Housekeeping

For many years, the tankless water heater has been a popular alternative to conventional tank water heaters in Europe and throughout the world. However, North American consumers have only just recently discovered the benefits involved with tankless water heaters.

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?

While it’s normal to put effort towards keeping clothes clean, when you have a busy schedule, it can be quite challenging. It is highly likely that you’re going to spend a fair amount of time trying to remove various unidentifiable stains from your family’s clothing, such as highlighter ink. Tackling stains isn’t always easy, but how do you get highlighter out of clothes?

Cleats are used to play a variety of sports. When these are brand new, they’re pretty nice to look at and they even smell good too. But cleats don’t stay in good condition forever, as soon after they’re out of the box they’re hitting the mud or dirt and absorbing all the sweat from your feet.

What looks like a skunk, smells like a skunk, and makes your house smell like a skunk? The answer seems pretty simple…or does it?

If your coffee maker hasn’t been cleaned in a long while, brace yourselves because soon you’ll get coffee that smells horrible and tastes even worse! That’s right. Even if you use a Cuisinart coffee machine, it needs to be cleaned regularly if you want some high-quality coffee daily.

On-demand running water is a fantastic convenience that many of us could not imagine living without. Unfortunately, sometimes the system can have problems that cause the water to run at unexpected times. The sounds of running water in your walls and the threat of a leak can be very nerve-wracking. Here are some things you can do to identify and fix the issue.

Cleaning a mattress involves jumping through all sorts of hoops. It’s not like you can just throw it in the washer. But what about the mattress cover? If it’s removable, it should be washable, right? Purple, one of the leading mattress companies in the United States, has something to say about that.

As much as we all love our pets, we know that they can take a toll on any house or apartment they live in. Between biting, scratching, and shedding hair, they always make their presence known. That’s why you must learn how to clean pet damage before moving to avoid problems later.

Pet owners often view their dogs and cats as their furry children and would do anything to protect them. That’s why finding fleas, ticks, roundworms, and other pests on your pet can make your home a stressful environment. So, can you stay in a house with fleas?

Muriatic acid is one of those chemicals that sounds scary but can easily be a DIY fan’s best friend. This acid is regularly used to etch glass, prep masonry for paint, restore surface appearances in basements, and fight mildew. However, it’s a pretty strong chemical that can easily cause burns and damage if left as a spill. That’s why knowing how to neutralize it is so important.

Bath mats are an essential part of every bathroom and come in all different shapes, sizes, and materials. What they’re made of dictates how they should be cared for. Can you put bath mats in the dryer?

When you have central air and heat, air vents are typically in each room. Some large rooms have two or three. But what about the return air vents? Do you need one of them or more for each room?

Bananas are one of the best and most popular fruits to freeze. This yellow fruit is usually cheap and sold in bunches. Bananas are also a fruit that should not be put in the refrigerator, as this allows bananas to ripen naturally and quickly.

Preparing for the winter is an important part of life for those living in colder climates. If you own a home in a cold region, you probably have one or more fireplaces that get lots of use in the winter months.

When you first start learning about the plumbing process, you’ll start to uncover a lot of different parts of your home you might not have realized existed. This can include things like septic tanks, drainage fields, and a lesser-known part of your system called a seepage pit. So, what is this thing, and why do people have them?

Toilet bowl cleaner is a powerful disinfectant that leaves your entire bathroom smelling fresh. With such great results in your loo, it’s impossible not to wonder if using toilet bowl cleaner in the shower is appropriate, too (my apologies for the cheesy rhyme!)

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.

Having a porch is one of the fastest ways to add value to a home, but only if it looks nice. The easiest way to give a porch a facelift is to add a fresh new coat of paint to it. Of course, that means that you will need to know how to paint your porch properly. If you have an aluminum screened porch, it quickly becomes an “easier said than done” matter.

You use your shower to get clean, so if any part of it’s gross, it feels icky instead of relaxing, and you say, “eww” more than “aah.”. If the shower floor starts to get scummy or grimy, it boosts the ick factor because you feel like you’re standing in filth. So what’s the best way to clean the shower floor so you’re not cringing while you’re washing up?

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.

Scratches on your luxury vinyl floors are an unfortunate downside of having them. Kids and pets have a tendency to drag in small bits of dirt and gravel on the bottoms of their feet, scratching up the floor. With just a few steps though, these can be repaired.

Cast iron skillets are wonderful for many different types of cooking. Whether you are making cornbread, a steak, or even a simple breakfast. They add flavor and create an effect, unlike any other cooking item.

Gatorade has a long-standing tradition of being every athlete’s favorite sports drink. It comes in all sorts of fun colors (erm, flavors) that make them seemingly taste better. It’s a wonderful thing until you actually have it end up on your floor…or worse, your carpeting. So, how do you get those neon colors out of your carpet, anyway?

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.

Ah, the warm glow of a crackling fire…is there anything more delightfully cozy? If you’re a proud owner of a gas fireplace, you might enjoy snuggling up by the fireside all evening. But, how many hours can you run a gas fireplace before you have problems?

It’s a good idea for homeowners to have a backup plan in the event that the power goes out. While getting something like a generator might seem like a great idea, it’s not within everyone’s budget. This is where kerosene lamps and lanterns come in handy. 

If you’ve just moved into a new home in a rural or suburban area, chances are you have a septic system. But don’t worry! A septic system shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, though you might be wondering how long it will last. 

Homeowners are rightfully worried about keeping their sewer systems in pristine shape, and that includes keeping an eye out for strange happenings. One of the more alarming occurrences that can happen to your sewage line is to see your cleanout cap pop off on its own accord.

Owning a jacuzzi is a fun way to enjoy the night air in the winter, or even to relax in the summer. They are extremely versatile as you can change the temperature of the water depending on the season. 

Before a roommate can move in, you must take a practical look at your home. This can help you divide space, designate a room for them, and set a rental price. Think realistically about how much space you have at home and how much you frequently use.

What do interviewing for a job, applying for a loan, and enrolling in college all have in common? You have to prove your residency, and merely showing your ID won’t cut it.  Typically, you need two different identification forms, such as your license and a utility bill with your current address.

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.

Switching from baseboard heat to a forced-air system is a big decision. Many people choose to stay with their baseboard heaters not only because of the cost of changing systems, but the perks it provides. Before you decide to convert heating systems, make sure you research which is best for your family.

Having an automatic garage door does not mean much if the opener will not work. For some reason, the Sears Craftsman garage door opener remotes just stop working after a while. This means you have to buy a new remote. Or does it?

Pancakes are delicious with maple syrup on them but not so much for carpets. The sticky gooey mess in your rug is unsightly and you need to get rid of it as soon as possible before it soaks in all the way. Whether it is real maple syrup or corn syrup, we have some solutions for you.

Are you having issues with starting up your riding mower? When you go to start it, does it crank over but not completely startup? Thankfully, riding mowers aren’t very complicated pieces of equipment, and the owner can quickly resolve most issues. This will help save you money and time on bringing it into a shop. However, if this happens to you, what do you do?

Peppermint oil was once an ingredient that was solely used to flavor ice cream, chocolates, and other goods. Today, it’s being used as an aromatherapy oil and even a way to deter mice from entering a home. Finding peppermint oil became way more commonplace, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Where can you find this in-demand oil for sale?

Carpet on stairs presents a few extra challenges when it comes to cleaning. It’s not like you can quickly run your vacuum across the steps. However, knowing how to clean carpet on stairs doesn’t take a lot of specialized knowledge or tools.

If you plan to work with old lead, remove it, or paint over it, you need certification. The EPA has strict lead renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) standards, and you need to comply. Of course, getting lead certified comes at a cost, but how much should you expect to pay?

One of the great luxuries of the modern home is having a water dispenser in your refrigerator door. It’s wonderful to have filtered water and ice available at the ready, but it’s not-so-wonderful when your dispenser suddenly stops shutting off. A leaky dispenser can drive you crazy and cause a slippery mess in your kitchen!

If you have a damp house or maybe just a damp room, you may be considering purchasing a dehumidifier. Or, quite possibly, you already have one and wonder if it’s safe to run a dehumidifier constantly. Dehumidifiers are great for reducing moisture in your house, but if moisture is a major issue, a dehumidifier might not be a permanent solution.

Some states ban sauna suits, while others say they’re okay. You can use them to shed unwanted water weight and fit into your favorite clothes. But can you put sauna suits in the dryer after you wash them? Here’s what you need to know.

There are many different standards when it comes to how tall a bathroom vanity should be. Modern designs seem to prefer higher vanities while retro homes go the opposite way. At the end of the day, it comes down to what height makes you the most comfortable.

If you are having trouble opening your garage door or getting it to close properly, the problem could be linked to a faulty garage door cable. Cables are often installed incorrectly, a problem that leads to the garage door cables either being too short, too long, or out of balance. If your garage door issues are caused by cables in need of adjustment, here is how to fix the problem.

It is ideal to know exactly what you’re doing when you buy or fill a propane tank. That is especially true for a large, 100-pound propane tank which is quite useful but can be tricky to understand. So, how many gallons are in a 100-pound propane tank?

The cold and dark weather winter brings make it much harder to get all the fresh fruits and vegetables you love. Many local farmers' markets close their doors in the winter, and grocery stores offer fewer exotic and locally sourced options. While finding healthy and fresh food at your local market is challenging when it’s cold, you can still find several varieties of healthy winter produce.

The clean light on a Mr Coffee machine turns on to let you know that your device needs some TLC. But a light that simply does not go off can turn the whole coffee-making experience into a nightmare. The good news is there’s an easy fix, and you can turn off the blinking clean light on Mr Coffee.

If you have ever felt a hot or cold spot in your house, your HVAC system is likely unbalanced. Air balancing is the process of testing the outputs of your HVAC units and adjusting them to provide even airflow. This improves air circulation, ensures your system operates at peak efficiency, and creates even and comfortable temperatures.

When you’re excited about tackling a home project, it can be very tempting to jump in and get it done quickly. However, if you skip vital prep work, you might end up with shoddy work and wasted time.

When water is backing up out of your basement floor drain, it could be the result of many different issues. However, it usually isn’t the fault of the floor drain itself. A common time for back-ups is during heavy rain, but why is your basement floor drain backing up when it rains?

Leather is a durable and classic material that has been used to make couches for decades. Just like any other material, it will wear over time and can even crack and fade. This usually happens due to environmental issues like excessive sunlight or dust. 

Not many people have a kitchen sink rack, but those that do know that its both a lifesaver and a major pain. A great way to protect your sink from scratches and rust, if you can fit it in the dishwasher than its easy to clean. If not, you are going to be scrubbing and scrubbing and trying to get inventive to cut back on your cleaning time.

Filtered water is not only healthier for you, pulling out dangerous contaminants from tap water, but it is a convenient and easy way always to have water at your fingertips. Brita is a popular brand that makes several water filtration devices to help bring you safe and delicious tap water. While having filtered water is a modern convenience, it does require a little upkeep to ensure that your Brita water filter is regularly changed to allow the filter to work to its intended ability.

Sliding mirror doors are extremely popular options for bedroom closets. They don’t require the clearance to open that traditional doors do. Also, mirror doors are a functional, attractive way to improve a wardrobe area without taking up wall space.

One of the more common reasons your sheets can make you itchy has to do with your laundry detergent. The main goal of washing detergent is to clean clothes. Many brands add fragrances to leave your clothes and sheets smelling nice. This all sounds great in theory, but in practice, it can cause issues.

Appliances such as washers and dryers are a modern necessity, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always easy to use. Dryers are prone to operational errors or unexplainable behavior just like any other appliance. So, why is your dryer blowing cold air, and should you be worried about it?

Tea is a beverage that has shaped societies, sparked revolutions, and is a drink that millions of people enjoy every day. Even with its widespread consumption and popularity, a significant amount of tea goes stale in the pantry in many households. To prevent good tea from spoiling in your home, you’ll need to find ways to keep it from going bad.

Ever since the discovery of fire, humans have been eager to cook using it. As time passed, cooking techniques have become increasingly more efficient and sophisticated, in addition to more compact and portable.

Architecturally, glass blocks are very similar to conventional brick materials. Both bricks and glass blocks are used in the same way although, glass blocks can be used in some situations where bricks cannot.