Housekeeping

Modern problems require modern solutions. And for those who use silicone ice cube trays, there’s no exception. You have to keep your ice molds clean, or else someone could get sick. But can you put silicone ice cube trays in the dishwasher or not? Let’s see.

Cockroaches are one of the oldest insects on the planet, dating back to more than 320 million years ago. They did not last this long on accident. They are hard to get rid of and can spread diseases to humans. Unfortunately, if you have cockroaches in your cabinets, you have them all over the house.

Owning a Honda self-propelled lawnmower makes it easy to cut your grass quickly. However, over time, your mower will need routine maintenance and care. One of the most crucial elements to pay attention to is the drive belt. In some cases, this belt can come loose, which means that you’ll have to adjust the tension by tightening it.

If you’re hunting for new furniture, you may have noticed prices are high, and the quality of many mass-produced items leaves a lot to be desired. Furniture stores and online retailers are the most obvious places to shop for new pieces, but they're not the only places to buy furniture, especially if you’re looking for a great deal or something truly unique.

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.

Any avid camper knows a decent sleeping bag costs a pretty penny. To give the bag a long life (and spare your wallet), proper care is a must.

No matter how hard you try, it always seems like something gets spilled or tracked on your carpet. As clean as you try to be, sometimes things just get tracked into the house on someone’s shoes or your dog’s feet. Motor oil is one of those stains that make you want to panic. But you don’t have to.

If you have kids, you have probably had Kool-Aid spills in your carpet more than once. Or adults doing Jell-O shots. Were you able to get the stain all the way out or did you give up and toss an area rug on that spot? Some stains are just really difficult to get rid of. Especially red Kool-Aid. But it is possible if you do it correctly.

There is no question that bread stays fresh in the freezer longer than in a bread box or the fridge. But the real question is how long does it stay fresh, exactly? Generally, bread should last an average of three months in the freezer and still be fresh to eat. 

Window mounted refrigerated air conditioning units are popular when a bit of extra cooling power is needed. Window mounted air conditioners are easy to install and economical. But, what if there is no window in the space you want to cool?  Can you install a window air conditioner unit through a wall sleeve?

Exterior paint is known to be both strong and durable. But, is it appropriate for indoor use? It may seem like a great idea to use exterior paint on interior walls; however, this option has serious downfalls. One has to beware of the dangers of exterior paint when it’s used indoors.

If your home has a guest room, then there is a good chance your houseguest will spend the majority of time in this room. Therefore, the bulk of your energy should be focused on making this a pet-hair and dander-free area.

Timing is everything. When you plan a vacation and want to save as much money as possible, choose your dates wisely. A vacation can cost two or three times more or less depending on what dates you book it for. This is particularly true with destinations that have a short window of popularity.

Sausage makes for a delicious treat any time, day or night. Have some sausage links or patties with breakfast or a big fat brat with dinner. There really is no time of day or year where a sausage doesn’t work perfectly.

Regardless of the size, type, brand, or age of your refrigerator, it won’t be completely silent and may even make some popping noises from time to time. This is simply due to the fact that there are a lot of mechanisms continually working within and around your refrigerator.

A plumbing trap, or P-trap, is a portion of a plumbing pipe that looks like a loop, “J,” or “C.” P-traps are extremely important as they keep gas sewer odors from escaping plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and drains. When designing a house, it can be hard to determine how far below the drain a P-trap should be.

One factor that can significantly impact a space heater’s safety is the type and age of the machine. Older space heaters may not have the safeguards that modern machines have. This means they aren’t usually as safe, and accidents can happen more easily with these devices.

Clothes, clothes, everywhere, and not a thing to wear? Maybe that’s because you have so many clothes, you get overwhelmed whenever it’s time to get dressed. If your closet is ready to burst, it’s time to learn how to declutter your closet and take back control of your wardrobe.

One of the most unfortunate parts about cooking is the cleanup process after the fact. When it comes to cleaning your blender, for convenience sake, you may be wondering: “Are blenders dishwasher safe?” Of course, every brand of blender is different, which means that each manufacturer has specific guidelines when it comes to washing.

Hard water stains are a part of life for millions of people who are sick and tired of cleaning their toilet, only to find hard water stains a few days later. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to prevent hard water stains in a toilet.

Who doesn’t like a good plate of pasta or spaghetti? This culinary classic is not only delicious but super easy to prepare. On top of that, it is an inexpensive meal to boot. For those reasons and more, you would be hard-pressed to find a home that hasn’t enjoyed this Italian delight at some point.

Cats, like many animals, have a strong sense of smell, which you can use to your advantage. Many smells deter cats, such as thyme. Many people love the smell, but cats dislike it enough to avoid your counters altogether. 

About two years ago, there was a major snowstorm in my area. Our heater at the time didn’t work, and the insulation in our building sucked. This led to indoor temperatures as low as 25 degrees until we got it fixed. At one point, I began to worry about taking a bath. What could happen? Could a drain actually freeze and cause a backup?

Basil is a popular herb used in kitchens around the world, known for its intense flavor and sweet smell. Although originally found in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, this member of the mint family has given birth to several varieties that we use worldwide. Sweet basil, or Genovese basil, is more commonly used in our kitchens today. Basil is easy to grow in your home or garden, but beware of any basil leaves turning black.

Wool is a natural material you should never put in the dryer. The heat and constant agitation inside a dryer can ruin wool products. A dryer can shrink, distort, and clump all wool items.

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. 

The easiest way to tell if tea is expired is to check its sell-by or expiration date. Most boxed tea and store-bought loose-leaf tea should have an expiration date. If your tea is months (or years) beyond this expiration date, it shouldn’t be consumed. Instead, opt to use it in some other way.

We all rely on refrigerators, and most people don’t want to think about replacing them. Sadly, refrigerators all have a life expectancy, but figuring out when to call it quits is hard. That’s why we compiled the telltale signs you should replace your refrigerator.

So, you had mice, but you got rid of them. And maybe you got a cat to help keep them away. But what about that horrid smell that is left behind? The strong scent of urine in the carpet and wood floors just will not go away.

Of all of the pests homeowners face, bed bugs hit where it really hurts the most. The last thing that any sensible homeowner wants is to feel unsafe in their house. Unfortunately, bed bugs excel at making it difficult to get comfortable or feel safe in your own home.

Curtains can be one of those “set it and forget it” home décor items. To be honest, I’m not sure that I’ve ever washed a curtain. But that doesn’t mean you can’t! You have to consider the material, of course, as well as a few other things.

Living in a poorly-finished house can be pretty difficult, especially when you start noticing that there are sanitary issues afoot. One of the bigger problems that can arise is a gap between a baseboard and a floor. Along with being a visually jarring issue, gaps like this can become a safe haven for critters like bedbugs and roaches. So, what can one do?

When you live in an apartment, it’s difficult to prepare for services like pest control. Unlike homeowners, you likely won’t have the convenience of talking with pest control beforehand. You may have to rely on secondhand information from your landlord.

An electrical outlet (also referred to as an electrical receptacle) is the place where you plug in all your appliances and electrical devices. When functioning correctly, these will stay at room temperature.

No matter how hard we try, wood kitchen cabinets can take a major beating over time. Nicks, dings, spills, and drips can build up over time to really wear down the once bright and shining cabinets. When that happens, it can make the entire kitchen feel worn and outdated.

Persian rugs are considered to be the gold standard when it comes to luxury carpeting, especially if they’re hand woven. Unfortunately, they’re not exactly easy to clean. Unlike commercially-made rugs, Persian rugs do not come with instructions neatly printed on tags. However, they still need to be cleaned, and most of the time, it has to be done by hand. But…how?

Whether you dread mowing your lawn or love it, a faulty lawn mower makes cutting the grass a real pain. When your mower doesn’t start, starter fluid can help, but you shouldn’t need to use it all of the time. 

Wrinkles can turn a chic garment into a frumpy disaster. A wrinkle-free and well-pressed garment, on the other hand, can look like a million bucks even if you only paid a few dollars. This is why irons are so handy and helpful. But in life, there are many times when an iron isn’t available. If you don’t have access to an iron, or simply can’t stand the act of ironing, you probably want to know how you can keep your clothes wrinkle-free without having to pick up an iron.

Leaking water can cause serious damage to your home. If you have it, you could have to replace possessions, repaint, or even replace your drywall. Leaks can be especially troublesome when they take place in out-of-the-way areas like your basement.

Log cabins are a part of old school Americana. Lincoln lived in one. Settlers had them. Even today, camping in a log home is considered to be a great way to enjoy a slice of the country. But, log homes aren’t common anymore. Did you ever wonder why that is? Well, it has to do with a lot of the problems that they tend to bring.

Your kitchen is probably the most fragrant room in your home. Whether you have a bowl of citrus on the counter, are making fresh coffee, or are cooking up a savory meal, aromas are part of the joy of food. Unfortunately, not all smells coming from your kitchen are desirable. If you find that your kitchen is always filled with bad smells and you can’t figure out why, you’ll need to look deeper and find the source of the problem.

In recent years, memory foam has become the pillow material of choice because of its long lifespan. Memory foam pillows can either be one solid piece or shredded pieces of foam.

Nothing is a bigger pain than when your appliances start to act up and no longer perform like they are supposed to.  Kenmore is an excellent name in the washer space, but even they act up from time to time and have problems like not draining. Even though you can make a service call on it, it is best to try and fix it yourself if you have an idea of what is going on and think you can help.

Nothing is more entertaining to the kids as making crazy animals and other shapes out of colored dough. Play-Doh can keep your kids busy for hours. But it can also keep you busy trying to get the bright colored mess out of the carpet later. Maybe the kids should only play with Play-Doh in a room without carpet next time. But now you have a mess to clean up.

Mesh laundry bags are a must-have for washing your most delicate pieces of clothing. However, can you throw the same mesh laundry bag in the dryer afterward?

Preparing to welcome a baby into your home involves self-reflection, careful thought, and planning. It’s easy to fall behind on household chores throughout this time, but doing so can make the situation unnecessarily stressful. That’s why we put together a list of household cleaning tips to consider before your baby is born.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional flatware and cooking utensils, bamboo is an excellent choice. Not only is it more affordable than silver flatware, it is also durable, lightweight, and incredibly eco-friendly. In fact, the environmentally-friendly nature of bamboo is the main reason why bamboo kitchen utensils have become so popular in recent years.

Generally, you should start shoveling your walkways and driveway after there is more than an inch or two of snow on the ground. Shoveling an inch of snow is much easier (and faster) than shoveling five to 10 inches. 

One fruit that most people know not to put directly in the refrigerator is a banana, and its relative, the plantain. Bananas are usually picked from banana trees weeks before they are ripe. They often feature a bit of green, which is a telltale sign they need time outside the fridge to ripen.

One reason people get maggots is because they empty their trash infrequently. Sure, fewer trips to the dumpster means using fewer plastic bags. This is often smart logic. If, however, you live in a warm climate, and have an open-air kitchen, then this may also mean you have a breeding ground for maggots.

One of the things that draws homeowners to a stainless steel refrigerator is its sleek, smooth surface. However, just one dent can ruin a stainless steel refrigerator’s appeal. Luckily, if your stainless steel refrigerator has a dent, this is usually a fixable issue.

Mobile homes can make for a more cost-effective investment for homebuyers and investors alike. While they may offer smaller spaces to work with, they can be brought up to current, luxurious standards and be made into a smaller, space-effective home.

Every homeowner dreads the prospect of finding mold in their house. However, discovering your home has mold isn’t as simple as finding black and green spots on the walls. There are many subtle signs of mold in a house that you may have never considered.

You know the holidays are fast approaching when you start seeing ham displayed in more stores. If you have the time, preparing homemade ham is well worth the effort. Ham is a terrific holiday treat, especially since any leftovers still remain tasty days later.

When it comes to general repairs around the house, 9 times out of 10, it is cheaper to do it yourself. Of course, that requires a little bit of know-how and experience to ensure that the job is done properly. If you exacerbate the problem, that just means more money out of pocket in the end.

Is there anything better than getting a stack of pancakes for breakfast? Those sweet and fluffy treats often covered in butter and syrup are regarded as breakfast favorites all over the world.

There are few meals more impressive than the vast and varied spread of a well-prepared Thanksgiving dinner. The menu almost always includes a delicious and juicy turkey that takes center stage, but the poultry is just a small fraction of the meal.

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?

Green cleaning products are all the rage. But how safe (and effective) are these so-called green products? Some still feature harmful chemicals or are far less effective than their traditional counterparts.

Whether you live in a mobile home or you’re an RV enthusiast, you must take good care of your sewage and plumbing. Remember, it is not just a truck or a vehicle; it is your home after all.