Housekeeping

How To Prevent A Space Heater From Blowing A Fuse

There’s nothing quite like being cozy during the winter. Depending on the space you live in, it could be an entire HVAC system or something as small as a space heater. The latter can be quite effective for heating small spaces.

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How Long Can You Leave a Window Air Conditioner Running?

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.

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How To Remove Mouse Urine Smell (Step-by-Step Guide)

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.

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How To Clean A Bosch Dishwasher (Quickly & Easily!)

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.

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Shut Off Valve Under Sink Won't Shut Off Water? (We Have A Fix)

It doesn’t matter if you are working on a home improvement project or in the middle of a plumbing emergency. When the shut-off valve isn’t working the way that it is supposed to work, it can be a real pain to the rear end. So what do you do if the water won’t shut off with the under sink shut off valve? What causes this?

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Can You Use Pinesol On Carpet? (Find Out Now!)

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.

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How To Remove The Ice Dispenser Cover On A Kenmore Refrigerator

Kenmore is one of the most recognizable brands of kitchen appliances out there today. Their brand of refrigerators in particular are a fan favorite, earning the trust and admiration of consumers all around the world.

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Should I Close The Door When Using A Humidifier?

Many homeowners invest in humidifiers, with approximately  eight million sold in the U.S. every year. Humidifiers are an important part of maintaining proper air quality in your home. These machines add moisture to dry air, which makes a big difference, especially for colder months.

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14 Worst Refrigerator Brands To Avoid (and Most Reliable Brands)

The idea of scouring the Internet to find the right brand of refrigerator for your home can feel daunting. Still, if you don’t do research, you risk purchasing a refrigerator that’s unreliable and prone to breaking. We have created a guide using research from resources such as Yale Appliance and hundreds of online reviews so that you can easily choose a refrigerator brand.

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How To Keep Outdoor Extension Cords Dry

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?

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How To Connect Portable Generator To A House Without A Transfer Switch

A portable generator can come in handy in countless ways. However, connecting a portable generator to your house without a transfer switch can present its challenges. A transfer switch can divide an electrical load between sources and is often used for backup generators in the event of power outages.

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How Many Cubic Feet in a Five Gallon Bucket?

volume = π × r2 × h

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How To Clean A Stainless Steel Coffee Pot

We’re all coffee drinkers in my household. We brew a huge pot each morning, the coffee often sits in the pot all day, which causes stains to build up. Rinsing the pot out is simply not enough. So, the one thing I really struggle with is how challenging it can be to keep my stainless-steel coffee pot clean and free of stains.

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How To Remove A Pocket Door (Trim and Tracks Too!)

Pocket doors are pretty cool when you are trying to save space. In fact, these types of doors can add a modern and sleek look to any room. Mounted inside the wall, the door just slides in and out of the wall, so when it is open, it looks like there is no door there at all.

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How To Remove Melted Plastic From The Oven (Do This!)

Melted plastic in the oven is a lot more common than you may think. Maybe you tried out that new cake recipe in a dish that wasn’t so oven-proof. Or perhaps you forgot about tossing your plastic containers in your oven to get them out of the way the other day. Regardless of the problem, you will now need to know how to remove the melted plastic from your oven.

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How To Keep A Shepherd's Hook From Leaning

With a variety of shepherd’s hooks on the market, they can be used to decorate an outdoor wedding or to enhance your outdoor space or garden. Shepherd’s hooks allow you to elevate and display hanging baskets, yard ornaments, lanterns, bird feeders, or other outdoor decorations.

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House Smells Like Raid? (We Have A Fix!)

You think you smell Raid in your house, even though it’s been days since you used the insecticide  eliminate ants and termites? Well, chances are that you went on a little overkill while trying to get rid of the insects. Raid has a strong odor, which takes time to wear off, especially if you empty a can to eliminate the insects.

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What Are The Different Types Of Dimmer Switches?

Many homeowners are drawn to dimmer switches because they provide any lighting options in one switch. Understandably, many of those homeowners are left confused about the difference between the variety of dimmer switches available.

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How To Mount A Light Bar On Roof Without Drilling

One of the most popular aftermarket accessories among four-wheel off-road enthusiasts is LED lightbars.  The advances in LED technology afford amazing lighting performance at remarkably reasonable prices. However, mounting these lightbars poses a problem for some vehicle owners.  The question of how to mount a lightbar on a vehicle roof without drilling comes up often.

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Can You Put A Sauna Suit In The Dryer? (Find Out Now!)

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.

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Is Your Furnace Running Every 5 Minutes? (We Have A Fix!)

If you are in the situation of hearing your furnace run for a few minutes then turn off repeatedly, then you might be wondering what, if anything, is wrong with your furnace and what steps can be taken to resolve the problem.

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How To Remove Expanding Foam Filler From Your Skin

Spray foam is a common, easy to install insulation to improve the efficiency of your home. The bad thing is that, unless you are covered head to toe, it is all too easy to get that spray foam on your skin. It can take hold quickly and can be very annoying to deal with even if it really doesn’t do any harm.

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Cost of Living in Washington State (Taxes, Housing & More)

The pacific northwest is one of the most unique corners of America, and it boasts views you won’t find elsewhere. Washington state is one of the most expensive states, but 7.61 million residents are lucky to call it home. There are countless options of places to live in Washington state that vary in cost and opportunities.

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When To Throw Away Wooden Spoons

Kitchen cutlery comes in every material imaginable. From silicone and other man-made materials, to aluminum and other types of metal. But when it comes to aesthetics and chef preference, nothing beats a good solid wooden spoon for stirring a sauce. But unlike other materials, wood does not last forever. In fact, it deteriorates so much over time that it eventually needs to be tossed in the trash. So, when is it time to throw away your wooden spoon and purchase a new one?

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What Size Water Heater Do I Need for A Walk In Tub?

You finally get into your new walk-in tub to have a nice hot bath and after it is about halfway full, the hot water is gone. Has this happened to you? If your hot water heater is too small, you are not going to be able to have that hot bath for a while.

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How To Clean A Shower Floor

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?

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How To Clean A Fiberglass Tub With A Textured Bottom

Textured shower pans provide extra friction to help you not slip and fall in your wet shower. Unfortunately, they also create nooks and crannies in which soap scum can build up. The texture makes it harder to clean than smooth shower surfaces, so here are some creative solutions.

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Are Copper Mugs Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)

If you’re a fan of Moscow mules, you definitely want to have a set of those majestic copper mugs in your drinkware collection. Not only do metal cups add a rustic flair to your bar, they are excellent thermal conductors. This means that they’ll keep your drinks chilled during the summer and warm in the fall.

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Why Does My Wall Get Hot When My Gas Fireplace Is On?

Gas fireplaces are a dream addition to homes for American homeowners because there is a certain charm to them. And to top it off, they are gas efficient, affordable, and look good in any setting.

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How To Get Fresh Or Dried Blood Out Of Carpet (6 Ways To Do It!)

Getting blood stains on your carpet can be a very problematic experience. Whether you get a small or large amount of blood on the carpet, it can have a staining effect which can seem quite irremovable at first. Fortunately, however, there are a few surefire ways to clear up the mess.

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LG Front Load Washer Leaking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

LG front load washing machines are popular and are not known to have too many issues. However, every appliance has problems now and then. And LG front-loaders are no exception. They can have a leaking issue sometimes.

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Cost To Run a 1500-Watt Heater For 24 Hours

Space heaters come in handy for all homeowners, especially during fall and winter. The majority of space heaters you’ll come across run at 1,500 watts, and that is likely what you have. Now that it’s getting cooler outside, your heater will run all day, but how much will it cost?

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Can You Put A Duffel Bag In The Washer? (Find Out Now!)

Duffel bags are versatile and convenient, and they can be made of leather, fabric, or synthetic material. Duffle bags serve well as gym, travel, and sports bags, and they’re also used by non-commissioned personnel in the military.

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How To Reduce Noise From A Return Air (Step-by-Step Guide)

Air return vents are one of the most important aspects of your home’s HVAC system. They allow air to both enter and leave the HVAC system and maintain proper air pressure within the house. Sometimes, though, they can be incredibly noisy which can be inconvenient and annoying. 

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How Much Does A Screened Porch Cost?

Screen porches have been so popular in the past few years. They are fashionable, practical, and allow weather-proof outdoor chilling. But how much does a screened porch cost?

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How To Reset A Kenmore Elite Dishwasher (Quickly & Easily!)

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.

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How To Clean A Lasko Tower Fan (Step-by-Step Guide)

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.

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Don't Get Ripped Off: Sling Vs. Roku (One IS Cheaper)

As technology advances, more and more people are starting to use apps rather than traditional cable TV. Entertainment can be found on Netflix, YouTube, and even Hulu. Due to this, many media consumers prefer to digest their media through multiple devices.

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Can You Put Mesh Laundry Bags In The Dryer?

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?

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Why Ridge Vents Don't Work (We Have The Answer)

There are a ton of different attic and roof vents to choose from. When you’re looking to improve your home, it’s critical to use high-quality products that get the job done. 

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Is The Ninja Blender Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)

Ninja blenders are amazing! They work so diligently to chop up your favorite fruits and blend them into a great tasting smoothie. They can also double as a food processor, chopping up onions or celery to put into your favorite salads. The downside? The cleanup that comes afterward. They’re not fun to wash by hand. 

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How To Attach A Ledger Board For A Patio Cover

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.

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Best Basement Ventilation Fans: Will They Help Avoid Humidity?

The basement, more than any other area of the home, can become a storehouse for mold growth, moisture concerns, high humidity levels, unpleasant smells and any other indoor contaminants. While unventilated basements are very often prone to stale odors caused by mildew, this lower level is also ordinarily used to store household chemicals.

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Do Your Hear a Dripping Sound In The Wall? (Here's Why!)

If you are wondering whether you should be worried about a dripping sound behind your wall, the short answer is yes. There aren’t any good reasons for water to be dripping behind your wall. Furthermore, water damage can be very serious and can prove quite troublesome to homeowners. If you hear a dripping sound in the wall, it is crucial to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.

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What Is A Seepage Pit Used For?

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?

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How To Fix A Muddy Driveway (In A Few Easy Steps)

One downside of a wet climate is that dirt turns into mud, which can damage cars and dirty up houses. This doesn’t bode well for dirt roads or driveways primarily made up of soil and gravel. Luckily though, there are ways to fix your muddy driveway.

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Can You Put A Coach Purse In The Washing Machine? (Find Out Now!)

When you buy a Coach purse, it’s an exciting purchase. It’s hard not to feel fancy sporting their signature Cs at an event or even for everyday wear. When owning a designer item like a Coach purse, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh and brand new. However, it is important to be careful when cleaning these bags to avoid unintended damage.  This raises the question, is it possible to wash a Coach purse in your washing machine? 

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What Do I Put Under My Intex Pool?

Intex pools can be great during the summer months. After all, who doesn’t enjoy spending time with the family in the backyard, enjoying the sun, and having fun? If you are thinking of purchasing an Intex pool or have already gotten one, there is one question: what to put under your Intex pool.

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How To Remove Gorilla Glue (Easy Step-By-Step Guide)

Gorilla Glue is one of the most useful substances known to man when it comes to fixing things, including things like loose furniture. Unfortunately, it also has a really sticky, gooey consistency that magically seems to get into every nook and cranny imaginable. Most people out there have wondered if there’s a way to remove excess Gorilla Glue from surfaces. Thankfully, there is.

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Keurig Not Dispensing Water? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

That first cup of coffee in the morning is the start of a great day.  Your Keurig not dispensing water to make your first cup of coffee in the morning can be a disaster.  What could be the problem and how do you fix it?

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How to Cover Exposed Romex

Around 90 percent of homes within the United States are wired electrically using ROMEX, the trade name for non-metallic (NM), sheathed cable. This type of wiring system is simple to run and very convenient. However, it’s essential that you do not have any exposed ROMEX in your home and the wiring should be completely covered.

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Dishwasher Upper Spray Arm Not Spinning? (Here's How to Fix It!)

The dishwasher is one of the most helpful household appliances. Instead of devoting significant chunks of your day to cleaning, the aforementioned appliance frees you up to focus on other matters. Also, not having to scrub the dishes yourself is a big plus.

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Shark Navigator Brush Not Spinning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Shark is one of the hottest vacuum companies on the market right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their problems. With the Shark Navigator, the most common issue is having a roller brush that just won’t spin. When this happens, your vacuum ends up being unable to handle its regular load. So, what do you do when you’re confronted with a “locked brush?”

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Is It Safe To Leave A Fluorescent Light Bulb Socket Empty?

Sometimes conditions change and you don’t’ need as much light as the original situation required. You may be interested in saving money by reducing the number of lights on when you flip the switch.  In either case, removing unneeded lightbulbs from a fluorescent fixture may sound like a great solution.

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Three Ways To Stop Neighbors Leaves From Blowing In Your Yard

When you’re shopping around for a house, one of the deciding factors is often the neighbors. How close houses are, whether or not the yards are separated in any way, and other things play a role. If your house is close to your neighbor, when Autumn comes around you might wonder how to stop your neighbors’ leaves from blowing in your yard.

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How To Drain A Keurig Coffee Maker (3 Simple Methods!)

If you own a Keurig coffee maker, you likely enjoy its ability to quickly provide you with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. This convenience is why many so many people have Keurigs in their homes, as opposed to conventional coffee makers. Your Keurig’s fast delivery of warm water is due to the fact that it stores approximately a cup of water within the housing.

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How To Add Fabric Softener To Whirlpool Washer Without An Agitator

It really is incredible to think how far something as simple as laundry has come. Thanks to washing machines, we can now handle a week’s worth of dirty clothes in just a few hours. Moreover, modern washing machines have made it easier than ever to simply start a load and go back to our day.

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How Long Does A Smoke Detector Last? (Find Out Now To Stay Safe!)

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?

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Shower Curtains Vs. Liners: What Are The Major Differences?

You spend so little time in the shower per day that you may not put much effort into decorating it. However, it is important to know that shower curtains and liners are not totally interchangeable. Make sure your shower set-up is done properly to avoid water damage to the rest of your bathroom.

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Who Makes Insignia Refrigerators? (Plus Pros & Cons, Alternatives)

In today’s world, very few homes can get by without a trustworthy refrigerator. Refrigerators are no longer thought of as cold boxes to store your food inside. Kitchen appliances have come a long way, none more so than modern refrigerators. One of these modern refrigerator brands that people have come to love is Insignia.

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