myHOMEBOOK https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/ The DIY portal for home and garden Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:23 -0400 en-US hourly 1 In fall and winter: Why You Should Place a Bowl of Salt on Your Windowsill https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/why-you-should-place-a-bowl-of-salt-on-your-windowsill Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:24:27 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=15233 As the heating season begins in the fall, many homes experience an unpleasant indoor climate. The air feels dry or stale, condensation collects on windows, and in the worst case, mold can develop. A surprisingly simple home remedy is said to help: salt on the windowsill. Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now Salt as a Natural …

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]]> ]]> As the heating season begins in the fall, many homes experience an unpleasant indoor climate. The air feels dry or stale, condensation collects on windows, and in the worst case, mold can develop. A surprisingly simple home remedy is said to help: salt on the windowsill.

]]> Kitchen Assistant: If You Love Pumpkin, You Should Know This Cutting Trick https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/if-you-love-pumpkin-you-should-know-this-cutting-trick Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:02:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21316 In the fall, pumpkin is a must in the kitchen. Whether as soup, roasted vegetables, or a side dish–especially Hokkaido pumpkin can be prepared in many ways. But before cooking, there’s often a challenge: cutting it. Pumpkins often have a tough skin that even a sharp kitchen knife struggles to penetrate. However, with this simple …

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]]> ]]> In the fall, pumpkin is a must in the kitchen. Whether as soup, roasted vegetables, or a side dish–especially Hokkaido pumpkin can be prepared in many ways. But before cooking, there’s often a challenge: cutting it. Pumpkins often have a tough skin that even a sharp kitchen knife struggles to penetrate. However, with this simple trick, cutting the pumpkin becomes significantly easier.

]]> myHOMEBOOK Gardening Expert Reveals: 4 Herbs That Need Pruning in Fall https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/garden/4-herbs-that-need-pruning-in-fall Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:04:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21314 In the fall, many herbs end their growing season. But before mint, oregano, and others go into winter dormancy, a targeted pruning can be worthwhile. It removes old or dead shoots, keeps the plants healthy, and ensures they sprout vigorously again next spring. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering names four herbs that should be pruned …

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]]> ]]> In the fall, many herbs end their growing season. But before mint, oregano, and others go into winter dormancy, a targeted pruning can be worthwhile. It removes old or dead shoots, keeps the plants healthy, and ensures they sprout vigorously again next spring. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering names four herbs that should be pruned in the fall.

]]> Living in Transition: Why More People Are Moving Away From Open Floor Plans https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/rooms/why-more-people-are-moving-away-from-open-floor-plans Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:38:09 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=17529 For a long time, open living concepts were synonymous with modern living: Spacious rooms, plenty of daylight, and seamless transitions between kitchen, dining, and living areas were considered particularly contemporary. However, a countertrend is now emerging. More and more people are once again desiring clearly separated rooms. Why open floor plans are losing popularity is …

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]]> ]]> For a long time, open living concepts were synonymous with modern living: Spacious rooms, plenty of daylight, and seamless transitions between kitchen, dining, and living areas were considered particularly contemporary. However, a countertrend is now emerging. More and more people are once again desiring clearly separated rooms. Why open floor plans are losing popularity is explained by myHOMEBOOK editor Mareike Wegener.

]]> Order Made Easy: 6 Tips to Make Any Living Room Look Tidy https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/6-tips-to-make-any-living-room-look-tidy Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:49:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21310 The living room is often the heart of the home: It’s where we relax, read, watch TV, entertain guests, and sometimes work or eat. As a result, things that don’t have a designated place tend to accumulate quickly. myHOMEBOOK shares the best tips for tidying up the living room to prevent clutter from forming in …

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]]> ]]> The living room is often the heart of the home: It’s where we relax, read, watch TV, entertain guests, and sometimes work or eat. As a result, things that don’t have a designated place tend to accumulate quickly. myHOMEBOOK shares the best tips for tidying up the living room to prevent clutter from forming in the first place.

]]> Versatile Use: 5 Ways to Use Cotton Swabs Around the House https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/5-ways-to-use-cotton-swabs-around-the-house Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:36:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21306 Cotton swabs are handy helpers–especially in the bathroom. However, very few people use cotton swabs in other situations and areas. myHOMEBOOK lists five different ways cotton swabs can also be used around the house. Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now How else can cotton swabs be used around the house? Cotton swabs are often used in …

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]]> ]]> Cotton swabs are handy helpers–especially in the bathroom. However, very few people use cotton swabs in other situations and areas. myHOMEBOOK lists five different ways cotton swabs can also be used around the house.

]]> Proper Seasoning: How Juniper Berries Unleash Their Full Flavor in Cooking https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/how-juniper-berries-unleash-their-full-flavor-in-cooking Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:27:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21292 If you want to bring the scent of a pine forest to your plate, you can turn to a classic spice: juniper berries give many dishes a distinctive note. However, to ensure the intense aroma is fully appreciated, there are a few points to consider when using and storing them. Spicy Companions for Game, Sauerkraut, …

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]]> ]]> If you want to bring the scent of a pine forest to your plate, you can turn to a classic spice: juniper berries give many dishes a distinctive note. However, to ensure the intense aroma is fully appreciated, there are a few points to consider when using and storing them.

]]> Follow-Up: Why Do Plastic Containers Stain from Tomato Sauce, Curry, and More? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/service/why-do-plastic-containers-stain-from-tomato-sauce-curry-and-more Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:49:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21288 Once the leftovers of the Bolognese sauce are poured in, the plastic container permanently bears unsightly stains. Even thorough washing often helps little. myHOMEBOOK asked the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Where do the stains come from? Do they harm health? And when should such a discolored plastic container be discarded? The remnants of …

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]]> ]]> Once the leftovers of the Bolognese sauce are poured in, the plastic container permanently bears unsightly stains. Even thorough washing often helps little. myHOMEBOOK asked the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Where do the stains come from? Do they harm health? And when should such a discolored plastic container be discarded?

]]> Kitchen Trick Tested: Cleaning the Oven With a Lemon–Is It Possible? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/cleaning-the-oven-with-a-lemon-is-it-possible Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:05:47 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=18244 Lemons are not only versatile in the kitchen. Due to their acidity, they are also popular as a natural cleaning agent. Even stubborn dirt in the oven is said to be removable with them, while the trick promises a fresh scent. But can a lemon really tackle baked-on grease and crusts? myHOMEBOOK tested the method. …

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]]> ]]> Lemons are not only versatile in the kitchen. Due to their acidity, they are also popular as a natural cleaning agent. Even stubborn dirt in the oven is said to be removable with them, while the trick promises a fresh scent. But can a lemon really tackle baked-on grease and crusts? myHOMEBOOK tested the method.

]]> Natural Nuances: How to Decorate Your Home with the Trendy Olive Green https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/rooms/how-to-decorate-your-home-with-the-trendy-olive-green Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:26:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21277 What has long been making waves in fashion is now entering our living spaces: olive green. This muted, natural shade between green, gray, and a hint of yellow is one of the colors making a comeback this year. Olive green is both calming and full of character, elegant and casual, bringing a natural warmth to …

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]]> ]]> What has long been making waves in fashion is now entering our living spaces: olive green. This muted, natural shade between green, gray, and a hint of yellow is one of the colors making a comeback this year. Olive green is both calming and full of character, elegant and casual, bringing a natural warmth to interiors without being overpowering.

]]> Swiss Engineering Expertise: Many Germans Have This Knife at Home, but Few Know Its True History https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/service/many-germans-have-this-knife-at-home-but-few-know-its-true-history Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:17:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21273 Somewhere in a drawer, it lies. Among batteries, stamps, and a key that no longer fits any door. Red, with a white cross, the blade slightly dull from whittling branches. A pocketknife, gifted by a father, a grandfather, or a travel-loving aunt. Millions of people own such an item. Hardly anyone knows its full story. …

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]]> ]]> Somewhere in a drawer, it lies. Among batteries, stamps, and a key that no longer fits any door. Red, with a white cross, the blade slightly dull from whittling branches. A pocketknife, gifted by a father, a grandfather, or a travel-loving aunt. Millions of people own such an item. Hardly anyone knows its full story. Why a German detour is part of the Swiss Army Knife’s origin is what this myHOMEBOOK article reveals.

]]> Experts Explain: Can You Sell Wild Mushrooms You Gather Yourself? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/service/can-you-sell-wild-mushrooms-you-gather-yourself Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:38:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21251 In the fall, forests and baskets alike fill up: Many people collect porcini mushrooms, birch boletes, slippery jacks, or bay boletes for their own kitchens. But can you sell your harvest afterward, such as to neighbors, restaurants, or at the farmers market? In fact, wild mushrooms can generally only be collected for personal use. Anyone …

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]]> ]]> In the fall, forests and baskets alike fill up: Many people collect porcini mushrooms, birch boletes, slippery jacks, or bay boletes for their own kitchens. But can you sell your harvest afterward, such as to neighbors, restaurants, or at the farmers market? In fact, wild mushrooms can generally only be collected for personal use. Anyone wishing to trade in self-collected mushrooms usually needs official permission.

]]> Expert Clarifies: Why Are Plants Actually Green? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/plants/why-are-plants-actually-green Sun, 27 Sep 2026 06:48:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21237 When you think of the great outdoors, you usually envision green. Green forests, green flower meadows, or grassy green hills. But why are plants actually green? The answer lies partly in a pigment that everyone has probably heard of in biology class: chlorophyll. However, there’s much more behind the green color of plants. myHOMEBOOK spoke …

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]]> ]]> When you think of the great outdoors, you usually envision green. Green forests, green flower meadows, or grassy green hills. But why are plants actually green? The answer lies partly in a pigment that everyone has probably heard of in biology class: chlorophyll. However, there’s much more behind the green color of plants. myHOMEBOOK spoke with an expert about this.

]]> Expert Explains: Why Fabric Softener Has a Bad Reputation–and What’s Really True https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/why-fabric-softener-has-a-bad-reputation-and-whats-really-true Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:58:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21253 Soft, fluffy, and pleasantly scented—for many, fabric softener is an essential part of doing laundry. However, the product doesn’t have the best reputation. Fabric softener is said to harm the environment, make towels less absorbent, damage clothing, and be unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. But how much truth is there to these claims? myHOMEBOOK …

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]]> ]]> Soft, fluffy, and pleasantly scented—for many, fabric softener is an essential part of doing laundry. However, the product doesn’t have the best reputation. Fabric softener is said to harm the environment, make towels less absorbent, damage clothing, and be unsuitable for people with sensitive skin. But how much truth is there to these claims? myHOMEBOOK asked an expert.

]]> Fall Vegetables: What to Consider When Storing Pumpkins https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/garden/what-to-consider-when-storing-pumpkins Sat, 26 Sep 2026 08:21:04 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21259 A pumpkin doesn’t need to be processed immediately after purchase or harvest. Many winter squash varieties can be stored for a longer period. However, success depends heavily on the condition of the fruit and the storage location. Heat, moisture, or minor damage can cause the pumpkin to spoil much earlier. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering …

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]]> ]]> A pumpkin doesn’t need to be processed immediately after purchase or harvest. Many winter squash varieties can be stored for a longer period. However, success depends heavily on the condition of the fruit and the storage location. Heat, moisture, or minor damage can cause the pumpkin to spoil much earlier. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering explains what to watch out for.

]]> Tenant Law: When Can a Landlord Withhold a Security Deposit–and When Not? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/service/when-can-a-landlord-withhold-a-security-deposit-and-when-not Sat, 26 Sep 2026 00:21:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21255 The security deposit for an apartment is often a financial burden at the start of a lease but can be a small windfall upon moving out—provided the landlord doesn’t withhold it. But what if that’s exactly what happens? myHOMEBOOK spoke with a lawyer about the circumstances under which withholding the deposit is permissible. Follow myHOMEBOOK …

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]]> ]]> The security deposit for an apartment is often a financial burden at the start of a lease but can be a small windfall upon moving out—provided the landlord doesn’t withhold it. But what if that’s exactly what happens? myHOMEBOOK spoke with a lawyer about the circumstances under which withholding the deposit is permissible.

]]> Life Hack Put to the Test: Simple Home Remedy Makes Ceramic Cooktop Shine Again https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/simple-home-remedy-makes-ceramic-cooktop-shine-again Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:08:24 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=17585 The ceramic cooktop is undoubtedly one of the main features in the kitchen—it’s where frying, cooking, and heating take place. Unfortunately, grease splatters, water spots, and milky streaks are almost inevitable. Due to the high heat exposure, they quickly become stubborn. The good news: You don’t necessarily need an aggressive special cleaner for renewed shine. …

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]]> ]]> The ceramic cooktop is undoubtedly one of the main features in the kitchen—it’s where frying, cooking, and heating take place. Unfortunately, grease splatters, water spots, and milky streaks are almost inevitable. Due to the high heat exposure, they quickly become stubborn. The good news: You don’t necessarily need an aggressive special cleaner for renewed shine. A simple dishwasher tablet can work wonders. myHOMEBOOK tested whether you can clean a ceramic cooktop with a dishwasher tablet.

]]> Simple and Effective: Why the 90/90 Rule Helps Declutter in the Fall https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/why-the-90-90-rule-helps-declutter-in-the-fall Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:27:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21233 When the leaves fall outside and the days get shorter, many people start to enjoy a cozy time at home: candles are lit, thick blankets are brought out, and the wardrobe gets an autumn update. Now is the perfect moment to part with things that are just taking up space. A simple method helps with …

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]]> ]]> When the leaves fall outside and the days get shorter, many people start to enjoy a cozy time at home: candles are lit, thick blankets are brought out, and the wardrobe gets an autumn update. Now is the perfect moment to part with things that are just taking up space. A simple method helps with this: the 90/90 rule.

]]> Budget: Laundry Stays Damp in the Dryer? An Overview of Causes https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/laundry-stays-damp-in-the-dryer-an-overview-of-causes Fri, 25 Sep 2026 07:31:07 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=17638 Long wait times for dry laundry? A dryer significantly reduces the time until clothes are freshly washed and wearable. It’s all the more frustrating when the laundry is still damp after the drying cycle. There can be various reasons for this. Investing in a dryer is especially worthwhile when large amounts of laundry are regularly …

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]]> ]]> Long wait times for dry laundry? A dryer significantly reduces the time until clothes are freshly washed and wearable. It’s all the more frustrating when the laundry is still damp after the drying cycle. There can be various reasons for this.

]]> "Paving Over": How to Transform Sealed Surfaces into a Blooming Bed https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/garden/how-to-transform-sealed-surfaces-into-a-blooming-bed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:11:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21230 Sealed areas in the garden can be transformed into blooming beds for just a few dollars, which can absorb heavy rain, attract insects, and are more beautiful than any pavement. Find out how to best remove paving and plant here on myHOMEBOOK. You probably have a bed on your property that you don’t even know …

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]]> ]]> Sealed areas in the garden can be transformed into blooming beds for just a few dollars, which can absorb heavy rain, attract insects, and are more beautiful than any pavement. Find out how to best remove paving and plant here on myHOMEBOOK.

]]> Reuse: The Benefits of Using Old Fabric Scraps in Your Garden https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/garden/the-benefits-of-using-old-fabric-scraps-in-your-garden Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:35:34 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=20472 Old textiles don’t necessarily have to end up in the trash. T-shirts, worn-out bed sheets, or leftover fabric scraps can be surprisingly versatile in the garden. They can protect plants, retain soil moisture, or even help with weed control. myHOMEBOOK presents eight practical ideas for giving old fabrics a second life in the garden. 1. …

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]]> ]]> Old textiles don’t necessarily have to end up in the trash. T-shirts, worn-out bed sheets, or leftover fabric scraps can be surprisingly versatile in the garden. They can protect plants, retain soil moisture, or even help with weed control. myHOMEBOOK presents eight practical ideas for giving old fabrics a second life in the garden.

]]> Experts Provide Clarity: Power Strip Behind the Couch: Practical or Dangerous? https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/service/power-strip-behind-the-couch-practical-or-dangerous Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:43:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21228 More and more household devices require electricity. Yet no one wants a tangle of cables in the living room. So, display cabinets or sofa sets hide the mess of wires. Or a power strip with five devices plugged in gets tucked under the couch or cabinet. Hiding plugs can become a risk, as myHOMEBOOK has …

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]]> ]]> More and more household devices require electricity. Yet no one wants a tangle of cables in the living room. So, display cabinets or sofa sets hide the mess of wires. Or a power strip with five devices plugged in gets tucked under the couch or cabinet. Hiding plugs can become a risk, as myHOMEBOOK has discovered.

]]> Clean Bedroom: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Bed Linens https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-washing-bed-linens Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:13:14 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=657 Good bed hygiene is crucial for our well-being and a restful night's sleep. In addition to changing bed linens regularly, washing them is important. Certain points should be considered to ensure the linens are truly hygienically clean. By avoiding some common mistakes, you can maintain a fresh and healthy sleeping environment.

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]]> ]]> Freshly laundered bed linens not only feel pleasant but also contribute to a hygienic sleeping environment. However, washing sheets, covers, and pillows can lead to some mistakes. Incorrect temperatures, an unsuitable wash cycle, or too much detergent can affect the cleaning results.

]]> myHOMEBOOK Gardening Expert Explains: What to Watch Out for When Harvesting Pumpkins https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/garden/what-to-watch-out-for-when-harvesting-pumpkins Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:13:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21226 The pumpkin often grows for months. It’s all the more frustrating if the fruits get damaged just before harvest or rot later in the cellar. Often, just a few steps determine whether a pumpkin lasts only a few weeks or many months. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering explains what to consider when harvesting pumpkins. Size …

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]]> ]]> The pumpkin often grows for months. It’s all the more frustrating if the fruits get damaged just before harvest or rot later in the cellar. Often, just a few steps determine whether a pumpkin lasts only a few weeks or many months. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering explains what to consider when harvesting pumpkins.

]]> myHOMEBOOK Editor Tests: These Home Remedies Are Said to Remove Dark Deposits from Pans https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/home/these-home-remedies-are-said-to-remove-dark-deposits-from-pans Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:26:00 -0400 https://www.myhomebook-magazine.com/?p=21222 Home cooks know the problem: You buy a new pan, use it several times, and soon a brownish-black layer forms on the bottom. There are numerous home remedies that supposedly help against these deposits. myHOMEBOOK editor Greta Mülverstedt tested three methods and spoke with an expert from the Consumer Center of Saxony-Anhalt. Whether it’s a …

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]]> ]]> Home cooks know the problem: You buy a new pan, use it several times, and soon a brownish-black layer forms on the bottom. There are numerous home remedies that supposedly help against these deposits. myHOMEBOOK editor Greta Mülverstedt tested three methods and spoke with an expert from the Consumer Center of Saxony-Anhalt.

]]>