Archives March 2018

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Known by the humorous name of Swamp Coolers, cooling systems based on evaporation have been around forever. Heres a primer on evaporative cooling. No swamp is needed.

cooling, coolers, swamp coolers, allergies, evaporation, air conditioner, summer,

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Known by the humorous name of Swamp Coolers, cooling systems based on evaporation have been around forever. Heres a primer on evaporative cooling. No swamp is needed.

Swamp Coolers  A Different Way to Cool Your Home

Swamp coolers are based on the natural process known as evaporation. Importantly, they only work in low-humidity areas. If you are living in Miami, swamp coolers arent going to cut it. So, how do they work?

The idea behind swamp coolers is evaporating water is cooler than the air around it, typically 20 to 40 degrees cooler. Given this fact, swamp coolers work by sucking air from the exterior of your home in through a window and across pads saturated in water. As the cooled off air enters the home, it sinks and pushes the rising hot air out of the house. Yes, it really works.

There is a certain amount of creativity involved in using swamp coolers. You have to play around with window openings till you find setting that creates a cool, consistent breeze in your home. Windows high on walls should be opened to let heat escape as the sweet, cool breeze comes flowing in. You dont need fans or recirculation equipment, because the natural physics of hot and cold air will create currents.

Swamp coolers are tremendous options when you dont have an air conditioner, are in the middle of heat wave or the utility company is having problems supplying electricity. You can actually buy swamp cooler systems, but they go by the more attractive name of evaporative coolers. Swamp apparently didnt cut it with the marketing team. They cost about half as much as electric systems, but require more maintenance since you have to swap out the pads.

If you suffer from allergies and the like, you may be concerned about sucking exterior air into your home. Fortunately, most swamp coolers come with optional filters that can remove pollens and dust. Surprisingly, the filters dont seem to have much impact on the efficiency of the coolers.

All and all, swamp coolers are a cost-effective method to beat the heat if you live in a low humidity area. You dont even need a swamp.

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Beds are regarded as the most central article of furniture in a bedroom. They set the ambiance and climate in any bedroom. No matter how monstrous, spacious, and brightly colorful a bedroom is, it won’t have a snug and homey ambiance if the bed looks petite and untempting.

beds

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Beds are plainly the first furnishing one should have in a bed room. Beds are purchasable in different sizes. There are twin, full, king, and queen size beds. With the numerous sizes, one does not have to be controlled in determining the exact type of bed for their room. Beds are also made either of fine-grade wood or alloy.

Since it is the feature of the bedroom, beds must be given decent importance and decoration. You want to dress it up with the best and most dashing cloth, since it is the most salient thing that you will see when you move into the bedroom.

One of the more frequent items owners put in to emphasize their beds is the bed cloth. Bed linens put a feeling of quality and class in any sort of bed. Bed linens can be developed out of cotton, silk, polyester, and linen which is considered the most expensive. Linen sheets are effective for hot climates because they tend to cool, and they can also last for a long time. On the other hand cotton sheets are good for any type of season, and they are considered a toughened fabric. These sheets should be washed through machines on a warm setting, bleached only using non chlorinated bleach as specified by washing instructions. Vintage linens then must be hand washed in warm water using mild soap.

You should also consider the placement of the bed in your room. Situate the bed against the middle part of the wall, or opposite the entrance to the room. This makes the headboard the focal point of the room once one enters the room. If you cannot place the bed against the middle portion of the wall, then place it on the part of the wall which is sufficiently extended and spacious to contain the bed.

There are also limitations in placing the bed. You cannot just place it anywhere you wish. Specifically, you cannot place the bed under a window, especially if the window will be opened frequently. A bed under two windows is more feasible.

To complement the look of the bed, you can put some essential pieces of bedroom furniture such as dressers, cabinets, and night stands. Other bedrooms host chairs, loveseats, and benches where one can place extra linen and clothes, and of course, provide a nice place for guests to sit.

In choosing a bed, avoid shopping online as much as possible. You need to try the bed yourself in order to appreciate how it feels lying on it. One of the best ways to determine the right texture of the bed is to place a hand on your back and try to move it while lying. If the hand can move easily then it means the bed is too hard. If you are having a difficult time moving your hand, the bed is soft. If your hand can move with little resistance then the bed is good enough for your comfort.

In buying a bed, do not hesitate to spend. You need to pay more in order to have a more quality item. People tend to be tightfisted on buying bedroom furniture and accessories, believing that they can settle on less expensive materials. But in reality what they are getting is a poor quality bed. So if you have some space in your budget to afford another thousand of dollars or two, then do so! You will be benefiting from a more durable and stylish bed in the long run.

You also have to take into consideration the space that the bed will take up in the room. Beds should not eat half of the bedroom. The bed’s size, for one, should be big enough to take substantial space in the room. It should not be oversized though for the room since it could take space more than the room can offer, leaving you with little space to add other essential furniture like drawers, writing desks, and night stands.

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What a Sump Pump does:
A sump pump is used to dewater basements and crawl spaces. There are six different types of sump pumps, each with advantages and disadvantages. Determine what you require from a sump pump and then decide on a specific type.

sump pump, sump pump cover, backup sump pump

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What a Sump Pump does:

A sump pump is used to dewater basements and crawl spaces. There are six different types of sump pumps, each with advantages and disadvantages. Determine what you require from a sump pump and then decide on a specific type.

Sump Pump Installation Directions:

Before performing a sump pump installation, ALWAYS disconnect the pump from the power source before handling.

Clear any debris from pit and place the pump inside. A solid bottom is required to prevent dirt from clogging the pump.

Make sure the pump is centered so that it will not come into contact with the sides of the pit which might cause operational problems.

Pipe the sump pump discharge into the house drainage system, a dry well or a storm drain.

Install a swing type check valve on the discharge piping to prevent backflow of water into the sump pump.

Drill a relief hole in the discharge pipe to ensure that the pump will not air lock, which would allow the pump to run but not pump water.

Secure the pump cord to the discharge pipe.

Connect the pump to an electrical outlet. Run water into the sump to test it.

Do not attempt to operate the pump without water.

Fill sump pump with water to the normal turn on level

After the sump pump installation is completed, you may wish to install a sump pump cover. This will help eliminate odors and keep debris from falling on top of the pump.

Sump Pump Installation – Should you do it yourself?
To avoid problems and dangerous situations related to sump pump installation, it is highly recommended that only technically qualified personnel install and/or repair sump pumps.

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Ahhh, the sumptuous days of summer. Clear skies, green lawns, barbeques and trips to the beach. Who wouldnt want to capture that feeling year-round?

furniture, decoration tips, decor, decorating tips. home, home ideas.

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Ahhh, the sumptuous days of summer. Clear skies, green lawns, barbeques and trips to the beach. Who wouldnt want to capture that feeling year-round?

Believe it or not, it is easy to bring the style of summer into your own home. Follow these simple, inexpensive tips, and be on your way to enjoying a summer home in your own home… any time of the year!
Color is Key
Paint is a simple tool that can be used to create a summery atmosphere in any room of your home. Brighten up a living room with lime green walls, a dining room with canary yellow, or a playroom with creamsicle orange.

Lighten up dark wood coffee tables, side tables or bookshelves with salmon pink or eggshell blue. Even painting the inside of a dark bookshelf a bright, summery color can freshen up a room considerably.

Store or cover darker colored items, such as maroon pillows and brown couches, replacing them or covering them with lighter, brighter covers. Floral patterns are nice and summery, as is a beach motif. Hang white or see-through curtains over dark drapes to quickly achieve a summery feel.

White is the perennial summery non-color. Repainting walls, bookshelves, coffee tables, and even framed mirrors a cool, crisp white will transform any room. With all that white, dont be surprised if you and your family feel like youve been instantly transported to Miami Beach!
Fabric of Life
Store or cover wintry wares like velvet drapes and pillows, wool throws, and dark leather couches, ottomans and chairs. Dont worry, you can always rotate them back out again when you are ready to return from your summer retreat!

Add summery fabrics, like linen table cloths, cotton flower-print curtains, and gauzy bed skirts.

Cover couches and armchairs with bright or floral patterned slipcovers… nothing says summer like light, bright fabrics.
Feel Like Flowers
Fresh Flowers will give your house a fresh summer look and scent. Keep water in vases clean by changing it often, and throw out flowers as soon as they begin to wilt, replacing them with a different bright selection.

Floral patterns also spell summer. Flowers look great embedded in the embroidery of a throw blanket, covering the upholstery of a couch or armchair, or gracing the surface of a decorative plate, bowl or hanging print.

Decorative floral accessories can be set atop bookshelves, entertainment centers, desks and dining room tables to “summer-ize” a room. Flowers, greenery or a small fountain can also be placed inside an unused fireplace for a more summery feel.
Odds and End Tables
Choose a theme that represents summer to you, then decorate a room around that theme. Beach and seaside items, flowers, fruits and birds are just a few themes that lend a summery feeling to any room.

Choose furniture for its summery feel, and dot these items around the house. Add a couple of wicker chairs, a wrought iron and glass coffee table, a white bookshelf or desk, or even a new floral couch (or an old couch with a new floral slipcover!), and transform any room in your house.

However you decide to add a touch of summer to your home, do so with happiness and joy… the energy of summer! Then, make yourself a lemonade, cuddle into your couch or loveseat, and bask in the warmth of your bright, summery home.

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If you are researching the purchase of a new saw, this brief article suggests some points you may want to consider before you spend your hard-earned money on a new saw.

saws, tools, reviews, rankings

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1) Select a blade size

Saw blades are very expensive, the less saw blades you buy, the better off you will be. If you are planning on getting a miter saw, table saw, a radial arm saw, or some assemblage of these, pick a size and stay with it. While there are several sizes available, the usual sizes are 12″ and 10″. If you stick with the same size blade for all of your different types of saws, you’ll be able to use the same blades with all your saw. Over time, this will save you a lot of money.

2) Corded or cordless?

Cordless tool battery technology has made noteworthy advances over the last several years. Tools that you would typically not think of being cordless, such as circular saws and miter saws, now offering cordless models. If you are thinking about purchasing a cordless saw and you have, or may someday have, other cordless tools, consider staying with a single manufacturer/battery system — that way you can share batteries amongst your tools. Extra batteries are often extremely expensive — it is usually cheaper to get a new tool than to buy replacement batteries. If you purchase several tools from the same manufacturer all with swappable battery systems, you’ll have additional batteries at your disposal to finish your job, this can significantly increase the amount of work you can complete.

Before deciding to purchase a cordless saw, don’t forget that battery lifetime can limit the amount of work you can get done in a single work period. If you are a hobbyist or you don’t use your saw for long periods of time, a cordless saw may be the perfect solution. But if you are a contractor or someone who’ll be using your saw all day long, you may want to bypass cordless technology for tools that draw excessive amounts of power when cutting.

Cordless saws are also more costly to purchase and maintain. While your cordless saw may last for 10 or 20 years; but the batteries won’t. On top of the steeper cost up-front of a battery operated saw, you can plan on spending more money in the future too, perhaps repeatedly, as the batteries need to be replaced.

3) Read before you purchase

Saws are a big investment — they are costly and they get a lot of use in most workshops. Getting the right saw is important and it is also important to avoid purchasing a saw that doesn’t work for how you want to use it. Before buying any saw, check the web for opinions, rankings, and reviews for the kind of saw you are thinking about getting. If you get the chance to use a saw for a week or so, you’ll form an opinion about the saw. But it is nearly impossible to get the correct feel for a saw just by reading the specifications. When you check the internet for saw reviews and rankings, you’ll be getting the opinions of people who have worked with the saw and who have an informed opinion. When people have problems with their expensive new purchases, they are more than happy to vent and warn others. Let their bad luck save you from the same fate.

Before you get any type of large tool, take a close look at the user manual. You can discover a lot about how easy or hard a saw is to use by reading the manual. If it takes 20 steps and an iterative process to ensure that the table and blade are square, you can probably be sure that this will lead to frustration in your future. If you are considering a saw that has different cutting configurations, look at the manual to find out how much effort is required to change the cutting configuration. If the process is complicated and not easy to understand, it could be more trouble than it is worth and you will just not use these additional configurations. So even though the saw has some great features, if they are too much trouble to use, you will not use them. So why pay extra for them? You can run across a lot of these sorts of difficulties just buy reading the manual before you purchase it.

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When you think of soundproofing, you may think of a home studio. More people are choosing to soundproof for other reasons. People living in the city may be kept awake by the noise coming from the street and traffic sounds. You may need to block out the noise from the amateur band playing in the garage next door. Ultimate home theater experience

home improvement, soundproofing material, acoustical foam, floor insulation, soundproofing,

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When you think of soundproofing, you may think of a home studio. More people are choosing to soundproof for other reasons. People living in the city may be kept awake by the noise coming from the street and traffic sounds. You may need to block out the noise from the amateur band playing in the garage next door. Ultimate home theater experience

How to Install Soundproof Windows

Single pane windows are the worst for keeping out sounds. If you have single pane windows, you will want to upgrade to double. You need to choose double pane windows carefully, or they may be worthless. To be effective, the assembly needs to be at least one inch thick. The glass should be at least an eighth of an inch thick and spaced far enough apart to keep out sound effectively.

A soundproof window is a second one installed behind the existing, like a storm window. These aren’t replacement windows, but are made to work with your existing ones. Another benefit is more protection against all weather, both hot and cold. They insulate and stop the drafts, resulting in energy saving benefits in both summer and winter. When the weather is cool enough, they open and close like any other window.

A professional is the best choice for installing your new windows. The installation process is fast, taking just a couple of hours for each window. Since wood can transmit sound, vinyl is often used for the frames. During installation, any rotted wood will be removed and replaced. A variety of custom colors are available to match the interior of your room. You will have two different looks, the existing window from the outside and the soundproof one wall side.

A layer of transparent plastic is used to laminate the windows and reduce sound waves from penetrating the glass. This plastic stops the vibrations against the glass. An added benefit of the lamination process is protection from ultraviolet light. In addition, they are shatter resistant, for safety and home security.

You will get about an 85% reduction in sound with this method. For more complete sound reduction, a second window can be installed behind the first, giving an added layer of protection.

Do it Yourself Soundproofing Windows

The easiest way to keep out unwanted sounds would be to fill the window space with acoustical foam and drywall the window closed. Unfortunately, this would also block out any sunlight from entering the room. This may work for a home studio, but would definitely not be suitable for the bedroom.

A removable wall plug is a good way to do the job yourself. The plug will block out light, but you can remove it when you want to let in the sun. If light keeps you awake, this may be a benefit. To be effective, the plug needs to fit snug inside the window.

A wooden frame should be made to fit the size of your window space. Soundproofing material such as mats, blankets or floor insulation can be cut to the size of the plug and attached to the frame. Use any material you would normally use on the floors or the wall. Sound proof mats and blankets can be cut to size with scissors. When the plug is finished, use sealing tape to help hold it firmly in place.

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There is absolutely no denying the beauty of crystal chandeliers. These interior conversation pieces have been delighting the senses since the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest. Strass crystal, manufactured by Swarovski, is recognized the world over as the finest crystal known to man. This crystal is first machine cut, and then hand polished and coated with an invisible optical l…

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There is absolutely no denying the beauty of crystal chandeliers. These interior conversation pieces have been delighting the senses since the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest. Strass crystal, manufactured by Swarovski, is recognized the world over as the finest crystal known to man. This crystal is first machine cut, and then hand polished and coated with an invisible optical layer, creating a stunning effect. It is these Swarovski crystals that are used every year in the design of the unique Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These stunning crystal chandelier designs have been introduced since 2002, with the most recent unveiling occurring in April 2006. Lets take a look at some of the stunning crystal chandelier designs that have been realized through the years.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier in 2006 called Science & Fiction. The shape of this chandelier was based on the Marie-Therese design, which is identified with the 18th century Empress of Austria. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is noted for its ornate candle arms, and Science & Fiction made sure to pay homage to this old standard. The chandelier includes 111 crystals that feature a print of one of a kind design, and it is completed by 32 lit black candles.

Contemporary designer Ferrucio Laviani presented an amazing chandelier in 2005 that he called Yoga. He took over 100 crystals of differing pastel shades and enclosed them in a beautiful gold frame. Yoga is similar in shape to a standard childrens top, but this is one toy you would not want the children to play with. This marvelous chandelier is lit with halogens, casting off a gentle and hypnotizing glow of colors and crystal texture.

Gaetano Pesce introduced a beautiful chandelier in 2006 which he called Mediterraneo. This chandelier is a feast for the senses, as Pesce designed this chandelier in much the same style as a traditional old world chandelier  with a twist. The chandelier consists of 140 crystal strands, each one consisting of 87 Swarovski crystals lit up by LEDs that change the color of the design. In addition, Mediterraneo emits certain soothing smells and also changes shape before the viewers eyes. This is truly a unique and gorgeous crystal chandelier design.

Chris Levine was the mind behind the chandelier entitled Vertigo. This creation has the look and feel of old-time chandeliers similar to those you might see in ballrooms, but Vertigo is lit with laser lights throughout the rows of crystals. The result is a visually stunning display of what can be done with beautiful Swarovski crystals.

As evidenced by these original designs, the days of run-of-the-mill chandeliers are a thing of the past. As designers continue to experiment with the aesthetic beauty of crystals, the presentations will surely resemble the stunning crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, more and more people are sure to discover the beauty associated with crystal chandeliers.

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Roller Shutter Doors is a reputed UK based manufacturing company dealing in doors for industrial and commercial use. Their main products are fire doors, high speed doors, Industrial doors.

Strip Doors, PVC Strip curtains, Strip Curtains

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Strip doors and strip curtains are overlapping PVC strips mounted in door openings. These are generally used in places where usage of a solid door is not feasible i.e. there is a heavy foot and machine traffic though that passage.

Strip doors and strip curtains are available in standard clear that provides for maximum visibility whilst double ribbed strips can be used to minimise the inevitable scratching of curtains due to forklift traffic. Polar grade strip is available for cold room applications.

Strip doors are great if energy conservation is a big concern. Some of their benefits are :

 They are excellent noise barriers thus creating better working ambience for the workers.

 They are very cost effective since they help in conserving energy by preventing heat loss.

 Strip doors and strip curtains control environment by trapping the warm and the cool air. They also prevent dust and other air borne pollutants from spreading from one work section to another. They also maintain optimum ventilation.

 They have rounded edges and are made of self extinguishing flexible PVC which does not support combustion. Hence they help in preventing fire hazards.

 Strip doors and curtains are easy to install, maintain and repair. They are very versatile and can adapt to a wide range of applications.

 Strip doors and curtains help solve doorway visibility problems. As a result there are fewer doorway accidents and worker safety is enhanced. The PVC strips are available in various colours which can be used to mark entrances and restricted areas.

Strip doors and strip curtains from Kaiser Doors are used in industrial and commercial applications such as walk-in coolers and freezers, loading docks, conveyor openings, crane ways, noise barriers, interior partitions, animal doorways, clean rooms, weather protection in shipping and receiving doors and sound control around machinery and between rooms.

Kaiser Doors has a track record of successful strip doors and strip curtains installations in a wide range of applications from pharmaceutical plants, dairies and bottling plants to hospitals, concert halls and supermarkets.

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Modern and Traditional Bathroom and Kitchen Mixer Taps adorn your bathroom furniture and add years of beauty and elegance.

Shower enclosures,bathroom furniture,bathroom,remodeling,shower,bathrooms,roll top bath,whirlpool bath,whirlpool baths,steam showers,bath,bathroom vanity,bathroom ,mixer taps,basins,shower tray,walk-i

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The finishing touches to your bathroom or kitchen renovation project is the selection of your tap and should be given the same consideration when purchasing other bathroom furniture. Since mixer taps now come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to incorporate the latest in technology, choosing the right taps either for the bath, shower, kitchen or basin mixer taps can add charisma to any room. Whether you are trying to achieve an ultra modern or a traditional look choosing a design that is relevant to your taste and will be significant to the rest of room creates both harmony and balance.

A Modern or Traditional Tap

What defines beauty and elegance in todays selection of bathroom and kitchen mixer taps are the ultra modern sleek architectural designs. From curvaceous to modular geometric styles or the combination of both in brilliant chrome finishes can create a statement of authenticity and enhance the atmosphere and mood of your design. The array of choices out in the marketplace can be somewhat baffling, ranging from revolutionary and ornate Laser bathroom basin taps in tubular designs that are triggered by touch for a distinctive contemporary appeal. Traditional cross head taps have been have been brought up-to-date into the 21st century with a more angular construction and is the perfect accent to adorn any basin or bath, whatever your design needs are always go with a style that is pleasing to you and fits into the existing design of your room.

Looking for a tap that is both practical and functional also plays a role in the selection process, mixer taps are the ideal solution for the bathroom or kitchen available in single or dual lever controls providing a consistent water temperature and flow. Subtle and elegant traditional bath and shower mixers are a distinguished way in trying to emulate a bygone era, with ceramic accents these types of mixer taps are a favored choice for making a design statement.

Designer Taps

While the scope of kitchen remodeling is on a much grander scale, choosing the right style of tap should be of the same deliberation as in the bathroom. If the kitchen incorporates stainless steel appliances and other modern furnishings a traditional style tap would create an unbalanced look. Opting to go for a trendy minimalist mixer tap design would be more preferable for a complete modern ambiance. On the other hand if your kitchen has a country rustic appearance, traditional styles such as the Dual-Flow High Bridge sink mixer tap or Bib Tap style that can add a genuine touch of charm in a traditional setting.

With stainless steel kitchen sinks still leading the way in popularity and versatility, there is a broad range of complementary taps in metallic and colored finishes to co-ordinate with your design motif and to co-inside with your kitchen accessories. Deciding whether you want a dual-flow tap which provides independent hot and cold water flow or a single lever taps which combines hot and cold water temperatures with one adjustment at the initial design stage will help ease and narrow the selection process as well as avoiding costly mistakes.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of http://www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, shower enclosures, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.

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Many household products can function well in areas quite different from their initial intended uses. Here are a few examples:

household cleaning tips,washing windows,WD-40,Jeanette Fisher

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Many household products can function well in areas quite different from their initial intended uses. Here are a few examples:

Icy Steps?
If you live in an area that freezes during the winter, here’s a tip for keeping your front steps from getting icy. Just take a bowl of hot water, add a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid to it. Once you’ve poured that mixture over the steps, they won’t freeze again. (Of course, this trick may work with other dishwashing liquids, as well. You’ll need to do some experimenting to find that out for yourself.)

Is your roof growing?
Sprinkling powdered laundry detergent on your roof can kill moss, but it won’t kill other things, even when the next rain leeches it down the downspout during the next summer shower. If you happen to see bubbling at the bottom of your downspouts, don’t panic. Its just the detergent being washed off the roof, and it’s generally harmless to the environment.

Budding Artists?
If your children have decided to use the bedroom walls to create their latest crayon masterpieces, you’ll get excellent results by dipping a damp rag into baking soda and then using that mixture to scrub it off. It won’t be easy, but you can do it–assuming you’re willing to work at it–and it’s cheaper than repainting the room.

Along those same lines, if your kids should use appliances or kitchen countertops as canvases for artwork instead of their bedroom walls, and their medium of choice is permanent marker, you’ll find that dipping a paper towel in rubbing alcohol will take it off. Like the walls, this mixture needs to be combined with a liberal dose of elbow grease.

Sticky Price Tags?
Another commercial product that’s found in most people’s homes, WD-40, can serve double duty as a cleaner, as well. It can be used it to remove the pesky glue thats so hard to get off when you peel labels or price tags off of plastic items. Just spray it on and rub it back off. It works like a charm, without harming the plastic itself.

Streaky Windows?
Here’s a tip for washing windows: if you’re washing both the inside and outside, try using vertical strokes for one side of the window and horizontal ones for the other. That way, you’ll instantly be able to tell which side a streak is one. Instead of expensive window cleaners, you can use vinegar for outside windows. Using old sheets of newspaper also can minimize streaking. When you decide to tackle the window washing chore, do it on a cloudy day. You’ll experience less streaking and less frustration, because the windows won’t dry as quickly when the sun isn’t blazing down.

Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher