Ottilie Blackhall
Ottilie is new to Homes & Gardens, having recently graduated from a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. She produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has an undergraduate degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
As a lover of maximalism, Ottilie enjoys hunting for vintage gems and antiques, as well as keeping up with the newest design trends.
Latest articles by Ottilie Blackhall
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Expert-approved tips on how to clean an artificial wreath for a beautiful, festive and spruced-up flourish
Get your wreath looking wonderful ahead of time in 3 steps
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Pool pros reveal how to clean a dirty hot tub cover in 5 simple steps – keep yours spotless all winter without compromising its insulating ability
These steps will result in a sanitized hot tub cover
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Did you know this home heating habit could be ruining your couch? The 3 risks in the mix this winter, and what to do instead
Avoid damage, mold, and potential fire hazards, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 heated airer mistakes that are doubling your drying time, ruining your flooring and causing energy bills to rise
Experts warn these blunders can pose serious risks to your home
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Why do clothes shrink in the dryer, and can you un-shrink them? Cleaning pros reveal you can remedy sweater, shirt and jean drying disasters
Don't shy away from laundry mishaps, they are salvageable
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I was skeptical when I tried cleaning hard water stains on my faucets with toothpaste – but it's so effective, I'll now be using it every time
This $2 hack transformed my taps and made them shine
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What kills maggots? 8 simple solutions to wipe out maggots, according to seasoned pest control pros
Expert-approved tips for dealing with maggots, with powerful, permanent results
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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Can stainless steel go in the dishwasher? Experts say yes, with caution – here's why
Get your stainless steel sparkling and spotless with these tips from the pros
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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12 bad laundry habits that are ruining your clothing, linens and washing machine – and what to do instead
Avoid shrinking, fading and damage
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How long should I burn a candle? Pros reveal the easy formula for this candle safety tip
Home-scenting success and safety are the perfect combination
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 surprising ways to use aluminum foil around the house beyond cooking, including tackling pests, polishing pots and sharpening scissors
Expert-approved tips to make best use of this multi-purpose kitchen staple
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to clean and store winter jackets – and keep them looking their best all season long, according to cleaning pros
Expert-approved methods to spot clean, hand-wash and machine-wash winter jackets
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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4 DIY drain cleaning solutions professionals swear by – to help you tackle blockages with ease
Unclog drains with these affordable DIY solutions
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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I swear by these 2 pantry staples to completely deodorize my fridge – and it only takes me 5 minutes
Coffee and salt have never looked better together
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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What is the Kanban organizing technique? Experts explain how to 'boost productivity' with this simple method
Transform your space from cluttered to calm with this Japanese principle
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Professional cleaners do these 4 things to remove rust from bathtubs – here's how to replicate the results
Expert-approved tips to banish rust from your bathtub and restore the beauty of your bathroom
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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The 6 disadvantages of dryer sheets – and the simple substitution laundry pros prefer instead
These eco-friendly alternatives protect your clothes and the planet, experts say
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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5 surprising things you can clean with shaving foam
Professional cleaners love this bathroom cabinet essential for sparkling and spotless surfaces
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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7 cleaning hacks for a beautiful home on a budget
A spotless space doesn't have to be expensive with these expert-approved tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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You're likely not washing these 8 things enough, experts warn – here's why they need extra attention
Neglecting to wash these things could cause musty odors, a build-up of bacteria and trigger allergies, professional cleaners warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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8 cleaning tasks to refresh your bedroom for winter – for a cozy and comfortable space
Make your bedroom both bright and beautiful with these expert-approved tips
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Pro cleaners never put these thrifted items in their home without sanitizing them first – here's why it's vital
Not sanitizing these items first could be a health hazard, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Cleaning pros never do these 10 cleaning tasks in November – here's why they never think it's worth it
You can save time and energy missing these 10 tasks off your to-do lists
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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Professional cleaners warn these 13 products are a waste of money – here's why you should stop buying them, and what to get instead
Save your money and your home with these 13 cleaning swaps
By Ottilie Blackhall Published