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.
Prevent cracked foundations
In hot or dry weather, where the ground around our house gets little water, we should be careful of the foundation of our house cracking; especially a slab foundation. To prevent this from happening, be sure to include the base of your home when watering the yard; this should be done ALL around our homes. If you experience water-rationing, attempt to let the washing-machine water run outside; the hose placed just to the outside part of your ?dryer vent? works well, but be sure it is secured. Soapy water never ruins grass, but may get rid of a few bugs at the same time!
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.
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.
Cost of repairs
When you bought your new central heat/air-conditioning unit, did you think about repairs? Were you offered a one- or two-year extended warranty? I?ve found these to be a cost-savings proposition. But, read these warranties carefully. The cheaper is not always the best. Things to watch out for are: is the parts cost in the coverage; is the labor covered; is there a basic or extended maintenance coverage included. Some warranties are excellent, some not worth the paper it?s written on. So read carefully and weigh the various factors. But do consider taking the warranties on your most expensive appliances.
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.
Painting walls
When painting walls of our homes, it is much easier to use a ?roller?; use motions in a V or M shape, then go back over to cover completey with paint. To protect window glass, trim or ceilings of different colors, use a cardboard shield or masking tape at areas to be avoided.
Where to start
When painting ceilings and walls of our home interior, start with the ceiling first. Paint wall/ceiling corners with a small brush or paint pad, then use larger brush or roller (carefully) to complete ceiling.
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.
Brushes, rollers and more
When painting the interior of our homes, here is a list of brushes, rollers/tray, pads and their uses:
-Small brush (1" to 3") for trim or woodwork
-Large nylon, all purpose, brush (4" to 6") for walls, ceilings, even interior masonry.
-Deep nap roller with tray for stippled sand finish surface.
-Regular nap roller with tray for walls, ceilings, doors, floors and masonry.
-Small paint pad for cuttin-in at wall/ceiling corners.
-Large paint pad for walls and ceilings.
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.
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.
Preventing Burglaries
To help prevent burglaries in your home, here are a few helpful hints:
1. "Case" your own house! Yes, that`s right. Look around your home to see if there are any easy ways for a burglar to enter. If there are, you should consider security doors, windows, gates, deadbolt locks, or better yet, a security alarm system. The harder you make it for burglars to get in, the faster they will become discouraged and leave your premises. Also, check to see if your valuables are visible from the street through your windows - if so, move them.
2. Leave a light on. Even if you are only making a quick run to the store, keep your home well lit inside and out.
3. Prune trees and shrubbery. The perfect hiding place for burglars is in overgrown bushes!