KP

Kate Van Pelt

Contributor at Dotdash Meredith

Kate Van Pelt is a contributing writer for Dotdash Meredith (primarily The Spruce and MyDomaine), based in the PNW. Kate has been a full-time digital content creator since 2015, covering everything from home decor to personal finance. Her experience as a homeowner and landlord adds to her expertise in remodeling, real estate, and interior design.

In addition to her work for The Spruce, Kate has contributed to brands such as The Spruce, MyDomaine, HomeLight, Monarch Money, and Money Under 30, as well as local and international real estate businesses in Oregon, Colorado, and Texas.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in English and business management from Corban University.

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Publications

  • The Spruce
    14 articles
  • MyDomaine
  • Dotdash Meredith

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  • Your Cleaning Vinegar Could Be Damaging Your Wood—What Pro Cleaners Recommend
    2 Apr—The Spruce
    Vinegar can be an effective homemade cleaner, but should be used with caution when cleaning wood. Diluting the vinegar, performing a spot test, and following the right stain removal methods can help prevent damage. Dish soap and olive or vegetable oil are also effective cleaners for wood surfaces that are a good alternative. Vinegar is a powerful cleaner that can be used throughout your home, in conjunction with ingredients like baking soda or all on its own. However, vinegar is also an...
  • 3 Reasons You Have Ants in Your Bathroom—and How to Get Rid of Them Fast
    9 Mar—The Spruce
    If you've discovered an assembly line of ants trekking across your bathroom counters, it can be infuriating for a number of reasons. Where are they coming from? Why are they here? And most importantly, how do you get rid of them? Just like humans, ants need food and water to survive, both of which can be found relatively quickly and easily in bathrooms. Fortunately, there are effective methods for removing ants in your bathroom, all of which begin with identifying the root cause of their...
  • How to Clean Your House Like a Pro Without Splurging on One
    7 Mar—The Spruce
    Cleaning my entire home can be both tiring and time-consuming, but there are many strategies I've found that help me get the job done quickly and efficiently. One of my personal favorites is cleaning from top to bottom, literally. There are numerous cleaning professionals who agree that cleaning your home from the highest points, including ceiling fans and the tops of cabinets, down to the lowest, such as baseboards and floors, is one of the best methods for cleaning your entire home...
  • How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes Fast, Even If You've Already Washed Them
    3 Mar—The Spruce
    Accidents happen, and when grease and fabric are involved, it can seem like an irreversible mistake, especially if the garment has gone through the wash and dryer. Fortunately, whether you dropped a French fry on your lap or splattered oil while cooking, there are several tried-and-true methods for removing grease stains from clothes, even ones that have already been washed. We spoke with a cleaning expert to provide you with the best tips for getting rid of grease stains, no matter how long...
  • Is It Time to Replace Your Washer-Dryer? This Is How Long They Really Last
    26 Feb—The Spruce
    Washers and dryers have an average lifespan of 10 years, though they can last longer with the right maintenance. Both washers and dryers need consistent cleaning, shouldn't be overloaded, and should be level. Signs you need a new washer or dryer include excessive noise, leaks, or your clothes are no longer as clean. Washers and dryers experience a lot of movement, moisture, and heat over the course of their lives, all of which can impact their total lifespan. While washers and dryers can last...

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