Whether you’re hosting an intimate summer dinner party or sprucing up your outdoor space or tabletop, these easy crafts deliver maximum impact with minimal effort and cost. Get ready to impress your guests with beautiful, handmade touches that celebrate the season in style!

Beautify a space with a copper-kissed vase

“Dollar stores are still my favorite place to pick up super affordable supplies—like glass vases and floral wire—for crafting,” says Striegel, design pro and founder of the blog Chic on a Shoestring.

“Simply adding garden flowers to a glass vase and wrapping it with wire makes a big impact with little effort—it’s a perfect party favor or table accent.”

To do: Fill a glass vase with water. Snip flowers; insert into vase. Wrap copper floral wire around the vase. Jot down a sweet note like “thank you for joining us!” or “welcome!” onto a DIY paper tag; slip tag onto the wire.

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If you love the soft, vintage charm of shabby chic decor but don’t want to spend a fortune, Dollar Tree is quietly becoming a go-to destination. From distressed finishes and delicate florals to pastel accents and rustic textures, the retailer is stocked with surprisingly stylish pieces that channel cozy cottage vibes on a budget. Whether […]

Light up the evening with a simple candlescape

“An easy, wallet-friendly way to enhance ambiance at an outdoor dinner party is with candlelight,” says Striegel. “And the dollar store is a great spot to pick up candles in bulk—for less. Adding a few adornments will turn even the plainest pillars into a tabletop statement.”

To do: For each pillar candle, bend copper floral or crafting wire around the middle of the candle (you can bend the wire into shapes like a heart or even try an initial!). For extra flair, slip a bloom or two into the wire. Repeat and cluster candles together.

Tip: Striegel says using pliers in different shapes helps make curves and flatten copper wire to make interesting shapes.

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While Dollar Tree is a favorite for adorable home decor and holiday must-haves, there’s another aisle where it really shines: groceries. Yes—groceries at Dollar Tree. And if you’re wondering how that works at a store where most items are priced around $1.25, you’re not alone. But take a closer look and you’ll find plenty of […]

Add charm with a floral circlet

“Grapevine wreaths are a great bang for your buck at dollar stores,” says Striegel. “They are so customizable. You can easily add faux or real flowers to them and the result is a striking circlet that adds whimsy and warmth to a fence post, front door—or anywhere!”

To do: Start with a plain grapevine wreath. Then cut handfuls of flowers in shades of yellow, white and purple, as shown. Attach blooms to the wreath using snippets of floral wire; work your way around the wreath until it’s mostly covered. Fill in gaps with filler like baby’s breath or greenery. Hang from a fence post, a door or a ladder.

Tip: Mist the wreath with a water-filled spray bottle to keep blooms lively.

For more cash-savvy decor ideas and pretty inspiration, follow Kate Striegel on Instagram @chiconashoestringdecorating.

This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World magazine. 

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The idea is simple: work one zone at a time, ditch what’s broken or expired and rebuild the space around how you really cook. Done well, the kitchen reset saves money, time and weeknight stress.

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Why a kitchen reset matters now

The kitchen is the most-used room in most homes, and small inefficiencies add up. A spice you can’t find gets bought twice. A frozen meal at the back of the freezer gets buried and tossed. A stand mixer hogging the counter quietly pushes you toward takeout.

A reset isn’t a single deep-clean weekend. It’s a method: empty one space at a time, throw out expired food, broken gadgets, mystery containers and duplicate tools, then sort what’s left into “keep,” “donate” and “rarely use” piles. Tackling one drawer or one shelf at a time is the difference between a project you finish and a project that becomes a bigger mess by Sunday night.

How the kitchen reset works

Start with the zones you touch every day. Keep everyday cookware near the stove. Build a single coffee station so the mugs, beans and filters live together. Put healthy grab-and-go snacks at eye level—and move specialty appliances you rarely use off prime counter space.

Then create zones inside the pantry and fridge so food gets eaten instead of forgotten:

• A basket for produce that needs to be used soon
• A shelf for leftovers and open ingredients
• A “quick dinner” section with pantry staples
• A visible snack zone so food doesn’t expire unseen

Inside the fridge, clear bins for categories like sauces, cheese and meal-prep ingredients keep things visible. Label shelves loosely instead of over-organizing. Store herbs and greens where you can actually see them—not in the crisper graveyard.

Don’t skip the freezer

The freezer is where good intentions go to die. Heather Ramsdell of The Spruce Eats recommends an empty-it-out approach:

“Take everything out of your freezer. Label items you plan to save with a marker. Stash similar ingredients, like bags of frozen veggies or packaged leftovers in separate storage containers within the freezer and refrigerator. Repeat with the fridge. Once you have removed all of the inedible stuff, move anything that you do not plan to eat in the next month to an out of the way spot. Your newfound ingredients might even save you some money on your next shopping trip.”

That last line is the point of the entire reset: the food you forgot is the food you already paid for.

Which kitchen gadgets earn their space

Single-use gadgets are usually the worst clutter offenders. As you sort, ask which tools earn permanent counter space, which can be stored away and which never get used at all. Awkward appliances like air fryers and stand mixers belong in a cabinet you can actually reach—not the back of a high shelf where they’ll never come down.

A useful test: if you haven’t pulled it out in the last three months, it doesn’t belong on the counter.

Small kitchen upgrades that make a big difference

A few low-cost additions do more than a full remodel:

• Drawer dividers for utensils and cooking tools
• Lazy Susans for oils, spices and condiments
• Vertical organizers for baking sheets and cutting boards
• Clear containers for dry goods you constantly rebuy

And if your cabinets are bursting, take it from Martha Stewart. Madeline Buiano with Martha Stewart writes: “Using a rack will save a lot of space in your cabinets—and make your pots and pans easier to find. Martha hangs her cookware above the stationary island near the range.”

Hang the rack, label the bins, toss the broken whisk. The reset isn’t about a perfect kitchen. It’s about a kitchen that finally works the way you cook.

The reason comes down to chemistry. Laundry detergent contains surfactants, which Irina Ganopolsky of Arm & Hammer describes to MarthaStewart.com as “specialized molecules designed to break up dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away with water.”

That’s the same action that lifts grease from a shirt—and it’s why a few drops can rescue a couch cushion, a tile floor or a set of makeup brushes.

Clever ways to use laundry detergent around the home

Once you start looking beyond the laundry room, the list of uses grows quickly. Some are obvious, like spot-cleaning upholstery, while others are the kinds of backup tricks people only discover after running out of a cleaner mid-mess.

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Here are some of the most useful ways laundry detergent can help around the house:

1. Carpet stains: Blot with water first, then use a mixture of water and a small spoonful of low-suds detergent. Rinse the area afterward to avoid sticky residue. It can also work in carpet-cleaning machines.
2. Grout: Mix detergent with water and scrub with a toothbrush for smaller areas or a larger brush for tile floors. Powder detergent often works best because it clings better.
3. Makeup brushes: Brushes collect bacteria, oils, sweat and dead skin. Swirl them in a bowl of gentle detergent and water, rinse well and let them air dry.
4. Outdoor patio furniture: Detergent cuts through dirt and outdoor grime on plastic furniture. Removable cushion covers can often go straight into the washing machine.
5. Concrete patios and driveways: A detergent-and-water mix can clean surface dirt and fresh grime, though it won’t do much for deep or set-in stains.
6. Floors: Add 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent to a gallon of water for tile, linoleum and vinyl floors. Skip hardwood and natural stone.
7. Walls: Mix 1 tablespoon of detergent into a bucket of warm water and wipe gently to avoid damaging paint. Follow with a damp cloth to remove residue.
8. Furniture stains: A few drops of mild detergent in warm water can help spot-clean upholstery when blotted with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using it on leather.
9. Car interiors: Works on plastic trim and cloth upholstery for quick spot cleaning. Keep glass cleaner reserved for windows.
10. Kids’ toys: Add a tablespoon of detergent to hot water and soak plastic and fabric toys together for an easy bulk clean.
11. Countertops: A drop of detergent in a spray bottle filled with water can stand in for multi-purpose cleaner on laminate, quartz and granite. Avoid marble and other natural stone surfaces.

“Opting for an all-in-one, non-toxic concentrate, can further streamline your laundry and cleaning routine, making it even more convenient and environmentally friendly,” says Allison Evans, Co-founder of Branch Basics, per Southern Living.

What to know before you swap detergent for other cleaners

The key is treating laundry detergent as a backup tool rather than a one-size-fits-all cleaner. Used sparingly and followed with a good rinse, it can handle plenty of everyday messes without sending you on another run to the store.

“Not every laundry detergent is created equal, but some are remarkably versatile, especially if you know they will rinse 100%,” Taylor Sutherland, president of Charlie’s Soap, told The Spruce.

Look for detergent that is low-suds (HE-compatible), fragrance free, clear in color and light on chemical additives. Always spot-test in a hidden area first. And keep detergent away from delicate natural stone, hardwood, unfinished wood and glass—those surfaces need their own care.

The takeaway: that jug in the laundry room is one of the most useful cleaners in the house. You just have to know where to point it.

Knowing how to use laundry detergent properly is the other half of the battle, and most people are likely using it wrong — in this case, using too much of it.

“It’s a common misconception that more detergent equals cleaner clothes,” Brahim Agzoul, housekeeping manager at Kasbah Tamadot, told CNET. “In reality, excess soap lingers in fabrics, which could cause skin irritation.”

How much laundry detergent to use per load

Getting the amount right starts with understanding what a “normal” load actually looks like. In general, a normal-sized load fills about three-quarters of the drum, or roughly a full armload of clothing.

Anything smaller calls for less detergent, while a larger load may need a bit more. The type of machine matters, too: high-efficiency washers use less water and require correspondingly less soap.

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For a normal-sized load of soiled laundry, follow these guidelines:

• Traditional machine: two tablespoons (1.0 ounces) of powdered or liquid detergent
• HE machine: one tablespoon (0.5 ounces) of powdered or liquid detergent
• Laundry detergent pods: never more than one pod per load

“A small load may need half the amount, and then consider the level of dirtiness,” Alexi Mintz, VP of brand strategy at Archipelago Botanicals, told MarthaStewart.com. “Kids’ clothes are probably heavily soiled, while your office clothing is likely lightly soiled, and so on.”

What about the laundry detergent cap?

If you have been measuring how much liquid laundry detergent to use per load by filling the cap to the recommended line, you may be pouring far more than your clothes need.

Experts widely advise ignoring the cap as your primary guide. While the instructions on the bottle went through rigorous testing during product development, they do not account for variables like water hardness, soil level or machine type.

“I encourage people to use less detergent than the recommended amount on the product,” Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids, told NBC News.

A better measuring tool? A shot glass, which holds 1.5 ounces. Most loads will need no more than one shot glass full — and some will only need half of that.

Factors affecting how much laundry detergent you need

Detergent dosing is not one-size-fits-all. Several variables shift the math up or down, and ignoring them is one reason so many households end up using too much laundry detergent week after week.

Before you pour, consider what kind of load you are running, what kind of water is coming out of your tap and what kind of machine is doing the work.

• Type of detergent: for higher concentrations (2X, 4X), use less detergent
• Size of load: use more for larger loads, less for smaller loads
• Soil level: use more for heavily soiled clothes, less for lightly soiled clothes
• Hard or soft water: use more for hard water, less for soft water
• Type of machine: use less for HE machines, more for traditional machines

In many cases, using slightly less detergent than you think you need — especially with modern high-efficiency machines and concentrated formulas — is more than enough.

What happens if you use too much laundry detergent

The obvious answer to what happens if you use too much laundry detergent is that you waste product and money. The less obvious answer involves the chemistry of the soap itself — specifically the surfactants that do the cleaning work.

Once you cross the threshold of what those molecules can handle, extra detergent stops helping and starts causing problems for your clothes, your washer and even the water supply.

Surfactants are “specialized molecules designed to break up dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away with water,” according to Irina Ganopolsky of Arm and Hammer Laundry, per MarthaStewart.com.

“Once there’s enough surfactant to do that job, adding more doesn’t make clothes cleaner. In fact, too much detergent can make it harder for the water to rinse everything away and can potentially leave residue behind on fabrics,” she added.

The damage can extend to your machine. “Using too much can leave residue on your clothes — which, in turn, can attract more dirt,” Varela told NBC News. “Plus, over time, you’ll create excessive soap scum that can clog your washing machine’s plumbing system.”

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There is an environmental cost as well. Rich Handel, who leads Consumer Reports’ testing of detergents, noted that “excess detergent is also being dispersed into our water systems and causing water pollution.”

Signs you may be using too much laundry detergent

If you suspect your routine has tipped into using too much laundry detergent, your clothes and your machine will usually tell on you. The clues show up in fabric texture, lingering smells and the buildup you can see inside the drum.

Watch for these red flags, and consider cutting your dose in half for a few loads to see if things improve.

• Residue or a soapy film left on clothes after washing
• Clothes that feel stiff, sticky or not fully rinsed
• Skin irritation from detergent lingering in fabrics
• A musty or mildew smell in your washing machine
• Visible soap scum buildup inside the drum or on door seals
• Clothes that seem to attract dirt faster after being washed
• Excessive suds during the wash cycle
• Clogged plumbing or drainage issues with your machine

The fix is rarely complicated: measure smaller, skip the cap and let the surfactants do the job they were designed to do.

Garden experts say a handful of common herbs and flowers naturally drive off mosquitoes, aphids, flies, ants and moths. Most are inexpensive, beginner-friendly and ready to plant in pots or beds.

Which plants repel which pests

Different plants target different bugs, so a mix tends to work better than a single hero. The most-recommended options:

• Lavender — mosquitoes and moths
• Marigolds — aphids, mosquitoes and flies
• Basil — mosquitoes and houseflies
• Mint — ants and mosquitoes
• Rosemary — mosquitoes and cabbage moths
• Lemongrass and citronella grass — mosquitoes
• Petunias — aphids and tomato hornworms
• Chrysanthemums — multiple insects, thanks to natural compounds
• Catnip — a surprisingly strong mosquito repellent

Citronella, the plant most associated with mosquito control, tops the list for a reason.

“Citronella is by far the most popular plant that repels mosquitoes,” garden expert Carmen Johnston told Real Simple. “It has a very pungent odor. I often place this in small eight-inch terra cotta pots and mix in with my centerpieces when entertaining outdoors. You can either use the clippings mixed in with arrangements or use the plant itself as the centerpiece.”

Rosemary works as both a kitchen herb and a pest barrier. Annie Burdick and Jamie McIntosh write in The Spruce: “The scent of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a deterrent to mosquitos and other garden pests, such as cabbage moths. Rosemary loves warm and dry climates and may need to be moved indoors in areas with harsh, cold winters. But all summer long it adorns your patio and keeps pests at bay.”

Catnip may be the most underrated option on the list. Madeline Buiano writes in Martha Stewart: “Mosquitoes hate catnip (Nepeta cataria), the very same plant that your cats love. Also known as catmint, this herbaceous perennial emits a chemical that acts as a natural insect repellent.”

These Are the Top Plants and Vegetables to Start Planting in Early Spring for a Thriving Garden

How to use them effectively

Buying the plants is the easy part. Placement is what makes them earn their keep.

• Set plants near seating areas, doorways and windows where bugs tend to enter
• Use pots on patios to create a stronger “barrier” effect around the space you actually use
• Mix multiple plants rather than relying on a single variety
• Position fragrant plants where air flow can carry the scent across the yard
• Pair the plants with other habits: clearing standing water, removing yard debris and trimming overgrowth

The scent is the active ingredient for most of these plants, so brushing leaves, snipping clippings or simply moving pots closer to your seating can boost the effect on a still evening.

Why this matters now

Mosquito-borne illness, tick activity and longer warm seasons have made outdoor pest control a year-round concern in much of the country — not just a midsummer nuisance. Skipping the chemical sprays is also a growing priority for households with kids, pets or pollinator gardens they don’t want to disturb.

A few well-placed pots of lavender, basil, rosemary and catnip won’t replace every other defense. But they’re a cheap, attractive first line — and unlike a bug zapper, they look good on the table while they work.

The flowers below are the ones that consistently earn their spot—easy to find, easy to keep alive and built to deliver color from the first warm weeks through the rest of the season.

The best flowers for spring gardening in small spaces

Small-space gardens reward plants that work overtime: long bloom windows, tidy growth habits and a willingness to live in a pot. The list of reliable performers is shorter than most beginners think, which is good news when you only have room for a handful of containers.

• Petunias — great for pots and hanging baskets, with nonstop color all season
• Geraniums — classic, low-maintenance and instantly give a front porch a “clean” look
• Marigolds — bright, hardy and naturally help deter some pests
• Impatiens — perfect for shaded porches and small entryways
• Begonias — great for containers and add a polished, soft look
• Lavender — compact varieties work well and add fragrance plus curb appeal
• Pansies and violas — perfect for cooler seasons and small pops of color

Petunias deserve a closer look if you want trailing color. Marie Iannotti at The Spruce writes about Cascadia and Surfinia varieties in particular: “These are bred for their trailing habit, vivid colors, and prolific flowering. They generally have the wide flowers of traditional petunias, in unusual colors. You’ll find lots of interesting shading and veining with these petunias. They are also easy to care for and spread or trail to about 18 inches. These petunias are best suited for hanging baskets and window boxes.”

Why lavender earns its space

Lavender is one of the few small-space picks that does more than look good. It smells like summer, it pulls in pollinators and it pairs easily with almost any other flower on the list. For tight porches and stair-side pots, compact varieties keep the silvery foliage from sprawling out of bounds.

In another piece by Marie Iannotti with The Spruce, she writes: “You should consider growing lavender because not only do these fragrant plants emit an aromatic, relaxing scent, but they will also attract tons of pollinators like bees and butterflies. They bloom for a long time and are super versatile for DIY crafts. Planting lavender is best in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. It will grow at a moderate pace, often adding a few inches to its size each year. Note that lavender can be toxic to pets.”

That last detail matters for anyone with curious dogs or cats wandering the front steps. Keep lavender pots elevated or tucked where pets cannot graze.

How to choose colors that boost curb appeal

Color does as much work as the flowers themselves. In a small space, the palette you pick will read from the sidewalk before anyone notices the plants — so the choice between bold and soft is really a choice about what you want the house to say.

A few directions worth considering:

• Bright colors like reds and yellows offer high visibility from the street
• Soft pastels such as lavender, pink and white create a calm, “cozy home” look
• Monochrome flowers give a more modern feel
• Two-color combos like purple and yellow add contrast and energy
• Green and white reads clean, upscale and minimal

There is no wrong answer, but consistency tends to look more intentional than a scattershot mix of every color at the garden center.

Styling tricks that make small spaces look bigger

The plants matter, but so does the arrangement. A few simple moves can take a cramped porch from cluttered to curated without adding a single new flower.

• Frame your front door with symmetrical plants for a “finished” look
• Add a flower pot on each step for instant charm
• Use trailing plants to soften edges and make the space feel fuller
• Repeat the same plant type for a more intentional design feel
• Keep arrangements tight — overcrowding a small space can feel messy

Symmetry is the cheat code here. Two matching pots flanking a door read as deliberate even if everything inside them is inexpensive. Trailing petunias spilling over the edge of a planter do the same thing for a stair railing or window box, blurring the line between container and architecture.

When to plant for the best spring results

Timing matters more in a small garden than in a large one, because every pot is on display. Wait until the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed before setting out warm-season flowers like petunias, marigolds, impatiens and begonias. Pansies and violas can go out earlier — they tolerate cool weather and are useful for filling pots in the gap between winter and true spring.

Lavender, as noted above, also prefers to go in after frost danger and warm soil. Plant it once, and it will keep coming back, gaining a few inches of size each year.

What vegetables should you plant first in early spring gardening? Leafy greens, radishes, carrots, peas, onions, scallions and beets are among the best vegetables to plant in early spring, because they thrive in cool soil and tolerate the unpredictable temperatures of the season.

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and kale grow quickly in chilly conditions and can be harvested within just a few weeks. Lettuce in particular is one of the earliest vegetables gardeners can plant in spring, according to a Martha Stewart article by Madeline Buiano and Katelyn Chef. Landscape designer Ben Gordon of Metropolitan Garden and Design told the publication that harvesting the outer leaves first allows the inner leaves to keep growing, with many varieties ready to pick by April or May.

Radishes are among the fastest crops you can grow, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks after planting. That quick turnaround makes them a popular pick for impatient gardeners and a good way to fill in beds while slower-growing vegetables develop.

Carrots prefer cooler temperatures, which actually produce a sweeter flavor than carrots grown in summer heat. Peas are another cool-weather standout: they climb early trellises and tolerate light frost, making them well-suited to the back-and-forth weather of early spring.

Onions and scallions are low-maintenance and cold-tolerant, so they can go into the ground while overnight temperatures are still dipping. Beets are a versatile option because both the roots and the greens are edible, giving gardeners two harvests from a single planting.

If you’re new to spring planting, focus on a mix of these crops to spread out your harvests. Fast-growing radishes and leafy greens fill the first few weeks, then peas, carrots and beets come on as the season progresses.

Which flowers thrive in early spring gardening?

Pansies, violas, daffodils, tulips, snapdragons, sweet alyssum and sweet peas are among the flowers that thrive in early spring, because they tolerate chilly nights and bring color to the garden before warm-weather blooms arrive.

Pansies and violas survive cold snaps and add early color to beds and containers. Daffodils and tulips are classic spring bloomers, though they’re typically planted earlier in the season—usually in fall—so the bulbs have time to chill before sending up flowers.

Snapdragons tolerate cooler temperatures and keep blooming for weeks, making them a reliable pick for early spring borders. Sweet alyssum stays low to the ground and is friendly to pollinators, which can help the vegetable garden nearby.

In warmer early spring regions, marigolds can be planted to help deter pests later in the season, though they tend to do their best work once temperatures climb.

Sweet peas are another standout. Writing for Good Housekeeping, garden writer Arricca Elin SanSone describes the flower this way: “This old-fashioned favorite vines beautifully up a trellis, showing off its delicate, sweetly-scented blooms in shades of white, pink, lavender and fuchsia. Plant the seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area.”

That timing matters. Early spring planting gives sweet peas the cool nights they need to establish strong roots before summer heat shuts them down. The same logic applies to most of the flowers on this list: cool-season bloomers want to be in the ground while temperatures are still mild, not after a heat wave has rolled through.

What herbs grow best in cool spring weather?

Parsley, cilantro, chives, dill and mint are the herbs best suited to early spring planting, because they handle cool soil and, in some cases, actually prefer it to summer heat.

Parsley is one of the most cold-tolerant herbs in the garden. It can go in the ground while overnight temperatures are still dipping, and it’ll keep producing leaves into the warmer months.

Cilantro is a must for early spring planting because it bolts—meaning it flowers and goes to seed—quickly in heat. Getting it in the ground while the weather is cool gives you a longer window of usable leaves before it sends up flower stalks. Successive plantings every few weeks can extend the harvest.

Chives come back year after year with little effort, making them one of the lowest-maintenance herbs you can grow. Once established, they’ll send up their slim green stems and edible purple flowers each spring without any prompting.

Dill grows quickly in cooler temperatures and works well alongside crops like carrots in the spring garden. Like cilantro, it doesn’t love extreme heat, so early planting buys you more time to harvest.

Mint spreads easily—sometimes too easily. It’s best grown in containers to keep it from taking over a garden bed. If you’ve ever planted mint directly in the ground and watched it colonize half the yard, you already know why container planting is the safer call.

For new gardeners, herbs are a forgiving entry point. They tolerate small spaces, do well in pots and reward you with fresh ingredients within weeks of planting.

Which cold-hardy plants survive early spring frost?

Kale, spinach, broccoli seedlings, cabbage, Swiss chard and peas are among the most reliable cold-hardy plants for early spring gardens, capable of handling frost and cool soil that would stop warm-weather crops in their tracks.

Kale is a workhorse in the cold-hardy category. It tolerates frost, keeps producing leaves over a long stretch of the season and actually tastes sweeter after a light freeze. Spinach behaves similarly—it grows fast in cool soil and bolts once temperatures climb, so early spring is the right window.

Broccoli seedlings can be transplanted into the garden before the last frost date in most regions, as long as they’ve been hardened off, meaning gradually exposed to outdoor conditions over a week or so. Cabbage follows the same pattern: tough seedlings handle cold snaps and produce full heads by late spring or early summer.

Swiss chard is one of the more versatile cold-hardy crops. Its colorful stems and large leaves are both edible, and it keeps producing through cool weather and into the heat of summer if you keep harvesting outer leaves.

Peas round out the list. They handle light frost, climb early trellises and produce sweet pods that are best eaten close to picking. Plant them as soon as the soil can be worked.

For gardeners in colder regions, these crops form the foundation of a productive early spring. They let you start the growing season weeks before tomatoes and peppers can safely go in the ground—and they free up garden space for warm-weather crops once they’ve been harvested.

And considering how often Americans do laundry, the savings can add up quickly over the course of a year.

“Our research showed nearly 50% of respondents claim to do seven loads of laundry or more per week,” Shawn Ashby, laundry manager at Whirlpool, said of a company-backed laundry habits survey.

For people looking for a more affordable or natural alternative to commercial detergent, here’s how to make homemade laundry detergent, including borax-free options and important tips before you start.

How to make homemade laundry detergent

Before making homemade liquid laundry detergent, wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses and a mask to avoid irritation from powdered ingredients such as borax and washing soda.

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Classic homemade laundry detergent recipe

Stacy Johnson, the founder of Money Talks News, shared one of the most popular homemade laundry detergent recipes.

• 1 bar soap
• 4 cups boiling water
• 3 gallons water
• 1 cup borax
• ½ cup washing soda

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Bring four cups of water to a boil.
• Step 2: Grate the bar soap using a cheese grater.
• Step 3: Add the grated soap into the boiling water and stir until dissolved.
• Step 4: Pour the dissolved soap mixture into a large bucket with three gallons of water.
• Step 5: Add one cup of borax and ½ cup of washing soda.
• Step 6: Stir until the mixture thickens.

The result is a thick homemade liquid laundry detergent that can be scooped into the washer similarly to commercial detergent.

Utah State University homemade laundry detergent recipe

The Utah State University Cooperative Extension recommends a similar recipe for homemade clothes detergent, but with slightly different proportions.

• 2 cups grated bar soap
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups washing soda
• 2 gallons water

Unlike the previous recipe, the university’s version combines the dissolved soap water, borax and washing soda first before adding two gallons of water instead of three.

Martha Stewart homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe

Nashia Baker and Alexandra Kelly of MarthaStewart.com created another variation of DIY laundry detergent using hydrogen peroxide and essential oils.

• 16 cups boiling water
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 2 additional cups water
• 2 cups borax
• 2 cups gentle dish soap
• 50 drops essential oil

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Add two cups of borax and two cups of baking soda to eight cups of boiling water.
• Step 2: Dilute one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water and stir into the mixture.
• Step 3: Add two cups of dish soap and the remaining eight cups of boiling water.
• Step 4: Add about 50 drops of essential oil once the ingredients are fully dissolved.

Homemade laundry detergent recipe without borax

Borax remains one of the most debated ingredients in DIY laundry detergent recipes.

While borax is a naturally occurring mineral, the National Pesticide Information Center warns that it can be “corrosive to the eye and irritating to the skin.”

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) goes further, warning: “We recommend that you not use the recipes that include borax, since it may pose health risks.”

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How to Avoid Microplastics: 12 Simple Swaps for Your Kitchen

Microplastics are turning up almost everywhere scientists look. As studies stack up linking these tiny plastic fragments to potential health risks, the question of how to avoid microplastics has moved from environmental concern to kitchen-table conversation. The good news: the biggest sources of daily exposure tend to be objects most households can swap out for […]

For people looking to avoid borax entirely, Bren-did.com recommends a borax-free homemade laundry detergent recipe.

• ⅔ cup super washing soda
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ cup liquid Castile soap
• 5 cups water, divided

Step-by-step instructions

• Step 1: Bring the water to a boil.
• Step 2: Combine two cups of water with the washing soda and stir until dissolved.
• Step 3: Slowly add the baking soda until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
• Step 4: Stir in the liquid Castile soap, followed by the remaining water.
• Step 5: Let the mixture cool to room temperature and stir well before use.

For homes with hard water, Bren-did.com also recommends skipping the baking soda and swapping the Castile soap for ½ cup of Sal’s Suds, which tends to work better in mineral-heavy water.

FAQ about DIY laundry detergent

While DIY detergent can save money and cut down on unnecessary additives, it also works a little differently than store-bought formulas. Here’s what to know before you start washing with a homemade mix.

How much homemade laundry detergent should I use per load?

Most homemade liquid laundry detergent recipes recommend ½ cup to 1 cup per load. High-efficiency washers should start with ¼ cup to ½ cup because HE machines use less water and can produce excess suds.

How long does homemade liquid laundry detergent last?

Store homemade detergent in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and try to use it within a few months. Liquid batches may separate or gel over time, so shake or stir before each use.

What are the drawbacks of using DIY laundry detergent?

Some appliance experts warn that homemade detergents may leave buildup in washing machines.

According to Sarah Armstrong, a new product brand manager at Maytag, “creating a DIY detergent may void the warranty on your appliance, as you run the potential risk of damaging your washing machine,” per Better Homes & Gardens.

That concern is especially relevant for high-efficiency machines designed for low-suds commercial detergents.

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Will homemade detergent work on tough stains?

Homemade detergent handles everyday dirt and lighter stains well, but it lacks the enzymes commercial detergents use to break down grease, grass and protein stains like blood.

For stubborn stains, pretreating clothes separately may still be necessary.

Can I add fragrance to homemade laundry detergent?

Yes. Adding 20 to 50 drops of essential oil — such as lavender or tea tree oil — is a common way to scent DIY laundry detergent naturally. Add the oils after the mixture cools so heat doesn’t break down the fragrance compounds.

What’s the best container to store homemade detergent in?

A repurposed detergent jug works well once the mixture cools, though glass jars are another option for people avoiding plastic. Keep the container sealed, clearly labeled and out of direct sunlight — especially around children and pets.

Every wash cycle and dryer load can release thousands of tiny synthetic fibers into the environment, especially from clothes made with polyester, nylon and acrylic.

For people trying to figure out how to avoid microplastics, the good news is that small changes can make a real difference.

How laundry spreads microplastics into the environment

Laundry-related microplastics don’t just disappear once they leave the washer or dryer. They spread through water, soil and air in multiple ways.

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Water. Washing machines release tiny synthetic fibers into wastewater, and treatment plants can’t catch them all, allowing many to enter rivers, lakes and oceans. In some places, reused wastewater can also spread fibers onto crops and soil.

Soil. Fibers captured during treatment often end up in fertilizer used on farmland, while dryer lint in landfills can spread fibers into nearby soil. Wind can carry those fibers even farther.

Air. Dryer vents also release fibers into the air, and indoor air contains elevated levels from handling and drying synthetic clothes. Researchers have even detected microfibers in remote Arctic and mountain regions.

How to avoid microplastics when washing clothes

An average three-pound load of laundry will shed hundreds of thousands of microfibers into the sewer system, according to Columbia Climate School’s State of the Planet.

Changing the way you wash your clothes can have a huge impact on the environment. Here are a few ways to reduce your microplastic footprint:

• Wash clothes in cold water on shorter cycles, as recommended by the National Park Service.
• Only wash full loads to reduce friction between fabrics.
• Skip extra rinse cycles, which release more fibers into wastewater.
• Wash clothes less often when possible and spot clean between washes.
• Use a front-loading machine if you can since they’re gentler on fabrics than top-loaders.
• Avoid the “gentle” cycle because it often runs longer and sheds more fibers.
• Install a washing machine filter for microplastics on the drain line. One 2018 study found some filters captured about 87% of fibers.
• Use mesh laundry bags like the Guppyfriend or in-drum catchers like the Cora Ball for synthetic clothing.
• Lower-impact options include refill stations, detergent bars and cardboard-packaged detergents.

“We believe that the laundering of clothes and the effluents that are released from washing machines are the biggest source of microplastic fibers in our waterways,” says Joaquim Goes, an ocean biochemist at Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

How to reduce microfiber pollution when drying clothes

Dryers are another major source of airborne microfibers. A 2025 study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that dryer loads release roughly 138 milligrams of microfibers per cycle, totaling more than 3,500 tons of microplastics each year.

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It will help make your clothes look like new.

To reduce shedding during drying:

• Hang dry clothes whenever possible to avoid heat and friction.
• If using a dryer, use lower heat settings and shorter cycles.
• Clean the lint filter after every load.
• Install an outdoor lint trap on the dryer vent.
• Use wool dryer balls instead of disposable dryer sheets.

Together, these small changes can significantly cut down on the number of microfibers released into the air during drying — while also helping clothes last longer and reducing overall household waste.

Buy clothes that shed fewer microplastics

The type of clothing you buy matters too. Polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane are all plastic-based fabrics that release microfibers over time. Acrylic, commonly used in sweaters and blankets, is considered one of the worst shedders.

To reduce microfiber pollution at the source:

• Choose natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, silk and wool.
• Avoid fuzzy polyester fleece when possible.
• Look for tightly woven fabrics, which tend to shed less.
• Check for GOTS or OEKO-TEX certifications to avoid added chemicals.
• Buy secondhand clothing since older garments have already shed many loose fibers.

Laundry may feel like a small part of daily life, but it plays a surprisingly large role in the spread of microplastics. The encouraging part is that reducing your impact doesn’t require giving up modern conveniences completely.

A few smarter choices—from buying better fabrics to using a washing machine filter for microplastics—can help cut down on the fibers entering waterways, soil and air. And for people concerned about microplastics in water and the environment, these small changes are a meaningful place to start.

The good news: the biggest sources of daily exposure tend to be objects most households can swap out for safer alternatives.

Microplastics are plastic particles ranging from 5 millimeters — roughly the size of a pencil eraser — down to 1 nanometer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Stanford Medicine reports that researchers have already detected them in multiple human organs and tissues, including the brain, testicles, heart, stomach, lymph nodes and placenta, as well as in urine, breastmilk and semen.

According to Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan of the University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, the solution can be simple. “Why utilize plastics if you don’t have to?” he told the Akron Beacon Journal, per USA Today.

How to avoid microplastics in the kitchen

Many of the biggest hidden sources of microplastics come from everyday kitchen habits — brewing coffee, heating leftovers, washing dishes or storing food in plastic containers. Researchers have linked several of those products to the release of millions, and sometimes billions, of tiny plastic particles.

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The easiest way to cut back is to swap plastic-heavy items for alternatives made from glass, stainless steel, ceramic, wood or bamboo. Here are 12 kitchen items researchers say may be exposing you to more microplastics than you realize.

1. Coffee pods

Single-serve coffee pods may be convenient, but research suggests they can also add microplastics to your morning routine. A 2025 study published in Science of The Total Environment found significant levels of microplastics in coffee brewed from three different pod brands, with researchers tracing the particles back to the plastic used in the pods themselves.

To cut back, swap disposable plastic pods for reusable stainless steel versions. You can also avoid plastic-heavy coffee makers entirely by using ceramic, glass or stainless steel French presses and pour-over systems. Even your travel mug matters — glass, ceramic and stainless steel cups are better alternatives than plastic.

2. Tea bags

Many tea drinkers don’t realize some tea bags contain plastic materials that break down when exposed to hot water. A 2024 study in Chemosphere found certain tea bags released more than 1.3 billion plastic particles per milliliter brewed.

Loose-leaf tea paired with a stainless steel strainer is one of the easiest ways to avoid microplastics in tea bags. Glass, ceramic and stainless steel kettles or teapots can also help reduce unnecessary plastic exposure.

3. Bottled water

Bottled water is often marketed as the cleaner option, but some research suggests the opposite may be true for microplastics. A 2026 study published in Science of The Total Environment found bottled water contained roughly three times more nanoplastic particles than tap water.

Lead author Megan Jamison Hart told Ohio State News the better option for most people is simply drinking water straight from the tap instead of consuming microplastics in bottled water. Reusable glass and stainless steel bottles can also help reduce repeated plastic exposure.

4. Tap water

Tap water may contain fewer plastic particles than bottled water, but it is not completely free of contamination. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Contaminant Hydrology found up to 83% of tap water worldwide contained microplastics.

Researchers often recommend installing a point-of-use filter at the sink to reduce exposure further. Glass filter pitchers may also be preferable to plastic-heavy refrigerator filtration systems.

5. Synthetic sponges

Kitchen sponges can quietly shed microplastics every time they are scrubbed against dishes and countertops. A 2026 study published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology estimated melamine “magic erase” sponges could release more than a trillion microplastic fibers every month.

Another 2026 study from researchers at the University of Bonn found common kitchen sponges released between 0.68 and 4.21 grams of microplastics per person annually.

Natural cellulose sponges, loofah scrubbers, coconut coir pads and natural-bristle dish brushes are common alternatives researchers recommend instead.

6. Teflon and PTFE-coated cookware

Nonstick pans become a larger concern once their coating starts to wear down. A 2022 study published in Science of The Total Environment found cracked Teflon-coated cookware released more than 9,000 plastic particles, while damaged coating could release as many as 2.3 million microplastics and nanoplastics.

Because PTFE and Teflon are PFAS-based plastics, many experts suggest replacing scratched pans with cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic-coated cookware.

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7. Plastic food containers

Plastic storage containers may expose food to microplastics long after leftovers are packed away.

A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found microwaving plastic containers created some of the highest particle releases researchers measured — up to 4.22 million microplastics and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from just one square centimeter of plastic surface.

Researchers also found refrigeration and long-term storage could release additional particles over time. Glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers are considered safer long-term alternatives.

8. Cooking and eating utensils

Plastic isn’t always obvious in the kitchen because much of it hides in utensil drawers. Spatulas, whisks, ladles, peelers, graters, measuring cups and reusable cutlery are often made with plastic that gradually wears down with heat and repeated use.

Many researchers recommend replacing those items with microplastic-free kitchen utensils made out of stainless steel, untreated wood and bamboo.

9. Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap touches food more often than many people realize — both at home and at the grocery store. It is commonly used for leftovers, produce, deli meat, cheese and packaged meals.

To reduce exposure, researchers often recommend beeswax wraps for covering bowls or wrapping produce. Shopping directly from butcher and deli counters and requesting butcher paper instead of plastic wrapping can also help limit plastic contact with food.

10. Grocery bags

Plastic grocery bags remain one of the most heavily used disposable plastic products in the country. According to the City of Stillwater, Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags every year, and most are never recycled.

Reusable cloth, hemp or canvas bags offer a long-term alternative, while mesh and cotton produce bags can replace the thin plastic bags commonly used for fruits and vegetables.

11. Ziploc baggies

Freezing food in plastic bags may also contribute to microplastic exposure over time. Brad Younggren of Circulate Health told CNET that repeated exposure to hot and cold temperatures can stress plastic materials, causing their surfaces to slowly break down and release particles into food.

Younggren compared freeze-thaw damage in plastics to the way winter weather gradually cracks pavement. Researchers often recommend reusable silicone bags, parchment paper, glass jars and aluminum foil for short-term freezer storage instead.

12. Plastic cutting boards

Every slice across a plastic cutting board can shave tiny plastic fragments into food. A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimated annual exposure ranging from 7.4 to 50.7 grams of microplastics from polyethylene chopping boards and roughly 49.5 grams from polypropylene boards.

Wood and bamboo cutting boards are commonly recommended as lower-plastic alternatives that also hold up well over time.

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What can I do to help with microplastics?

Completely avoiding microplastics may not be realistic (especially in today’s society), but reducing your exposure can start with a few simple changes in your own kitchen.

Swapping out even one or two plastic-heavy items — like bottled water, nonstick pans or plastic food containers — can help cut down the amount of plastic particles you come into contact with every day.

Start small, focus on the items you use most often and build from there. You’ll be doing yourself, your family and your community a big service.