According to Donald C. Williams, Senior Furniture Conservator, Conservation Analytical Laboratory at the Smithsonian Institution, it depends on a lot on what type of polish you’re using. There are three different types of polish commonly used, and in some of them, the chemicals and natural products they contain can dull the finish or even attract dust. Over time, polishes may build up and darken furniture, making it look dirtier....

When it comes to getting quality sleep, a good mattress can make an immense difference. That being said, an easier and more budget-friendly solution is to get a mattress topper. Available in a variety of materials, thicknesses, and densities, there are virtually endless mattress toppers to choose from. So, does the ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper stand out among the rest? I unwrapped, unrolled, and slept on one myself to get an accurate idea of the comfort, support, and overall design....

Clawfoot tubs are an excellent choice if you want to give your bathroom a traditional or retro look. The feet and the type of rim will often make the difference between a true retro look and a more streamlined, modern interpretation.

Perhaps more common than the tool’s technical name of reciprocating saw is the name Sawzall. This common nickname is a result of the popularity of the first reciprocating saw invented by Milwaukee in 1951. While the names are different, the tools are the same. From breaking down nail-filled pallets to cutting out old cast-iron plumbing, a reciprocating saw can tackle a variety of tasks and has a blade specifically designed for each and every one....

It is certainly possible to clear a toilet clog with an ordinary drain snake, but all too often you will leave disfiguring scratches in the bottom of the bowl. A drain auger, on the other hand, will not scratch the porcelain of your toilet. For that reason, it is never recommended to use an electric snake to clean a toilet stoppage. Toilet Auger vs. Toilet Plunger When a toilet becomes clogged, the first course of action is to try using a toilet plunger....

A ventless dryer is designed so that it does not require a vent to expel air. However, some models of ventless dryers need a drain to dispel the moisture while others have a water collection tank. Read on to learn how ventless dryers work and whether one might be right for your needs. How Does a Ventless Dryer Work? When you shop for a clothes dryer, there are two types of ventless clothes dryers that have no output air vent and rely on other methods to get rid of the heated moisture-laden air: condensation dryers and heat pump dryers....

It’s no surprise that what helps one person feel more zen won’t be precisely the same for another, but zodiac signs can give some insight as to what we gravitate towards and why. Check out your sign below to find out what causes you to feel zen and some suggestions on how to make that happen! Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) You’re not one to follow traditional rules, and the thought of incorporating any zen qualities might cause you to tense up a little....

It’s true that rain gardens are eco-friendly, but there’s so much more to this great garden project that would make you want one in your own yard. A rain garden is, at its core, a garden that collects rainwater, holds it for a limited amount of time, and filters it before slowly releasing the water into the ground. It collects rainwater from impervious surfaces like roofs, pavements, driveways, patios, parking lots, or waterlogged yards, allowing the water to slowly seep back into the ground, preventing runoff from reaching local waterways....

Similar in appearance to mahogany, ipe is also popular for its durability and beauty as a warm, rich, hardwood. It’s a smart choice that is becoming more popular in outdoor applications such as decking and patio furniture. Bought from a reliable source, ipe is often FSC certified, which makes it an environmental choice for your outdoor living space. Other attributes of ipe wood include: It can last more than 25 years outdoors....

Building codes did not exist before the late 1800s and were typically created to address the shoddy construction happening in major cities. So there were no set rules for constructing or defining the look of early farmhouses, which were usually single floor and rectangular dwelling, made of local materials ranging from wood, stone, and mudbricks depending on the abode’s location. Because architects and trained builders were luxuries the average American pioneer could not afford, early farmhouses were built by unskilled laborers: the families and workers who later lived in them....

French intensive gardening reached a peak in the late 1800s and early 1900s, by which time it had also reached England. It was introduced in the United States by the English gardener Alan Chadwick who started a French intensive garden at UC Santa Cruz in 1967. Key Principles of French Intensive Gardening Many principles of French intensive gardening are standard gardening practices today, especially for small urban spaces. You do not need to apply all the elements of French intensive gardening at once; you can pick and choose those those that work for your space....

Simply put, if you can look out your window and see a fixed feature in your yard affecting the overall aesthetics or practical functioning of your property, then that feature is part of the “landscaping” of the property. Note also that some practical features of one’s landscaping, such as underground drainage systems, are of critical importance even though they exist unseen. House and Landscaping: Living in Harmony While the above furnishes a straightforward, working definition of the term, “landscaping,” first-time homeowners will often profit more from an overview of the kind of work that they can do (or hire a professional to do) in order to improve their yards....

As a gardener, it’s important to have a basic understanding of when dormancy begins and ends. Pruning and grafting tasks need to be done based on a plant’s dormant or active state. Some grafts can only be done during dormancy; some only during active growth. Much pruning is meant to break dormancy or to control unwanted breaks in dormancy. The Quick Dirt on Dormancy Plants typically go dormant when temperatures approach freezing or when some critical level of drought is reached....

But what is romantic style in terms of decor and design aesthetic? Below, we’ve broken down exactly what romantic style entails—and how you can emulate the subtle, feminine style in your own space. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of soft, vintage-inspired flair to your home or you just want to create a romantic-inspired space to retreat to, this primer will help you set off on the right foot....

It’s difficult to define exact specifications for all Vernacular architecture. Much of what you see is dependent on each area’s culture and resources. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Vernacular architecture and look at some typical examples in the United States. History Vernacular architecture encompasses cultural building traditions that have been passed down through several generations. While the styles and techniques evolve, each vernacular structure is modest, cost-effective, and sustainable....

The Thought Behind a Baby Shower Hostess Gift The thinking behind the baby shower hostess gift is that it is a way to say thank you to someone who put in a lot of time and effort to throw you the baby shower. While a hostess gift is not a necessity, but it is certainly a very kind gesture. Even though a baby shower is given out of the goodness of one’s heart, a baby shower hostess gift just says, “Thank you....

Move to a Warmer Climate Antoinette Franklin, otherwise known as Antoinette Yvonne, is a solo van-lifer from Indiana. She’s been traveling across the country in her 2019 RAM Promaster, 136 WB, high roof for over a year. “It gets too cold and snowy [in Indiana] for my liking,” she says. “I travel where the sun shines and the temperature is warm.” Her favorite spots are Baja, Mexico, Southern California and central or southern Arizona....

Differences Between Ants and Termites Carpenter ants are very common across the U.S. but are often confused with termites. Some carpenter ants are much larger than termites. In fact, carpenter ants are one of the largest of all ant species. But other carpenter ants are very small, so size is not a way to determine species. So how do you know if it is a termite or an ant? Look for:...

Those bumps are actually star magnolia seed pods. As long as the star magnolia seeds remain inside, the pod appears to be little more than a curious, amorphous mass. But in late summer (September in USDA plant hardiness zone 5), the orange seeds begin to burst out, helping us to identify the bump as a seed pod. Wild birds eat the seeds, which are loaded with nutritious fat. Gardeners should not become complacent, though: The bumps on some plants truly are growths, not seed pods....

Variables to Consider The exact timing of when to remove nectar feeders without making hummingbirds go hungry varies by region and is affected by a number of factors. Location Birders in northern regions will naturally remove hummingbird feeders earlier in the fall. Hummingbird lovers in the northernmost hummingbird range in Canada and Alaska may even be able to safely remove feeders in late summer without harming any hummers. Southern regions typically leave feeders up longer....