At HomeNerdy, we believe you deserve to know exactly how we create the guides and reviews you rely on. This page explains our process — what we do, what we don’t do, and why we think transparency matters more than marketing claims.
Our Editorial Standards
Every piece of content on HomeNerdy follows a set of principles we don’t compromise on:
- Safety comes first. Every guide includes appropriate safety warnings, protective equipment recommendations, and clear “stop and call a professional” signals. We’d rather over-warn than under-warn.
- No absolute claims. You won’t find “this always works” or “guaranteed results” in our articles. Real solutions depend on your specific situation, materials, and conditions — and we say so.
- Limitations stated upfront. Every method we recommend includes what it can’t do. If a popular cleaning hack has limited effectiveness, we’ll tell you before you waste your time.
- Sources you can verify. When we make technical or safety claims, we reference manufacturer guidelines, industry standards, or established authorities — not random blogs.
How We Create Our Guides
Our how-to guides and troubleshooting articles follow a structured research process:
1. Research Phase
Before writing a single word, our editors research the topic thoroughly:
- Manufacturer documentation — We consult product manuals, safety data sheets, and official manufacturer recommendations.
- Industry standards — We reference guidelines from organizations like the EPA, OSHA, and relevant trade associations.
- Professional consensus — We review what licensed professionals (plumbers, electricians, cleaning specialists) recommend.
- User experiences — We analyze common real-world results and frequent mistakes people report.
2. Writing Phase
Our editors write each guide following our internal quality standards:
- Methods are presented from gentlest to most involved, so you don’t start with the nuclear option.
- Every guide includes a diagnostic section to help you identify your specific problem before trying solutions.
- Materials compatibility is checked — because what works on stainless steel might damage granite.
- Decision tables and checklists help you choose the right approach without reading the entire article.
3. Quality Review
Before publishing, every article goes through our quality checklist:
- Safety warnings present and prominent
- No absolute or exaggerated claims
- Sources cited for technical and safety information
- Limitations clearly stated for each method
- “When to call a professional” section included
- Materials compatibility verified
A Note on Honesty
We base our how-to guides on manufacturer care instructions, industry best practices, and well-documented household methods. We clearly state where our information comes from and use language like “commonly recommended,” “based on manufacturer guidance,” or “many users report” rather than claiming personal testing we haven’t done.
When our editors do have direct hands-on experience with a method, we say so explicitly. When we don’t, we’re upfront about that too. We think you can tell the difference between a site that’s honest about its sources and one that isn’t.
How We Test Products
Product reviews under our Nerdy Reviews label follow a different, more hands-on process:
We Buy Everything Ourselves
Every product we review is purchased at retail price from regular stores — online or in person. We do not accept free products, sponsored placements, or manufacturer samples. If we recommend something, it’s because we’d spend our own money on it.
Real-World Testing
We test products in the conditions you’ll actually use them:
- Cleaning products are tested on real stains, real surfaces, and real messes — not lab conditions.
- Tools are evaluated on actual home projects, not just unboxed and described.
- Kitchen appliances are used for everyday cooking tasks, not just a single demo run.
- Durability is assessed over weeks of regular use, not just first impressions.
What We Evaluate
| Criteria | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Performance | Does it actually do what it claims? How well does it perform compared to alternatives? |
| Value | Is it worth the price? We include budget alternatives when a cheaper option performs nearly as well. |
| Durability | How does it hold up after weeks of regular use? First impressions can be misleading. |
| Ease of use | Can a regular person use this without frustration? How’s the learning curve? |
| Safety | Any safety concerns? Adequate warnings? Proper certifications? |
| Cons | Every product has downsides. We include them because you need the full picture. |
Affiliate Links
Some of our product reviews contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through our link — at no extra cost to you. This is clearly disclosed in every review article.
Affiliate relationships never influence our recommendations. Our editors evaluate products before affiliate links are added, and negative reviews stay published. We’d rather lose a commission than lose your trust.
Our Team
HomeNerdy’s content is created by editors with real experience in their fields. Learn more about us on our About page.
- Sophie Harper — Senior Cleaning & Household Editor. Eight years of professional housekeeping operations experience.
- Joe Carrow — Kitchen & Appliance Editor. Five years in kitchen design helping homeowners get the most out of their kitchens and appliances.
- Jake Morrison — Home Systems & Maintenance Editor. Seven years as a property manager, helping homeowners understand and maintain home systems.
- Frank Barter — Construction & Outdoor Editor. Over 15 years of residential construction experience in outdoor projects and structural work.
How We Keep Content Updated
Publishing is not the finish line. We regularly review and update our content:
- Review dates are shown on every article, so you know when it was last checked.
- Manufacturer changes — If a product is recalled or a manufacturer updates their safety recommendations, we update our guides.
- Reader feedback — If you spot an error or have a question we didn’t address, let us know. We take corrections seriously.
- Performance monitoring — We track which articles help readers most and continuously improve our less effective guides.
Questions About Our Process?
We’re open about how we work. If you have questions about our methodology, a specific article, or how we arrived at a recommendation, reach out at info@homenerdy.com. We read every message.
Thank You For Trusting Us
We know that you have many choices when looking for product reviews and home improvement guidance. We’re honored that you’ve chosen HomeNerdy to meet your needs.
We love being your trusted advisors in this area of products and methods that can often prove overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of DIY experience, there’s always something new to learn, and we’re glad to help out.
We’re always still learning ourselves, which makes us even more inspired to help you. Let us know if you ever feel like we can improve in an area. We love hearing from our readers and aim to give you the best resource possible.
Do you have any questions about our testing process? Visit our contact page and send us a message — we read every one.