Carol Benton
School
Virginia Commonwealth University, Shenandoah Conservatory Of Shenandoah University
Expertise
Home Maintenance, Home Decor Projects, Gardening Tips
- A homeowner for 50+ years, Carol nurtures a passion for all things home.
- Whether it's cleaning, maintenance, decor, or DIY projects, she enjoys researching, doing, and conveying information to others through her writing.
- She has written on home-related topics for sites like Bob Vila and House Digest.
Experience
As a feature writer for House Digest, Carol delivers informative and comprehensive articles on home cleaning and maintenance as well as gardening and organizational projects. She's adept at curating and condensing the step-by-step tutorials in round-ups of DIY home projects found on TikTok and YouTube. After retiring from a career as a college professor, Carol couldn't abandon her passion for research and writing. Transitioning from the writing style of academia, she learned to write well-researched and engaging copy for websites. During her career, she published an academic book, "Thinking about Thinking: Metacognition for Music Teaching and Learning," as well as numerous professional journal articles. Post-retirement, Carol began writing informational articles and buyers' guides in 2019. Since then, she has been published in a variety of online publications, including Bob Vila, Popular Science, Now with Purpose, Degree Planet, My Degree Guide, and Sixty and Me.
Education
Carol holds a Bachelor of Music Education (B. M. Ed.); a Master of Music (M. M.); and a Doctor of Musical Arts (D. M. A.).
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Carol Benton
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If your garden plants are getting eaten, identifying the culprit is the first step to saving your prized plants. Here's how to know what's eating your plants.
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HVAC systems cost thousands of dollars, so it's in everyone's best interest to make them last as long as possible. Here's how to expand their lifespans.
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Compost can turn ordinary garden soil into the perfect, fertile medium for growing a lush garden. Here are our best tips for making compost in your garden.
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Choosing the right flooring can be tough. We spoke to design experts and they selected these top hardwood floor colors for their versatility and maintenance.
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Learn about Martha Stewart's top tips for organizing a kitchen. No matter what size kitchen you have, these tips will help you make the most of your space.
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There is a lot to consider when choosing a carpet, but color might be the most important. Here are what shades to avoid depending on your needs.
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Are you updating your kitchen backsplash but are unsure of what color to get? You can't go wrong with this selection.
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Do you want to give new life to a worn-out desk? With these creative hacks, you can repurpose old office furniture into stylish and functional pieces.
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Steam cleaning is amazing because it not only deep cleans surfaces but also sanitizes them. However, you can't use it everywhere. Here is what to avoid.
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Repainting your exterior can be a costly endeavor, but sometimes it's absolutely necessary. Here are some telltale signs you need to pick up a roller.
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Drawer liners are an essential tool to help keep drawers clean and organized. Here are the different types you can utilize for different drawer needs.
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If your pillowcases are looking shabby, don't toss them quite yet! Take a look at these handy DIY ideas for repurposing old pillowcases around your home.
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Getting the most out of your open shelving can be tricky. We interviewed home decor experts to get their best tips for maximizing space on open shelving.
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There's a perfect trend for every home gardener to try in 2023. These ideas will inspire you to bring new life to your outdoor - and indoor - spaces this year.
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Not all tile floors are the same, which makes cleaning them tricky. You don't want to use the same products on marble you do ceramic! Here's how to clean them.
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Windex isn't just for cleaning your windows! It can be used in everything from removing price stickers to polishing diamond rings to unsticking zippers.
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Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance option for your home, but over time it can look dirty and faded. Here's how to make vinyl siding look like new again.
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Help your clothing and home fabrics last longer by learning what the various laundry symbols mean and how to match them with laundry machine settings.
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If the siding on your home is too old, it might be time to repair or replace it. Learn about the common signs of old siding and the effect it has on your home.
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Aluminum and vinyl blinds look deceptively similar, but they have their own sets of pros and cons. Here is what sets them apart.
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If you love repurposing and adapting items to add some DIY flair to your decor, these ideas for projects made with West Elm products might be perfect for you!
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If you have wood around your home, it's important that you keep it protected — especially from water. Here's everything you need to know about waterproofing.
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Your front door is often a visitor's first impression of your home. Make it a good one by choosing the best front door for your home's style and location.
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Ammonia is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool. Check out these helpful ways it can be used to remove stains and grime from many areas of the home.
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Are you looking to create a tropical vibe in your indoor or outdoor space? Here are different kinds of palm trees that are perfect for adding lush foliage.
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If you're tired of the clutter in your home, it might be time to do some decluttering. Learn about the best decluttering strategies to use in your home.
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There's no easier way to spruce up a bedroom than by adding some new plants to it. Here are some of the best greens to lock in your aesthetic.