Most exterior renovation projects slow down or halt completely in the winter. Freezing temperatures, snow, wet or frozen soil, and limited daylight make winter renovations slow, dangerous, and difficult. The quality of work often suffers. It is much more efficient to plan your renovations during winter months and be ready to start work when the...

The festive season–especially Christmas–usually brings out the best food, smells, friends, and decorations. Some of the plants used to decorate are extremely poisonous and should be handled with care to prevent small children and pets from getting sick. Just like poisonous potted plants you should not grow, some of the most decorative festive plants are...

It’s a question I’ve often grappled with—should you heat your basement in the winter? On the one hand, heating bills are already sky high when temps are frigid, but on the other hand, will not heating the basement lead to a catastrophe, like a burst water pipe? I dug into the best expert tips and...

Cats–especially kittens–can be adorable, funny, and beneficial–eliminating mice, rats, and squirrels. They are also incredibly annoying when they poop, urinate, and dig up seeds and plants in your garden and flowerbeds. Try one or more of these ideas to keep your gardens feline-free. Reasons To Keep Cats Out Cats may remove the odd rodent from...

Bleach is often the first choice to disinfect surfaces and remove tough stains. It is very effective but the absolute wrong choice for some cleaning jobs. Do not use bleach to clean any of these items. Children’s Furniture and Toys Bleach is a great disinfectant but toxic if ingested. It is also linked to skin...

Snow makes for a beautiful sight but can lead to trouble, especially when it’s tracked in on your hardwood floors. Wood and water don’t mix. Neither does the salt used to melt snow and ice. Too much snow on the floor can lead to your hardwoods or laminate floors warping and, sometimes, causing mold or...

Once you decide to do a major renovation, it’s time to choose styles and designs. Make sure your choices look as good in 20 years as today. (Teal bathrooms were a fad that lasted about 6 months.) When renovating, always ask yourself, “Will I still like this in 20 years? Will it still look stylish?...

Yellow stains appearing on your white pillows are disheartening. They are unsightly. They also may have health implications. Your head rests on the stained pillow and your mouth, nose, and eyes are in close contact with the stains. Causes Of Yellow Stains On Pillows Pillows usually turn yellow from a combination of factors–often related to...

White vinegar is often considered the best, most inexpensive, and environmentally safe cleaner in your house. While this is true in many instances, there are some cleaning jobs where vinegar can damage surfaces and fail to clean well. Do not use vinegar to clean these items. Unsealed Grout The acid nature of vinegar can wear...

When it comes to loading a dishwasher, there are a lot of disagreements on what should be put where—do cups go on the top rack or bowls? Should you load dishes from the front to the back or side to side? And do you really need to pre-rinse? Today, we’re diving into your deep-burning dishwasher...

If you feel guilty when you forget to water your houseplants, it may be time to choose different plants. Some houseplants don’t require regular watering. Some prefer that you leave them alone and they appear to thrive on neglect. Here are some plants to consider if you are away from home regularly and the housesitter...

The average double bed has about 15 cubic feet of wasted space under it. It’s a pretty attractive storage area. But some things should never be stored there. Here are a few of them and the reasons why. Heavy Items Everything stored under the bed has to slide in and out. Heavy containers don’t slide...

As the temperature drops, the indoor heat gets cranked up. While this keeps everyone comfortable, it also leads to dry, damaging air.  One of the main reasons we experience the dry air phenomena in the winter is that cool air has difficulty retaining moisture. Then, when the heat is turned on to combat the frigid...

Many plants thrive and benefit when planted in the fall, but not all. By planting the wrong varieties, you may be wasting your time and money trying to get a head start on next spring’s growing season. Wait until spring to put these plants in your garden. Plants require warm temperatures to establish hardy and...

The best way to get rid of ants is to keep them away. Seeing a few ants in your house doesn’t seem like a big deal. But once they find a food source, others will follow their trail. You could soon have large numbers of ants trouping in and out of your house. It is...

Many home renovation projects are not difficult. They can be successfully done by following instructions and being patient. You can save a lot of money doing the job yourself and have a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when you are done. Here are some home renos you should consider doing yourself. Installing Shelving and Closet...

Most spiders are creepy–but harmless. Most people don’t appreciate sharing their homes with spiders. They scare people with their quick movements and weave webs that make your home look and feel unclean. Keeping them out makes for a more comfortable home. Spiders are predators that kill and eat other insects. If spiders constantly try to...

Snow mold is those surprise white and pink circles left on your lawn after the snow melts. The circles can vary in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter. The affected grass is crusty and matted. Severe infestations kill grass and leave the lawn patchy and unattractive. What Causes Snow Mold? Snow...

Nobody wants a clogged toilet–especially without a toilet plunger. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few alternatives. You probably already have most of the things you need in the house. Many of them can be used together to eliminate the clog. Baking Soda and Vinegar Dip most of the water out...

Water is one of the safest household cleaners, which might make you think it’s appropriate for all surfaces, but that’s not the case. While you can use it to wash down many delicate surfaces, avoid cleaning the following seven items with water. Unfinished Wood Wood and water don’t mix—especially when that wood doesn’t have a...

Proper home maintenance extends your house’s lifespan, makes your living environment comfortable, and saves money. Poor home maintenance, skipping or ignoring jobs, or doing poor work can cause major problems and expenses. You might be ruining your home without even knowing it. Growing Trees and Shrubs Too Close To Buildings Planting those little shrubs and...

Every home should have a can of shaving cream–even if no one uses it for shaving. Shaving cream is an excellent cleaner for some things. It is handy, easy to use, and inexpensive. Shaving cream is not a cleaning cure-all, but it works well for certain jobs. Why Shaving Cream Cleans Shaving cream creates rich...

In colder climates, winter lawn care ranges from very little to none. Before snow covers your lawn here are a few essential lawn cleaning tips that help your lawn get through the winter healthier. By properly preparing the lawn, you have less spring yard work and an early start to next year’s healthy lush lawn....

Professional cleaners know that a relaxed host has the best holiday visits. They always ensure that cleaning and guest preparations are completed well in advance to reduce stress. Get these chores done early and enjoy your guests. Declutter A little clutter is normal in everyone’s daily life. Cleaning is easier when the house is not...

Space heaters provide warmth to smaller rooms and areas quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. They are also dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 21,800 residential fires are related to space heaters causing about 300 deaths–each year. Follow these safety tips and all the precautions recommended by the heater manufacturers for warm and safe winter...

Mice–like all rodents–have a keen sense of smell. Food odors attract them to your home. They move in for warmth, safety, and a regular source of food. You can use their sense of smell against them by putting out scents that repel them. Here are some of the best choices. Repelling Mice Naturally Spraying poison...

When temperatures cool and leaves flood your lawn, you might want to clean up outside and tackle some yard work. While fall presents an excellent time to prune certain plants, like phlox and Hostas, other varieties will only suffer (and potentially not bloom) if you prune them in the fall. Pruning before a cold season...

Your dishwasher is a handy helper in the kitchen, saving you from hours of painstakingly hand-washing dishes. But as nice as it is to rinse dishes and toss them in the dishwasher, this kitchen machine isn’t equipped to clean all types of items. The heating element in modern dishwashers is located at the bottom. The...

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...