Housekeeping

Lasko fans are sleek and stylish, making them the perfect addition to any space. To top it off, these fans are also known to perform very well, circulating the air and keeping you cool at all times. But this also means that your fan accumulates plenty of dirt, dust, and grime that can come in the way of optimal performance if not cleaned on time.

If you are running an underground 200 amp service, then you may be wondering what size wire to use in your installation. We’re going to answer that question for you, however, keep in mind that you may need a permit and that a professional should do the installation.

The main reason fabric starts to smell bad over time is because it’s dirty. If you never wash your throw pillows, you shouldn’t be too shocked when they start smelling bad after a while. Throw pillows typically have a pillowcase you can remove and wash, as well as an insert you can wash. 

Steel wool has been cleaning stubborn surface stains for over a hundred years. As the name suggests, this metallic sponge is composed of steel strands that vary in size depending on the grade you select. This product can be a lifesaver for those trying to remove tough messes and resolve specific issues. But this abrasive can also ruin many surfaces. This is why you must know when it’s wise to use steel wool and when it's not. 

Termites are the worst pest that you can come across in your home, and treatment is a must. It can be overwhelming when you see termites, or even worse, the damage they caused. Builder-owners that stumble across termites must call an exterminator and pay for treatment.

Showerhead clogs can be caused by deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals in hard water, especially well water. This mineral deposit may block the canal, which will prohibit your showerhead from operating at full force. This is especially true in bathrooms and kitchens, hard water can leave off-white or brown stains on ceramic or glass surfaces.

Pinesol has been around since the late 1920s and has made its way into every household in America at one time or another. People use it as an all-purpose cleaner to clean their showers, toilets, floors, and countertops. But, are you able to use this on your carpet? That’s the real question.

A silicone sealant, also known as caulk, is used to provide a waterproof seal between bathtub or shower and the wall that it adjoins. Without that waterproof seal, moisture can get into the gaps and lead to mold growth if left unattended.

It doesn’t matter how excited you are to buy a new home; you’re still handling a business transaction. Therefore, you need to be careful what you say and do during the process, so you can maintain the upper hand. Sure, there are times, like a seller’s market, when you won’t have as much leverage, but the more you have, the better.

Wood stained cabinets are beautiful and popular in many kitchens. However, they can be damaged by many things such as harsh chemicals, water damage, and just common use. Also, it could be that they were not stained correctly in the first place. For example, using the wrong finish, improper preparation, or using a colored finish over the stain can all be culprits.

When it comes to your home’s heating situation, there are very few things as annoying (or potentially dangerous) as a gas furnace with a bad flame sensor. Your furnace’s flame sensor is the tool that is in charge of shutting off the gas when a flame isn’t detected while your furnace is supposed to be firing. Without a functioning sensor, you run the risk of having a gas leak that leads to an explosion.

Oobleck is one of the many incarnations of slime that parents have had to deal with over the past 20 years. It’s the homemade version of slime, and as a result, often ends up staining things left and right. Unlike gak, oobleck is one of those things that can pose a serious problem to clothes and carpets. So, how can you clean it up without causing serious damage to everything around you?

Reusable water bottles have become more common as more people are steering clear of disposable plastic bottles. The reusable water bottles stand out as the more eco-friendly option. In the long run, you can also save more money by turning to reusable containers such as the Hydro Flask.

Be it gas or electric; the oven is every kitchen’s mainstay appliance. Whether making London Broil, cooking a casserole, or simply baking bread, our ovens provide the foundations upon which we prepare our family’s food. Gas ovens are still considered superior, but every now and then you might smell an unnerving odor and wonder why your oven smells like gas.

Outdoor carpeting can make for a perfect addition to sun porches and small patio spaces. The key to proper carpeting is to ensure that it has been adhered properly. Using an indoor-grade adhesive won’t hold up to exposure to the elements. This is why using an outdoor-grade carpet adhesive is so important.

Think about how you feel when your house is a mess or cluttered. Now, think about how you feel when things are tidy, clean, and fresh. Which one do you prefer? Most likely, you enjoy how you feel when your house is somewhat in order (it doesn't have to be perfect).

Several scenarios can occur when you pour boiling liquid into a plastic container. If the plastic is thin, cheap, or not meant to contain hot liquids, then there is a good chance it will melt. Water might not spill out, but the container will likely warp, and render itself useless.

Countless homeowners choose Honeywell thermostats because of their convenience, and accuracy. Because you can program a Honeywell thermostat yourself, you can effectively custom tailor your preferences within your home. However, it is within the programming of Honeywell thermostats that many homeowners find themselves confused.

A subpanel is a panel that is a secondary circuit breaker. This panel feeds off the main panel. If you are looking to create subpanels in your home, it is crucial to know how many you can have on your service. That way, you don’t overload it and everything will work as it needs to.

Fireplaces are the central gathering place in most peoples’ homes. A fireplace can provide warmth, comfort, lighting, and more. Although they are relatively simple to operate, the fireplace damper can be a source of confusion for some people.

Marshmallows are an amazing part of almost every summer and fall season. You can’t make smores without them, and let’s just face it, Halloween wouldn’t be the same without marshmallow ghost treats. The thing is, sometimes, they can end up in awkward places…such as the carpet. So how do you get this sugary treat off your rug?

When you have no clothespins, but you have a home office with supplies, then you’re in luck. Binder clips are great for keeping documents together and can work just as well as clothespin alternatives.

Having your own space outside can be relaxing. It can also be the perfect gathering spot during the summer! Especially if you hook up some ambiance lighting and music! The only drawback to your oasis is the varying weather conditions. What if it rains? How do you keep your extension cord dry?

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing that is better at night than experiencing a nice hot bath. We often don’t give our water heaters enough credit in that department, or appreciate how much they do until we notice that things aren’t doing too well in that department. Having your water running lukewarm might be okay if you’re in the kitchen, but it’s still pretty bad when you’re trying to run a bath and should be cause for concern. Ever wonder what could cause this?

Pets are wonderful companions. The unconditional love and laughs they constantly provide are irreplaceable. Still, there is a downside to sharing your home with a pet that doesn’t know how to use the toilet.

If there’s one thing that reading up on DIY manuals has taught me, it’s the importance of choosing the right materials for the job. When it comes to containing water or protecting electric wirings, the importance becomes a main issue. Most people don’t realize it, but using certain materials in your attic can be a major safety hazard. For example, PVC can be an eyebrow-raiser in many situations…

Marble is a  staple element in the interior design of many homes. As a versatile and elegant material, marble can be used in pillars, backsplashes, flooring, countertops, and more. Unfortunately, marble can become stained with water over time.

If you have kids, pets, or a spouse, you’ve probably discovered Zep’s Foaming Wall Cleaner or Instant Carpet & Upholstery Spot Removal products. People swear by both of these products, and claim that they’ve removed stains they thought it was completely impossible to get rid of! So between the two, which is better?

When you first decide to make a DIY shower installation happen, you’ll see a lot of talk about adhering tile to a shower pan, or finding the right thinset for a particular shower pan brand. You might also start hearing people discuss picking up the right shower base. These terms seem pretty similar, but is there a difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

It is okay for a washing machine to shake a little bit during the spin cycle. This happens when clothes move around and slap the sides of the drum. The combination of the impact of the clothes and the washing machine spinning makes it shake.

It’s hard to get comfortable at home when your house smells musty. This is even harder when you struggle to track down the cause of the problem. So, what should you do when you can’t get rid of the musty smell in your house?

Kittens are loving, adorable, and tiny, but they can make big messes. While they quickly adapt to litter boxes, you may have to clean a few messes before then. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to litter train a kitten.

Continuous coils mattresses are supported by one continuous coil/wire that runs from top to bottom. The helical lacing/wiring in this system also runs from top to bottom, adding support. Continuous coils are considered standard mattresses and are constructed using coils in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.

Cast iron stove grates are found in many homes and businesses these days. Often, when you’re cooking something—like boiling pasta—water will run over a pot and onto the stove grates, and when this happens repeatedly the grates can become dirty. Also, there are some things—like bacon for example—that will splatter no matter how hard you try to avoid this.

Cheesecake is a near-universally loved desert. It can be sweet and unctuous and surprisingly filling as well. Breaking out some cheesecake makes for a great after-dinner treat whether you are hosting or enjoying a quiet night in.

Installing a home sauna is a big step, but many homeowners find it worth the time and money. However, it’s only worth the cost if you prioritize maintenance, or else you’ll experience problems, like mold. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to prevent mold in a sauna.

Pumpkin is usually associated with the fall season, but it remains a delicious treat all throughout the year. Even if fresh pumpkins aren’t available in your area currently, you can still get your fix by purchasing some canned puree. But what should you do if you have leftovers; how long does canned pumpkin last in the fridge?

Water softener systems remove minerals from water that would otherwise lead to hard water. Hard water is when too many minerals build-up, and it can leave residue and weaken detergent. Because of that, homeowners use water softeners, such as the WaterBoss 900, to remove excess minerals from their water.

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in a home. With this appliance, a homeowner is able to preserve a lot of food, and they can also take advantage of a lot of other features that modern refrigerators boast.

Not too long ago, I had a bed bug infestation in my home. It was devastating, especially since I’m severely allergic to their bites. The first thing I had to do was find a way to kill them after they nested in my clothing and sheets. I knew some clothes wouldn’t hold up to a wash, so I was lost. Like many people in my situation, I wanted to know if a dryer could kill bed bugs as well as a hot wash.

Every once in awhile, sink drain flanges become stuck. This is not the most convenient thing in the world to deal with but is manageable. The important thing to remember is that it’s not very difficult if the correct steps are followed.

Flat roofs are a popular roofing choice used in many homes. They offer a classic look and are easier to build and maintain than many other roofing options.

Leveling a yard is a process that is crucial to the aesthetics of your landscaping. Leveling your yard can save you from damage and foundation repairs. How much will you pay to level a yard you may ask? Let’s take a close look at the costs of the operation.

If you have severe allergy symptoms while in your home, especially in the spring when pollen counts are high, then an air purifier is a wise idea. Air purifiers can remove pollen, dust, and all sorts of other airborne allergy triggers from the air.

I have a confession to make: I love cooking up a greasy breakfast. It’s a vice of mine, big time. And when I cook with a lot of oil and bacon, the grease crackles and flies all over the cabinets. After my cooking sessions, my cabinets are a royal mess. The good news is, there are a couple of handy ways that you can clean greasy cabinets without losing your mind. Wanna know the secrets?

Has this happened to you? You drop the coffee grounds all over the floor when trying to make your morning cup of Joe. No problem, you think, you’ll just grab your trusty Shark vacuum. The only problem, it won’t turn on, and you’re forced to reach for the broom and dustpan.

If you have some old rice in your home, you may wonder if it has gone bad. There is no simple yes or no answer to this broad question, as different types of rice have different expiration dates. White rice is the most popular type of rice and can last many years if properly stored.

When a bathtub is installed, there are gaps that are purposely left between the tub itself and the wall that is to be adjoined to. This is what is known as an expansion joint. The purpose of this is to allow for a little movement between the position of the tub and the wall it is adjoining.

Finding a proper bathroom vanity can be difficult enough, but what about when the space is limited as it can be in a mobile home? Just because mobile homes offer lesser space doesn’t mean that they can’t have beautiful, modern aesthetic qualities.

Bi-fold doors have long been a popular option, whether used for a closet, in a doorway, or even as a room divider. However, they are certainly not the only door option nowadays, especially when it comes to closets. If you’re looking for alternatives to bi-fold closet doors, you have lots to choose from.

Dish soap is one of the best household remedies for many problems, and that includes dirty hardwood floors. It’s the best way to clean hardwood floors without damaging them, especially if you use natural or mild dish soap. First, sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors to remove dust and debris before you mop them.

PVC pipe fittings are a convenient tool. They make it easier to accurately and securely connect PVC piping. Most of all, they are effective for taking apart PVC piping, too, taking a lot of the hassle out of the disconnection process.

You cannot establish rules with your roommates until you have a conversation. This is everyone’s chance to voice their opinions, concerns, and expectations. Make a mental list of talking points before the conversation to make sure you cover everything.

Leaks from your hot water heater can be an expensive problem to fix when the water damages your floor. Besides that, it can also mean that something’s wrong with your water heater. 

Are you thinking about installing an underground propane tank? Propane is clean, efficient, and fairly inexpensive to use; underground propane tanks have many benefits, but they also come with risks. First, you need to know the pros and cons of underground propane tanks before you commit to buying.

Not too long ago, I had a friend who’s reckless cooking habits ended up making a huge dent in their kitchen. More specifically, a pot that was tossed on a glass stovetop ended up causing the glass to break.

Steps can be tricky to build. However, if made correctly, a set of wooden stairs can be safe and sturdy. There are endless uses for a group of freestanding steps. Whether leading up to a deck or needing a little extra reach in your shed, a low set of stairs can take you to high places.

You may or may not be aware of the heavy price tag associated with vinyl plank flooring. It is because of this fact that most homeowners will want to go to extra lengths to ensure that the flooring is protected and can last as long as possible. You may find yourself asking, “Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?”

As with just about anything that has a shelf life, perfume lasts much longer when it’s unopened. It can often last more than 10 years if you never crack the seal. Once you open it and expose it to the air, it usually lasts anywhere between three and five years, but sometimes much longer.

Sliding glass doors are a wonderful addition to any home. Sliding glass doors are typically characterized as a large glass window opening that provides door access. This door leads to the outdoors, it provides fresh air and natural light. Sliding glass doors are typically made as one single unit with two panels, and a screen running along one side.