Tag: bathroom

How You Can DIY Common Fixes Around the Home

April 18, 2019

By Bret Engle of the blog DIYGuys.net Hiring a contractor for every small thing that happens around the home can quickly add up. Instead, it’s wise to know what you can do yourself and what truly needs a professional hand. Here are some tips and tricks to mastering basic DIY projects around your property. When to Consider ProfessionalsGranted, going through video after video on YouTube isn’t exactly a recipe for a fun evening or weekend. Furthermore, you may also be frustrated in your efforts to find a DIY solution relevant to your problem. If this proves to be the case, there are many professional avenues you have at your disposal. You can go online to find reputable contractors and be on your way to having your maintenance done. Unclogging DrainsClogged drains, whether in the kitchen or bathroom, can pose as many risks as they do inconveniences. Yet, dealing with it is accessible enough that it can be achieved with just a few household products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Using natural options is preferable to chemical cleaners, as these are harmful to the environment and can degrade your plumbing. An organic solution will displace any accumulated grime and debris

Common Home Fixes: When You Can DIY and When to Hire a Pro

March 6, 2019

By Bret Engle of the blog DIYGuys.net Being a homeowner can be confusing these days, at least when it comes to DIY projects. With so many shows, guides, and experts seemingly ready to walk you through the most difficult of undertakings, is there any limit to what the average homeowner can do? Well, in actuality, there are a number of jobs where most people are better off connecting with a pro, and here’s how to determine what projects those are, as well as what you should expect to pay for them. Before You Jump InThe last thing you need is to be tripping over supplies and materials while you’re in work mode, and neither do you want a contractor damaging your belongings. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, consider budgeting for a storage space to boost elbow room. As an example, you can rent a 10’x10′ self-storage unit for just $20 at Affordable Family Storage on L Street in Omaha. It’s a smart and inexpensive option for preventing both injuries and broken belongings, so include that when crafting your project budget. Timelines and LimitationsWhen it comes to home repairs, having a good understanding of your personal skills and abilities

Mildew-Proof Your Bathroom in 6 Easy Steps

March 1, 2019

Whether your bathroom is old or new, big or small, mildew can set in and make it a less pleasant place to be. Here’s what you can do to mildew-proof your bathroom so the stuff doesn’t have a chance to take over. First, here’s a quick rundown of the top causes for mildew: Leaks. Moisture can seep into a bathroom from sources we can’t see, like pipes behind drywall or cracks in grout. Since mildew loves darkness and dampness, it’ll continue to thrive in these places, making it even more difficult to get rid of once you discover it. A shower that doesn’t get cleaned regularly. It’s a pain to scrub your shower, but it’s worth keeping up with the chore if you want to extend the life of your entire bathroom. Tiles can collect soap and body oil after every use, and over time, these residues can combine with humidity to lead to mold and mildew. Clogged drains. Soap, hair and other debris naturally lead to a clogged drain from time to time. If you notice your shower draining more slowly than usual, it’s important to grab the Drano right away. Clogs that aren’t attended to quickly will lead

The 9 Best Household Uses for Bleach

February 22, 2019

Bleach is a classic solution for taking care of myriad cleaning projects around the house. It’s so ubiquitous, in fact, that we’re betting there are some uses that you don’t even know about yet. Check out these nine ways to use bleach for your toughest household tasks. 1. Clean your cutting boards.Butcher block countertops and cutting boards can start harboring lots of bacteria over time. Combine one teaspoon bleach with two quarts of water, dip in a brush and use small circles to scrub boards and counters. Wipe with a damp paper towel and then dry immediately. 2. Get rid of mold and mildewBleach is notorious for its ability to eradicate mold and mildew, but it’s all about doing it right. Follow the following ratios to get rid of mold and mildew in these tough places: Painted surfaces and siding: Mix one quarter bleach with two cups water and apply with a brush to any areas showing mold or mildew. Allow to set for 15 minutes and then rinse. You may need to repeat. Shower curtains: Wash in warm water with half a cup of bleach and a quarter cup of detergent. Let the washer run for a few minutes

8 Inexpensive Home Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend

February 8, 2019

Looking for an inexpensive way to give your home an upgrade? Try any of these ideas for a new look and feel that won’t break the bank. 1. Replace your light fixtures.Light fixtures are one of those features that can age a space fast. Not only will replacing them give your space an instantly modern look, it can also increase your home’s value. When you go to replace your fixtures, don’t forget about the kitchen and the bathroom! Those areas are often neglected but mean the most to future buyers. 2. Trade in your drawer pulls and hardware.If you’re not quite ready to invest in a full cabinet overhaul, starting with the hardware is a great way to test out a new look. New drawer pulls and knobs are inexpensive and can give even tired or outdated cabinets a whole new look in minutes. 3. Give your mailbox an upgrade.If you have a boring, lackluster mailbox, setting a weekend aside to spruce it up can really pay off in the curb appeal department. You can replace the box itself, give your post a more upscale look using decorative rocks or go full DIY and find a unique tutorial. 4. Invest

What Can You Get Rid of Right Now? 25 Quick Ideas for Decluttering

January 17, 2019

Got a spare hour or so? It’s time to start tossing. Grab a trash bag, a recycling bin and a few donation boxes and get down to business. Working room by room, here are the things you can get rid of right this second. Kitchen 1. Expired food in your fridge and pantry. (Don’t forget to check all those condiments—they don’t last as long as you think). 2. Recipe books, cards and print-outs you don’t use. 3. Old or one-time use cleaning supplies under the sink. 4. Bottles of alcohol collecting dust. 5. Old, stained and tattered sponges, dishrags and hand towels. Living Room 6. Magazines you’ve already read. 7. DVDs no one watches. 8. Knickknacks that no longer speak to you. 9. Extra throw pillows and blankets. 10. Toys and electronics that aren’t played with or used. Bathroom 11. Expired medications. 12. Old makeup, nail polishes and skin care products. 13. Any half-empty bottles or soap remnants in the shower. 14. Sample packets and hotel soaps, shampoos and lotions. 15. Any hair accessories, curlers or hot tools that don’t get used. Bedrooms 16. Extra sets of sheets—you only need two! 17. Clothes that don’t fit or you no longer

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

January 11, 2019

Want to make 2019 the best year yet? It all starts with a happy home. Putting even one or two of these 10 household New Year’s resolutions into practice can help you create a healthy space for making all your dreams realities. 1. Improve your indoor air quality.Make clean air a priority in 2019. Poor indoor air quality is a leading cause of respiratory issues, like asthma and allergies. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and general malaise. That’s because indoor air can harbor mold spores, dust, pollen and other nasty stuff you don’t want to be cooped up with all day. Changing your furnace filter at least once a year can go a long way toward improving indoor air quality. Make sure your ventilation system is up to par, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms. You should also use low-VOC paint and burn real firewood instead of pressed wood logs. This will help keep risky chemicals out of the air for extended periods of time. As an extra measure, portable air cleaners are available to help purify air in single rooms. 2. Declutter, room by room.The beginning of the year is a great time to reevaluate your belongings.

How to Use a Candle: 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid

October 3, 2018

No matter what you think of them, you have to admit scented candles are kind of amazing. Nothing’s better at creating ambience and a relaxing atmosphere in your home than a few well-placed candles, but you should know how to use them to get the best effect. It also helps to be aware of the hazards that come with having an open flame in the house. Believe it or not, it’s more than just knowing how to wield a lighter. 1. Lighting and Forgetting About It We’ll start with one of the worst things you can do—lighting a candle and just walking away. Directions for use on most candles advise only burning under direct supervision, for a number of really good reasons. If you have curious toddlers or pets, for example, a candle can lead to burned fingers or singed whiskers. Candles can also become dangerously hot if they’re left burning for too long, which is why you should only keep them lit for two hours at a time. 2. Not Leaving It Lit Long Enough Have you ever had to throw a candle out because the wax around the outside didn’t melt? It could be a poorly designed candle,