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Cleaning & Laundry : Home & Garden
How to Use Borax in the Laundry
The natural existence of borax deep beneath the surface of the earth makes this mineral one of the oldest products occupying space in a home cleaning cupboard. Many people attest to the effectiveness of borax for a multitude of tasks around the home. From cleaning to craft projects to laundry, borax
How to Clean & Polish Hardwood Floors
When cleaning and polishing hardwood floors, the type of finish on the floors determines the best course of action. Water-based cleaners and waxes are fine for some types of flooring, but can destroy older wood floors or floors that aren't finished properly. Once those details are clear, it's simple
How Can I Remove Stains From Paver Bricks?
Paver bricks are a simple way to enhance your outdoor décor. Used to create walkways, driveways, patios and exterior floors, paver bricks are readily available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. However, due to their exposure to the elements and the high traffic they tend to recei
Cigar Humidor Tips
Humidors help keep cigars at an ideal temperature in a climate similar to that in which they were made. Cigars kept in humidors that are properly cared for will taste better, smoke longer and not dry out. Preparation, storage and continued maintenance are key to a successful humidor and long-lasting
Janitorial Cleaning Supplies
There are a vast number of cleaning supplies available, but just a few can get the job done as well.cleaning image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.comThere are many different types of cleaners, but the most basic kinds can keep a workplace clean. A simple list of cleaners, equipment,...
Can I Grow My Own Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate is a type of holly (Ilex paraguariensis) that grows in the subtropical regions of South America. It's an evergreen shrub or small tree, and it's dioecious, meaning separate male and female trees. This herb is primarily used to make a stimulating tea -- and is of economic and cultural impo
How to Clean Rust on Kitchen Utensils
Many kitchen utensils, including silverware, are made out of metal. Metal can begin to rust over time. This can happen if water is left on the metal for any length of time. It is important to remove the rust as soon as you notice it. If rust were to get in a cut on your skin, it could lead to an ill
Homemade Floor Cleaning Products
Floors stay in good condition when cleaned regularly.old floor #1 image by rmarinello from Fotolia.comA clean floor provides an attractive and sanitary place for you to walk, sit or play in the home. Different floors need different types of care and maintenance. If you have more than one...
How to Lower Blinds
The origins of window blinds can be traced back thousands of years. Windows blinds are one of the most widely used types of window coverings. Generally made of vinyl, modern blinds are easy to operate, and are decorative as well as functional. Blinds are offered in many colors, styles, and sizes to
How to Recover a Lampshade Frame
When a lampshade gets damaged, you could throw it out and buy a new lampshade. However, you don't need to take such a drastic step. As long as the lampshade frame is undamaged, you can recover the lampshade instead of replacing it. You don't even have to wait for a lampshade to become damaged to rec
How to Repair Textured Paint With Sandpaper
Texture adds a three-dimensional effect to the walls of your home. The texture is sometimes referred to as a popcorn wall because the texture almost looks like freshly popped popcorn. Originally a textured paint was applied to the walls and after it dried, a layer of colored paint was added. Today,
What Causes Rust Stains in a Toilet Bowl?
Rust-colored stains develop in the toilet bowl because of the water quality. Hard water contains excessive amounts of minerals that cause stains on bathroom fixtures and in the laundry.
How to Trim a Juniper
The evergreen juniper shrub looks beautiful all year and often acts as an anchor for the rest of your landscaping. Junipers grow quickly in wet areas but tolerate all but the most severe drought. One of their primary uses as foundation plantings is to wick water away from the foundation of your home
What Is a Safe Distance Away From Black Mold?
Mold growth is a concern for all homeowners. Black mold is the term used to describe mold with dangerous mycotoxins, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all mold growth be treated as dangerous and be promptly removed to avoid serious health comp
How to Clean Vitreous Floor Tile
A vitreous floor tile is one that will absorb more than .5 percent, but less than 3 percent water by weight. The only tile that will absorb less water is impervious tile, which will absorb less than .5 percent water by weight. Many tiles that would normally absorb more water are sealed to make them
How to Clean Acrylic Plastic Windows
Acrylic plastic windows offer many benefits as an alternative to glass. They resist breaking and cracking, weigh much less than glass and provide better insulation. Acrylic windows require special care and cleaning to prevent scratches to the surface. Never use ammonia-based or abrasive cleaners on
DIY for Damp Basements
A constantly damp basement can seriously undermine the pleasure you take in your home. It invites mold, compromises your foundation and keeps you from using the area as living space. A damp basement needs to be addressed -- the sooner the better. Although you may need to consult a plumber while you
How to Clean Pans With Baking Soda
You may use pans every single day, whether you are cooking eggs for breakfast, grilled chicken for lunch or a large meal for dinner. Often you are left with baked-on grease that becomes difficult to remove. There are a few commercial cookware cleaning products on the market and available at most gro
How to Polish Gun Brass
Ever since the advent of the full metal jacket cartridge, many guns have utilized a brass cartridge to contain the load and projectile of a shot. Gun owners who reload their own cartridges and shells regularly can save money and improve the performance of brass cartridges with better quality powders
Home Remedy for Cat Repellent
Whether they are personal pets, strays or the neighbor's wandering mischief makers, cats can do serious damage in a garden and spread harmful diseases through their feces in a sandbox. Even the cutest indoor cats also manage to cause trouble inside. Cat repellents can keep cats away from forbidden a