Cynthia Lawrence
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!
Latest articles by Cynthia Lawrence
![Best mattress protector 2022: a woman fits a white mattress cover over her Linenspa memory foam mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YDn6kmrLVWCLQBZUjABkqE-320-80.jpg)
Best mattress protector 2024: waterproof, cooling and zipped covers compared
By Cynthia Lawrence, Grace Franks, Nicola Appleton last updated
Keep your mattress clean, dry and allergen free. Here's our guide to best mattress protectors for every bed, lifestyle and budget.
![Cast iron stove grates](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CCLw2SmCpDcjyde3cFawpm-320-80.jpg)
How to clean cast iron stove grates to make them look brand new
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If your stove has seen better days, learn how to clean cast iron stove grates and make gleam again.
![Joseph Joseph space-saving cookware on a grey countertop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c2gqKXvS4BHuTXt8TRKZNL-320-80.jpg)
I tried this space-spacing cookware and it's solved my biggest problem in the kitchen
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you have an abundance of pots and pans in your kitchen but limited storage, this innovative cookware range is a game changer — here’s why.
![easiest vegetables to grow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RZH8GbC2ZPwxxaFkEhxsWV-320-80.jpg)
9 easiest vegetables to grow for beginners
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you want to plant homegrown vegetables but don’t know where to start, these are the easiest vegetables to grow at home.
![Ants on baseboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D9cYcp2nt9AqSeFZX95XTe-320-80.jpg)
Here's the most common infestation to look out for this summer, according to a pest control expert
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Everybody loves the sunshine and so do bugs! If you want to pest-proof your home, an expert reveals the most common infestation to look out for this summer.
![Wrinkled blue shirt](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jbfXYiz6sRmHKqysZukLfN-320-80.jpg)
5 easy ways to de-wrinkle your clothes without an iron
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re wondering how to tackle those stubborn creases, here are some clever ways to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes without an iron, according to experts.
![Water in blocked sink](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uxJ9xbT6jygrATw3FXspGJ-320-80.jpg)
This TikTok hack to unclog your drains has gone viral — and it’s free
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Have you been unclogging your drains wrong? This TikTok hack is incredibly simple and doesn’t involve any tools or money. Find out what this clever trick is.
![Man fixing a roof](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PNjtD5QrbYQQrEgKkiq4AS-320-80.jpg)
5 home improvement projects you should never DIY
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re a fan of DIY, these home improvement projects should be left to the professionals — or could prove costly.
![Person washing blue plate with kitchen sponge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PaCAdMQ55RRKrBb4natSFi-320-80.jpg)
5 mistakes you didn't know you were making with your kitchen sponge
By Cynthia Lawrence published
The kitchen sponge has become our go-to cleaning tool, but are you guilty of making these common mistakes?
![Grass in shaded garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CMimiV8dyUhLCKALUnCScj-320-80.jpg)
How to get grass to grow in the shade — 3 expert tips
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you have shady areas in your yard where grass just doesn’t thrive, follow these expert tips on how to encourage grass to grow in the shade.
![Man mowing lawn in garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/enN98V4uCe4ozFatsPNzv8-320-80.jpg)
When is it anti-social to mow your lawn? We ask the experts
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re wondering if you’re cutting your grass too early or too late, this is the ideal time to mow your lawn — and not annoy your neighbours.
![TV above white fireplace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dKZQ52WZ2fVju8c3w93CF7-320-80.jpg)
Interior expert reveals the common TV placement mistakes you're probably making
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re wondering why your movie nights are an epic fail, you probably have your TV in the wrong place! Find out the common mistakes we often make when placing our set — and how to fix them.
![Wilted tulips in garden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DXmjATZJncWWgfYw7QEhzU-320-80.jpg)
3 easy steps to deadhead tulips and get more blooms
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want your colorful blooms to thrive for next spring, here’s how to deadhead tulips — and expert florist tips.
![Tins of paint](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SpCaJWp4tEB5xoeNmBgTuF-320-80.jpg)
7 quick ways to remove paint odors when decorating — tips from an interiors expert
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re painting a room, and can’t stand the fumes, follow these quick tips to remove odors from an expert decorator.
![Orchids sitting on a windowsill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/swv7EdjBtLGHBD4aotJ3Ta-320-80.jpg)
5 top tips for growing orchids from expert florists
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you love orchids, but struggle with making them thrive or last longer, follow these top tips for growing orchids, from gardening experts.
![Raccoon eating a branch outdoors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hLDwNivNnSAvrcSnXBQt6Z-320-80.jpg)
7 plants to repel raccoons and keep them out of your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If these furry bandits are messing up your yard, these common plants will deter raccoons and keep them far away.
![Green grass in front yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RApwxeLvBjBbeJEkwS2AJh-320-80.jpg)
3 ways to reduce backyard grass pollen —follow these tips from a gardening specialist
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If being in your backyard triggers your allergies, here are some top tips for reducing grass pollen, according to a gardening expert.
![Dried herbs in container next to fresh herbs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jettikxXPuDReXsFsBQLfk-320-80.jpg)
How to dry fresh herbs — easy methods that preserve flavor and make them last longer
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you enjoy cooking with herbs, try one of these simple methods for drying fresh herbs to preserve flavor and make them last longer.
![Pile of towels](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rkkZqRZS8tLxAnSVL7j83M-320-80.jpg)
5 tell-tale signs you need to throw out your towels — and ways to repurpose them
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If your favorite bath towels look worse for wear, it might be time for an upgrade. Check out these sure signs that you need to replace your towels right now.
![Flower bouquet of white and pink flowers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UFp232uobvkYobiymTDbYi-320-80.jpg)
7 ways to keep your Mother's Day flowers fresh and long lasting — expert tips
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re gifting your mother a beautiful bouquet, you’ll want to make sure they’ll last. Here are some top tips on how to make your Mother’s Day flowers last longer.
![Taking hydrangea cutting](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7GTbDYruJBhRyz3sxs3e36-320-80.jpg)
How to grow hydrangeas from cuttings — easy steps to get more blooms
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you want beautiful blooms all year round, here’s how to grow hydrangeas from cuttings with these simple steps.
![The best weighted blankets in 2022: A woman with blonde hair sits on her bed wrapped in a Luna Adult Weighted Blanket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5aCG4L9rKQJzFj6e6KdLga-320-80.jpg)
The best weighted blankets in 2024
By Cynthia Lawrence, Frances Daniels last updated
Get a better night's sleep with 2024's best weighted blankets to suit all bedtime routines and needs.
![Tick on a green leaf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VdXbg67GVBKUJjrvb3o85d-320-80.jpg)
7 plants that repel ticks and keep them away from your yard
By Cynthia Lawrence published
If you’re after chemical-free ways to get rid of ticks in your yard, these common plants are known to naturally repel ticks and keep them out.
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