Getting your house clean before winter and the holiday entertaining season starts removes pressure and makes for a more peaceful and relaxed winter. Here are some tasks you should not skip. Chimneys and Fireplaces Have your chimney, fireplace, and wood stove cleaned before winter heating season sets in. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires that damage...

Winterizing your house with insulation is the best way to save on heating costs, reduce drafts, protect pipes, and create a more comfortable living environment. You can use many types of insulation to winterize your house. In fact, you should use different types of insulation for different applications to maximize energy efficiency. Many have specific...

Cold weather, snow, and ice are hard on homes and equipment. Things freeze up, break more easily, and are much harder to repair in the cold. Take care of these repairs and maintenance items before winter to save money and protect your investments. Clean Out the Gutters Gutters collect twigs, leaves, cones, and dirt which...

People may choose a front door color based on their home’s exterior palette or because they have a particular interest in one color, but many do not consider what this color says about them. But your front door is more than just an entryway; its color can reveal something about your personality and the atmosphere...

Orange and red fall landscapes look beautiful, but do fallen leaves pose a threat to your lawn? If your yard looks anything like mine, it’s hard to see the grass through the sheer amount of leaves on the ground.  There’s some debate on whether to leave the fallen leaves on the ground or make use...

Growing plants in a small apartment improves air quality, adds a touch of the outdoors, and adds color and fragrant odors to the living space. Growing potted plants in small apartments can be challenging. Space is at a premium. Some apartments get very little sunlight. Also, some of the most attractive plants are toxic to...

Plucking fresh herbs from indoor plants appeals to most cooks. Maintaining some herb plants indoors is frustrating and futile. Many herbs are outdoor plants and don’t survive well inside.  Here are a few species you should not try to grow indoors. Dill Dill plants grow to three feet tall, with some varieties reaching five feet....

Washing laundry in cold water gets a bad rap for not getting clothes clean enough. While this might have been true ten to twenty years ago, today, many modern laundry detergents are formulated to clean clothing just as well in cold water as they do in warm or hot water. If you currently wash everything...

Regular home maintenance is necessary to protect your investment and prevent serious damage. Many repairs like squeaky hinges or burned-out light bulbs are not essential, but some problems need to be attended to as soon as they become apparent. Here are some repairs that you should never ever ignore or procrastinate about. Roof Leaks Leaking...

Most people want a clean healthy home and expend a lot of effort keeping it that way. Some common cleaning products pose risks you may not want to deal with. Here are some cleaners to keep out of your house. Toxic Cleaning Chemicals To Avoid Most commercial cleaners have toxic substances included in their formulas...

Hot water washes kill bacteria and sanitize clothes. They can also do irreparable harm to some clothing items. Here are some things best kept out of hot water washes. Delicate Items Silk, lace, wool, and other delicate items need to be washed in cold water. Hot water washes cause shrinking, tearing, fading, and size distortion....

When it comes to housekeeping, mopping can be a controversial subject. Some swear by steam mops, while others caution against them. Some people mop daily, while others go weeks between floor washing sessions.  But the best mopping method usually lies somewhere in between. There are general mopping rules you should never break, while others vary...

Houseplants have an amazing way of making any home feel more vibrant and fresh. Most houseplants serve to enhance the atmosphere, improve the air quality, and provide a sense of calm, but not all plants are suitable for your home’s interior. Indeed, some of them may pose hidden risks to children or pets. Certain plants...

Everybody loves a clean house and most people look for quick, easy, and effective ways to clean, disinfect, and sanitize. Here are 10 of the best ways to accomplish that. Disinfect Your Equipment Use hot soapy water and bleach to disinfect your cleaning equipment. Germs, bacteria, and mold can build up on brushes, sponges, rags,...

Pumpkins notoriously represent the fall season, making their way into Halloween decor as Jack-o-Lanterns and into Thanksgiving decor as centerpieces and porch setups. However, we realize that not everyone likes the full-out pumpkin motif.  We’ve got you covered if you want to spruce up your home without it looking like you regurgitated a pumpkin patch....

We will undoubtedly acquire a variety of items over the course of our lives. For many items and areas, it is best to go through them on occasion, keeping only what is necessary and useful. Decluttering certain items too quickly comes with a cost. Moving too quickly to discard certain items can have unintended consequences...

Your regular housekeeper gleans a lot of information about you, your family, and your home. Usually, they won’t discuss much with you because they prefer a professional relationship. They may also like to tell you about how they prefer to clean and the type of relationship they would like to have. They often keep quiet...

In northern parts of the US, the first killing frost is usually in September–occasionally August. Frost signals that you should start getting your yard ready for winter. Winter-ready yards regenerate earlier in the spring. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use. Continue Mowing The ideal winter grass height is about two inches....

Growing a potted peppermint plant in your entryway serves multiple purposes. The rich green leaves and pleasant odor set a welcoming tone for visitors and guests. Peppermint is relatively easy to grow and maintain. Here are some excellent reasons to have a peppermint plant growing in your front entrance. Natural Pest Repellent The smell of...

Professional cleaners devise ways and times to accomplish cleaning chores efficiently. The chores become habits that keep the house clean without undue stress. Here are some professional recommendations you can incorporate into your cleaning routine. Professional Cleaner’s Daily Habits Professional cleaners learn not to procrastinate. Leaving small jobs undone only leads to a long “to-do”...

In the planning and excitement of decorating your fireplace for the coming fall and winter occasions, don’t forget fire safety. US fire departments respond to an average of 793 home structural fires yearly that begin with decorations–not including Christmas trees. Use these fireplace safety decoration tips to reduce the chance of turning festive occasions into...

Cleaning your toilet and seeing stains you can never seem to get rid of is frustrating. Here are some ways to remove any stain and leave your toilet bowl shiny and clean. Types Of Toilet Stains Toilet stains are not usually caused by the stuff you put into your toilet. They build up because of...

Can’t figure out where the moldy, musty, earthy smell in your home is coming from? Try looking under your flooring. Mold growth is easy to see on walls, tubs, grout, etc., but it is more difficult to spot if it grows under your floor covering. Mold grows anywhere when the right conditions are present. Signs...

Maximizing limited spaces through the creative use of design and decor requires thoughtful planning and innovation. By focusing on both the functionality and aesthetics of a given space, you can transform any area into one that is both stylish and practical. The key lies in balancing both of these goals to find one that works...

Tiny dust particles are everywhere, and even if you’re hitting your shelves with a feather duster each week, you may still see dust floating through the air. Dust is more than dirt—it comprises several substances, including dead skin cells, pet dander, dust mites, and even clothing particles. It coats any surface it lands on, making...

Preparing for fall and winter is much easier when it is still warm. Fall can turn into winter quickly. Get ready for the changing seasons using some of these tips. 10 Tips To Prepare For Fall Preparing for fall is part of good home maintenance. It is more pleasant and takes less time during fair...

After summer ends, the holiday season begins, with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas fast approaching.  According to Statista, Americans spend an average of $140 per year on new seasonal decor. After several years of purchasing seasonal items, most families accrue quite a collection, which can be difficult to manage and store. If you’re ready to set...

Thanks to its strong tannins, coffee stains just about everything—from teeth to your favorite mug. While a stained coffee mug is still clean after you wash it, the brown buildup can make it look dingy.  As an avid coffee drinker, I know how embarrassing it can be to offer a stained mug to a guest...

Home ownership is a goal for many. Down payments and mortgage payments are the big items you think about but it is the hidden costs that cause stress if you are not prepared for them. Some costs happen at purchase time, some happen every month, and some can be a surprise. Here is what you...

Concrete is a tough product that does not require sealant. Under the right conditions, unsealed concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks can last up to 50 years. They may also last as little as 10 years due to poor product or installation or adverse conditions. Proper driveway sealing extends concrete lifespan. Consider all the pros and...

Any plaster or stucco–residential or commercial–applied in the USA after 1990 should be free of asbestos. Asbestos was declared a health risk and banned in 1989. Older houses–especially those built in the 1940s and 1950s–made extensive use of asbestos in many products. Asbestos was incorporated into stucco and plaster to enhance fire resistance and soundproofing...

First impressions matter and are a powerful motivator to improve the curb appeal of your home. Whether you are about to put your home on the market or simply want to make it more appealing, increasing your home’s curb appeal is an exciting challenge that you can complete in one day. A quick transformation can...

Laundry never seems to end. The hamper is filling up as you finish the last load. Here are some suggestions that save time, save money, and make laundry easier. Clean Your Washer Clean your washer every 4 – 6 weeks. A lot of dirt passes through washing machines and some of it sticks in seams,...

Drywall manufactured since the mid-1990s is asbestos-free. Houses and commercial buildings constructed between the 1930s and 1990 likely used many of the 3000 products containing asbestos. Asbestos was used in drywall boards, tape, and joint compound (“mud”). Any older house that has not been renovated can contain asbestos in the drywall. Houses built in the...

Potential buyers’ first view and impression of properties for sale is from the curb as they arrive. About 40% of homebuyers conduct house searches online. The first online view is usually from the curb. An unimpressive or poor curb appeal can make them click right past the listing without considering an in-person inspection–let alone making...

It turns out the jar of mayo in your fridge is good for more than making sandwiches.  The ingredients in mayonnaise—vinegar or lemon juice, egg yolks, and oil—are cleaning powerhouses. The vinegar or lemon juice makes mayonnaise acidic, capable of breaking down grime and adhesive. The oil is a lubricant and glosser. While mayo doesn’t...

Curb appeal refers to the general attractiveness of a house and property viewed from the street. Upgrading your curb appeal adds value to the property when selling, makes it more inviting, and increases pride of ownership. Here are upgrades–big and small–that improve curb appeal. Upgrade the Front Door Everyone approaching the house focuses on the...

Denture tablets contain cleaning agents such as peroxide, oxidizers, baking soda, and washing soda. They’re also effervescent, creating bubbling action that helps lift stains and kills some bacteria.  While denture tabs are designed to remove stains from dentures, they’re a powerhouse, capable of dissolving limescale, unclogging drains, and removing coffee and tea stains. They’re also...

Underground drains are a practical and hidden option to move water away from your house. Designed and installed properly, they are an excellent solution for water diversion. No water puddles. No basement leaks. No downspouts cluttering the yard. Once installed, underground drains usually require little maintenance. The entire drainage system–from gutters to outlets–needs to be...

Frozen outdoor faucets–also known as hose bibs– are more than inconvenient. They can cause leaking and broken pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. Whether you live where frost is rare or experience four months of winter, use one of these suggestions to prevent frozen pipes. Always remove and drain hoses before winter. They are an...

Newer energy-efficient homes are well-sealed to prevent heat loss and infiltration of cold air. Furnaces are adapted to new building codes and housing requirements. Some homes require multiple fresh air intakes to keep indoor air quality at safe and comfortable levels. Every fuel-burning furnace needs a source of oxygen to operate efficiently. Air is drawn...

Not only do dehumidifiers work with air conditioning, but in many cases operating them together provides noticeable benefits. Dehumidifiers are designed to lower the relative humidity of a house or room. Air conditioners lower temperature and humidity. They are very good at lowering temperatures but lowering humidity is a secondary goal. Benefits Of Running a...

Organizing a cluttered garage provides an excellent opportunity to transform a chaotic and disorderly environment into a functional and even appealing space. The overriding purpose of this is to create a system in your garage that will provide greater clarity about what you have while increasing efficiency in your home. By taking care of the...

Dehumidifiers are designed to remove humidity from a room. They do not lower the air temperature but they do make the room feel cooler. High humidity reduces the ability of the air to absorb moisture. Evaporating sweat cools the body. Lower humidity makes evaporation more efficient. How Dehumidifiers Make a Room Feel Cooler High levels...

Loose-fill insulation is used in attics and walls of many residential buildings. The International Residential Code and local building codes require insulation to pass high fire resistance testing. Loose-fill insulation can only be used in house construction with the appropriate certification. Loose-Fill Insulation Fire Ratings All insulation materials are tested to ASTM E84 for Surface...

If you’ve got the itch to decorate but don’t know what project to tackle next, this TikTok trend might give you some ideas.  Fridgescaping, a new decor trend sweeping social media, is about creating an aesthetically pleasing refrigerator. While using clear containers and keeping the fridge nice and neat is nothing new, this trend kicks...

The Department of Energy reports over 17,000 fires per year caused by dryers and washing machines. Clothes dryers account for 92%. Almost one-third are attributed to “failure to clean” and dust, fiber, and lint accumulation. Plugged dryer vents cause hot dangerous fires. How To Spot a Clogged Dryer Vent Dryer lint filters catch and hold...

Designing a garden requires a delicate balance of creativity and practicality. Size does not matter as much as you might think, so whether you have a small garden or plenty of space to spread out, you can design a garden that meets your needs. This is a space that will expand from your original design,...

Sink drain clogs usually start small and grow. If your sink takes over a minute to drain, it is partially clogged. Completely clogged pipes stop water from draining at all. Calling a plumber is an expensive solution. Try some of these DIY solutions to get the water running and save money. 6 DIY Ways To...

Gutter guards are marketed as a way to prevent leaves, twigs, cones, and other debris from clogging gutters. Most of them work well for that purpose. However, they are not perfect. Here is a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of gutter guards. Gutter Guard Advantages Keeping gutters clean is essential to prevent...

Mopping floors is necessary to get rid of dirt, deter pests, and reduce allergies. Ideally, floors should be mopped every week–every two weeks at least. There is a right way and wrong way to do most things. Floor mopping is no different. Mopping mistakes may harm your floors. Here are some mistakes to avoid. Not...

Bleach is an ingredient in many toilet cleaning products. Commercial products contain additives that help them stick to the sides of toilets, but bleach is less expensive and works just as well. Benefits Of Using Bleach On Toilets Toilets should be cleaned and disinfected weekly. Bleach kills bacteria, mold, other fungi, and viruses. It removes...

Home remodeling is often expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive. Affordable upgrades usually cost much less but produce noticeable improvements. They usually require some DIY ability and time. Consider some of these ideas before spending a lot of money. Painting A new coat of paint is the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to renew your home....

Twenty-five percent of garages are so cluttered there isn’t room for one car. They are a catch-all for garden equipment, tools, old toys, lumber, and other things you should never store in a garage. Here are things to get rid of now to make the space more usable. A clean and organized garage is healthier,...

Bleach is one of the best options to kill black mold on certain surfaces. It will not completely eliminate mold from some materials. Mold spores are everywhere in the environment and grow on most organic materials. Here is what you need to know. Where Bleach Works Bleach works on non-porous surfaces like tile, porcelain, acrylic...