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The best steam cleaners utilize ultra-hot steam to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria, blast away molds and pull out stains. They are a must-have for anyone who wants a pristine home. Whether you deep clean on the weekends or carve out time on a weekday, a steam cleaner is ideal for restoring everything from carpets to kitchen appliances to their former glory.

Our product testing team has thoroughly tested nearly a dozen home steam cleaners, including the popular Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. We put it through several tests to determine its ease of use, cleaning performance, maneuverability and more; in our Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner review, you’ll find out if it’s worth the purchase price.

What is the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner?

According to the manufacturer, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a popular home steamer and the best-selling unit from Dupray. When you buy the Dupray Neat steamer, you’ll get a box full of goodies, including:

• 2 extension poles
• 5 small nylon brushes
• 1 small brass brush
• Steam nozzle
• Floor tool
• Squeegee tool
• Triangular brush tool
• 3 microfiber pads for the floor tool
• Microfiber bonnet
• Microfiber cloth
• User manual

This steam cleaner also comes with an integrated funnel and retractable handle that, according to our product testers, stays cool to the touch.

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Features

After testing nearly a dozen steam cleaners, our product testing team determined that the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is one of the best values available. This is due to its top-tier features and reasonable price point.

Easy Setup and Cleanup

Setup is a breeze; our product testers said: “Simply attach the tool head of choice, fill and plug in. Press the trigger to activate steam.”

One drawback is that the Dupray steamer doesn’t have a pitcher, so you’ll need to grab one from the kitchen to fill the water tank. The steamer does have a built-in funnel to avoid spillage.

Cleanup is easy, too. All you have to do is turn the machine over to dump out the water. The mop pads are machine-washable, though air-drying them is recommended.

Large Water Tank

Of all the steam cleaners we tried, the Dupray Neat has one of the largest water tanks with a capacity of 54 ounces. This means you get excellent steam pressure (50 PSI/3.5 Bar) while still being able to clean non-stop for up to 50 minutes.

Quick Heating

The water tank heats to its maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius) in just 8 minutes. That’s about the same time it takes to make a pour-over coffee if you were wondering.

Quick Drying

Some steam cleaners leave wet marks or water rings after use, especially on fabrics and upholstery. This isn’t the case with the Dupray Neat steamer, which, according to our testers, left couches and curtains “barely wet” with no water rings.

Long Cord and Hose

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner’s cord is 155 inches long, or about 13 feet. Though it’s the shortest cord of all the canister steam cleaners our team tried, our testers said it didn’t affect maneuverability. Combined with the 93-inch hose and 36-inch extension pole, our testers said, “We couldn’t imagine there are any places this thing wouldn’t reach.”

360-Degree Wheels

In addition to a grand total of 284 inches of length (about 23.5 feet) to work with, this steamer also features 360-degree wheels, which our product testers loved. “The 360-degree wheels are amazing,” one tester said. “It moves around and maneuvers effortlessly.”

Intuitive Use

Despite being relatively simple pieces of equipment, not all steam cleaners are intuitive to use. The Dupray Neat is. Our product testers awarded it 5 out of 5 points for ease of use, saying, “It’s very intuitive compared to the others. The parts actually snap into place and make sense. It’s well-designed and stylish, too, which is a plus!”

Additionally, this machine has a trigger lock that keeps steam flowing without needing to hold the trigger down, earning the Dupray Neat bonus points.

Powerful Cleaning

Most importantly, the Dupray Neat excelled in almost all cleaning tests. Our product testers dubbed it the “gold standard” for coffee stain removal, noting that it performed amazingly and completely removed a coffee stain from upholstery within 90 seconds. This is likely due to the high-quality bonnet that came with the machine, our testers said.

Additionally, the Dupray Neat scored 5 out of 5 points for de-wrinkling curtains, removing all wrinkles within 90 seconds, and removing muddy footprints from vinyl flooring. On the vinyl, our testers said the Dupray steamer removed the mess entirely with zero streaks or smears. Could we ask for more?

This steamer scored 4 out of 5 points for our tile and grout test; our testers said it performed above average, that the pressure is great, and that the brush bristles are nice and stiff. However, it scored lower on our glass-cleaning test, earning 3 out of 5 points, because, according to our testers, the quality of the squeegee isn’t the best.

How We Tested It

We put the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner through a series of tests, rating it against predetermined criteria for its performance in the following scenarios:

• Removing dirt, grime and mold from tile and unsealed grout
• Dewrinkling curtains
• Pulling coffee stains out of upholstery
• Cleaning muddy footprints off of vinyl flooring
• Cleaning handprints and toothpaste smears off of a glass mirror

Our product testers also judged the following qualities:

• Ordering, shipping, delivery and packaging
• Portability/maneuverability
• Ease of use/intuitiveness
• Size/dimensions
• Dryness
• Emptying/cleaning
• Value

FAQ

Can you use distilled water in a Dupray steam cleaner?

Yes, the manufacturer recommends using distilled water. This will reduce mineral buildup and can potentially increase the machine’s lifespan.

How to clean a Dupray Neat Steamer?

You don’t need to clean your Dupray Neat Steamer since the tank only holds plain water. Dupray does recommend performing a boiler drain every 20 hours. Otherwise, all you have to do is wash the cloth and pads that come with the machine, which is machine-washable (air-dry).

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Several other shopping websites have named the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner the best overall steam cleaner or the best for some given purpose. Additionally, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. On the Dupray website, the unit has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars out of nearly 300 reviews. On Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of more than 21,500 ratings—incredibly impressive for the volume of reviews.

One reviewer called it “way better than others on the market.”

“Great price for an amazing product,” the reviewer wrote. “I tried other brands and they didn’t even come close to this one. Other brands just shot hot water and left pools of water; this really puts out perfect pressurized steam. I use this for cleaning floors, furniture, windows, bathrooms, really everything. Once you start using it, you get a bunch of ideas on what you can use it on. The unit is easily portable, lightweight, clean design and powerful enough to break down grime or sanitize any job you can think of.”

Dupray Neat Steamer vs. Mcculloch 1385

Mcculloch is a reputable home appliance brand that makes a few hard-working steam cleaners. The Mcculloch 1385 is a canister steam system much like the Dupray Neat. However, there are multiple differences between the two products.

For starters, the Mcculloch 1385 boasts an impressive run time of up to 120 minutes, more than double that of the Dupray Neat. It’s also slightly more powerful, outputting 58 PSI compared to the Neat’s 51. It comes with 23 versatile accessories compared to the Dupray Neat’s 17.

The Dupray Neat does surpass the Mcculloch 1385 in some regards, though. For example, it heats to 275 degrees Fahrenheit in 8 minutes; the Mcculloch heats to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in 12 minutes. Additionally, the Dupray Neat costs $50 less than the Mcculloch 1385 and has far superior maneuverability due to its long hose, cord, extension pole and 360-degree wheels.

The Dupray also has a better warranty, with a lifetime guarantee on the boiler and a two-year warranty on parts and accessories. In contrast, the Mcculloch has a two-year warranty on the boiler and parts and accessories.

Final Verdict

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is highly recommended by shopping experts, home goods experts and real buyers alike. Our product testers found it to be one of the greatest values as far as steam cleaners go because it excels in almost every type of cleaning and has an intuitive, easy-to-use design. Our testers only wished it came with its own pitcher and had a place to store the cord/hose and accessories. Otherwise, it’s easily one of the best steam cleaners our product testing team has tried.

Where to Buy the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is available directly from Dupray online, as well as at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart and The Home Depot. Its list price is about $150.

If you’ve ever shopped for a couch in person, you know it can be an exhausting, all-day process, especially if you’re shopping at a large furniture warehouse or outlet store. Plus, most stores don’t display every sofa in stock in their showroom. Shopping online can save you the trouble of traveling to a furniture store while also letting you choose from more options.

From dining room tables to sofas and outdoor furniture, Burrow offers a wide range of furniture pieces—and we’ve tested a few of them.

One of our best editor-tested sectional sofas is Burrow’s Mambo 4-Piece Sectional. After almost a year of testing this modular sectional sofa, we’re checking in to let you know how it has held up. Here are our honest thoughts on the Burrow Mambo Sectional

What is the Burrow Mambo Sectional?

The Mambo Sectional is a “block style” modern, modular sofa sectional. The sectional is low to the ground and has wide arms with a curved back to offer ergonomic support. It’s available in camel-color leather and green and gray fabrics. You can choose high arms or wide, low arms, too.

Like all of Burrow’s furniture, the Mambo Sectional is delivered right to your door in protective packaging and is incredibly easy to assemble. All you have to do is unbox the couch and attach a few pieces (without tools), like the legs and back of the couch, to the seat cushions. If you’re looking for furniture quality that’s a step up from IKEA and easier to assemble shipped straight to your front door, Burrow ticks all the boxes. And because their pieces typically come in multiple packages, you don’t have to worry about fitting large sofas through narrow hallways and door openings—simply slide it inside to the room you wish and set it up there!

Product Features

According to Burrow, the Mambo 4-Piece Sectional in camel is made with top-grain leather imported from Italy. It’s a durable fabric that is scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Its tight weave also prevents claws and tiny hands from snagging it.

The Mambo features custom molded hardware to connect all the modules, making it easy to set up and rearrange when you want to change the layout of your room or move furniture. (This is my favorite feature. Of all the sectional sofas I’ve had, the Mambo is the easiest to rearrange and move around.)

The sectional is 100 inches long, 74 inches deep and 28 inches tall. Its seat depth is 26 inches, and its seat height is 18 inches.

How We Tested It

As mentioned, the Mambo 4-Piece Sectional was delivered directly to my door in about 10 boxes. (When in stock, the sectional ships in about 5-10 business days, so there’s no waiting around for weeks for furniture orders to be fulfilled.) My partner and I slid each box into the front door and back to our office space, where we unboxed and assembled the sectional together—while it was nice to have help, it could have been a one-person job if necessary. Each piece was securely wrapped and boxed in protective packaging.

The setup involved unpackaging the couch, screwing on some legs and snapping pieces together. It was that easy. I opted for the camel leather fabric in the low-arm style. You can also add an ottoman for an upcharge, but I opted not to do that.

One of my favorite things about the Mambo Sectional is that it’s modular, so you can arrange it multiple ways and even pull sections out to adjust the size of the sofa. The Mambo Collection also offers 4-, 6-, 7- and 8-piece sectional options, along with chair, loveseat and standard sofa options.

The Mambo 4-Piece Sectional is about the middle of the road when it comes to sofa prices. I wouldn’t describe it as a budget pick (it’s $5,000+ for the leather option). Still, I wouldn’t consider it a massive splurge when considering the prices of similar sectionals from different retailers. (Financing options are available via Affirm if that appeals to you.) Plus, I think it looks incredibly sleek in person.

The Mambo is definitely a longer, shorter sectional with deep seats. It feels sturdy when sitting and lounging on it because it’s wide and low to the ground. We can fit four people sitting upright on it at once. My partner and I have a new baby, and with that comes a lot of opportunity for stains, but the smooth leather surface is super easy to wipe clean after quick spills and messes.

Initially, I was worried about pets with long nails scratching or ripping the leather, but my dog has done surprisingly well on this sectional (granted, we keep his nails trimmed). The leather surface on this sectional feels thick, as though it would take a good amount of force and a sharp object to puncture through the surface, which, thankfully, hasn’t happened yet.

Overall, the Mambo Leather Sectional is very firm to sit on. A person of average height will sit deeply on the sofa due to the wide seat surface, but they won’t sink into the sofa. This is something to keep in mind: If you’re looking for an extra-cushioned sofa to sink into, the Mambo is not it. However, I like its firmness. It has served nicely in our home office, where sinking into a couch while typing on my laptop would result in strain. While I can’t speak for everyone, it has been easy for me to slide on and off, and I do deal with chronic back pain.

The back of the sectional is rather short, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for head and neck support. I’d recommend this sofa for a basement or den, perhaps somewhere you’ll be entertaining or hanging out, where you’ll want to sit back but still be alert. I probably wouldn’t put this sectional in a high-traffic living area where people want to snuggle up and get extra cozy. For me, the sectional is more about looks than comfort, and I think it looks excellent in our home office space.

Burrow has a 30-day return policy for all products. However, a return shipping fee of 10% of the purchase price applies, and the product’s original packaging must remain intact. The fee is always capped at $250 per returned item. Burrow’s warranty covers defective or damaged items and does not require any return shipping fees.

Burrow’s furniture comes with a one-year warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. You can add additional coverage through Mulberry for an extended warranty period and accidents that may cause damage to the furniture. See their full warranty details for what’s covered and what’s not.

Pros

• Modular design allows for multiple arrangements
• Modern design appeal
• Multiple fabric and size options
• Fabric holds up to daily use and wear
• Matching ottoman and other furniture available at Burrow
• Durable fabric is easy to wipe clean
• Easy setup, no tools needed
• Financing available
• Free shipping
• Limited, one-year warranty

Cons

• Very firm, may not be the best choice for people wanting a lot of cushion
• Seat depth may be too long for some

FAQ

Are Burrow couches machine washable?

No. Burrow does not recommend removing couch cushions or putting them in the washing machine for any reason. Instead, they recommend spot-cleaning stains by blotting them and using a solution of warm water. They do not recommend using any cleaning agent on their leather products.

Can you add on to your Burrow couch?

Burrow’s modular furniture is made to become smaller and larger depending on your needs and space, even as it changes over time. For a brief period, I turned my 4-piece Mambo Sectional into a 3-piece sectional for the bedroom.

How long has Burrow been in business?

The brand launched in 2017 and became notable for its direct-to-consumer model and modular seating options.

Does Burrow have other modular leather sectionals?

The Mambo sectional is Burrow’s true, European-inspired block-style modular sectional, but the brand also carries other leather modular sectionals. If you’re looking for a modular leather sectional with more leather colors and tapered legs, the Nomad Sectional is a super popular pick. The Field Sectional resembles the Nomad but has fewer sharp lines and straight legs.

Final Verdict

I’ve owned Burrow’s Mambo 4-Piece Sectional for almost a year now, and I’ve had great luck with it. It was incredibly easy to set up and has been even easier to move from room to room as we’ve adapted our home to our growing family. I love that we don’t have to worry about spilling things on the sectional since messes wipe away easily, and it looks almost exactly the same as the day I got it.

Overall, I like the look of the sectional and think it fits perfectly in our home office space. I recommend this sofa if you want to furnish a den or office. I wouldn’t put this sectional in my main living space as it doesn’t provide the size and comfort my family needs for cozy movie nights or lazy Sundays. However, if you live alone and want a convenient sectional that looks fantastic, then the Mambo may be the perfect addition to your living room.

Where to Buy the Burrow Mambo Sectional

You can shop the Mambo Sectional, as well as the Nomad and Field couches, at Burrow. The 4-piece Mambo retails for $3,700-$5,100, depending on your chosen material.

Spiders might be mostly beneficial bugs you actually want around your home because they feed on small insects, but they invoke fear in some people. Studies suggest arachnophobia affects up to 6% of the world’s population. If arachnids give you the ick, understanding what attracts spiders to houses can help you take steps to reduce their numbers.

“If people are seeing large amounts of spiders around their home, it usually means they have conditions that support large numbers of the prey they consume, namely other insect species,” Craig Sansig, Associate Certified Entomologist, says.

I spoke to three professional entomologists to find out how to keep home spider numbers down and why seeing a few scuttling around doesn’t need to be panic-inducing.

What Do Spiders Eat?

Spiders dine on a range of insects and other arachnid species. If you don’t kill spiders, they can help rid your house of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ants and other pesky bugs.

What Attracts Spiders?

While a banquet of bugs is what most attracts spiders to houses, they’re more likely to stick around if you provide easy access and cozy hiding spots (or, in other words, dark, quiet spots that are rarely disturbed).

How to Prevent Spiders in My Home

You can’t keep spiders out of your home entirely, but there are steps you can take to manage their numbers.

Implement exclusion techniques

Associate Certified Entomologist Shannon Harlow-Ellis suggests prioritizing sealing gaps around windows, doors, and utility line penetrations. This will help exclude spiders and other insects (their food) from your house.

Regular cleaning and clutter removal

A clean and clutter-free property is less attractive to spiders and the critters they eat, and it makes it easier for you to spot them.

• “Regularly sweep and vacuum corners, behind doors, and around clutter to pick up spiders, webs, and egg sacs,” Santos Portugal, an Assistant Extension Professor of Urban Entomology at Mississippi State University, says.
• Sansig suggests trimming trees and shrubs away from the home to allow airflow and decrease insect habitat.
• Many spiders prefer dark, quiet spots with minimal airflow. “Eliminating debris piles [leaves, wood, etc.] and old, unused items will help to limit conducive habitat, especially outdoors and in crawl areas of homes,” Sansig says.

Reduce exterior night lighting

Bright exterior lights draw in flying insects that make tasty meals for spiders. Santos recommends the following:

• Don’t leave porch lights on all night.
• Close curtains at night when you have lights on.
• Consider using motion-activated exterior lights instead of floodlights remaining on all night.

It’s also possible to buy yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less attractive to insects than conventional cool blue bulbs.

Control moisture levels

Damp conditions attract insects that spiders eat, especially during hot, dry summers. Fix dripping water spigots, clean gutters, and turn downspouts outward to prevent pooling water near your home.

Apply pesticides

Pesticides can help control spider populations. Sansig says they succumb easily when contacted by most products labeled for use on spiders in and around the home. “Pesticides may also help to eliminate the species of insects they prey upon,” he says. Spider repellents containing ingredients such as deltamethrin (DeltaDust®), bifenthrin or cyfluthrin (Tempo®) are effective.

Typically, they’re applied to cracks and crevices in baseboards and windows and in crawl spaces, basements and attics. Sansig advises carefully following all label directions when using these products.

Regular application is necessary if pesticides are used as a barrier spray around your home’s perimeter or when treating the areas where the spiders are actively living. Making your home less attractive through exclusion and habitat modification is typically a more effective and environmentally friendly long-term strategy.

Why Do Spiders Keep Coming Back?

Even if you’re rigorous about implementing preventative measures, preventing more spiders from returning to your home is virtually impossible. However, the numbers should be manageable.

If you continue to see large numbers of spiders, you may need help eliminating an infestation of insects that spiders love to eat, or maybe you didn’t find a spider’s hidden nesting spot, and now hundreds of eggs have hatched.

When to Call a Pro

Hiring a professional to help with spider control can reduce stress levels if DIY solutions aren’t working, you’re not sure what type of spiders you’re dealing with, or your arachnophobia is severe. Harlow-Ellis says this is especially true if you have known allergies to spider bites.

FAQ

Are spiders dangerous?

Some spider species are dangerous because of their more venomous bites. However, most are harmless and help balance our ecosystem by preying upon problematic pests. “Even the most venomous of spiders in the U.S. actually pose little risk to people,” Sansig says. Black widow and brown recluse spiders, for example, hide away from humans and don’t bite unless threatened. When they do bite, it’s rarely serious, although it can require medical attention. “Statistically, you’re actually more likely to be hit and killed by a falling manhole cover while walking in NYC than from a spider bite,” Sansig says.

How long do spiders live?

Most common spider species live less than a year. Some can live for several years, and a few, such as tarantulas, can live for over 20 years. However, males typically die soon after they mate, and even females often become prey for other animals before they reach old age.

How often do spiders lay eggs (and how many)?

“The brown recluse lays between 1 and 5 egg sacks over a two-year period, each containing 40 to 50 eggs,” Sansig says. “The black widow has larger egg sacs with an average of about 250 eggs per egg sac.” He explains that mortality is high among developing spiderlings, and most don’t survive to adulthood.

Where do spiders lay eggs?

Female spiders often carry their egg sac with them until the spiderlings hatch, although some attach their sacs to webs or tuck them away in a well-hidden spot. That’s why a clutter-free, well-vacuumed home can help to control spider numbers.

About the Experts

• Shannon Harlow-Ellis is an Associate Certified Entomologist and Technical Services Manager at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company; email interview, Jul. 16, 2024.
• Santos Portugal is an Assistant Extension Professor of Urban Entomology at Mississippi State University; email interview’ Jul. 17, 2024.
• Craig Sansig is an Associate Certified Entomologist and Public Health Entomologist and Service Director of Viking Pest Control; email interview, Jul. 19, 2024.

Sources

• Polák J, Sedláčková K, Janovcová M, et al. Measuring fear evoked by the scariest animal: czech versions of the spider questionnaire and spider phobia beliefs questionnaire. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22:18.

When I lived in southern Florida, houses wrapped in colorful termite fumigation tents were a common sight. However, termite problems are not just limited to the Sunshine state.

Termites thrive in warm climates across the U.S., and if you get an infestation in your home, they can seriously damage wooden beams and floors.

If you have termites and are considering getting your home tented, here’s what to know about the process.

What Is Termite Tenting?

Termite tenting is a method for exterminating drywood termites and other wood-destroying insects. It involves placing a tent or tarps over a home and then releasing gas fumigants into the structure. “Structural fumigation is recommended for severe, widespread, partly inaccessible and or difficult to locate drywood termite infestations,” says Glen Ramsey, an entomologist with Orkin.

How Does Termite Tenting Work?

Tarps are fastened together to create an airtight tent. That tent is then filled with gas fumigants that kill termites. The tarps are then removed so the fumes can aerate out before people return to the home.

How Much Does Termite Tenting Cost?

The cost of termite tenting depends on the size and complexity of the structure and the geographical location. Still, it will certainly be in the thousands, says Patricia Hottel, a board-certified entomologist and manager of technical services at Terminix.

“There is extensive labor time and effort involved in constructing and sealing the structure along with the cost of the fumigant,” says Hottel. “In some situations, specialized lifts may be needed to move the tarps onto the structure. This all adds to the cost of the treatment.”

How to Prepare for Termite Tenting

Most importantly, all people, pets and plants need to be out of the building, but there’s a lot of other prep work as well. Your termite control company will let you know specifics, but typically, you’ll need to:

• Remove all food and medicines, including pet food, that are not in plastic, glass or metal containers with their original airtight seals intact, or double-bag them in special nylon bags provided by the fumigator.
• Remove any dry goods that are stored in bags or cardboard boxes, or place them in fumigation bags, even if they’re unopened.
• Remove plastic covers from mattresses, chairs and sofas, or remove those pieces of furniture from the house.
• Remove all indoor plants, as well as any outdoor ones that will end up under the fumigation tent.
• Trim shrubbery around the house to allow space for the tent.
• Have the gas company turn off the gas line the day before the tent will be set up.
• Water the house’s perimeter to around a six-inch depth to help protect nearby plants.

How Long Does Termite Tenting Take?

The actual treatment usually takes 24 hours or less. But the entire termite tenting process, from preparation to treatment to aeration, typically takes 24 to 72 hours, depending on the size of the house, says Ramsey. Heavy rain or winds can also cause delays.

How long to stay out of the house after termite tenting?

You’ll have to stay elsewhere for several days after termite tenting, until all of the fumigant is out of your home. The pest control expert will use a fumigant monitor to determine when it’s safe to re-enter.

How Often Should You Tent for Termites?

How often you should tent for termites depends on how common termites are in your area.

“Southern Florida, for example, has greater drywood activity than northern Florida, although drywood termite infestations are possible in both parts of the state,” says Hottel. “It is important to note that the fumigation will only kill the target pests present at the time of the fumigation.” That means tenting a house is not a way to prevent termites, so it’s also important to have annual inspections to promptly find signs of termites.

Is Termite Tenting Right for Me?

Smaller infestations can often be treated with chemical injections into the wood or with localized heat treatments, says Ramsey. But for larger ones, fumigation with tenting is often the only viable option.

“The pest management industry is continually seeking alternatives to fumigation; however, at this time, fumigation remains an effective method for whole house treatment,” says Hottel.

Can You DIY Termite Tenting?

No, you can’t DIY termite tenting because training and licensing are required to purchase and use fumigants. “Fumigating for termites uses specialized products that, if used incorrectly, can cause great danger,” says Ramsey. “Certified termite experts go through extensive training to ensure this type of treatment is done correctly and safely.”

FAQ

Does termite tenting kill other bugs?

Yes, termite tenting can also kill household pests, including cockroaches, bedbugs, wood-boring beetles and ants. “However, its effectiveness can vary based on the pest’s lifecycle and the concentration of the fumigant,” says Ramsey. “For comprehensive pest management, additional targeted control methods may be needed to address various pests effectively.”

Does termite tenting kill rats?

Yes, termite tenting will kill rats that are in the home at the time of fumigation. However, once the fumigation is over, rats entering the structure will not be affected, so it’s important to also have a prevention plan in place.

How does tenting for termites affect neighbors?

If it’s done correctly, tenting should not affect your neighbors at all. Prior to fumigation, the company will check to make sure neighboring structures are not connected in ways that might allow the fumigant to move into them. Then, they will monitor the exterior during fumigation to ensure excessive gas isn’t leaking out of the seals. Also, the tent will contain the termites, so they don’t flee into your neighbor’s home.

“However, if your neighbor has termites, you might also be at risk to get termites if the infestation is not dealt with properly and quickly,” says Ramsey.

About the Experts

• Glen Ramsey is Director of Technical Services for Rollins, Inc., which is an entomology team that supports Orkin. He has more than 15 years of experience in entomology and pest management and a passion for sharing his love of insects, in particular subterranean termites, with the world.
• Patricia Hottel is an entomologist and Manager of Technical Services at Terminix. She has more than 45 years of pest control experience, providing field support through training initiatives, answering regulatory questions, writing service procedures and investigating new products and pest-control strategies.

All houses gradually accumulate holes in their siding from fasteners and phone and cable lines. The only way to repair these holes perfectly in vinyl or aluminum siding is to replace the entire piece—a repair that is challenging in vinyl and almost impossible in old aluminum.

For an easier, nearly as good fix that keeps water out and is almost invisible from several feet away, fill the hole with caulk that matches the color of your siding.

Color-match with your siding

Home centers don’t usually stock it, but siding wholesalers that sell to contractors carry caulks specifically blended for dozens of different shades of siding. If you know the manufacturer and color name of your siding, you can get the exact blend developed for that shade. Otherwise, bring a sample piece or take a photo and ask a salesperson to help you match it.

The closer you get to an exact match, the harder your repair will be to spot. If you don’t care as much about the repair being visible, you can be a little more flexible when choosing your caulk.

Filling the hole

Before filling the hole, wipe the siding clean. Leaving behind dirt or grime will compromise the integrity of your repair. Squirt enough caulk into the hole to fill the area behind the hole. Avoid smearing excess caulk all over the surrounding siding—the less you get on the siding, the less obvious the repair will be. Once the caulk is fully cured (which could be several days, depending on the type), trim it even with the siding with a razor blade.

To avoid making holes in the first place, use vinyl siding clips instead of fasteners to hang decorations. They’re designed to attach to vinyl siding without doing any damage or leaving a mark. Siding clips will allow you to hang all sorts of things from the side of your home, whether that’s planters in the summer or festive light fixtures in the winter.

If you’re planning to build a new deck, there are two things you absolutely need to remember. The first is to check with your local building department to find out if you need to apply for a permit (you probably do), and the second is to draw up a materials list so you can budget for the project. Lumber prices may not be experiencing the hefty rise they were a few years ago, but they’re still high, and no one appreciates the shock of an unexpectedly big bill after a project has been completed.

Every large decking project I’ve ever done has had its share of glitches and spontaneous design changes that make the initial cost estimate just that — an estimate. Irregular soil conditions, sloped terrain and other factors tend to make labor costs variable, but those costs don’t matter if you’re building the deck yourself. As long as you know the deck dimensions and you’re clear on the type of decking you’re going to use, materials costs should be fairly predictable.

Here’s the strategy I use for drawing up a materials list for a decking project.

Calculating the Cost of Decking

The choice of decking material greatly affects the cost of the deck. If you’re on a budget, you’ll probably want to go with pressure-treated pine or fir ($2 – $5 psf), which is the least expensive choice, but if money is no object, you may be attracted to premium materials like ipé, tigerwood or other exotic wood varieties ($7 – $20 psf). Composite and pure PVC decking from such suppliers as Trex, AXEK/TimberTech and Fiberon are mid-range options ($5 – $22 psf). Rot-resistant softwoods like redwood and cedar, which are perennial favorites, are a little cheaper than composites.

Decking materials are generally priced by the square foot, but if you opt for redwood or cedar, you’ll probably find them priced by the linear foot at the lumberyard. Assuming they are standard 6-inch decking boards, it’s easy to convert the price per linear foot to the price per square foot. Just double it. This works because it takes two 6-inch boards (which are actually 5 1/2 inches wide) to make a width of one foot (counting the gaps between the boards). Similarly, if you come across 4-inch boards priced by the linear foot, just triple the price to determine the price per square foot.

Having determined the price per-square-foot of your chosen decking material, all you have to do now to estimate the total decking cost is measure the deck area in square feet and multiply that number by the cost per-square-foot of your decking material. I always tack on 10 percent to the total square footage to account for cutting waste.

• Example: Suppose I’m planning to build a 10X10-foot redwood deck. Redwood currently costs $2.24 per linear foot at my local lumberyard, so the cost per square foot is $4.48. Considering the deck area is 100 square feet, and adding a 10 percent overage, the decking will cost $492.80.

Calculating the Cost of Foundation Lumber

There’s a lot less choice when it comes to the posts, beams and joists for a deck; in fact, the only realistic options are pressure-treated pine or fir. You could build the foundation with natural redwood or cedar, but the cost would be higher, and the deck wouldn’t last as long. The parts in contact with the ground would be especially prone to rot, but you won’t have that problem with pressure-treated wood that is rated for ground contact.

Dimensional pressure-treated lumber is always sold by the linear foot, and there’s no special trick involved with calculating the total cost. Simply add up the lengths of each dimension you need (4X4s or 4X6s for posts and beams and 2X8s for joists) and multiply that by the price per-linear-foot charged by your supplier. I have a contractor’s account at the lumberyard, so I get a 10 percent discount, which saves a considerable amount for a large project. If you don’t qualify for a discount, perhaps you have a contractor friend who will buy the lumber for you.

Stairs, Railings and Trim

Code requires any deck more than 30 inches above the ground to have a railing, and if your deck is high enough to need a railing, it usually also needs stairs. Fascia trim isn’t a necessity, but you may want it for aesthetic reasons. The cost of lumber for these features isn’t insignificant, so don’t forget to include it in your materials list.

You need pressure-treated wood for the stair stringers (usually 2X12s), but not for the treads, railings or trim. Natural redwood or cedar, composites and even vinyl are options. To calculate the cost, determine the total length of each dimension you need in feet (4X4s for posts, 2X4s and 2X6s for railings, 2X2s for balusters and 1X4s or 1X6s for trim), and multiply by the price per-linear-foot. Again, I always add a 10 percent overage for waste.

Hardware and Fasteners

When assembling the foundation, you’ll need post holders, joist hangers and bolts. They aren’t cheap, but you can save money by buying some of them in bulk. One joist hanger, for example, costs around $2, but a lot of 100 costs less than $100. Don’t forget to include these structural necessities in your materials list.

You’ll also need screws for assembling the foundation and attaching the decking boards. If you’re installing composite decking, you may prefer hidden fasteners. Both types of fasteners are cheaper when you buy them in bulk, so it’s usually more economical to buy more than you think you’ll need. It won’t hurt to have a few extra fasteners on hand when you need to make repairs.

Don’t Forget These Incidentals

Besides the cost of lumber and fasteners, you’ll have a number of predictable extra costs. These could include:

• Building permit – A building permit can cost $600 or more, depending on where you live,
• Drainage – If you’re building on a slope, you may have to divert water away from the deck foundation to avoid erosion damage. This may or may not be a significant expense, depending on the amount of work you need to do.
• Ready-mix concrete or pier blocks – Concrete to support the posts rarely adds more than $200 to the total cost of a deck project.
• Finishing materials – Are you planning to stain or seal the deck? Add the finishing materials you need, based on the size of the deck, to your list.

No matter how careful you are when you reinstall old rusty nuts and bolts, someday you’re going to strip some threads. Of course, it will happen on a critical bolt, on a Sunday night when all the stores are closed. That’s when a thread restoration kit pays for itself. You’ll be done rethreading your bolts faster than if you’d gone to the store. And you’ll have saved yourself the frustration of trying to match up specialty bolts.

What Is a Thread Restoration Kit?

A full set (metric and SAE) will quickly put irreplaceable and hard-to-find nuts and bolts back into service. The rethreading tools look like traditional taps and dies. But instead of cutting new threads, they reshape them to original condition.

How to Rethread Nuts and Bolts

To restore bolt threads, follow these steps:

• Start by finding the thread count (SAE) or pitch (metric).
• Hold the thread file against the bolt threads until you find the size that matches.
• Clamp the bolt in a vise, engage the thread file grooves with the bolt threads and push the file.
  • Note: This “resets” the threads enough so you can screw on a rethreading die. Be sure to apply a few drops of oil first and then screw on the die.

To clean rusty or stripped nuts and bolts, follow these steps:

• Grab a rethreading tap from the kit to restore threads on nuts or threaded engine component holes.
• To begin, insert the rethreading tap or die and rotate a few turns, then back it off a full turn. This will dislodge the debris from the teeth.

Don’t try to rethread the entire bolt, hole or nut in one operation. Go slowly so you don’t force things and damage the bolt you’re trying to fix. A little patience will pay off; it will still be faster than searching for a new one at the store, and it’s a skill that is handy to have in your back pocket regardless.

String trimmers are popular tools for lawn maintenance. They’re great for trimming grass around trees, fences and posts. Mowers can’t reach those missed corners, and a string trimmer can even edge along the pavement. Many string trimmers work with attachable tools and accept alternatives to string as the trimmer head.

Residential users are switching from traditional gas-powered lawn equipment to electric ones. Why? Battery-operated tools are quiet, require no gas or oil and almost always “start.” Battery power and longevity have improved over the years, so what’s not to love?

But have you ever wondered if cordless string trimmers work as well as gasoline-powered string trimmers?  I tested the popular battery-powered Ryobi string trimmer for the past three months, and I have the answers you seek.

What is the Ryobi String Trimmer?

The Ryobi string trimmer is a 40V, 15-inch cordless string trimmer that retails for under $200. For context, the Ryobi brand is The Home Depot’s economical lineup of tools. Geared towards residential homeowners, this string trimmer tackles lawns of almost any size, depending on the battery you use. Plus, it’s part of Ryobi’s “expand-it” collection, which enables the attachment of tools other than the string attachment that was tested in this review.

Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer Features

The Ryobi 15-inch 40V string trimmer includes a straight shaft string trimmer attachment, a 4-amp-hour battery, a charger and a 0.080-inch line (which can also accept up to 0.095 inches). Ryobi’s 40V batteries come standard with LED status lights, and the 80-watt charger should charge the battery in a little over 2.5 hours. A 70-minute run time is advertised.

The tool utilizes a “bump feed” mechanism to advance the line, which is pretty standard across string trimmers. As mentioned above, the bump head trimmer can be removed and replaced by a bladed, serrated head and the entire lower shaft can be removed and replaced by tools such as a pole saw using the quick change coupler system. The string can be adjusted from 13 to 15 inches, and Ryobi boasts that it reloads in under 60 seconds with its “speed winder.”

The trigger is variable speed, and the straight shaft is sturdy carbon fiber. While the tool carries a 5-year warranty, the battery only carries a 3-year warranty. A brushless motor powers the tool.

How We Tested the Ryobi String Trimmer

I’m testing many string trimmers and comparing them against the same criteria. The first thing I consider is the packaging, assembly, and instructions to get started. I started the battery charging while I assembled and read and noted that the battery took close to three hours to charge, which is something to keep in mind if you’re eager to get trimming.

The bump head was already loaded with string, but I needed to attach it to the power head. I struggled a bit with this seemingly simple task as I had trouble getting the lower shaft to slide into the upper shaft. I managed to get it to attach, but then it went too far into the upper shaft, and you may already be guessing that I struggled to pull it out…and yes, of course, it came all the way out. My next attempt was successful, and the quick couple system only required a half turn to lock it into place—a nice update to Ryobi’s older attachments, which relied on winding and hand tightening.

The battery was easy to attach, but as I was attaching it, I noticed it felt quite heavy and wondered if it was my imagination. I headed to the scale, and it weighed in at just under 3 pounds, which seemed innocuous until I weighed a few more 4-amp-hour batteries, and they came in at 1 and 1.5 pounds. Please note that the battery is a bit heavy.

I started trimming and tackling weeds growing through the paver cracks and around tree stumps. The power was ample, and while the 0.80 string broke easily against the pavement (not unexpected), the trimmer chewed through the weeds and grass with ease. The deflector did not block a good amount of the grit and grass, but I’ve never met a string trimmer that doesn’t leave my shins coated in dirt and weeds.

Turning the tool to the edge was awkward but doable, and the straight shaft was well-balanced. I experimented here with the variable speed trigger since I like to move a little slower when edging, and it helped with my aim, as I’m a bit of a zig zagger with a string trimmer. The brushless motor had the familiar “scratchy” noise and was a tad louder than some cordless string trimmers, but the battery still showed a 75% charge after approximately 20 minutes of use.

For my final act, a string change was in order, and my history with spooling string trimmers is not marked as successful. Having used many Ryobi string trimmers over the years, I knew the drill using their loading tool. The great thing about their method is that it works! You slide about 10 inches of string through the center of the bump head without worrying about direction, multiple layers of spooling or remembering how to re-attach the head and wind with the provided tool.

With that successful winding experience, I must caution users based on my previous experiences. The winding tool does not attach or “stay with” the trimmer, so you need to know where the tool is in your garage or shed. If you can’t find it, then you are not going to be able to re-string your trimmer until you buy a replacement or figure out a clever way to wind the head. I now keep mine tied to the handle.

Pros

• Long-running battery
• Fast reloading
• Takes fixed blade heads
• Interchangeable attachments
• Large cutting area
• Long shaft for tall users

Cons

• Heavy battery
• Tool required for reloading
• Not ideal for short users

FAQ

How do you put the line in a Ryobi string trimmer?

Reloading is relatively easy on Ryobi’s string trimmers. Unlike most string trimmers, Ryobi uses a proprietary tool to wind the string. To “reload,” all you need to do is insert the string through the holes in the head and wind. This can be done without removing any parts from the head.

How does the Ryobi trimmer auto-feed?

The Ryobi trimmer uses a bump feed mechanism. To advance the line, you “bump” the head on the ground while the trimmer is at full speed. If the line does not advance, you can manually press down on the head (while it’s not in use!) and pull on the line.

How do you remove the string head from a Ryobi trimmer?

This gets a little tricky. You need to pinch the sides of the trimmer and rotate the padlock symbol to the open padlock symbol. My hands aren’t big enough to do that, so I use some huge channel locks to squeeze and then another pair of channel locks to rotate. Once the symbols are lined up, the head pops right off.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

Check out what a few other Ryobi string trimmer users have to say about this affordable tool:

“Just as good as gas,” remarks customer Frank on The Home Depot website. “My neighbor has this model and I have the gas powered head. After trying his I bought one for myself. I already had most of the attachments. The battery last long enough for me to trim, edge and blow my grass before I have to recharge. It is so quiet I can start earlier in the morning and not wake the neighbors. No gas smell, exhaust smoke or heat.”

“Carbon fiber is for real,” five-star reviewer Mike explains. “I have the “original” 40V brushless weed eater, which I have been using it heavily for 2-3 years now for brush clearance. I finally destroyed the head of the string trimmer and decided to give the carbon fiber a shot. The carbon fiber is significantly lighter than the old version and it makes a big difference. In terms of power, it truly does have gas-like power. The battery lasts long enough to trim a yard. If you’re trying to clear a large area, you’ll need a few batteries.”

Ryobi String Trimmer vs Other String Trimmers

The Ryobi string trimmer stacks up nicely compared to other cordless string trimmers. The high-capacity battery is a standout, though, as I mentioned earlier, it adds as much as two pounds to the total weight. Another standout is the easy reloading mechanism, with the downside being that a proprietary tool is required to reload the string.

As for power, it was right up there with other cordless and gas string trimmers. The straight shaft was great for extended reaching but not as comfortable as a curved shaft. The noise level was slightly louder than my Ego trimmer, but not by much. The cost of ownership is a little less than that of other cordless string trimmers.

Final Verdict

Based on my testing, the Ryobi 15-inch cordless string trimmer gets a definite vote of yes. The factors influencing my decision lie primarily in the easy winding, high capacity battery and economical price. If you already own other Ryobi 40V tools or interchangeable attachments, this trimmer is a shoo-in for your collection. Another bonus is that parts and add-ons are easily found locally at The Home Depot.

Where to Buy

You can buy a Ryobi string trimmer with battery and charger for under $200 on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Here in Wisconsin, there’s no such thing as too much outdoor storage space. Between patio furniture, grills, yard tools, lawnmowers, snow blowers, gardening supplies and all the related odds and ends, it can be tough to find a home for all your gear. Especially when said home needs to offer protection from snow, wind, ice and other damaging weather conditions. 

If your garage is bursting at the seams, it may be time to consider a backyard shed. While, of course, you can spend thousands of dollars on a pre-fab shed or professional installation, the best shed kits offer a DIY solution at, typically, a fraction of the cost.

To determine if these easy-to-buy and (supposedly) easy-to-assemble shed kits are worth it, I tested a resin model from one of the most popular brands on the market. Here is my honest Keter storage shed review.

What is a Keter Storage Shed?

Keter is an outdoor goods brand specializing in sheds, furniture and outdoor storage. The brand keeps sustainability top of mind, forgoing single-use plastics for weather-durable resin. Keter products are manufactured in North America, Europe and Israel.

Keter sheds, specifically, provide storage solutions for outdoor spaces of all sizes. You can choose from mini-yet-mighty boxes, starting around 30 cubic feet. Or, graduate to extra-large sheds, complete with skylights, windows and hundreds of cubic feet. Even the largest sheds come in a flat-pack style and require DIY assembly.

For this review, I tested the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed.

Keter Premier Tall Storage Shed Features

• Made of quality, weather-resistant materials
• Compatible with shelving (sold separately)
• Available on Amazon with fast, free shipping
• Compatible with a padlock for safe storage
• Attractive design
• Measures roughly 55 inches wide, 29 inches deep and 67 inches tall
• Weighs 78 pounds

How We Tested It

I’ve been testing the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed since June 2024.

Packaging and Delivery

I’ve had my share of large items delivered, and the process for the Keter Shed was seamless. It came via an Amazon freight truck, and there was no need to coordinate a delivery window or sign for the package. The drivers simply leaned the large box against my garage.

The box was in pretty good shape, with just a few tears. Since it weighs over 75 pounds, I did require help to move it near the assembly area.

Assembly

Once the box was in place, it was time for the not-so-fun part: assembly! I enlisted my dad for help, as the instructions clearly state this is a two-person job.

I opened the box, and everything was packaged securely. There was the base and roof, the walls, the doors, some connecting pieces and hardware. I started by building the walls, which required attaching long, black connectors to each wall section and securing the pieces to the floor. The first few I put up were very unstable and blew down with a light wind gust. For this step, I’d recommend having one person support the structure while the other connects the wall pieces.

Then, it was time to add the roof. It rests atop the newly constructed walls and was a little tricky to configure. (I did not have it perfectly aligned, which led to slightly ajar doors. Oops!)

Next came the doors. These were also a little tricky as I had to make sure I was using the correct left and right parts. Everything is labeled, but the labels were four characters long and very similar to one another. It took a good amount of brainpower and triple-reading the instructions to ensure I was taking the correct step.

Once the structure was generally built, it was time to go through and secure it with (what feels) like a million screws. Now, the instructions call for an electric screwdriver. My cordless version wasn’t charged, so I persevered with a handheld screwdriver. It is possible to complete with pure (wo)manpower, but I strongly suggest following the instructions and using a power tool.

After all, most of the screws go directly into the plastic with very few pilot holes. This design makes sense, as the product was tricky to get perfectly square, but it requires more muscle. Plus, it makes the whole process a little more nerve-wracking. When building flat-pack furniture, I look to those holes to guide me and signify I’m on the right track. Once again, I found myself triple-checking the instructions that I was screwing into the right spot.

All in, assembly took us about two hours. We built the shed on long grass, and the doors catch. I wish the base was a few inches thicker to make the doors easier to open on any surface, but the shed’s final resting space will be on a bed of gravel and pavers, which should help.

First Impressions

After stepping back to review our handiwork, I was pretty impressed! The shed feels sturdy, thanks to all those screws that help keep it in place. It’s definitely not as secure as a wood shed, but it should do the trick.

It also has a significant storage footprint. I could easily envision the multitude of uses for this shed: storing gardening supplies, stashing yard tools (even the tall ones, like rakes and shovels!) and holding off-season holiday decor. The options are endless. One caveat: There is a small gap between the doors and the wall, so I’m not sure I would use this to hold bird seed, patio cushions or other easily eaten materials in a Wisconsin winter. Mice and chipmunks are known for digging their way into garages, barns and sheds to make shelter, and this gap feels like an invitation.

As an added bonus, the shed comes with hardware to add shelving if desired. Now, truthfully, at this price point, it would be nice if the kit came with a few basic shelves. But having the option is still handy.

Storage

Once the shed was assembled, I started testing its footprint. I added yard tools, like shovels and rakes. Some of the taller picks didn’t fit, so keep that in mind when selecting a size for your shed if you’re looking to store XL tools. A cordless leaf blower, flower pots and yard waste bags also fit easily. I’m planning to order a yard tool organizer to keep all of the lanky tools aligned. When they’re stacked next to each other, they can be tricky to access.

For fun, I also tried to fit our push mower. As expected, it did not fit. Maybe a very small or robotic option would be able to squeeze inside, but this shed is too narrow for most models.

Pros

• Solid storage option for small backyards or those with limited space
• Sleek, attractive design
• Quality materials
• Ability to add shelving for extra storage
• Modest price point
• Fairly quick assembly
• Free, fast shipping on Amazon

Cons

• Tricky to assemble (minimal pilot holes; confusing part names; no written instructions, only pictures)
• Shelves are not included
• Requires a flat, level surface for the doors to open easily

FAQ

Are Keter sheds any good?

Yes! They’re an accessible, sturdy way to add storage. Keter sheds come in many shapes and sizes to fit any space. Plus, they’re fairly simple to assemble and are delivered flat-pack style directly to your door.

Are Keter sheds waterproof?

In my experience, yes! We’ve had a lot of rain this Wisconsin summer, including torrential downpours and wind, and I’ve yet to see any leaks inside the shed. I plan to test this product in the long term and will report back after the winter to ensure it holds up to snow and ice, too.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at Family Handyman, we are experts at identifying the best outdoor gear on the market. Thanks to our firsthand reviews and rigorous testing standards, you can shop with confidence. Our team has reviewed everything from greenhouses to mini chainsaws—and all sorts of gardening gear and yard equipment.

As for me, I’m a Senior Shopping Editor with over four years of experience in the commerce space. I’ve reviewed furniture and home goods for Family Handyman, including the Helix Midnight Elite mattress, Lovesac Sactional couch and Nolah Evolution 15 mattress. I also work for our sister publication, Taste of Home, where I cover outdoor gear like hammocks, smokeless fire pits and pizza ovens.

Final Verdict

If you’re short on outdoor storage space and want a decently sturdy, relatively easy to assemble and modestly priced solution, you can’t beat the Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed. Is it the sturdiest option on the market? No. For that, you’ll want to read up on a traditional shed kit build or even a DIY cabin kit. But if you need a reliable spot to stash extra tools, a small lawnmower or gardening supplies, the Keter shed gets my stamp of approval.

Where to Buy a Keter Storage Shed

The Keter Premier Tall Resin Outdoor Storage Shed I tested is available on Amazon for $379. As an Amazon Prime product, it qualifies for free, fast shipping. To snag a discount, keep an eye out for shed sales, especially around Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. If you have larger (or smaller) storage needs, you can also choose from a number of other Keter shed configurations.