I tried Amazon's bestselling air dry clay

This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best quick-dry towels, featuring insights from textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute. It addresses the common issue of damp and musty towels by recommending various types of quick-dry towels, including those made with cotton loops, waffle-weave construction, and lightweight microfiber. The article highlights that quick-dry towels are specifically designed to accelerate drying times, preventing them from remaining wet in the bathroom. The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab conducts rigorous testing on numerous towels, evaluating their washability, absorbency, shrinkage, fabric strength, and colorfastness, in addition to their drying speed. Consumer testers also provide feedback on comfort, softness, and laundering experiences. The article states that over 90 towels have been tested in recent years, with the featured selections being top-tested quick-drying options, analyst favorites, or best-selling styles with extensive positive online reviews. The guide presents several top recommendations across different categories. The Everplush Diamond Jacquard 6 Piece Bath Towel Set is recognized as the "Best Overall" due to its unique blend of cotton for softness and microfiber for performance, excelling in drying speed, absorbency, strength, and shrink resistance. The Amazon Basics Quick-Dry Bath Towel, 2-Pack, is lauded as the "Best Value" for its affordability, lightweight 100% cotton design, and soft feel, despite average absorbency. The Parachute Waffle Bath Towel is designated "Best Waffle" for its lightweight, spa-like appearance and fast drying time, made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton. For those prioritizing softness, the Riley Home Plush Towel Collection, made from zero-twist combed Egyptian cotton, is highlighted as the "Softest," offering exceptional softness, absorbency, and durability while drying quickly. The Pottery Barn Hydrocotton Organic Quick-Dry Towel is presented as the "Best Organic" option, noted for its luxurious plushness, absorbency, and GOTS-certified organic Turkish cotton, though it dries slightly slower than other quick-dry picks. Lastly, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is recommended as the "Best for Travel" due to its ultra-thin microfiber material, compact portability, and moisture-wicking properties, ideal for various outdoor and travel scenarios. The article also includes a detailed section on how towels are tested, explaining the methodology for evaluating drying speed, washability (including shrinkage, appearance, and weight loss over 20 wash cycles), absorbency using specialized equipment, and fabric strength. It also emphasizes the importance of consumer feedback. A shopping guide provides key factors to consider when purchasing quick-dry towels, such as fabric construction (terrycloth vs. microfiber), fiber content (synthetic vs. natural, and blends), and fabric weight (GSM), noting that lighter towels with lower GSM tend to dry faster. The information is presented by Lexie Sachs and Amanda Constantine, textile experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute, who bring extensive experience in product testing and consumer analysis. #QuickDryTowels #HomeTextiles #TowelReviews #GoodHousekeepingInstitute #TextileTesting #HomeProducts #BathTowels #MicrofiberTowels #CottonTowels

The article addresses a common aesthetic dilemma in bathroom design: the choice between traditional grout and silicone sealant for tiling. While traditional grout offers a sleek, matte finish that aligns with modern bathroom aesthetics, it is prone to cracking and mold growth due to its porous nature and lack of flexibility. Conversely, silicone sealant provides practical benefits such as flexibility, preventing cracks, and being less porous, which reduces the likelihood of mold. However, its typically shiny and 'bouncy' appearance is often considered a visual drawback, clashing with the desired refined look of matte grout lines. This blog post highlights a solution to this compromise: the BAL Micromax3 Grout Effect Sealant. This innovative product combines the aesthetic appeal of a matte, grout-like finish with the functional advantages of silicone. It was discovered through the recommendation of DIY influencers, The Home Boys, who praised its ability to create seamless and 'designed' corners in bathrooms, eliminating the visual harshness of standard shiny white or grey silicone lines. David Harrison-Colley from The Home Boys specifically noted its ease of application and smoothing, as well as its anti-mould properties, making it ideal for high-humidity areas like shower rooms. The BAL Micromax3 Grout Effect Sealant is presented as an ideal tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional designers looking to upgrade bathroom tiles. It is a ready-to-use product that eliminates the preparation typically associated with traditional grout. Its advanced grout-effect technology delivers the desired textured, matte appearance while maintaining the waterproof qualities of a silicone sealant. Furthermore, the inclusion of Microban antimicrobial protection actively reduces the risk of black mold and mildew formation, addressing a significant concern in bathroom maintenance. The sealant is versatile, suitable for use with various surface materials including ceramic, glass, and acrylic, and can be applied in both interior and exterior settings due to its robust waterproof characteristics. The article also provides several complementary product recommendations to further enhance bathroom styling. These include green, glazed porcelain subway tiles for a walk-in shower, a mould remover spray for refreshing existing grout lines, and different color options for the BAL Micromax Grout Effect Silicone, such as a smokey gunmetal, to match diverse tile and grout color combinations. High-shine, cherry red zellige tiles are also suggested for adding warmth to kitchens or bathrooms. Additionally, essential tools for sealant application, like an iLitLuk Caulking Tool kit, and grout pens for refreshing or changing grout color are recommended, offering a comprehensive guide to achieving a polished and functional bathroom aesthetic. #BathroomDesign #GroutAlternative #SiliconeSealant #HomeImprovement #TileStyling #DIYHome #ModernBathroom #AntimicrobialSealant #InteriorDesignTrends

This article reviews the top six stone bath mats, highlighting their advantages over traditional fabric mats, such as quick-drying properties and ease of cleaning, which address common issues like sogginess and odors. The selection is based on extensive testing of 46 bath mats over several years, considering factors like absorbency, comfort, and durability. Stone bath mats are presented as a game-changer for those seeking a more hygienic and aesthetically pleasing bathroom solution, despite lacking the plushness of fabric alternatives. The article emphasizes their rapid drying capability, making them particularly suitable for damp or shared bathrooms. The Sutera Stone Bath Mat is recognized as the Best Overall, praised for its exceptional absorbency and elegant wave design. It dries completely within minutes of use and has proven durable, resisting stains and odors over three years, even after accidental spills. Its design includes a small logo and is available in granite or slate with marbling, offering a stylish addition to any bathroom. The mat is thin, easy to handle, and comes with a rubber backing to prevent dirt accumulation, although it dries faster than larger, thicker options. While not as cushioned as fabric mats, it provides a comfortable feel underfoot without being too hard or cold. For budget-conscious consumers, the ZIKIBL Stone Bath Mat offers similar absorption and aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price. It dries within 20 to 25 minutes, allowing users to step onto a completely dry surface soon after showering. The mat features a subtle textured design and a non-slip backing that ensures stability, even in households with children. It is easy to clean with a simple rinse and wipe, though lighter colors may show wear over time, suggesting dark colors for better longevity. The mat has consistently remained odor-free since its initial use. The Dorai Zen Bath Stone is distinguished as the Best Quick-Dry option, featuring a unique zen garden design that enhances water collection and allows droplets to dry in just 30 seconds. Its instant absorbency creates a sensation akin to water evaporating from feet on hot rocks. The divots in its design prevent water runoff, concentrating absorption. While light colors can obscure the illusion of quick drying, its absorbency remains unaffected. The mat provides a stable base for standing, although its non-slip backing may require occasional readjustment. Families benefit from the MophonicHome Stone Bath Mat, a roll-up design with 10 stone slats on a non-slip surface, offering superior protection against slips. Its slatted appearance is unique and facilitates easy movement and cleaning. Despite initial concerns about its flexible backing, the mat has proven durable and highly absorbent, even with frequent use by children. However, water can drip between the slats. Its ease of lifting makes it convenient for bathroom cleaning or swapping with fabric mats. For larger spaces, the Momo Lifestyle Bath Mat is the Best Large option, providing an expansive platform for absorption, measuring 32 x 20 inches. It is thicker and more absorbent than other picks, though this also means a longer drying time. Cleaning is straightforward with a cordless stick vacuum and a wet washcloth. The mat maintains a room-temperature feel and remains stable whether wet or dry. However, its size and weight can make it cumbersome to carry, and it may not fit all bathroom configurations, necessitating careful measurement before purchase. The Soil Gem Bath Mat is highlighted as the Best for Showers due to its effectiveness in soaking up water from dripping shower doors. Despite being the most expensive, its quality, minimalist design, and square dimensions justify the cost. It features a subtle central groove that adds surface area for absorption. The larger version, weighing 5.7 pounds, stays in place without an anti-slip backing. Maintenance involves rinsing and air-drying, and it has shown no signs of stains or odors over nearly four years of use. #StoneBathMat #HomeDecor #BathroomEssentials #QuickDry #AbsorbentMat #ProductReview #HomeImprovement #BathMats

This article showcases the range of cement and aggregate products available at Wickes, a prominent retailer of home improvement and building materials. The selection includes various types of cement, catering to different construction needs such as general purpose, rapid setting, and fire cement. Customers can filter products based on type, size, colour, brand, and package type, ensuring they find the right material for their projects. The available cement types include Cements, Fire Cements, Post Concrete, Rapid Setting Cements, and Slablayer Concrete, indicating versatility for different applications from foundational work to specialized repairs. Product sizes range from small 1kg and 2.5kg packs, suitable for minor repairs or DIY tasks, to larger 20kg and 25kg bags, ideal for more extensive building projects. The colour options primarily feature grey and light grey cements, with one cream option for specific aesthetic requirements. Brands stocked include Blue Circle, Holcim, and Wickes' own brand, offering customers a choice between established manufacturers and value options. Packaging varies, with products available in paper bags, plastic bags, and tubs, each offering different benefits in terms of storage, handling, and protection from moisture. The article highlights several popular products, such as Blue Circle Ready To Use Postcrete, Blue Circle General Purpose Cement, and Blue Circle Mastercrete Cement, along with Wickes' own Rapid Setting Ready Mixed Cement. Customer ratings and pricing information, including per kilogram costs, are provided for each product, allowing for informed purchasing decisions. Special offers, such as '30 for £210' on certain cement types, are also advertised, appealing to bulk buyers and trade professionals. Additionally, the page suggests related products like Bostik Cementone Colours for Cement, STS NoMorePly Tile Backer Floor Board, Knauf Square Edge Plasterboard, and Soudal Repair Express Cement, indicating a comprehensive range of complementary building materials. Beyond product listings, the article emphasizes Wickes' commitment to providing diverse building solutions and support. The inclusion of cement dyes, tile backer boards, plasterboard, and repair solutions illustrates the breadth of materials available for various construction and renovation tasks. The detailed product descriptions, alongside practical filters, aim to simplify the selection process for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts. The information presented underscores the importance of choosing appropriate materials for specific applications, ensuring durability and structural integrity in construction and home improvement projects. The focus on comprehensive product details, competitive pricing, and accessibility to a wide array of related building essentials positions Wickes as a convenient source for construction materials. #Cement #Aggregates #BuildingMaterials #HomeImprovement #Construction #DIYProjects #BuildingSupplies #Wickes #RapidSettingCement

Armourcoat, a surfacing brand, has introduced Clime, a new line of textured, biodegradable wall plaster surfaces. This innovative product combines the natural aesthetic of clay with enhanced durability, positioning itself as a sustainable and ecological alternative to traditional paints and other wall coverings. Clime has been recognized for its sustainable design, earning a shortlisting in the sustainable design building product category at this year's Dezeen Awards. The development of Clime addresses a common challenge with conventional clay plasters: their inherent fragility and susceptibility to water damage. While clay plasters are lauded for their sustainability, their limited durability has historically restricted their application, particularly in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. To overcome this, Armourcoat thoughtfully formulated Clime by integrating hydraulic lime with unfired clay and limestone. This addition significantly boosts the material's resilience, making it suitable for both busy domestic and commercial interiors without compromising its natural appeal. Armourcoat emphasized that Clime's formulation is a deliberate effort to minimize environmental impact. The material is biodegradable, recyclable, and entirely free of cement and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Its eco-friendly composition has earned it Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (IAC) Gold status, a certification that highlights products with low emissions and minimal impact on indoor air quality. The brand conducted extensive research and evaluation, confirming that while pure clay plasters possess wonderful qualities, their extreme fragility and rapid softening when exposed to water necessitate a more robust solution for widespread application. By creating a natural binder with roughly equal proportions of clay and hydraulic lime, Armourcoat believes it has achieved an optimal balance, providing a product that is both naturally sustainable and durable enough for long-lasting use as a wall finish. Clime is available in two distinct finishes to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences. Clime Honed offers a subtly textured surface, providing a refined and understated look. In contrast, Clime Course features a rougher, more dramatic texture, achieved by incorporating recycled crushed marble into the mixture. The product is manufactured by blending natural materials into a powder form at Armourcoat's UK factory. This powder is then mixed with water on-site to create the plaster, ensuring ease of application. Beyond its visual appeal and durability, Clime is designed to contribute to healthier indoor environments. The plaster boasts a natural breathable finish, which is crucial for maintaining optimal air quality. It is engineered to absorb toxins from the air, regulate internal humidity levels, and resist the growth of mould and mildew. This makes Clime a beneficial choice for individuals concerned about indoor air pollutants and respiratory health. The range is offered in 15 natural hues, providing a palette inspired by earthy tones, and can be customized with various textured finishes, including banding, layering, and pearlescent washes, allowing for personalized interior design solutions. Armourcoat stated that Clime plasters not only create healthy interiors but also celebrate traditional decorative skills, bringing the beauty of natural pigments and textures indoors. #SustainableDesign #WallCoverings #InteriorDesign #EcologicalMaterials #ClayPlaster #DurableFinishes #GreenBuilding #IndoorAirQuality #TexturedSurfaces

Matter at Hand, a material research studio co-founded by Assemble's Lewis Jones, has developed a novel clay-based construction technique called Poured Earth. This method aims to simplify and increase the accessibility of building with earthen materials, drawing inspiration from concrete casting. Traditional earthen construction methods, such as rammed earth and cob, are highly sustainable but often demand significant labor. Poured Earth seeks to address this by leveraging a process similar to concrete casting, enabling scalability and the reuse of existing equipment. The development of Poured Earth was part of Matter at Hand's residency in the Art in Manufacturing programme at the National Festival of Making. Jones highlights the utility of flowable, castable solid materials, as demonstrated by concrete, while acknowledging concrete's substantial carbon footprint. Poured Earth offers a practical alternative, allowing for similar ease of use with earthen materials, thereby promoting a more sustainable approach to construction. The method also introduces new design possibilities and surface finishes not typically associated with earth construction. Poured Earth samples are created by combining clay with varying amounts of sand, aggregate, and natural fibers. Crucially, these mixtures do not require binders like cement or gypsum, making them easily reformable or returnable to the earth at the end of their lifecycle. The process involves mixing these materials in a cement mixer, pouring them into formwork, and then vibrating the mixture to eliminate trapped air before demolding. Matter at Hand collaborated with ceramic manufacturer Darwen Terracotta, integrating slip-casting techniques used for architectural ceramics into the Poured Earth development. A key innovation distinguishing Poured Earth from other earthen construction methods is the incorporation of deflocculants, chemical agents commonly used in ceramic slip-casting. Deflocculants such as sodium silicate, soda ash, or bark tannins enhance the flowability of the clay mix without requiring additional water. This results in a denser material with minimal shrinkage, unlike traditional methods where adding more water to achieve fluidity can reduce strength and increase drying time. Jones notes that while deflocculants are foundational to ceramic slip casting, their application in earth construction is a relatively new and promising area. Poured Earth samples were showcased at the National Festival of Making in Blackburn Cathedral. The exhibition featured structural Poured Earth walls made from clay, crushed ceramics, and recycled construction aggregates, designed for both in-situ construction and precast panels. Also presented was a lightweight insulative panel, framed in timber, composed of clay, wood chip, hemp shiv, and foamed recycled glass. Prototypes of hollow clay cast blocks filled with loose, natural insulation were also displayed. A composite wall, drawing from the CobBauge system, demonstrated a dual-layer structure with an internal load-bearing layer and an insulative layer. Matter at Hand intends to scale the Poured Earth prototype into a full-scale building, aiming to demonstrate its viability as a mainstream, contemporary building method. Jones emphasizes the need to re-establish unfired clays as mainstream construction materials in the face of the climate emergency, advocating for both design innovation and practical advancements to facilitate their broader adoption. #PouredEarth #SustainableConstruction #EarthenMaterials #MaterialInnovation #ClayConstruction #ConcreteAlternative #Deflocculants #GreenBuilding #ConstructionTechnology

The Drybar All-Inclusive Multi-Styler, priced at $299, combines the functions of a blow dryer, straightening iron, and curling wand into a single tool, offering a more affordable alternative to competitors like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexFusion. The device features StyleLock Tech, which optimizes the air-to-heat ratio to minimize hair damage and enhance volume. This technology is designed to provide three times the volume of comparable tools and includes a pause button for easier transitions between wet and dry hair sections. The author, a beauty editor with extensive experience using various hair tools, attests to the superior results of the Drybar All-Inclusive, particularly its ability to create lasting volume and curls. The multi-styler comes with four interchangeable attachments. The Dual-Sided Concentrator is suitable for rough drying hair up to 80 percent or for smoothing flyaways after styling. The Two-Inch Round Brush attachment is designed for achieving a traditional, bouncy blowout, adding significant volume, and refreshing second-day hair. For straightening, a Flat Iron attachment utilizes targeted airflow, similar to Dyson’s Airstrait, but can also function as a standard flat iron. The 1.25-Inch Curling Iron is highlighted as a favorite for styling dry hair with its airflow option to maximize volume, providing sleek, smooth results without crimping. The author details a personal styling routine using the Drybar All-Inclusive, specifically for thin, slightly wavy hair prone to flatness. The process begins with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, followed by a root lifter. The Dual-Sided Concentrator is used to rough dry hair to about 80 percent, sometimes with the hair flipped upside down for added volume. The 1.25-inch curling iron is then used on sectioned, dry hair, clamping at the top, dragging down, and wrapping the hair away from the head. The air function is engaged to dry the hair in place, and the curls are brushed out with fingers for a relaxed finish, followed by a hair oil application. A key advantage of the Drybar All-Inclusive is its ability to create and maintain volume and curl hold throughout the day, a result the author claims is not consistently achieved with other market alternatives. This lasting power eliminates the need for additional styling products like crunchy balms or texturizing sprays. While acknowledging the tool's weight makes it less ideal for travel, its performance as an everyday at-home styling device is praised as a worthwhile investment. The article concludes with a recommendation of the product to friends, underscoring its effectiveness in achieving long-lasting curls without excessive heat. #HairStyling #BeautyTools #HairCare #DrybarAllInclusive #MultiStyler #HairVolume #CurlingIron

The author, Samantha Holender, a Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, shares her experience with hair styling tools, noting that she has spent approximately 2,920 hours doing her hair since the age of 12. She has extensive experience with various hair tools, including multiple blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and high-end multi-stylers like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexFusion, as well as the T3 Aire 360. She introduces the Drybar All-Inclusive 8-in-1 Air & Active Heat Multi-Styler as a new contender, priced at $299, which is significantly less expensive than its competitors. This multi-styler functions as a blow dryer, straightening iron, and curling wand, aiming to consolidate multiple styling tools into one device. A key feature highlighted is its StyleLock Tech, designed to balance air-to-heat ratio to prevent hair damage, which is particularly important to the author as she is on a hair growth journey. The device also claims to provide three times the volume compared to its competitors and includes a pause button for easier transitions between wet and dry hair sections. The Drybar All-Inclusive comes with four attachments: a Dual-Sided Concentrator for rough drying (to 80% dryness) or smoothing flyaways, a Two-Inch Round Brush for bouncy blowouts, adding volume, and refreshing second-day hair, a Flat Iron for straightening with targeted airflow or as a standard flat iron, and a 1.25-Inch Curling Iron. The author identifies the curling iron as her favorite attachment, preferring to use it with the airflow option on dry hair for enhanced volume, noting its ability to create sleek, smooth results without crimping. Her styling process begins with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, followed by a root lifter. She uses the Dual-Sided Concentrator to rough dry her hair to about 80%, often flipping her head upside down for maximum volume. She then switches to the 1.25-inch curling iron, sectioning her hair into three layers. She clamps a section of hair at the top, drags it down halfway, and wraps it away from her head. She activates the air function to dry the hair in place, then twists it out once dry, repeating this for her entire head. Finally, she brushes out her hair with her fingers for a relaxed look and applies hair oil for a finishing touch. The author emphasizes the exceptional volume and lasting power achieved with the Drybar All-Inclusive. Her hair appears fuller and more voluminous without the need for additional styling products like crunchy balms or texturizing sprays, and the results last all day. Her curls maintain their shape, and her roots remain lifted, a result she states is not achievable with other comparable devices. Despite its weight, which makes it less ideal for travel, she highly recommends it as an everyday at-home tool, asserting that it is a worthwhile investment given its performance and ability to hold curls without extreme heat. #HairStyling #BeautyTools #HairCare #MultiStyler #Drybar #HairVolume #BeautyReview #AtHomeStyling