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Cleaning & Laundry : Home & Garden
How to Grow Yeast Using Yeast Extract
Yeast, which is used in the home to make bread or brew beer, can grow rapidly in ideal environmental conditions. A perfect yeast environment is one that is warm and sugary, which can be replicated using warm water and basic white sugar. You can create your own yeast culture by making a solution util
How to Print on Burlap
Printing on burlap is an inventive way to create a framed picture, jazz up an old piece of furniture or even create an interesting throw or cushion. This simple method of printing onto burlap is affordable, can take place at home and should produce fairly professional results. You can use pictures,
How to Troubleshoot a Bissell Sweeper
Problems with Bissell sweepers can include the sweeper losing power; the sweeper’s battery not lasting long enough; a sweeper exhibiting a lack of suction; the sweeper not picking up dirt; and the sweeper’s handle falling apart. Troubleshooting a Bissell sweeper yourself can save you the
How to Refinish Pine Walls
Refinishing pine walls is a chore that should be done during the spring or summer when you can have the house open and well ventilated. Plan on spending at least a day on each wall and on having a mess to clean up at the end of each day. In the end, the effort will be worth the time and mess, as the
Homemade Creosote Remover
Creosote is a natural resulting pollutant from burning wood. It is, according to Dave Johnson, an expert at Hearth.com, a "gummy, foul-smelling, corrosive and inflammable substance that, if no precautions are taken, will coat the insides of everything it passes through. It is formed when volatile ga
How to Get Rid of Metal Scratches
Many appliances and other household items are made of metal, and they can become scratched over time. These scratches can vary in size, but when noticeable, they may be the only thing you look at. Instead of letting that scratch keep bothering you, there is a quick and easy way to properly remove th
A Green Way to Get Rid of Mold on Caulking
Mold appears in wet areas with poor air circulation. For most of us, the bathroom is one of these places. The caulk around the tub is often the first place to see the development of mold. Caulk keeps water from seeping into plumbing fixtures and into joints between furnishings and the wall. The wate
Your Pool Has Rusty Brownish Water, What Should You Do?
Swimming pools require regular maintenance to keep them clean and sparkling. However, pools can occasionally develop water quality problems. Sometimes, pool chemicals get out of balance causing minerals in the water to precipitate out of the solution. These can discolor the water and create stains o
How to Adjust a Pressure Regulator
If your food is undercooked or burnt, the problem could lie in your pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is a valve mechanism that regulates the flow of gas at various pressure levels. Without the regulators, high-pressure gas tanks cannot be contained at a safe, usable level for your stove ap
The Best Vacuums for Dog Hair
Since pet hair and dander can be common problems in many households, finding the right cleaning tool is important. You may need to consider where pet hair usually ends up -- your furniture be one such place. Therefore, you will need a vacuum that cleans dog hair off of upholstery, not just carpets a
Types of Organic Vinegar for Cleaning
Most cleaning supplies on the market today contain harsh chemicals and fumes. This may be a concern for families with allergies or small children in the house. All kinds of organic vinegar are known to be non-toxic disinfectants, and they are odorless when dry. Organic apple cider vinegar is known t
What Can I Use Instead of Bleach for Sanitizing?
Sanitizing is the process of killing bacteria that can potentially cause illness, while regular household cleaning only removes dirt and grime. Both processes are important in maintaining a healthy, clean home. Sanitize bathrooms and kitchens frequently, especially during cold and flu season or if y
How to Clean Smooth Cooktops
Smooth cook tops add a modern touch to any kitchen. Unlike gas or coil ranges, the flat glass surface allows for simple cleanup, with no removable parts. Food spills and splatters can burn onto the hot cook top surface and leave tough stains behind. Sugary or acidic foods can etch the surface if lef
What Are Some Dangers of Laundry Detergent?
Laundry detergent is a staple in most homes. The varieties of soap with which you wash your clothing are endless: you can smell fresh and clean, like a flower or go unscented. Laundry soaps come in low-sudsing formulas for high-efficiency washers and in liquids, powders and tablets. The common threa
How to Get Scratches Out of a Glass Door
Many homes have a door that features a glass element---it may be a porch door or a front door with a window. Because the glass is constantly exposed to the elements as well as the wear and tear of being opened repeatedly throughout the day, these doors can obtain their fair share of scratches. Inste
How to Make Brooms
Making brooms is an old-time trade. For centuries, brooms have been created by hand as a means of cleaning cherished homes. Using straw for the base of the broom creates a strong, consistent sweep to ensure no dirt gets left behind.
Home Remedy for Cleaning the Underside of My Steam Iron
Steam irons can sometimes develop a rust-colored film on the underside of the iron that can rub off onto clothing, causing stains that can be very difficult to remove. There are a variety of retail cleaning products that will clean the iron, but these expensive items are no more effective than a sim
How Do I Remove Rust From an Old Bathtub?
Old bathtubs have a lot of charm, but are hard to find in good condition. Ceramic or metal tubs are prone to rust stains that can be difficult to remove. Rust removal products are available, but they are generally toxic and inappropriate for a bathing vessel. Natural cleaning methods can restore tha
How to Clean Wax Off a Bathroom Counter Top
When candles melt onto a surface, such as a bathroom counter top, the wax can be difficult to remove unless you wipe it up while it's still hot. Once wax cools off, it becomes firmly stuck to a surface and cannot be removed with traditional soaps or cleaning solutions. Wax can be removed from nearly
How to Get Scratches Out of Leather Furniture With Lanolin Cream
Finding a scratch on your leather furniture can be an unpleasant discovery. Leather furniture brings class and sophistication to your decor, but when it is scratched, it becomes an eyesore. Because leather furniture is so expensive, replacing it might not be an option. However, you can repair even t