Michele Wanke
School
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
Expertise
Gardening, Housing Market News And Trends, Sustainable Living
- Michele is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist whose career has taken her around the country.
- She has also been honored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, the Milwaukee Press Club, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism.
- As a television anchor/reporter, Michele scored valuable home and gardening tips while interviewing Bob Vila, Ty Pennington, Vern Yip, and Rebecca Kolls.
Experience
Michele was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, where she learned the delicate art of professional orchid care from her grandfather, an exotic plant expert. She continued to cultivate a sustainable green thumb while working in various TV markets, including Honolulu, Atlanta, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Since transitioning from news reporter to content writer, Michele's work has been featured in USA Today, SFGATE, eHow, LoveToKnow, Livestrong, and a variety of other outlets.
Education
Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.
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 Michele Wanke
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Hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic common to medicine cabinets, can be used to freshen and disinfect various items around the home. Including dishwashers?
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To combat the foul-smelling bacteria growing in your garbage disposal, simply repurpose this bathroom essential to rinse out the appliance's offending odors.
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If you have mulch and a tree in your yard, then it's inevitable that fallen leaves in the fall will end up in the mulch. Here are some ways to separate them.
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Likely, you have vinegar stored away for the express purpose of cleaning. If so, be sure you're storing the liquid safely and correctly in the right location.
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If your dry-erase board is showing evidence of ghosting (that is, remnants of ink), then it's time for a deeper clean, and this bathroom staple is the key.
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Curious kids or pets playing near growing daffodils in the yard could be a recipe for disaster. Discover why you may want to be cautious about this plant.
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Keeping harmful pests and bugs out of the home can be challenging. Did you know you can crush up this cooking staple to get rid of pesky termites?
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If you're dealing with a broken lightbulb, you'll be surprised to learn that a certain vegetable can be your saving grace. Find out which veggie and why.
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Glue is a common household item used to fix many items, but what do you do when the bottle dries shut? Prevent that problem with an item from your bathroom.
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The next time you're facing a stuck lid jar, apply some science to the situation. With a common home office supply, you'll be able to twist that lid right off.
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For rusty knives, you don't need to rush out to buy a rust remover. You may already have a solution in your cool, dry pantry or perhaps your vegetable garden.
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Have a dried-up roll of masking tape and wish to avoid buying another at the store? This trick will bring your old roll of masking tape back to life.
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Stores apply stickers to everything, from frames to mops to cups. Next time you're facing this sticky situation, visit the kitchen for an effective solution.
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Mold and mildew will grow on most surfaces if the conditions are favorable. Here's how to remove mold from vertical blinds with an essential home ingredient.
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Storing items under a bathroom sink for convenience may seem like a given, but there are certain things you should keep far away from this dark and damp space.
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Consider the elements that could hasten the life span of your freshly cut flowers and instead choose the right spot to display them to preserve them for longer.
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Depending on your state, mosquito season can start as early as February. To prepare your yard for their arrival, DIY a sweet trap they won't be able to resist.
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Keeping the bathroom clean and fresh can seem like a never-ending job. Check out the product you can use overnight to clean up your toilet.
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It turns out versatile vinegar doesn't work with everything. In fact, combining vinegar with this other cleaning superstar will render vinegar's powers void.
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Seeing a mouse scurry through your home can be alarming at best. Thankfully, there is a versatile mouse deterrent sitting in your kitchen cabinet.
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Tracking in road salt from outside can lead to stained carpeting that will worsen over time. Luckily, you can remedy these stains with two kitchen staples.
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If you or a guest has ever set a beverage on wood furniture, it may have left behind a watermark. Learn how to remove these stains with a common bathroom item.
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If your shoes are starting to reek, try using salt to freshen the odors. Learn why this common household ingredient is so effective on smelly shoes.
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While the drawer beneath your oven can house certain kitchen and cooking items, a number of other things should never be kept in this storage area.
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Cleaning a grill at the right time can make the task simpler while also going a long way in ensuring it's safe to use for your next grilling masterpiece.
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Vacuum cleaners have a multitude of uses, however, that doesn't mean they can be used for everything. Here's what happens if you vacuum up coffee grounds.
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If your tomato plant is showing signs of overwatering, there's a simple first step you can take to save it that requires no tools or advanced gardening skills.