"I spend more time painting my walls than painting my nails."

Emily Fazio

I caught the home improvement bug at an early age, and now I'm a full-time DIYer living in Rochester, NY. The projects I cover on my blog Merrypad range from decorating to demolishing. If I’m not covered in sawdust, I’m coated in stain, so it’s only natural that I landed at HGTV.com.

Emily's Latest Posts

Lil Jon's Most Outrageous Home Designs 22 Photos

Lil Jon and Anitra push homeowners outside their comfort zone with jaw-dropping interior design ideas. From one-of-a-kind installa …

How to Get Oil Out of Clothes Mar 1, 2024

Learn how to remove oil stains from your clothing — just remember, the best thing to do is act quickly!

'Lakefront Empire': the Glitz, the Glam, the Ozarks and More Mar 14, 2024

What used to be “the greatest kept secret” in real estate is revealed, thanks to HGTV's Lakefront Empire — premiering on March 11.

How to Get Wax Out of a Candle Jar Jan 18, 2024

Learn how to remove the wax so you can save or reuse the candle jar.

How to Make DIY Dishwasher Detergent Jan 9, 2024

A homemade solution that'll leave your dinnerware shining! Learn how to make your own loose powder or dishwasher tabs.

Star-Approved Home Makeovers From HGTV's 'Celebrity IOU' 32 Photos

Enjoy some of the best home renovations from Season 4 of HGTV's Celebrity IOU featuring Anna Faris, Ray Romano and more.

How to Use a Dishwasher Dec 13, 2023

Get tips for loading dishes and flatware, choosing the right detergent and selecting the best wash cycle.

A Must-Try Laundry Stripping Recipe Nov 9, 2023

Laundry stripping is an inexpensive, easy way to bring life back to your dull and dirty laundry. Learn how you can refresh your ga …

How to Fix a Zipper Nov 6, 2023

Whether you need to repair a splitting zipper, replace a zipper slider or lubricate the zipper teeth, we have easy solutions to he …

How to Wash Jeans Feb 20, 2024

Learn how to wash denim to protect its color and fibers.

Hilary Farr's Top 10 Tips for Couples Navigating a Home Renovation 11 Photos

With a little dose of Tough Love, Hilary helps families make amends and fall in love with their homes all over again.

How to Wash a Wool Blanket Oct 5, 2023

Cleaning wool isn't as risky as you think. Take care of your wool blanket, and it’ll love you back for a long time.

Cristi Dozier's Delicious Apple Pie Recipe Oct 3, 2023

Try the dessert that has the whole team on Building Roots asking for seconds.

How to Make Homemade Glass Cleaner Oct 16, 2023

This easy DIY glass cleaner will clean your windows, glass stovetop, mirrors and more.

How to Sew a Hole Sep 5, 2023

Use a simple needle and thread to swiftly make repairs in any fabric.

How to Sew a Patch Sep 5, 2023

Put a patch on it! Use patches to make repairs or add embellishments to your materials. See these simple steps for how to sew a pa …

How to Wash an Electric Blanket Oct 13, 2023

Have you ever wondered how to wash your heated blanket? It’s easier than you think.

How to Remove Paint From Clothes Dec 18, 2023

Paint stains aren’t as stubborn as you think. Take action early and you'll be able to successfully remove acrylic paint, latex pai …

How to Get Blood Out of Clothes Sep 12, 2023

Removing blood stains from clothing isn’t as difficult as you think, especially if you can get to the stain early.

Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring Jul 31, 2023

By: John Riha and Emily Fazio

Vinyl and laminate flooring options offer affordability and durability for homeowners, but each of these popular options comes wit …

How to Unclog a Shower Drain Oct 4, 2023

Is your shower water slow to drain? Put on some gloves and learn how to unclog a shower drain without resorting to calling the plu …

Garbage Disposal Not Working? Try These Fixes Jul 25, 2023

Learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot a garbage disposal that's not working and learn how to prevent issues in the future.

Get to Know Veronica Valencia's Talented Team From HGTV's 'Revealed' Jul 21, 2023

These Revealed creatives go way back. How do they all know each other? Let's dig into their backstory.

How to Clean White Shoes Mar 7, 2024

Keep those kicks or Chuck Taylors looking new by following these easy methods for cleaning white sneakers and shoes.

How to Remove Sunscreen Stains From Clothes, Upholstery and Car Seats Jul 17, 2023

Oils and minerals in sunscreens can often stain clothing and upholstery. Learn how to remove sunscreen from furniture, clothes and …

How to Dry-Clean at Home Jul 17, 2023

Take matters into your own hands and learn about the techniques and products you can use to dry-clean garments at home.

Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining? Jul 10, 2023

Notice standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher? Learn how to diagnose, troubleshoot and perform simple repairs to fix it.

Emma Roberts Tackles a Thoughtful Kitchen Redesign for Her Family Friend on 'Celebrity IOU' 14 Photos

The actress gives back to a lifelong family friend with a transformative kitchen and entryway makeover. See how she and the Proper …

Actress Taraji P. Henson Surprises Her Housekeeper With a Backyard Oasis Fit for Entertaining 15 Photos

Determined to transform the outdoor living areas and landscape for her plant-loving friend, Taraji P. Henson recruits the Property …

Derek and Julianne Hough Create the Ultimate Wellness Retreat on 'Celebrity IOU' 14 Photos

This fun-loving dancing duo knows their trainer needs a good pick-me-up — so they surprise him with a full kitchen and dining room …