Safety Considerations Because this method involves an open flame, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Your safety comes first, so be sure to keep the flame far away from your body. Some people may find that using lighters with a longer-reach barrel, like grill lighters, more helpful. Keep your hair back and out of the way, and make sure to avoid direct contact between the open flame and your table....
Here are nine tips and techniques to help you start a garden. 9 Tips for Starting a Garden From Scratch Sheet Mulching (Layering) Known as sheet mulching or layering, this method involves laying down an organic material, such as newspaper or unwaxed cardboard, to smother the grass. Sheet layering can take several months to kill grass, but it is typically effective. Because it’s a lengthy process, it might be best to sheet layer in the summer so that the area could be ready for the following spring planting season....
Water Level Switch Function The water level switch sends power from the timer control to the water inlet valve and the temperature switch each time the tub needs to be filled during a wash cycle. As the tub fills, the switch cuts off the water flow when the water level inside the tub correlates with the setting for a large, regular, or small load. The switch then signals the motor to begin agitating....
The T-Handle Moen Cartridge Puller model shown here can be used for series 1200, 1222, and 1225 Moen cartridges. Another variation can be used for 1258 cartridges. Make sure to choose a puller that is designed for your faucet model. How to Use a Moen Cartridge Faucet Puller How to Maintain a Moen Faucet Cartridge Puller Simply clean off and dry the cartridge puller after each use. Rubbing it down with a cloth moistened with light penetrating oil will prevent corrosion....
Keep in mind that clearing a main line stoppage is not an easy task. It may be easier to call a professional plumber in this situation. Consider calling around to compare the price of renting the machine, plus your time, versus hiring a plumber. If you don’t have a sewer clean out it is not advisable for you to rent the machine and clear the stoppage yourself. If you do have a clean out the following instructions will help you use a rental machine to clear the stoppage....
How to Dilute Bleach for Cleaning Opt for unscented household bleach with 5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite. Otherwise, its disinfecting capabilities can be questionable. Bleach bottles typically have directions for how to dilute bleach for cleaning. If your bottle doesn’t have these instructions, here’s a general bleach-to-water ratio for cleaning: Add 5 tablespoons bleach per every gallon of room temperature water, or for smaller jobs add 4 teaspoons bleach per every quart of water....
A portable or ceiling fan costs 50 times less to run than central air conditioning, plus no harmful refrigerant is required. Even if you do use ACs, fans can lower their overall cost by supplementing their operation or reducing the frequency of their use. Create a Fan Cross-Breeze With Two Fans Move cool air into the house and hot air out simultaneously by creating a cross breeze. You’ll need two fans and two windows that open....
But the issue of installing laminate flooring in the kitchen is more of a gray area. Unlike some materials that are perfect for kitchens, laminate flooring walks a fine line. On one hand, laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture, and moisture in all forms is a fact of life in kitchens. On the other hand, laminate flooring has other attributes—easy cleanability, for one—that make it well-suited for kitchens. So, should you use laminate flooring in the kitchen and what’s the best way to protect it?...
Interestingly enough, lucky bamboo is actually not bamboo at all, but a type of dracaena. Real bamboo is not meant to be cultivated as an indoor plant. However, because lucky bamboo is smaller, it can be used indoors, and because lucky bamboo looks a lot like real bamboo, it can be used interchangeably and shares the same meanings and symbolism in feng shui. It’s native to Africa, grows abundantly in Asia, and is a popular houseplant....
Learn more about what is involved in indoor gardening in this beginners guide. What is Indoor Gardening? More than just one or two plants in pots on a windowsill, indoor gardening still doesn’t need to be anything overly elaborate or complicated. It is generally regarded as growing a selection of plants inside that you would typically grow outside—whether that be fruit, vegetables, herbs, or flowers. If you have the right space and set up indoors, it can be less time-consuming and more successful to cultivate a garden indoors....
The fragrant flowers and fruit, known as quince, attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Quince fruit is too hard and tart to be eaten raw, but is used to make jellies and preserves. In some parts of the world, quince is bletted (left to near rot) to make it softer and sweeter, and therefore edible. Latin Name The botanical name for Japanese quince is Chaenomeles japonica. The genus name Chaenomeles is the Greek word for “split apple” a reference to the flower produced by these plants, as well as the apple-shaped fruit....
But today’s laminates are of considerably better quality than the classic Formica countertops of the 1960s. While they still may not have the prestige of quartz, natural stone, or composite materials, these latest high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are by no means inferior countertop materials. Today’s laminates offer hundreds of design options and are still much more affordable than most other materials. For DIYers, laminates offer one of the best choices for building your own countertop....
Whether placed under a kitchen table or in a cozy living room, an area rug is a great way to add color and texture to your space. With so many options on the market, you might have a hard time determining which rug is best for you, though—especially if you’re shopping online. With that in mind, we tested out the 4 x 6-foot version of Langley Street’s Aldergrove Handwoven Wool Area Rug....
