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Straight Saxony A straight Saxony has all of the fibers going in the same direction to present a consistent color. This style is also sometimes called a velvet Saxony because it presents a similar appearance to velvet. If you brush your hand across the surface, you will see the difference in color where the disturbed fibers were moved in the opposite direction. This style of carpet is beautiful and luxurious but Saxony carpets show footprints and every vacuum stroke....

How Often to Clean Wallpaper Wallpaper should be dusted at least every two months—monthly if you live in a high-dust area. Smudges and grease splatters should be cleaned away immediately and mildew treated as soon as it is evident. Before You Begin Before you move beyond dusting, it is essential to know what type of wallpaper you have in your home so you can avoid damage from cleaning methods and products....

In a nutshell, old radiator systems were built when fuel costs were cheap and wasting energy wasn’t a big deal. Opening windows to cool down overheated spaces was part of the original design. But even turning down the thermostat wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem. Steam heating systems are notorious for distributing heat unevenly. While some apartments get too hot, others in the same building can be so chilly that they barely meet the minimum local heat requirements....

Consider the Architecture Around It This is an important first step when evaluating a large wall in your home, says Mindy O’Connor of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors. Per O’Connor, points to keep in mind include whether the wall will be viewed from a distance—and while seated or standing, whether there will be furniture resting against it, and if the wall contains doorways or openings. If a wall can be viewed from other rooms and does not contain doorways or openings, O’Connor suggests outfitting it with art....

Give your chosen test some time, care, and patience. Oh—and prepare to get wet. 9 Signs Your Pool is Leaking One or more of these clues might indicate your swimming pool or spa is leaking: Leak Detection Test No. 1: The Evaporation Test In the evaporation test, author Tamminen suggests filling a bucket and placing it on the deck next to the pool or spa. With an indelible pen, mark the level in the bucket and also for the pool or spa....

Follow these 10 basic steps and laundry hacks for washable clothes and you’ll always have clean laundry. Final Tips Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them but here’s some help to save the day—or your favorite shirt. Care of Cotton Fabrics Care of Synthetic Fabrics Care of Wool Fabrics Place all clothes that are labeled “wash separately” or “hand wash” into separate piles. If the label says, “dry clean only,” believe it and place it in a bag to take to the dry cleaner....

Roll and Tuck Take a pair of jeans and lay them out flat, getting rid of any major wrinkles or creases. You want to make sure there are as few creases in the pants as possible so that they are ready to wear when you need them. Fold them over lengthwise, one pant leg over the other, and flatten them out again. Then, take the pant leg that’s on top and at the knee mark, lift it and fold it over diagonally....

While there are other non-native bird species in North America, these three have been flagged because they threaten the ability of some native bird species to thrive—by consuming foods or occupying nesting or roosting areas that are favored by more desirable native birds. There are several ways in which homeowners can control pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows, and employing a combination of methods usually provides the most successful results....

While Pharaoh ants don’t cause damage or pose any particular health risks in the home, they nest inside and have the potential to spread disease (including staph, strep, and salmonella) in healthcare settings. These expert invaders are incredibly persistent, multiply quickly, and have a knack for getting into lots of places, especially if there’s something sweet or greasy around for them to eat. This guide will help you identify a potential Pharaoh ant issue and help you determine the next best steps for control....

Plant carrots in the spring and seeds will germinate in 10 to 21 days. From seed to harvest typically takes 50 to 75 days. Selecting a Site Carrots will do well in a spot that’s sunny six to eight hours a day or with a little shade in late afternoon. The soil should be loose, sandy, and well-drained because carrots will mature very slowly with rough roots if they are forced to grow in heavy soil....

These cold-tolerant perennials are ideal for more temperate regions and are usually planted from nursery sets in early spring to give a generous harvest beginning in late spring. If planted from seeds, they will reach harvestable maturity in about two months. Chives like plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and decent moisture. It’s a good idea to dig in 4 to 6 inches of well-decomposed compost to the soil before planting....

Several native species are grown as garden plants, but this plant has been in cultivation for many years, resulting in dozens of popular hybrids and cultivars, with more developed each year. The plant readily crossbreeds, and gardeners who plant two different varieties sometimes are gifted with self-seeded volunteers that have an entirely new appearance. Take note: This plant is toxic to humans and pets. Most varieties of columbine plants will bloom for at least four weeks and are tougher plants than they appear....

Light As with many succulents, donkey’s tail thrives best with lots of warm sunlight, though it will tolerate a partial shade location. If you’re choosing to house your plant indoors, opt for a sunny windowsill that boasts several hours of daily light. If you’re growing your succulent outdoors, place it in a pot or spot in your garden that gets plenty of morning sunlight but is partially shaded during the more aggressive afternoon hours to avoid scorching its leaves....

These showy shrubs boast glossy, long, dark green leaves that can each be up to eight inches long. Bursting from this foliage are purple stems with long, glossy red flowers. The shape of these flowers is unconventional, but the look is stunning. These shrubs are best planted in the spring, as they begin blooming in late summer well into the winter as long as they are not killed off from frost....