Monthly Archives: June 2023

On My Wish List: The Ultimate Cloth for Cleaning

June 08, 2023   Matt

On My Wish List: The Ultimate Cloth for Cleaning

I’ll be the first to confess that I’ll never win an award for housekeeper of the year. My home is never filthy, but it has what some friends kindly describe as the “lived in” look. There always seems to be a pile of papers on the dining room table, kids’ toys in the living room, and a load of clothes waiting to be folded. It’s not that I don’t enjoy having a clean and mess-free house; rather, it’s that I just seem to have other priorities.

I have a demanding job, so that takes up more hours in the day than I even like to think about. And then there are school activities, chauffeuring my son to sporting events, and errands to run.

But at the root of it all, I’ve figured out, is that I always end up feeling discouraged when I clean. Why? Because it can so often feel pointless. I can’t count the number of times when I’ve spent hours cleaning my windows, only for the sun to come up the next day and reveal the streaks on the windows. Ditto for my shower doors. It’s frustrating to put in that kind of time and wind up with a less-than-desirable result. I’ve tried using tricks my mother taught me, like using newspapers instead of paper towels, but that offers only a marginal improvement. What I really need is the ultimate cloth for cleaning – streak free cloths that will allow me to wet it, wring it out, wipe it down, and walk away.

If often imagine that, if I could find the ultimate cloth – perhaps made from a new mircofiber or mirafiber – I would finally feel the motivation to keep everything clean and shiny. This ultimate cloth would be totally green and eco-friendly, with no chemicals or other harmful elements. It would be washable and bleachable, so that I could just toss it in the laundry and be able to use it over and over again. This ultimate cloth would also be versatile, so that I could not only use it on my windows and shower doors, but also on my countertops, stainless steel, mirrors, and ceramic tile.

These streak free cloths would be both tough and tender – tough on dirt, yet gentle enough so that it won’t scratch or damage the surface I’m cleaning. They would have a magnet effect, so that they’re able to grab and hold dirt, dust, and grime, while at the same time being very absorbent.

Frankly, I get tired of a cleaning process where it seems like I’m just pushing dirt and dust around and never really capturing it. In my vision of a perfect world, I’d be able to get a microfiber ultimate cloth string mop that would clean tile floors, laminates, and hardwood floors without chemicals and using just water.

With the latest advances in fiber technology, I wouldn’t be surprised if my ultimate cloth exists. Once I find it, I know that my frustration with cleaning will dissipate, and that I’ll be more motivated to keep my windows, countertops, and floors sparkling.

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Gardening And Landscaping: The Benefits Of Landscape Design Software

June 07, 2023   Matt

Gardening And Landscaping: The Benefits Of Landscape Design Software

Many a person who is interested in crafting and creating a lovely lawn and garden spends a great deal of time scratching his or her head trying to figure out exactly how to get started on the landscaping process. Perhaps you find yourself in such a position at this point in time. Perhaps you have decided that you want to better and beautify your yard but you do not exactly know how to get started.

In this regard, if you are like most people you do not have unlimited funds to invest into gardening and landscaping. Consequently, you may not feel as if you are in a position to hire a professional landscape consultant or garden expert. In short, you may feel rather adrift on a what might be coined a sea of bare dirt.

One tried and true solution that you might want to seriously consider when it comes to gardening and landscaping is the utilization of landscape design software. Indeed, in the 21st century, an ever growing number of men and women who are interested in creating lovely garden spots are relying on landscape design software programs to further their efforts.

Many a gardener wrongly assumes that typical landscape design software programs are out of their reach for two reasons. These people assume that these software programs will be too expensive. Additionally, these people conclude that a landscape design software program will be complicated and difficult to utilize.

Of course, there are a number of high end landscape design software programs that are designed for garden and landscape professionals. It is true that these types of programs can require a significant financial investment and it is likewise accurate to note that some of these programs can be quite complicated in their operation. However, in recent years, a new generation of landscape design software has been created with the typical consumer in mind.

As a result, there are now a number of different, reliable landscape software programs on the market today that are both economical and easy to use. These programs allow a person with only rudimentary computer skills to be able to design truly attractive and appealing landscaping schemes.

There are a number of different outlets through which a consumer can purchase user-friendly, economical landscape design software programs. Of course, the Internet is a natural resource for such software (as it has become for so many items and services in the 21st century). Additionally, an ever increasing number of garden supply shops and stores in the brick and mortar world have taken to adding tried and tested landscape design software to their stocks and inventories. Indeed, many of these merchants offer classes and training in the use of landscape design software for their customers and patrons.

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Finding The Right Person For Your Plumbing Needs (4)

June 05, 2023   Matt

Finding The Right Person For Your Plumbing Needs

You may not know this, but plumbing is actually a fairly simple concept, when approached correctly. Once you have a good understanding of how everything works, then even the largest projects will appear to be a lot more simple. Read on for more great advice about plumbing in your home.

Check how well your toilets are flushing. If the handle needs to be played with in order to keep the water from running constantly, or if it needs to be held down several times in order to flush, you may need to switch out some of the parts in your tank. This is not expensive, and it could help reduce your monthly water bill. It could also mean that you avoid the embarrassment of the flushing system breaking when you have visitors!

Twice per year, visually inspect the pipes under all of the sinks in your home. It is essential to check for leaks and fix any that you find, because leaking pipes can damage your the cabinets and the floor underneath. The dampness can also support mold growth, which can be hazardous.

Be careful with putting household cleaners in your toilet. They can cause the toilet to malfunction. The debris that these cleaners leave can sit in your toilet’s pipes and harden, making them almost impossible to get rid of. If it does harden, it usually requires the help of a professional.

Your water heater works more during the fall and winter so make sure that you eliminate all sediment buildup around this piece of equipment. Flushing this device can lead to increased longevity so that you do not face plumbing problems during the winter. This precaution will save time, money and effort.

To winterize a house that will sit unused during the winter months, you must completely drain all of the pipes. After turning off the main water supply, let all of the water drain from the faucets, toilets, and water heater (turn off the gas). Add a quart of antifreeze to sinks and the tub to prevent water from freezing in the drain trap.

If you have problems with a slow drain, there are easier things you can do other than removing the pipes to clean it. There are certain tools made just for this purpose that you insert into the drain to loosen the clog so it washes away or grab it and remove it completely.

If you are going on vacation, look for individual valves under each of your sinks. Turn off water for each appliance. If you live in an apartment building, you will not be able to shut off your system completely but will have to turn off individual valves to prevent any leak from ruining your apartment.

In conclusion, there is a lot to know about plumbing, but it all ends up being well connected in the end. Build on any knowledge that you already have and you can take care of just about any home improvement project or plumbing issue that you might be faced with.

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Hey Do It Yourself! Make Your Home Improvement Projects Easier! 2

June 03, 2023   Matt

Hey Do It Yourself! Make Your Home Improvement Projects Easier!

For anyone that has ever owned a house, home improvement projects are a weekend staple. Many of us are unfamiliar with the construction trade, but that doesn’t mean we cant take on even some of the most difficult home improvement projects. This article is meant to give you tips for your next home improvement project.

To improve the value of your home, you should think about remodeling it. A home that looks new can be sold for more. Adding new rooms or an outside patio can increase its value. Consider remodeling as a form of investment and make sure you know what most people want, before you start.

Installing new countertops is a great place to start with a home improvement project. There are many things to consider, though. Your kitchen layout and how you use your counter space. Do you need something professional and durable or would you prefer something that is more appealing to the eye?

If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you get estimates from multiple contractors before making a choice on a company. It’s tempting to go with the company that comes in thousands of dollars lower than their competitor, but often you’ll end up paying for shoddy work that could have been prevented by going with the more reasonably priced company.

Consider starting a compost bin for your leftover produce scraps. There are several simple methods available and you will be helping the environment. At the same time, you are creating fabulous nutrient rich fertilizer. Compost fertilizer can be used for your flowers and shrubs in addition to being the perfect choice for your new fruits and vegetables.

Use old toothbrushes for cleaning. Whether you are cleaning around the faucet on the kitchen sink or bathroom lavatory or cleaning up engine parts, old toothbrushes work great. Even better, they are free! Why buy a new brush and throw away something that still has a lot of usable life left in it. Save that money for something else.

Before you begin painting a room it is important to lay down drop clothes or old sheets on the floor. When painting a room it is very possible to have paint drip or spill on the floor. Regardless of what type of floor you have it can be very difficult to get paint up once it is on a surface.

For a home improvement that offers an outstanding return, replace your outdated entry door with a steel front door. According to a recent study, homeowners who invested in a steel entry door, recouped nearly 129% of the project’s cost when their house was sold. A new steel door can boost your home’s curb appeal, and it makes a home more energy efficient.

Every time you decide to do a home improvement project, you are furthering your ability to take on future projects, as well. Success is very much dependent on the information you have, and if you apply the advice and tips from this article, you will drastically improve your chances for success.

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Improving Your Home Is Easy When You Know What To Do (2)

June 02, 2023   Matt

Improving Your Home Is Easy When You Know What To Do

Improving the quality of your home is something that everyone dreams of doing. Some projects are small and more like the “do it yourself” kind, while others are large and may require the assistance of a contractor. Whatever type of project you choose, though, the time and money you spend can be well worth the effort. The trick is to pick the right projects and do them well. Here are a few tips that can help when you’re making your home improvement decisions.

Prepare for loss of water use. If you are planning any project involving plumbing and/or shutting off the supply of water to the house, make sure you account for your family’s needs. You should at the very least have several buckets of water available for manually flushing the toilet; or you could consider renting a portable lavatory for longer projects.

When improving the outdoor of your home, replace your garage door. When someone is looking at your home from the outside, the garage door is a major feature. You can install a new garage door to provide your home with a new and good looking feature that will attract attention to your home.

Create space with cabinets. Building new cabinets in your home is a simple home improvement project that has multiple uses. Not only are handmade cabinets useful space-makers, they can also be beautifully stained to match any home’s decor. Adding your own unique viewpoint can give your home a personal touch without harming any value it may have.

If you don’t like to nail pictures to the wall because of the holes the nails make, an easy solution is buying mounting squares. Mounting squares can easily hold a few pounds and can be quickly removed without damaging your wall. Stick four squares altogether, one in each corner of your frame to mount your picture properly on your wall.

Many home builders save money on construction costs by installing only solid wood or particleboard cabinets that do not have any type of hardware. Fortunately, you can purchase cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and handles online or at any home improvement store. You can opt for vintage-look pulls, modern knobs, or designer accents that can be installed in minutes.

For a quick update that can make the exterior of your home pop, update your mailbox. Rain, extreme temperatures, and splashed mud can all cause your box to look grungy and deteriorate. A new coat of paint, new lettering, or replacing the box and pole altogether can add a nice touch to your outdoor decor.

If you’re unsure of how to fix something in your home, hire a professional instead. Many people start in on home improvement projects thinking that they can do it easily, but that is not the case with many projects. It is easier and more cost effective to let a professional handle it instead of messing up and throwing your materials out.

The tips and tricks of the pros can help you create your own home improvement check list. Whether you decide on smaller projects to complete on your own, or whether you decide to bring in a contractor, you’re home will surely benefit from taking on a few home improvement projects.

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