Lola Houlton
Lola Houlton is a news writer for Homes & Gardens. She has been writing content for Future PLC for the past six years, in particular Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and GardeningEtc. She writes on a broad range of subjects, including practical household advice, recipe articles, and product reviews, working closely with experts in their fields to cover everything from heating to home organization through to house plants. Lola is a graduate, who completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Sussex. She has also spent some time working at the BBC. Lola's hobbies include netball and photography. Her favorite interior designers include Jake Arnold, Kelly Wearstler, Lauren Nelson Design and Studio Giancarlo Valle
Latest articles by Lola Houlton
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Do dryer sheets repel mosquitos? Experts deliberate on whether this popular pest control method is effective
While this common household item contains products that repel mosquitos, experts explain why its usefulness is limited and provide some alternatives
By Lola Houlton Published
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5 simple ways to keep mosquitos away from the front door – top tips from pest control experts
These natural mosquito-repellent methods can keep your porch bug-free and beautiful all summer long – easy and affordable pest-control tips from pros
By Lola Houlton Published
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What is the ideal humidity level for a house in summer? Expert tips to combat high humidity
Maintaining the ideal humidity level in your home during summer enhances comfort, health, and energy efficiency – here's how to combat high humidity
By Lola Houlton Published
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Experts warn that low humidity can be damaging to your home and health – this is how to manage it
Maintaining balanced humidity is crucial for several reasons, and unbeknownst to you, low humidity in your home can be damaging your home and health
By Lola Houlton Published
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10 baseboard painting mistakes to avoid – and what experts say to do instead
Painting baseboards requires a technical approach for a clean, professional-looking finish – these are the DIY mistakes to avoid, according to painting pros
By Lola Houlton Published
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How often should air ducts be cleaned? We asked HVAC experts to weigh in
The frequency of cleaning can vary based on your circumstances – calculating the optimal cleaning schedule is key to maintaining a healthier, cleaner home
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to get rid of mildew – 6 expert tips to prevent its return
'Effective mildew removal involves a multi-step approach' –here's how to identify the source, and clean it from anything including walls, surfaces, or clothes
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to rearrange a room to make it cooler – 5 clever hacks to try
These tactical room arrangement tips can reduce hot spots, improve ventilation, and keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable during the summer
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to remove bad odors from your outdoor decking – and prevent them from coming back
7 steps experts recommend to banish odors from your deck and routines to implement into your weekly cleaning to keep your deck looking and smelling fresh
By Lola Houlton Published
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Do you need a new coffee maker? Here's how to tell if it needs replacing
The state of your coffee maker can significantly impact the quality of the coffee and your daily routines – these signs will signal it's time to replace it
By Lola Houlton Last updated
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Which insects cause holes in clothes? Plus, the tricks to stop them
If you are finding unexplained holes in clean clothes, it's likely insects that have caused it. These are the likely culprits and how to combat them
By Lola Houlton Published
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4 signs you have a flea infestation – and expert advice you shouldn't ignore
Suspect your home has been infested with fleas? These are the clues to look for, why tackling them immediately is a must, and removal tips
By Lola Houlton Published
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Experts reveal why you should always leave your washing machine door open between washes
Dark, humid, and damp, the inside of your washing machine is the perfect breeding ground, this is why you should always leave your washing machine door open between washes
By Lola Houlton Published
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7 signs you have moths in your home – and what to do to avoid damage
From the sudden appearance of holes in clothes to the unwelcome sight of moth larvae, these are the clues that your home has a moth infestation
By Lola Houlton Published
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7 DIY projects real estate agents want you to stop doing yourself – they could damage your property value
Projects never to DIY – attempting these can break building codes, result in safety issues, structural damage, costly repairs and replacements, and undermine your home's aesthetic value
By Lola Houlton Published
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Experts think these home DIY trends will be big in summer 2024
These DIY trends that are on the rise are not just fun weekend projects, but many of them represent a movement toward more convenient, and sustainable living
By Lola Houlton Published
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11 nice-smelling scents garden pests hate – and how to use them
Many scents pleasant to humans are pest deterrents and can be used in tandem with other preventative measures to keep your home – and backyard – nuisance-free
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to remove mold from leather – top tips and DIY steps from experts
Mildew and mold growing on leather can damage it beyond repair – here's how to both remove and prevent it without damaging your leather items
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to wash hats without damaging them – 4 methods for different materials and types
These steps ensure you can remove stains, oils, and bacteria from a hat without impacting its appearance or misshaping it, preserving the hat's longevity
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to clean a trash can – 5 steps cleaning experts always use
Dealing with stubborn debris and grease stains? Wondering how to rid your trash can of lingering odors? Pros share their top tips for a successful deep clean
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to get rid of mice from a garage – and mouse-proof it so they don't return
Addressing what attracted mice to your garage is key to resolving the issues – experts recommend a combination of cleanliness, deterrence, and exclusion methods
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to spot signs of mildew in your home – indicators you have it and warning signs it's going to develop
Mildew removal can be reasonably simple, but that doesn't mean its presence in your home can't be damaging. Here is how to look for and identify mildew in your home
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to clean mold and mildew around windows – plus 5 expert prevention tips
Learn how to remove mold and mildew from your windows and the surrounding areas to create a healthier indoor environment
By Lola Houlton Published
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How to clean a refrigerator door seal of mold – and prevent it from coming back
Cleaning this area requires a delicate balance – 4 steps to effectively remove mold from seals without damaging them, and prevent it from coming back
By Lola Houlton Published