Why Your Bathroom Desperately Needs Cleaning Now
Cleaning may not be the most exciting thing for everyone to do, but your bathroom is one of the rooms you should regularly spruce up. This will help eliminate and limit the amount of germs and bacteria from festering in your home.
It doesn't matter if your powder room is long overdue for a deep clean or if you're just curious about a cleaning cadence; we will provide you with insight. Whether scrubbing your toilet or degunking your shower head, this guide makes freshening up your restroom easy and simple.
Read more: 15 Filthy Spots That Survived Your Spring Cleaning Rampage, According to an Expert
8 bathroom items you should clean regularly
Bathroom rug
Once a week, toss the bathroom rug in the washer. Wash it on the gentle cycle in warm water and let it air dry (especially if it has a no-slip grip on the back) before putting it back in place. If you're unsure, always follow the washing instructions on the tag.
Toilet
David Watsky/CNET
If you live alone, you can probably get by cleaning the toilet every few days. If you have kids, the rules change. The outside, handle and seat should get a once-a-day wipedown with an antibacterial cleaner or wipe.
Most families can get by with cleaning the bowl once a week, particularly if you use this toilet tank tip. If you have tough stains or gunk in your toilet bowl, we advise pouring Coke (yes, the soda) into a spray bottle and then saturating the stain with the drink. Let it sit for a few hours. You can then easily scrub away the stain with a toilet brush.
Shower curtain
Once a month, you should take down your fabric or plastic shower curtain and throw it in the wash. Here are five tips for cleaning your shower curtain in the washing machine.
Shower and tub
You only need to clean your shower and tub once a week, but if you have a glass shower door, it needs a little more attention. To prevent the build-up of soap scum and keep the glass looking spotless, use a squeegee to wipe away water after every shower. These few seconds can save you from scrubbing at the end of the week.
Bath towels
Josh Miller/CNET
My family has had this debate for years. How often should you wash bath towels? Well, it depends. Every three to four uses is a good rule of thumb, but there are some conditions where a towel should be washed after one use. Here's how to know when to wash your towels.
Sink
The germs from your hands collect on the sink knobs and in the sink bowl when you wash your hands. So, even if you live alone, the sink needs a good wipe down every day with an all-purpose cleaner or antibacterial cleaning wipe.
Mirror
Like the sink, the mirror needs a daily wipe down to remove lint, dust and toothpaste specks. Simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after you step out of the bath or shower.
Hair dryer
Yes, even your hair dryer needs a proper cleaning schedule to prevent it from overheating. Here's a simple way to clean a hair dryer in just a few minutes.
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Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
The Best Maternity Jeans To Fit Every Bump And Style
When you're expecting, owning a staple piece of maternity clothing that makes you feel good and that doesn't constrict your bump is a pregnancy-changer—like a great pair of maternity jeans. The best maternity jeans are easy to get on, stylish and most importantly, comfortable. Fortunately, there's a wide variety of options from which to choose. Whether you're a fan of straight leg, boyfriend, wide leg, flares or something else, there's a pair out there for you. Our best overall pick, the Paige Anessa Maternity Wide Leg Jean, fit these criteria and more. The best maternity jeans are comfortable and stylish. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers 'As far as maternity clothing goes, one nice pair of jeans is worth the investment. You'll likely wear them throughout the majority of your pregnancy and postpartum,' says Gwen Sessa, COO of The Mom Edit. 'For first-time moms, I'd recommend a maternity jean with enough stretch to not be constricting, but not so much that they sag.' To help save you time, I spoke to experts, other moms and drew upon my own firsthand experience as a parent of three to curate this guide to the best maternity jeans to help you feel good at every stage of pregnancy. And if you're still building your pregnancy wardrobe, don't miss our guide to our editors' favorite maternity brands overall. Paige Anessa Maternity Wide Leg Jean Waistband style: Side panel | Colors: Two | Sizes: 23 to 34; 27-inch and 31-inch inseams This wide-leg high-waisted pair from designer denim brand Paige hits all the right marks. It has that effortlessly cool look that pairs easily with a wide variety of tops, can be dressed up or down and is made from the brand's 'Transcend Denim' that looks like thicker denim but is much softer, lighter weight and stretchier—all musts for dressing a pregnant body. With a nearly 12-inch rise, it's not made to sit below the belly like other side-panel jeans (although it can), but will be equally comfortable pulled up over the belly as well, accommodating all the phases of pregnancy. It comes in two inseam options: 27-inch and 31-inch, so even petite moms-to-be can get the perfect fit without having to spend extra on alterations—or, if one prefers a cropped look instead. The two washes it's available in are both on-trend. While it is an investment, its versatility, comfortability and ability to be worn even after the baby arrives, makes it a worthwhile purchase in our book. 'Paige makes great maternity jeans with expandable panels that allow some stretch around the belly, while still staying up throughout the day. This style of maternity jeans is great for postpartum, too,' says Sassa. We're also fans of the brand's straight leg maternity jeans as well. Hatch Hatch The Boyfriend Maternity Jean Waistband style: Under the belly | Colors: Two | Sizes: 24 to 34 If you're looking for a comfortable pair of boyfriend jeans that you can't even tell are maternity jeans, look no further. With small, barely noticeable wedge-shaped expandable bamboo and spandex side panels, these jeans are designed to be worn under your bump—even as it continues to grow. 'I've worn both full panel over belly and underbelly maternity jeans, and I prefer the underbelly paired with a fitted top for support,' says Candice Collison, cofounder and CEO of maternity line Of an Origin. The Hatch boyfriend jeans come in two washes, a 'destroyed' light wash and a fantastic indigo, while details like distressing and a raw hem adds an extra laidback cool mom vibe. Just note, many customers say they do stretch out quite a bit (which is fabulous as the bump grows), but you may want to consider sizing down if you're purchasing them early in your pregnancy, otherwise your prepregnancy size will probably work for most. (The indigo wash is on super sale right now, by the way.) Waistband style: Under-the-bump and over-the bump panel options | Colors: Eight | Sizes: XS-XXL Plus Classic Levis are just as good during pregnancy as they were before, and at under $30, this affordable pair of maternity jeans is ideal for those who aren't looking to invest a lot in maternity pants or want to buy several pairs in different sizes as their bump grows, but still want to look and feel stylish. It's a skinny leg and comes in a wide range of colors and even panel types. There's an under-the-belly panel and full over-the-bump option as well. With thousands of five-star reviews, fans rave that the jeans feel like real denim—not jeggings—and praise the comfort of the panel. Despite the substantial feel, they note that the jeans are breathable and stretchy enough to sit with ease. Waistband style: Full over-the-bump panel | Colors: Three | Sizes: 24 to 34; short/regular/long lengths Shopping for jeans as a petite person is hard enough not pregnant, so adding a bump to the mix can make it feel extra tricky. Fortunately, the Abercrombie Maternity Ankle Straight Jean makes that conundrum a thing of the past. The ankle length already makes it shorter than a full length pair, and you can select the short length option for an even better fit where the jeans will actually look cropped. 'I like that Abercrombie has more on-trend cuts,' says Caroline B., a recently pregnant mom. The straight leg is a classic style that can easily be styled with various types of tops and the finished hem makes it look a little dressier than styles with a raw hem. The super light wash '90s Straight Leg' option has an ultra high-waist and distressed knee for a more casual feel. A full belly panel easily accommodates even third trimester bumps while functional pockets are always a win. PinkBlush PinkBlush Wide Leg Raw Hem Maternity Jeans Waistband style: Full over-the-bump panel | Colors: Four | Sizes: 24 to 31 With a wide leg and soft, over-the-belly panel, these stylish five-pocket jeans can be worn in every season: with Uggs or boots in the colder months and sneakers or sandals in warmer ones. On top, you can pair it with chunky sweaters, fitted tanks, an oversized button-down shirt and everything in between to feel put together. We love that this maternity jean comes in four colorways, including black and light olive for those who want to move beyond traditional blue jeans. Reviews indicate these tend to run true to size, and the brand recommends ordering your prepregnancy size for the best fit. Super soft and stretchy, these can also often be found on sale, in case you want to stock up on more than one pair. Waistband style: Front low-panel | Colors: One | Sizes: 0 to 20; short, regular, long These straight leg jeans have a unique low front panel only (the back is panel-less) that sits right under the belly, making them comfy both during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum months. The black is easy to pair with lots of different tops and dressier than regular blue jeans. As an added bonus, they often go on sale making them wallet-friendly. I lived in these throughout (and after) my own pregnancies. I personally preferred the low panel to the full panel versions that often slid down and felt stuffy. They stretched out enough in the waist to grow with me, but not everywhere else and maintained their shape after many washings. There's also a loose leg version if that's the style you prefer. Amazon DL1961 Women's Patti Straight Maternity Ankle Jeans Waistband style: Side panels | Colors: Two | Sizes: 23-34 'I look for the expandable side panels, I don't like the feeling of the full panels on my skin, and the extra layer of synthetic fabric makes me hot,' says Collison. If side panels are what you're also looking for, these sophisticated straight leg jeans somehow manage to be stretchy and comfy while maintaining its shape throughout the day—a real testament to its quality. The expandable below-the-belly side panels are discreet, making you feel like you're wearing a 'real' pair of jeans, while stretching easily to accommodate a growing belly. The ankle length and distressed hem lends it a chic silhouette (or can work as full-length jeans for petite mamas). This is one of those durable pairs that should last you through multiple pregnancies and beyond. Just note the front pockets aren't functional, although the back ones are. There's also a sleek black option. The editors and journalists on the Forbes Vetted baby and kids editorial team are all parents ourselves who have extensively tested hundreds of products to find the best picks for families. We're committed to making your pregnancy and postpartum journey easier by doing the research for you and selecting the best products out there. We've reviewed or tested everything from the best pregnancy pillows to the best pregnancy skincare products. This story was written by Esther Carlstone a mom of three and longtime journalist with a focus on pregnancy, parenting and lifestyle topics. She recently covered the best nanny cameras and the best pregnancy compression socks . a mom of three and longtime journalist with a focus on pregnancy, parenting and lifestyle topics. She recently covered the and the . The editor of this story, Rose Gordon Sala , is a mom to three and experienced journalist and parenting editor who has extensively tested and researched baby and kids gear for years. , is a mom to three and experienced journalist and parenting editor who has extensively tested and researched baby and kids gear for years. We consulted two experts for this story: Gwen Sessa, COO of The Mom Edit and recent new mom and Candice Collison, CEO and cofounder of maternity wear brand Of an Origin (and also a mom of four). To find the best maternity jeans from among the sea of options out there, I spoke to experts, polled other recently pregnant moms, relied on firsthand experience from our team of parents and conducted market research to narrow down my selection. I spoke to expecting moms and recently pregnant moms to get their thoughts on their favorite maternity jeans, and what features they liked or didn't like. I tried to select popular brands that are generally known for their quality of maternity wear in style and comfort and that are easily accessible to purchase on major sites. I spoke with the founder of a maternity wear line and COO of a popular mom lifestyle and fashion site, who are both mothers themselves, to get their thoughts on current trends and details to pay attention to. Each pair of jeans was considered for their comfort, quality and size ranges. I favored jeans that had mostly positive reviews from customers. When it comes down to it, finding the best maternity jeans is a personal choice, as what one expecting mother finds comfortable or stylish can be vastly different from another. That being said, here are some key factors to consider when shopping for maternity jeans. Waistband Style Maternity jeans come in several options of waistbands to accommodate a pregnancy bump as it grows, and finding the style that's most comfortable for you will be key. Some come with full over-the-belly panels that cover the entire bump while others come with smaller under-the-belly belly bands that are stretchy or smaller, less noticeable expandable side panels. While the full panels may feel more comfortable and supportive for some, you'll usually need to wear a longer shirt to cover it fully, while others prefer the more natural look of side panels—especially if they don't like the feeling of fabric covering their entire torso. 'I found over-the-belly styles to require the least amount of pulling up throughout the day,' says Sessa, while Collison prefers 'the side panel designs which typically have a zipper, making them more like regular jeans.' Jean Style This truly comes down to a matter of personal style. Baggy, wide leg, skinny or something in between, there's a style of maternity jean out there to suit every aesthetic. Whichever way you go, Sessa says 'the best maternity jeans closely resemble 'real' jeans (with zippers or button closures) which makes them very easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe, yet still comfortable.' Nowadays, maternity jeans also feature a range of trendy details like distressing, raw hems, rolled cuffs and more. Sizing 'It's hard to get the fit right with maternity jeans, because many of us gain weight and change size while pregnant—everywhere, not just in the belly. The rate of weight gain throughout the body can also vary,' says Collison. Many maternity jean brands recommend ordering them in your prepregnancy size, but always be sure to read some reviews to see fit there's an overwhelming number of comments saying to order up or down, although that can be difficult to figure out with a constantly changing body. Timing will also matter: if you're ordering maternity jeans in your first trimester, for example, you may want to size down versus ordering it when you already have a significant bump. Certain maternity jeans also come in petite and tall lengths for an even better fit. When Do You Start Wearing Maternity Jeans? You can start wearing maternity jeans as soon as you feel like your regular jeans are no longer comfortable to wear. For many pregnant women, that's between 12 and 20 weeks, although this can vary widely. How Do You Know What Size Maternity Jeans To Buy? Most maternity jean brands recommend purchasing them in your pre-pregnancy size. However, always be sure to check each brand's specific recommendations and sizing guides before ordering. What's The Difference Between Regular Jeans And Maternity Jeans? Unlike regular jeans, maternity jeans are designed with specific features to stretch and grow with an expanding belly with details like over-the-belly panels or expandable side panels. They're also often stretchier and more lightweight than regular jeans.
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Brooke Burke flaunts beach body during Malibu yoga session
Brooke Burke showed off her yoga moves this week during a beach visit. The 53-year-old mom worked her warrior, tree and triangle poses on a Malibu beach Tuesday while looking fit in a black, white and gray patterned bikini top and loose-fitting cream-colored capri pants. The "Dancing with the Stars" alum also flaunted her toned legs while frolicking in the waves post-yoga session. The beauty icon, who is known for staying in great shape, weighed in on the topic of Ozempic last month, saying that she supports the weight-loss medication, but warns against people who use it without being willing to put in the work to be healthy. "When it comes to the world of Ozempic, which has changed the landscape of obesity, I'm not mad at it, I'll be really honest," the fitness guru and TV personality, 53, told Page Six in an interview. She added, "But I'm not mad at it if someone is disciplined enough to weight train, to do their blood work and to eat. What drives me crazy is people that want a quick fix, they want to starve their body, and they don't understand the value of weight training." "We're seeing this depleted look because people are losing their appetite," she explained. "That's the hormone, right? It helps you curb your appetite. They're not eating. That's terrible for your metabolism. That is terrible for everything." Burke continued, "I know we wanna cheat the system as Americans, we do. We're looking for that quick fix; it's not necessarily sustainable." Burke also shared her unique morning routine with Fox News Digital in May, which included a castor oil belly button detox, lymphatic massage, a superfood smoothie and occasionally a facial cold plunge. "It actually works for bloating, detoxing. Skin quality is great. And I think it might be… maybe part of it's mental – you know, I'm always a skeptic and I keep it real – but it might also be the intention of kind of loving your belly a little bit and doing a belly massage and just taking care of yourself," Burke saidl of the castor oil belly button detox. "So yeah, weird, I know, I like weird things." The Brooke Burke Fitness founder shares daughters Neriah, 24, and Sierra, 21, with her ex-husband, Garth Fisher, to whom she was married from 2001 to 2005. The entrepreneur is also mother to daughter Heaven, 17, and son Shaya, 16, whom she shares with ex-husband David Charvet. Burke and the "Baywatch" star tied the knot in 2011, but they split in 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2020. She is currently engaged to real estate developer Scott Rigsby. Rigsby is father to daughter Lila, 16, and son Levi, 12, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Heather LaCombe.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
This week on "Sunday Morning" (August 3): The Money Issue
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Correspondent Susan Spencer looks into the do's and don'ts of making a bucket list, and joins an 83-year-old who gets to live her dream of driving a race car, thanks to Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: LIFESTYLE: How the FIRE movement is inspiring early retireesNik and Adinah Johnson retired in their forties to spend time with their kids, play golf and produce podcasts … and they're not alone. They're part of a movement that looks at work a little differently – as a means to an end. It's called FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). They explain to correspondent Luke Burbank how frugality enabled them to quit the rat race, and how you can, too. But doing so might mean changing your relationship with money and stuff, Vicki Robin (co-author of "Your Money or Your Life") tells Burbank. For more info: Read more: WORLD: Americans seeking retirement overseasA lower cost of living, and a sense of adventure, are leading more and more Americans to retire overseas. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with ex-pats who now live fulltime on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago; and with Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, which offers advice and seminars for those considering living or retiring abroad. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: FINANCE: The father of the 401(k)In 1981, Ted Benna created the first 401(k) plan, which allowed corporations to contribute, tax-free, to workers' retirement accounts. That allowed companies to get out of the pension business, but gave employees more responsibility over their retirement funds. "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with Benna about how an obscure tax-code provision led to our current financial planning for retirement (and, at a time of precipitous stock market shocks, more angst). [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: TECHNOLOGY: Meet the "grandfluencers"After Diane Shiffer retired from working as an educator and social worker, she took on a new calling: as a social media "grandfluencer." Known on TikTok as YourChubbyVintageNana, she now has nearly two million followers across platforms, as she goes all-in on "the Nana vibe." Correspondent Faith Salie talks with Shiffer, and with Barbara Costello, of Brunch With Babs, both part of a growing number of older content creators who are finding audiences and post-retirement careers in social media. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: U.S.: A warplane retirement homeAt Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, the Arizona desert heat is the retirement setting for some of our nation's most heralded military aircraft. Correspondent Lee Cowan investigates the mission these vintage craft still perform today. He also visits the Planes of Fame Air Museum, in Chino, Calif., where old, restored warbirds once again take to the skies. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: MOVIES: Cheech and Chong: Older and wiserThe comedy duo Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin and Thomas Chong made their names and fortunes playing laid-back potheads. Now 79 and 87, respectively, they're back on movie screens in "Cheech and Chong's Last Movie" (which may not be an accurate title). The best buds talked with correspondent Tracy Smith about their legacy. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] To watch a trailer for "Cheech and Chong's Last Movie" click on the video player below: For more info: COMMUNITY: Not exactly wasting away in this MargaritavilleLatitude Margaritaville, a 55+ community, is inspired by the vibes of the late musician Jimmy Buffett. It's just one of the 800 active adult communities in the U.S., where retirees are finding community, and more. Correspondent Martha Teichner reports from the Daytona Beach community where it's always five o'clock. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: MEDIA: AARP and the business of an aging audienceAARP began as an advocacy group for older Americans concerned about Social Security, Medicare, and family caregiving. Today it represents 110 million Americans in the 50+ demographic who are living longer and retiring later. "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa talks with AARP's CEO, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, and editorial director Myrna Blyth, about the organization's importance to an increasingly important target group for advertisers; and with actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore, who at age 50 has embraced being on the cover of AARP: The Magazine. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: ANIMAL WELFARE: A visit to chimpanzee sanctuary Chimp HavenMore than 300 residents spend their retirement years at Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for chimpanzees, that is spread out across 200 acres in Northwest Louisiana. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports on the special care given to chimps of all ages, many of whom have given much of their lives to scientific research. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.] For more info: NATURE: Chimpanzees in LouisianaWe leave you this Sunday with retired chimps living the good life at Chimp Haven in Northwest Louisiana. Videographer: Mike Hernandez. GALLERY: Notable deaths in 2025A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us on Twitter/X; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; Bluesky; and at You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Now you'll never miss the trumpet!
