Aerosol sprays vs ´pump´

Aerosol cleaning sprays are not only unhealthy to our bodies, but can be unhealthy to carpeting, vinyl, wood, and our total home health environment. When buying cleaning supplies, opt for the ´pump´ type.

Don´t advertise expensive purchases

When purchasing expensive electronics, appliance, etc, that come in boxes, be *sure* to break-down (flatten) the boxes they come in before placing out front for ´pick-up´. Otherwise, we will only be alerting thieves that we have something inside for them to steal! Now you know why those strange cars drive by on ´trash-pick-up´ times!

´Healthcheck´ for gas heaters

Gas heaters should be checked before each winter; soot can build up at the outlets causing problems and may need cleaning. Proper ventilation and clean filters are important. Call your gas utility or manufacturer/installer for information.

Types of paints

We´ll find our finished paint efforts more rewarding if we use the right type of paints. Here´s a basic list:
-Latex, that is available in flat or semi-gloss finish; can be thinned with water and is washable; is odor free and quick drying; good for ceilings, walls and woodwork.
-Polyurethane, that is available in satin or high gloss and very durable; can be thinned with alcohol; good for floors and wood surfaces.
-Oil-based paint, high gloss that can be scrubbed; can be thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine; best for trim, kitchens, bathrooms, childs´ room.

Ice on wood decks

You can add safety to icy wood decks by sprinkling them with cornmeal...adds traction and easily swept away without harming the wood, lawn, or plants.

**Preparation

Depending on the extensiveness of painting our home
interior, consider the following preparation:
-Be sure that all surfaces are clean.
-Repair any wall or ceiling damage.
-Scrape away loose plaster or other problems; be sure surface is smooth.
-Place furniture to center of room and cover with drop-cloth; cover floor or carpet with plenty of newspaper.
-Remove light fixtures and wall plates.
-Be sure your paint is not old. You can make your paint can dripless by punching nail holes around rim edges.
-Leave painting of trim, woodwork, and windows to last.

Spots on carpet/floors

Humidity can cause furniture casters to discolor wood flooring or carpeting underneath. This can be prevented by spraying clean casters with shellac or clear urethane. Remember to have good ventilation when spraying these solvents. In a bind, place stiff pieces of clear plastic under the casters or legs of furniture.

Use Humidifiers

Humidifiers in the home not only soothe sore throats, prevent dry skin, and alleviate congestion, but are wonders for our wooden furniture! Yes, wood dries...humidifiers protect! Especially in wintertime.

Cleaning of brushes and spills

Cleaning of brushes, rollers/tray, pads, and any paint spills should be done immediately using proper solvent. Latex - water; Polyurethane - alcohol; Oilbased paint - turpentine or mineral spirits. Wet paint is much easier to remove.

Save the booklet!

Any time you purchase a large (or small) appliance you get a booklet with the product. These are most important when you need repairs. I have a file set up for ´large´ and ´small´; not measured just by size, but by cost. Every piece of paper I have on that product goes into the file. I´ve written date of purchase and cost (a sales slip or invoice attached is good!) and I´ve written the model and serial numbers on the front of the booklets. All the information I need on my built-in or large appliances are at my fingertips when I need it. Take time now to find your paperwork and file all in one convenient place (if you haven´t already); you´ll never regret the time spent.

Help to keep house cool in summer

Some summer days it´s just downright ~HOT~, and the airconditioner or fans work overtime. Here´s a way to get more relief: about 4pm, when sun is getting its hottest, water down the roof with your water-hose. Yes, it does work! Thoroughly water the roof, and if in a brick house, water the brick as well. I´ve had many a summer day of 110 deg., and by watering the roof, the house got 4-5 degrees cooler without puting a strain on the A/C. My neighbors have seen me doing this, and picked up the practice; try it. But don´t stay out too long in the heat!!

Extending candle life

Place all candles not being used in the freezer; this will cause candles to burn slower and extend the burning time. Or place them in freezer 10 hours before lighting them.

Icy doorsteps

To avoid icy doorsteps in wintertime, add Dawn dishwashing liquid to warm water, then pour all over the steps. This will thaw ice and prevent refreezing.

Checking Heater/A-C Filters

An important part of keeping a healthy home is the cleaning of heater/A-C filters. Some filters just need cleaning, some need replacing...on a regular basis. This not only affords better air circulation, but can lower utility bills.

Save that booklet

Be sure to save the accompanying brochures when buying small appliances; good information on the product. Immediately mail in the ´warranty´ card supplied.

Basement step safety

For those who have basements in your home, paint the lower step of the stairs with white enamel. Much easier to be seen and could prevent bad falls.

Marker stains on counter tops

To remove permanent-marker stains from appliances/counter tops (yes, the store-receipts blue!), clean with rubbing alcohol on paper towels.

Raise pile of carpeting

To raise pile of carpet, hold your steam iron over the area, but do not let the iron touch the carpet. Brush the pile back and forth lightly with a dry scrub-brush.

Lessening soot in fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you know how soot can build up. Soot build-up can cause house fires! To lessen the amount of soot build-up, carefully toss table-salt on logs every so often during burning. A professioinal cleaning of the chimney/flue is necessary every 2-4 years, depending on how often the fireplace is used.