Dickson
-
How to get rid of gnats once and for all – 10 simple methods loved by experts
Professional pest control experts share eight simple and natural ways to get rid of gnats to prevent frustrating flies from setting up shop in your home
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
Why does my house feel so dry? HVAC experts come to the rescue and warn of AC disasters and 'thirsty' homes
Low humidity can be just as damaging as high humidity, they warn
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How to clean gutters – experts share how you can get it done safely from a height, and on the ground
Experts explain how to clean gutters from the roof safely for free draining water
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
My military father taught me task stacking as a child – now my chores take barely any time at all
It sets off a 'flow' state that instantly shaves time off chores
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How to descale a Keurig with vinegar – and why this 40-cent trick works
This hack is 98% cheaper than a commercial descaler
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
Don't wait for New Year! Professional organizers agree toys are the one item you must always declutter before Christmas – and how to get your kids onboard
Prepare for a more altruistic festive season with this heartfelt tip
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
The best ways to securely hang Christmas lights – both inside your home and out
Discover how to hang Christmas lights wherever you want to use them, plus take inspiration from designer Kelly Wearstler
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
I started 'body doubling' when cleaning at home and tedious chores have never felt so easy – plus, it's makes mundane tasks feel like self-care
It's 10 times easier to conquer household job with this simple method
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
The 5 signs it's time to replace your insulation – it'll boost your home's energy efficiency and regulate the temperature better
Insulation can need replacing if it wasn't installed properly
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Ditch your fabric softener and learn how to wash towels with vinegar instead for a fresh and fluffy feel, laundry pros say
Use this affordable pantry staple for towels that feel as soft as the day you bought them
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
7 non-toxic home essentials that make sense for our chronically ill, low-toxicity household – these easy swaps can boost your household's health and avert unnecessary risk, too
I've made beneficial swaps on everything from candles to cookware for my low-toxicity household
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
7 ways to cut clutter when decorating this Christmas – professional organizers share their tips
Streamline your seasonal space with ease
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
If reducing holiday stress is your goal, this post-Thanksgiving cleaning checklist will be your seasonal savior
From cleaning and decluttering to refreshing upholstering, these 7 steps will ensure you don't miss anything when cleaning post-Thanksgiving
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
Every pro host cleans these 10 areas before guests arrive – here's their essential checklist you can complete with ease at home
Cleaning experts reveal what you should be cleaning before guests arrive for a hygienic home fit for hosting that any host would be proud to share
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
Can insulation grow mold? Unfortunately yes – contractors warn it's more common than you think, share the 3 signs you have it, and advise what next
This unlikely spot could be the source of illness and musty odors, they explain
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
The 4 times you should never use fabric softener – and why it might be the 'downfall' of your laundry routine
Don't let the name fool you, as it can do the opposite
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
HVAC pros reveal how to clean vents around your home in 5 easy steps to improve air quality in your home
It's quick, easy and effective
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
I tried Nate Berkus' hack for folding sweatpants and it finally fixed my dresser mess – with one simple tweak to keep everything in place better
My dresser is no longer a constant source of stress
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How to slash energy bills – 13 savvy saving tips from home experts from using energy-efficiency smart tech and apps, to rethinking your window treatments
Reduce your energy bills and save money at home with this expert-approved advice
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
How to keep a bathroom warm without heating – 7 surprising ways to keep this space cozy, including using a bigger showerhead and pre-heating your towels
Experts explain seven ways to make getting out of a warm shower a little more bearable this winter, all without heating
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
8 key items pro chefs say every fridge needs to stay organized, including deep bins, airtight containers and a lazy Susan
Keep your whole fridge neat and tidy inside and out
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Hosting experts reveal the 8 things making your guest bedroom less comfortable – and how to remedy them
Iron out these mistakes before the holiday season, experts urge
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Does hanging pennies in a bag of water keep flies and pests away? Our entomologists say no, and suggest 3 methods that really do work
Bizarre or brilliant? Pest control pros explore whether this pest control hack works to keep flies at bay and deterrents that really work
By Chiana Dickson Last updated
-
Pre-Christmas decluttering rules – 7 steps I always follow for smooth, seamless and happy holiday hosting
Prepare your home for an influx of guests, gifts and goodies with my December decluttering routine I rely on every year
By Chiana Dickson Last updated