Housekeeping

Natural sunlight can offer a lot of benefits. In addition to making a room feel brighter, it can give the illusion of being larger as well. Not only that, but natural light can provide us with the vitamin D from the sun that our bodies need.

If there’s one thing that people tend to be leery about eating, it’s seafood. Even when it’s fresh, people get worried about the possibility of food-borne illnesses due to the lightning-fast rate of spoiling seafood has. Though people are more amenable to shrimp than other shellfish, shrimp remains a little sketchy to eat after it’s been cooked and refrigerated.

If you’ve ever seen a home that was built since the 1980s, then you probably have seen stairs that had a carpet on top of them. Carpeted stairs are nice, snuggly, and also help cushion falls that you might have. Traditionally, you would need to install carpeting on stairs using tack strips. However, that’s not always the case anymore. There are alternatives you can choose from.

Converse shoes became extremely popular during the ‘90s, but the popularity never really went away, unlike other fashion trends. However, the fact that these are canvas shoes makes them a bit harder to clean. While they’re generally safe on the cold, fragile setting in the washer, should you put Converse in the dryer?

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.

True story: my mom once destroyed the Thanksgiving turkey by leaving it to thaw in the refrigerator for a week or two. By the time we opened it, we had unleashed a major stinkbomb upon our home. It was a disaster, and that was the year we had a Thanksgiving meatloaf. Since then, I have made a point of knowing how long a thawed turkey can stay in the fridge.

Mobile homes are vulnerable to cold weather. Have you ever wondered why bridges have signs that read “may be icy”? The reason, unlike a road on the ground, is that cold air is traveling above and below the bridge.

It has probably happened to everyone. One of your kids, your significant other, or maybe even you left an ink pen in your pocket and it exploded in the dryer. The clothes may end up as rags, but you do not want to throw away your dryer. So, how do you get those ink stains out of the dryer?

There’s nothing quite as good as a home-cooked meal. They can bring you comfort, be used in celebration, or just fill your tastebuds with joy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that preparing meals can take quite a bit of work.

Brand-new fiberglass tubs are built with a protective material that is smooth and glossy in nature. This is known as the “gel coat” and is meant to offer resistance to scratches and other surface damage. But over time, it can wear down, leaving the surface rough and allowing soap scum and dirt to build up.

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.

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.

Heating a house is something that requires either a central heating unit or individual heaters for each room. Federal laws require that every habitable space has access to heat.

The need to install a water softener system is standard with homeowners who use well water or anyone who has an issue with metal buildup. The softening system is designed to remove the metal cations such as calcium and magnesium. Although, how much does a water softener cost to install?

If you already have a sprinkler system in place, it is definitely time that you think about hooking up the sprinkler timer into the system itself. The timer has many benefits over the long run that will make it more than worth the time.

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.

Whether you are using propane for your BBQ cookout or heating your home, it can be challenging to know how much propane is left in your tank. Especially because most propane tanks do not come with a gauge, you may never know how to tell how much fuel is remaining. Suddenly running out of propane is a drag. Especially if you are using a 100 lb tank, you definitely want to know how much fuel you have remaining.  Luckily there are a few ways to check the level of propane anytime you need.

Finding out that your home contains asbestos can be frightening and shakes things up. If the asbestos has been disturbed, it must be removed, and that can be nerve-wracking. Removing asbestos comes at a price, but it is worth it to eliminate the threat that it poses.

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?

Having black appliances can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are sleek and can hide food stains well. On the other hand, cleaning can be difficult for appliances that come into frequent contact with food and fingerprints.

Wi-Fi thermostats connect to your wireless internet so you can adjust them remotely. This super handy, smart device often requires a c wire to have the proper hook-up. The c wire connects power directly from your thermostat to the furnace. However, if you do not have a c wire, there is no need to worry.

We are so dependent on electronics today in one form or another. However, when something like your Kenmore Elite electric dryer stops heating, it can be more than frustrating.

Buying appliances is expensive When it comes to large appliances like refrigerators and stoves, you are typically going to be spending more than a thousand dollars. So, you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth when you do have to get something like that.

For those of us who like to change things up every so often, Pottery Barn offers a variety of couch slipcovers. They have a wide range of materials, colors, and textures to suit any style. And here’s some great news: Pottery Barn couch covers are so easy to wash and maintain!

Doing any type of home improvement project is going to be a pricey matter, and if you have to hire a contractor, then things get even pricier. Of course, hiring any contractor comes with a risk. What if work is bad? Or worse, what if they don’t do the work? One of the most common issues people have is dealing with a contractor that charges far higher than what their initial estimate shows. So, what can you do?

Your washing machine, when working optimally, makes keeping your clothes clean easier than ever before. But like any machine running on a variety of components, there is a chance that it could break down over time.

If you live in a climate that is often hot, the thought of leaving a window air conditioner running all the time probably seems like a great idea. Before you do, though, here are a few things to keep in mind.

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.

Mildew smells damp, unpleasant, and pungent. When carpet smells of mildew, finding a solution is often high on most people’s priority list. If there is mildew on your carpet, you have a problem to solve. Luckily, you can get rid of it using a few household products.

Imagine the following scenario:  you are known for conserving water, and for as long as you lived in town, your water bills were $30 or so. Recently, a new family moved in. They have a pool, sprinklers, and everything else watery under the sun. The next month, you notice that your water bill shot up to $900. You look at your neighbors, who don’t make eye contact with you anymore. Could it be them?

Choosing the right refrigerator line is important because it affects the whole unit’s performance. Refrigerator lines supply water to the dispenser and ice maker, so it’s important to choose a durable material. So, what is better; copper or plastic refrigerator water lines?

Unfortunately, urine can leave stains and smells on clothes even after they have been laundered. It can seem that the odor is an unpleasant permanent feature of the affected garments. However, various natural and chemical products can return the item to its original fresh-smelling state. 

Not too long ago, I had a moment where my allergies were out of control. Every time I woke up, I’d be sneezing and wheezing up a storm. It only dawned on me after someone mentioned that I haven’t cleaned out my humidifier. It was a Honeywell. After a quick go, I was able to figure out how to clean it and how to make my mold allergies disappear.

Do you have a home improvement project coming up? Are you thinking about doing up the exteriors of your home? Then it is imperative that you zero in on the right exterior house paint. Your choice of materials for the job will determine whether you are making a sound and sensible investment or just increasing your costs.

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…

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?

While there are many options to pave your driveway, concrete is a popular and wallet-friendly choice. The following are some of the many benefits to paving your driveway with concrete:

Back in the 90s, having a satellite dish was a quasi-status symbol. It meant you had all the channels, and that means that you had money. These days, streaming and cord-cutting are now the thing to do. Throughout many parts of America, this shift has created a landscape that is littered by satellite dishes that no longer work. You will need to pay someone to get rid of that dish, but how much will it be?

Sometimes there is just no alternative to cooking on a griddle. Whether you are cooking a meal for many or a meal for one, the griddle can provide a unique sear that other surfaces just can’t replicate. Whether it be a hash or creating the perfect melt, a Blackstone griddle can make for a fine kitchen accessory.

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.

If you climb into your attics and find your roof turbine vents are not spinning, there may be a moment of panic that sets in. Issues may come up regarding how long this takes to repair, and you may start worrying about the cost. That’s entirely understandable, but with this guide, we will find out how to diagnose any issues and fix them.

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.

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?

Does the constant squeaking of your hardwood floors get on your nerves? What can be done about those annoying, squeaky hardwood floors? Many online forums and housekeeping guides recommend using baby powder to alleviate the squeaks. But what does it do? How exactly do you do this? We’ll tell you!

Smoke detectors are some of the most overlooked and underappreciated appliances in your home.  Mounted up high and out sight, they often go out of mind as well.  For you and your family’s safety, you should be asking how long does a smoke detector last?

You’ve emptied your schedule, gathered supplies, and are ready to pressure wash your driveway when — nothing happens. Your pressure washer won’t start. What gives?

Pet ownership has a miraculous way of turning people into cleaning gurus, even with a pet as “self-sustaining” as a cat. Let’s face it. Cats clean up after themselves for the most part, but even the daintiest of kittens can still have gross byproducts. A good example of this is dealing with cat litter that’s gotten stuck to carpeting after Fluffy uses the litter box. So, how do you fix this issue?

The comforter on your bed is essential, and it brings warmth to the bed and ties together the room. This is why when you find a comforter that you love, it can be hard to let it go. But what happens when you find a comforter that is a bit too big for your bed? Should you buy a whole new mattress or try to find a new comforter?

Dyson makes some of the most reliable and well-known vacuums in the world. They have been synonymous with quality and consistency for decades. Even better, they have a multitude of different vacuums to fit any home or lifestyle.

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?

In the world of construction, whether concrete, brick, or steel, the SDS rotary hammer drill is one of the highest-caliber drills on the market.  Because of the design, however, the drill requires unique drill bits to accomplish the job.

If you have read through many of my articles, you probably noticed how frequently I mention the importance of using tools that are in decent shape. A rusty saw can cause serious injury, as can blades that are now blunted. That’s obvious, but other tool use dealbreakers aren’t so obvious. This is especially true with appliances that make a little extra noise. Is it even safe to use a squeaky dryer?

Fireplaces are a great centerpiece, that adds ambiance, and warmth, to any room. Since the fireplace is a focal point, you should try to keep the fireplace glass, as clean as possible. We have an unusual method for cleaning it, which makes it easy!

Kerosene is known for being one of the most pungent types of fuel on the market, and if you are like many people out in the country, you sometimes have to carry it indoors during winter months. The only problem? Kerosene can spill, and when it does, it can reek and also stain your carpet something awful. So, what can you do if you’re faced with a kerosene spill?

Thanks to its lightweight profile and value proposition, Dirt Devil has become one of America’s top vacuum cleaner brands. If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight, and functional vacuum cleaner, it’s hard to go wrong with Dirt Devil.

One day, not too long ago, I was at my mom’s house when I heard a loud crash. I ran to my closet where the noise was coming from and quickly noticed that the shelves had collapsed. Since then, we got Closetmaid shelving. We installed it in hopes of making sure we don’t see shelving topple again, but was it a good idea? Moreover, how much can these shelves hold?

Having a garage is a plus for any homeowner no matter how many vehicles you have. You can use your garage for storage for your tools, yard and garden items, or even to park your car. But what do you do when your garage won’t close all the way? This can be frustrating, as you don’t want someone to gain access to your garage.

Whether you’re an avid home cook, a busy parent, or just love to snack, a disorganized fridge can put a damper on your kitchen habits. French door refrigerators are one of the most popular styles of this appliance. Knowing how to organize a French door refrigerator will go a long way to keeping your life calmer and more productive (and you won’t waste food).

Whether you’re changing your shower hardware or replacing a cartridge valve, you need to remove the shower handle. If you don’t see any screws, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to take off the handle.

Dishwashers can be the ultimate helper in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if it is a small cleanup effort or picking up after a large family gathering; a dishwasher can make everything that much easier. Even better, they make keeping glasses, silverware, and plates look sparkling clean again.