Housekeeping

Interestingly, the first ceiling fans were made from palm leaves hung on the ceiling. Electric ceiling fans have been around since 1882. Philip Diehl used a sewing machine motor to power a fan he attached to the ceiling.

Patios are a great opportunity to extend the aesthetic and feel of your home to the outside while adding space. Outdoor spaces, such as patios, add value to a home, but they also are exposed to the elements which can do them harm. Because of that, many homeowners choose to install a patio cover over their patio to protect it and add visual flair.

If you disposed of your Kenmore Elite dishwasher’s manual and are suddenly in need of some guidance, you’ve come to the right place. No need to worry, as it is relatively easy to troubleshoot a Kenmore dishwasher, regardless of the model. Thankfully, Kenmore dishwashers are outfitted with fully integrated reset sequences for when the appliance starts to malfunction or operate out of the norm.

Wallpaper from the late 70s might make you nostalgic for grandma’s house, but it can make your home feel seriously outdated. If you’re looking to update your home, it might be time to remove that old wallpaper. But what is the best way to remove the wallpaper? You don’t have to buy expensive equipment. You can use vinegar and fabric softener!

Being a new mom is arguably one of the important jobs in the world. Without mothers, life simply does not exist!  It’s safe to say being a new mom is also one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Yet, nearly 87% of women become mothers. Thanks to the many women that came before, modern mothers just seem to know how to maximize each free second. What’s sleep? More importantly, can this go in the dishwasher?

When you are washing your clothes, the last thing you’re expecting is the basement drain to back up. That is unless your basement drain continually backs up often when you do the laundry. This problem is more common than you might think. Luckily, there are a few things you can do that will stop your basement drain from backing up when washing clothes.

Throughout the day the pressure in your boiler fluctuates, but always remains at a level that is not too high and not too low. Proper functionality is indicative of a boiler system that is somewhere between 1 and 1.5 bar. Though, the optimal range may differ slightly depending on your particular boiler.

Today, we live in an era that is celebrated for being the age of lifehacks. Want to wash a wall? There are tricks for that. Want to wash a floor? Just go on Google and you’ll find a ton of information on how to do it quickly and effectively. These days, we’re even talking about power washing rugs. Is this actually okay, though?

It’s an open secret that Americans love fried food. So if there’s an upcoming celebration, there will certainly be lots of frying to do in your kitchen. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that the odor of all those fried delicacies should linger in your house for days on end. On the contrary, the scent can be a source of great embarrassment, especially if you have guests in the house.

A home sump pump is meant to remove water from an area, typically a basement that floods during the rainy season. These are usually located in a basement or where the structure’s foundation is lower than the natural water table.

Despite their status as one of the more popular brands for power tools, Bosch actually makes far more than that. As a matter of fact, they make a good deal of kitchen appliances as well. That includes dishwashers, which have become a favorite for homeowners.

We often don’t understand how essential electrical outlets are to our daily lives until one stops working. If you’re experiencing only one outlet that’s dead and the others are unaffected, you may simply have a dead outlet. An outlet that isn’t functioning is not only inconvenient, but it can also be a fire hazard. That’s why it needs to be addressed as soon as possible and if you ever feel uncomfortable with the tasks you’re doing, call a professional.

A portable dishwasher is a great way to clean dishes in a space that won’t accommodate a built-in dishwasher. It can be rolled out when you need it and stored away when you don’t. 

Cooking your own meals at home is a great way to learn a new trade, save some money, and find delicious flavors you enjoy. There are a plethora of kitchen hacks on the internet, many of them involving aluminum foil. It’s important to note that using aluminum foil can affect ovens in the long run.

Strawberries are considered to be the most romantic berry out there, and rightfully so. They’re sweet, they’re related to the rose family, and you can always find a recipe that’s appropriate for the occasion. Unfortunately, when you’re prepping strawberries, it’s possible to have some of their redness end up on your carpet. So, what do you do then?

When your dishwasher gets clogged, it won’t be able to function properly. You can do a variety of things to unclog a dishwasher, and one common method is using calcium lime and rust remover (CLR).

If your neighbor just moved in, there’s a good chance they haven’t settled in and made their house feel lively yet. In that case, you can help inject their house with personality if you give them a houseplant or two. That said, the last thing your neighbor wants is a houseplant that’s demanding and hard to take care of.

Vaulted ceilings are in right now. Like, super in. They’re considered to be one of the most frequently requested amenities in luxury apartments as well as in regular homes. Of course, there are different types of vaulted ceilings. One of the more popular is called a “tongue and groove” vaulted ceiling. If you’re debating installing this ceiling, it’s a good idea to know what you’re in for.

Kitchens are the centerpiece of many homes, and builder-owners put a lot of time and attention into its design. There are many choices for countertops, such as marble, or quartz, but many builders choose granite for durability and appearance. It is widely known amongst builders and renovators that it is heat resistant, but can you put hot pans on granite?

While carpets are typically easy to clean, wax stains on them can prove a little stubborn. However, there are ways to get that wax off. With the appropriate use of a few household items, you can get rid of every trace of wax on your carpet.

Countless homeowners have done everything that they can to transform their houses into smart homes. It’s easy to overlook certain simple devices that make it easier to go about your day as a homeowner, such as smart plugs. So, do smart plugs save energy?

Not only do satin pillowcases look and feel luxurious, they actually protect your hair against frizz and can work wonders on your skin. Satin is better for your hair than other fabrics, preventing tangles, breakage, and maintain moisture. However, satin pillowcases can only do their job if you take proper care of them. This brings us to the question at hand: can you wash satin pillowcases?

A ceiling fan can be an excellent addition to any home for both aesthetics, comfortability, and saving energy. In the wintertime, you can have the benefit of enjoying warm air being pushed down into your living areas. Whereas, in the summer, the fan will draw the excess warm air up and away.

Bad neighbors are the bane of the homeowner’s existence. Unfortunately, oftentimes it is difficult to know how to deal with this common nuisance. In the event that you can’t get rid of them, your best bet is to ignore bad neighbors.

Baseboard heaters are a great convenience, which is why many builder owners choose them for their homes. They are highly energy-efficient and give you control over the temperature of each room of your house. However, it can be quite unsettling when you go to turn off your baseboard heater and nothing happens.

During the hot summer months, there’s nothing better than a cool airflow from your ceiling fan. While ceiling fans are known for being an excellent addition to circulate air, they may also cause a bit of stress. One constant issue with them is that they produce a barely audible humming sound that can drive you insane.

No matter what you use your basement for, an unpleasant septic smell makes you want to stay as far away as possible. Whether your basement is for storage, a workshop, or a bonus room, it becomes virtually useless if it smells like sewage.

Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable. Even better, it comes chock full of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that we all need in our lives. Despite being a spring vegetable, it is used throughout the year in a variety of dishes.

It’s something we all have dreamed about; perfectly painted walls. Maybe even a gorgeous mural to really make the dining room stand out. But what do you do when it comes to washing them? Don’t worry! We will tell you how to clean them without removing any of the paint.

We rely on them every day, and many of us return to these magic dispensers of one cup of java goodness many times a day. These are our beloved Keurig coffee machines, a staple of our  kitchen decor, but what happens when they stop working, malfunction, or simply stop feeding us that dark liquid gold? We freak out! No, (okay, maybe for a brief moment of panic) we calmly assess the situation and take action.

Have you ever lifted a bathmat out of your tub to find a rectangular area of gross brown stains underneath?  If so, you’re not alone.

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.

Dryer vents are notoriously hard to clean. All that grit and dust just seems to pile up, no matter what you do. There’s no end in sight, is there? For the longest time, it sure seemed that way. However, a recent lifehack started to appear on the internet claiming that you can clean your dryer vents with a leafblower. But, is this really true?

Bread pudding is a rich, sweet dessert that warms you up and has a comforting vibe. It comes in different flavors; you can jazz it up with a whiskey sauce or mix in various additions like raisins and chocolate chips.

Thermostats have come a long way. They have gone from the dark ages of manual cranking all the way to smart technology that sometimes even comes complete with voice recognition. Modern thermostats make controlling your home’s HVAC system seamless, which is why it can be particularly frustrating when your thermostat stops working when you change the batteries. 

Many digital safes have a key that allows you to manually unlock them if you forget your passcode. However, what happens if you forget your passcode and lose the key to your safe? If this describes your current situation, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no need to worry, as this is a very common issue and you have several solutions to choose from in order to get your safe open.

If you’re like the average renter in my area, your landlord has a lease that stipulates that you need to have your carpets shampooed at least once a year. And let me tell you, shampooing your carpet is not exactly the easiest thing to plan out. This is doubly true when you realize you can’t actually step on the carpet until it dries. But…how long does that even take?

Does your heat pump have a buildup of ice or is it having trouble entering defrost mode? Eventually, almost every heat pump will reach a point where it creates ice on its mechanisms. The machine will then enter a mode known as defrosting in order to combat and melt the ice.

Cast Iron tubs can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom. Their classic style is one of the main reasons why they’ve been popular for so long. However, not everyone wants to keep their cast iron tub in their bathroom.

Hard water has a habit of leaving behind stains on plenty of surfaces. For those unsure how to deal with it, hard water stains just become a part of life. Those pesky stains show up on top of taps, on mirrors, on silverware, and, often, annoyingly, on glass shower doors. How do you remove it when it’s on your glass shower doors?

Appliances, like refrigerators and ice makers, have become a necessity, in the world we live in today. It can be frustrating when they break or stop working. We know that pain all too well, so we have come up with some common solutions, for a Samsung ice maker that is not filling with water.

It always seems like something is getting spilled on your carpet. It may seem like an easy-clean, but milk can leave a nasty smell even after it looks like it is gone. The person who said not to cry over spilled milk must not have noticed the lingering stench. We are going to help you get rid of that.

Do you know that feeling when, on opening the door of your dryer, you see the unmistakable signs of oily residue smeared all over your clothing? (We hope you said no!) Not only do you have to clean your dryer, but you’re also stuck trying to figure out exactly how to get the melted Chapstick out of your clothing. However, don’t worry, we have the answer for you!

Vanity cabinets are seeing a huge leap in popularity, and rightfully so. They are beneficial and provide a focal point for almost every bathroom design imaginable.

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.

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.

A condemned house is one that the government has decided is unfit for any occupants. The government will seize any condemned property and all occupants must then vacate the property.

During the day, many people have difficulty working, knowing that people are watching them. Privacy window film is a great solution for just this problem.

Have you ever taken a moment to inspect the back of your pedestal sink and noticed the small hole underneath the faucet? This small hole is referred to as an overflow hole and generally goes unnoticed, but you need to clean a pedestal sink overflow. The purpose of the overflow hole is to provide ventilation and collect any excess water that could cause your sink to spill over.

A microwave drawer is a modern solution to free up counter space while also adding a sleek touch. In addition to the look, the functionality is unmatched. If you want to take back your countertop while adding a functional and clean look, a microwave drawer is for you. 

Moving blankets protect your furniture from scratches, dents, and any other damage during the moving process. Whether you recently rented a moving blanket or invested in one, it’s useful to know how to care for it.

A homeowner’s association (HOA) can be a great asset when living in a community full of diverse cultures. Although the HOA is not allowed to discriminate against anyone for any reason, they can help keep the neighborhood safe and comfortable. The HOA is an organization in a community that creates and enforces rules for the properties as well as the residents. The members of the HOA are those who live in the community.

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.

Your home’s spice rack is an always-growing collection of flavors that come from all over the world and eventually make their way into your kitchen. There are spices you reach for almost every day, and those you use only on the rare occasions. You might find yourself reaching for one of these rarely used spices and wonder exactly when you bought it. Moreover, you might wonder how long the spices in your home last until they go bad.

In the unfortunate event of a fire, you will find yourself with a lot to clean up. Fire causes smoke, and smoke turns to soot. You might find soot stains around for other reasons, too. If you smoke cigarettes or burn candles or incense, you could leave behind soot stains.

Hard water: An oxymoron or the cause of cleaning nightmares around the nation? While the term seems contradictory, hard water buildup is a real problem plaguing many households. It also poses the question of how exactly one would clean water stains without using more water.

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.

Mushrooms are underappreciated ingredients that deserve to be included in more dishes. The earthy flavor they feature pairs well with so many other ingredients. Mushrooms work great in sauces, soups, and you can sauté them with garlic and butter to create a delicious appetizer.

When you first got your fireplace, you probably were wondering how to use it. This is particularly true with ignition. You might have had an ignitor in your design, or you might not have. Either way, when you want to use a fireplace and don’t seem to have a proper way to light it, it can be frustrating. So, what can you do?

When it is clean and given the chance to shine, aluminum can be stunning. There are a ton of retail products out there that claim to be able to polish the surfaces of aluminum items, but there are some caveats.