How To Clean A Vornado Fan (Step-by-Step Guide)

Vornado fans are perfect for those with busy lifestyles, they’re safe to use and require less upkeep than many other conventional electric fans.

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Tips To Keep Your Refrigerator Looking And Working Like New

One of the best ways to keep your new refrigerator looking and working like new is by keeping it clean. This means you must wipe up spills as they occur, and also perform regular deep cleaning. Sticking to a cleaning schedule is the best way to ensure your fridge is well cared for.

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Will Tacky Stain Eventually Dry? (We Have The Answer)

Staining wood can bring out some of its natural patterns and deep colors like nothing else. If you want to change a wood surface’s color without painting it, staining is a great option. However, stain must be properly applied otherwise it will not dry and still feel sticky and rough hours later.

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Why Is My Sewer Bill So High? (Here Are The Culprits)

An unusually high sewer bill can leave us scratching our heads. If you’ve recently had a more expensive sewer bill than expected, don’t fear – there are several common reasons for this. In this article, we will outline why your sewer bill is higher than usual and what you can do to bring the bill down. Thankfully, this problem can be remedied.

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Can You Wash Ironing Board Covers? (Find Out Now!)

While ironing might not be everyone’s favorite chore, it’s sometimes part of the laundry process. Maintaining your ironing board and washing your ironing board cover are essential to keep your clothes from getting dirty all over again.

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How To Strengthen A Floor Joist With Steel

Over time, floor joists in older homes can experience sagging and even cracking. When it comes to newly constructed homes, wear and tear to the floor joists can still occur. In this case, it’s very common for long stretches of joists to bounce or wobble due to foot traffic.

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How Much Does It Cost To Replace The Bearings In A Washing Machine?

Bearings are responsible for your washing machine running smoothly. Unfortunately, after years of heavy use, the bearings in your washing machine will eventually give out. Luckily, you can forego having to replace your washing machine and instead replace the bearings.

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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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How To Keep Couch Cushions From Sliding (4 Ways To Do It!)

Having a comfy couch is easily one of the best parts of a living room. After a long, exhausting day, nothing beats sitting on the sofa and relaxing. Since it’s one of the most heavily trafficked furniture pieces in your home, it’s important to have it just how you like it. 

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How To Remove Double-Sided Tape and Residue (Step-by-Step Guide)

Double-sided tape is a tool used around the home for both repair and modification. It’s incredibly versatile and can prove helpful in a wide variety of situations.

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How To Remove Channels From Roku (Step-by-Step Guide)

When you stop and think about it, technology is pretty great. A recently as a decade ago, we all had to use traditional cable methods. Now, we can not only watch live television without the need for a cable hookup but can stream on-demand movies, shows, and even sporting events as well.

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Can You Wash A Shredded Memory Foam Pillow? (Find Out Now!)

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.

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Dishwasher Not Spraying Water? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When you first pop dishes into the dishwasher, you usually expect your dishes to be hit with a large jolt of water. This is followed up by some detergent, some jet-provided scrubbing power, and then a nice drying session. However, if your dishwasher doesn’t spray water well, all your dishwashing hopes will be dashed. What causes this, and how on earth can you fix it?

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Can A Bathroom Vanity Be Raised? (Yes! Here's How To Do It)

If you’re in the situation of struggling to be comfortable at your bathroom vanity, you may be wondering if it is possible to raise it. While raising a vanity might sound difficult, it can actually be quite simple. Raising a bathroom vanity can make your vanity more functional and easy to use.

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How To Clean A Whirlpool Refrigerator Coils

Whirlpool makes a ton of different household appliances. From stoves to refrigerators and everything in between, you can walk into millions of homes across the United States and find a Whirlpool product somewhere.

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How To Recharge Wool Dryer Balls (And Why You Should)

If there’s one thing I enjoy doing, it’s a fresh batch of laundry. I even have luxury laundry detergent and wool balls to keep my clothes all nice and fluffy. That’s why I know, first-hand, how depressing holding a bunch of wool dryer balls that are clearly spent can be. Most people assume you have to throw them out, but that’s not true. You can recharge your dryer balls pretty easily.

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How To Block A Neighbor's Security Camera (Secret Tip!)

Did you just discover that your neighbor’s security camera has a perfect view of your property? Before you panic, think about it logically. Chances are that your neighbor wants to keep their property safe and doesn’t realize it’s pointing at your property.

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House Smells Like Permanent Marker? (We Have A Fix!)

Why does my house smell like a permanent marker? This is the first question that will cross your mind when you notice the smell. However, before you start finding the reasons behind the smell, it’s best to remember that the odor is never a good sign, since it points to a problem somewhere in your house.

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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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My House Smells Like Deep Fryer! (We Have a Few Fixes)

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.

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How To Keep Brass From Tarnishing (Quickly & Easily!)

Brass is one of the most popular metals for home decor, especially if you are fond of the “old world” style. It’s coppery, yet a little more gold. Unfortunately, brass also happens to be one of the more high-maintenance metals, so it’s important to know how to keep brass from tarnishing.

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Basement Drain Backing Up When Washing Clothes? (Here's Why)

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.

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Frigidaire Refrigerator Leaking Water On Floor? (We Have A Fix)

While it might seem like all refrigerators are basically the same, there are different brands that have their own unique features. Frigidaire is one of the brands that tend to be among one of the most popular in the industry.

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Where To Buy Flex Tape (List of Stores & Brands)

On UpgradedHome, we talk about a *lot* of home improvement projects and tools. One of the better tools to have on hand is Flex tape. It can tape things up while locking water out, making it an ideal pick for people who have stubborn faucets or need to tape up a vent that just won’t stay put. Flex tape is so popular, it’s pretty easy to find. But, where do you go for this quality fixer-upper fave?

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House Smells Like Maple Syrup? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Have you ever walked into your house and noticed there’s a distinct, sugary, and almost overwhelming stink?

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Glass Or Plastic Tupperware: Which Is Better For Weekly Meal Prep?

For anyone working an in-0ffice job, lunch is always a looming consideration. Some prefer to eat in an employee cafeteria, while others order out. But these habits can become expensive and even unhealthy. These are a couple of reasons why the concept of meal-prepping has grown more popular.

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5 Best Bathroom Vanities For Mobile Homes (Ultimate Guide)

Finding a proper bathroom vanity can be difficult enough, but what about when the space is limited as it can be in a mobile home? Just because mobile homes offer lesser space doesn’t mean that they can’t have beautiful, modern aesthetic qualities.

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How To Prevent Water Spots On A Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel sinks are a lovely addition to your  kitchen area or washroom. They are usually very clean and sharp-looking. Stainless steel sinks provide an industrial look that is still polished enough for any decor.

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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 Store Broccoli In The Fridge And Freezer (Do This!)

If there is one vegetable that’s a classic, all-American dinner table favorite, it’s broccoli. The cruciferous vegetables are some of the most widely eaten, not to mention the most detested by children. If you’re like many frugal home chefs, you will want to store broccoli for as long as possible. The question, of course, is how you can do that without making your broccoli soggy or brown.

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Whirlpool Duet Dryer Not Heating? (We Have a Fix!)

When your Whirlpool Duet electric dryer appears to stop heating, it is not just inconvenient and frustrating. You might be thinking about costly repair bills as well, but don’t.

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How Much Does Lowe's Charge To Install A Dishwasher?

Getting a new dishwasher can be exciting until it gets there, and you have to hook it up. You have no idea how to do that so what are you supposed to do now? Call Lowe;s and have them hook it up. But how much do they charge?

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What Is A Michigan Basement? (Find Out Now!)

Basements can be highly versatile. Michigan basements make for a great storage space, laundry purposes, or have the potential totally refinished. Refinishing your basement provides the potential for an additional living or entertainment space. Well, most of them can fit that description, at least.

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How To Open A Garage Door With A Broken Spring

If you have ever been stuck on one side of your garage door, then you may know the pain of having a garage door with a broken spring. Whether your springs are simply getting weak, or you have one that has snapped, it can be a scary situation. However, there are still ways that you can open up your garage door.

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How To Remove Duct Tape Residue (8 Ways To Do It!)

Duct tape may arguably be the most versatile tool around. There’s a good chance that you will find it in most homes and toolboxes across the world because of said versatility and affordability. Moreover, duct tape can stick in a similar fashion to glue for quality adhesion.

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Can You Put Essential Oils In A Humidifier? (Find Out Now!)

Aromatherapy isn’t just a trend; it’s a method of holistic healing that’s been around for centuries. There are numerous benefits to using essential oils diffused through the air, but what’s the safest way to do so?

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How To Adjust Rainbird 5000 Sprinkler Heads (Do This!)

Your home irrigation system consists of a controller which waters your lawn in cycles and sprinklers with adjustable heads. Rain Bird is one of the most trusted and reliable underground sprinkler system brands on the market. More specifically, the Rain Bird 5000 series are rotary sprinkler heads that are ideal for both residential and commercial applications.

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How To Get Chalk Out Of Carpet (Liquid and Dry)

Having children in the home means that there are bound to be some accidents; in fact, accidents become a part of your daily life. Chalk and markers have been loved by children throughout the decades and are still highly used by children today! This means that you will find yourself trying to get ink or chalk out of your carpet at some time or another. You may already know the remedies for ink, so what about chalk?

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How To Clean Tempered Glass (Quickly & Easily!)

Tempered glass is one of the most durable types of glass in the world, which is why it’s often used in convenience store counters, cellphones, as well as commercial furniture. When you first get it, it has a tendency of having a shiny, pristine look that’s not unlike regular glass. As the years pass, though, it starts to become harder to clean and even a little cloudy. Thankfully, if you clean it the right way, you can restore it to its former glory…

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How To Clean A Dyson Humidifier (Step-by-Step Guide)

When living in dryer climates, a humidifier can really come in handy. Dry air is much different than living in humidity and can have noticeable impacts on your skin in particular. Dry skin, breathing problems, and cracked lips are just a few of the things that overly dry air can cause.

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How Many Years Does A Septic System Last?

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. 

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Wi-Fi Thermostat Has No C-Wire? (Here's What You Should Do!)

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.

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What Is The Best Degreaser For Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets can take quite a beating throughout their lifespan. They are constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations, dirt, dust, and grease. Not only is it difficult to keep them clean, but it’s hard to prepare them before you repaint or stain them. What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?

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Why Is The Second Floor Usually Hotter Than The First Floor?

If you live in a multiple story home, you may have found yourself questioning why your second floor is so much hotter than the first. Unfortunately, a warmer second floor may not be noticeable until the summer months when the heat really starts coming in. And when it happens, you’ll start to feel extremely uncomfortable.

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How To Clean Acrylic Paint (Off Brushes, Clothes, and More!)

Cleaning paint can be a headache. When acrylic paint dries, it dries hard, into an almost plastic-like form. This can make it hard to restore a brush that has dried or get paint out of something like clothing.

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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 Does Meatloaf Last In The Fridge (And Freezer)?

Ah, the epitome of the American family meal, meatloaf, has been a dinner staple for decades. You probably grew up eating leftovers of this iconic dish. But before you dig in, ensure you know how long meatloaf lasts in the fridge so you don’t get sick.

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Do Appraisers Look Inside Of Closets?

Whether you’re preparing to purchase a home or need to know your current home’s worth, you need an appraisal. A professional appraiser looks at a home inside and out and comes up with a value for the property. As part of their job, appraisers look at all aspects of your home, but do appraisers look inside of closets?

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Is It Dangerous For The Water Heater Pilot Light To Go Out?

If you jumped in the shower and could not get any hot water, the pilot light on your water heater may have gone out. As soon as your teeth stop chattering, you need to head down to the water heater and take a look. While it is not typically dangerous for the water heater pilot light to go out, you will need to relight it if you want hot water.

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How To Clean Fireplace Glass (3 Ways To Do It!)

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!

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How To Re-Solder A Copper Pipe Joint Without Removing It

Having a copper pipe break is never a fun situation, but unfortunately, it happens occasionally. Although knowing how to fix any pipe in your home is a great skill to have, learning how to re-solder a copper pipe is even better. If you decide you want to re-solder a copper pipe, the best option is to do so without removing it from the wall. The only concern with this method is that you will need to use heat and avoid damaging anything around the pipe. 

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How Long Does Flour Last In The Pantry? (And How To Store It)

Flour can last anywhere from just two or three months or upwards of a year in your pantry. The exact expiration date depends on a few factors. Generally, white and all-purpose flour (the flour people buy the most) lasts between ten months and one year in the pantry in its unopened container. Once it is opened, the shelf life goes down by half, to about six months.

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How To Paint An Aluminum Screened Porch

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.

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Do Plumbing Vents Have to Go Through the Roof?

Plumbing venting is extremely important as it removes sewage from your home. The sewer gases are directed out of the house by plumbing vents which improves the air quality inside. However, many builder-owners and homeowners wonder if plumbing vents absolutely need to go through the roof.

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What Kind of Tape Will Not Leave A Residue On Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is a great choice for your home’s exterior. It’s durable, colorful, stylish…and it also tends to be a magnet for glue residues. This can be pretty bad if you need to tape something to the side of your house. After all, no one wants to spend their afternoon scrubbing away at tape residue, right? Thankfully, you don’t have to. There are tape options that won’t mark up your vinyl siding.

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Cost to Convert Baseboard Heat to Forced Air (Installation Rates)

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.

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How To Dispose Of Wood With Nails (3 Ways To Do It!)

With all the rules about recycling household waste, anything out of the ordinary can create confusion.  A small repair or remodel project in your home may leave you with construction debris, especially wood with nails.  How do you dispose of wood with nails or other metal?

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How Long Can Thawed Chicken Stay In The Fridge? (Find Out Now!)

While in the middle of preparing dinner, you suddenly had to step out to handle an emergency at work. Because of that, you had to leave some raw chicken inside the refrigerator. After getting home, you’re left wondering if you can still cook the thawed chicken.

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What Are The Signs Your Hot Water Heater Is Going Out?

There’s something super relaxing about a warm bubble bath or a hot shower. But, when your water runs cold after a few moments or never gets hot at all, it’s anything but relaxing. When your water heater goes bust, it can be a considerable inconvenience. 

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What Are the Parts of a Sink? (with Detailed Diagram)

Repairing a sink or installing a new sink may seem like an overwhelming task. However, sinks are not all that complicated when you break them down to their parts and how they function. Once you learn the basic parts of a sink and how they function you should be able to perform any basic DIY sink repair, and even a new sink installation.

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