Superior Home Living
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Anti-Freeze Faucet
To protect an outside faucet against freezing, replace it with a special anti-freeze valve
You can still turn the water on and off outside, but the long stem of the faucet extends through the wall and controls a valve inside the house. Water doesn't stand in the portion of the pipe or faucet outside the wall where it could freeze. These faucets don't need a cutoff valve. Note:
Why Stucco Cracks
Cracking stucco is a sticky subject. Some experts say cracks are normal. Others insist cracks occur only when installation is faulty. They all agree, however, that ignoring them can be costly.
Stucco is cement plaster, a mixture of cement and aggregate (sand) and other approved materials that is used as wall and ceiling coverings, most often in the South and Southwest. It is applied directly to masonry or concrete walls or over a metal lath, a wiry substructure that is secured over construction paper and attached to frame construction, masonry, or concrete. Building codes say stucco should be applied in three coats forming a 7/8-inch total thickness. Each layer must be cured before the next layer can be applied. There are two categories of cracks, internal and external, As it loses water, stucco is prone to internal stress cracks. "Stucco is hydrated.
The loss of the water during the curing process causes some internal stress so you get shrinkage cracks. It's normal, but not necessarily acceptable. External stress includes the effects of seismic activity, settlement, temperature changes and moisture. And shoddy workmanship increasingly compounds the effects of both types of stress.
Cracks are 'normal' because the industry has deteriorated to the point where it is normal, A lot of it is the lack of care taken during installation. You can install stucco that performs extremely well and doesn't crack." Cracks will "tell" you what went wrong during construction. A vertical and horizontal grid of cracks imply an improperly attached lath that increases internal stress. "People will try to use a coating on top of it, but it's potentially one problem on top of another, To be honest, there's not a good fix except for re-stuccoing."
Likewise, a spider webbing pattern of cracks indicates insufficient curing. The stucco is too thin or was installed at the wrong temperature. "If water dries out too fast, you get an abnormal amount of shrinkage cracks, Cracks near corners of a building often indicate that the lath was pulled too tight, causing a thinner application of stucco in that area. "If it's too thin, the water gets behind it and it just explodes, Diagonal cracks often speak of deeper problems related to seismic activity, structural problems or both. A diagonal crack could represent a shifting foundation, settling or, if it occurs around windows or doors, improperly framed openings. Materials used in today's construction also create undo external stress on stucco. "Twenty-five years ago, you got a board that was straight, Today you get something that is almost green and it changes (dries) for up to two years. That puts out a load of stress. Nails pop if a panel twists. It can break stucco." The forensic experts say if the home is relatively new or under warranty, you should press the builder for repairs. Check your state's building codes for laws that protect you for much longer than a builder's typical one-year warranty. For older homes, numerous or persistent cracks or crevices of 1/16 of an inch or more warrant an inspection. "Call someone who is not selling stucco, but is familiar with it, A design professional, builder, architect or structural engineer.
Homeowner Survival Kit:
These tools will let you do basic plumbing and wiring projects as well as most carpentry projects
1. Pipe wrenches work better in pairs because you often have to twist one piece while holding another still.
2. Sometimes called channel locks, these pliers handle a variety of gripping and turning tasks including taking apart drains.
3. Also known as a voltage tester. You should have this device if you are going to work on electrical circuit repairs.
4. It cuts, it bends, it strips and it pinches. Its a tool youll find indispensable for making up electrical boxes.
5. Unless you enjoy sawing by hand, a circular saw is something you cannot do without for cutting lumber. Make sure blades are sharp.
6. Sometimes called Sawzall (the Milwaukee tool brand name), this power saw is especially good for demolition work because it cuts through nails. It tackles a variety of other tasks as well.
7. A vise holds things perfectly in place while you work on them. Its the best way to avoid frustration.
8. This tool is great for quickly removing paint and other finishes. Belts with different grits can take you from a rough finish the smooth.
9. So many things, from furniture to faucets are put together with Allen screws that a wrench set is a "must have.
10. A heavy-duty pipe cutter can be used to cut a variety of pipe and tubing. Get one that would meet your individual needs.
Simple Tips Around the House
White Wash Painting at half the price:
Take (1) Gallon of Bright White FLAT paint, add to that 1/2 gallon of warm water - test on product to see if thin enough, if not add more water 1/2 cup at a time to desired thinning. Apply product - you now have a white wash at half the price of traditional brand white washes
Clean up that candle wax on your fabric:
1.Take plain brown paper bag (bag can not have any print on it). 2.Lie the bag on top of the wax. 3. Turn on your iron to low. 4. Place iron on top of bag gently moving back and forth and watch the wax soak into the paper bag keep doing this until all the wax is gone. *CAUTION* iron must keep moving back and forth or the wax will build up onto your iron. This really works.
Tired of that soap scum in the shower?
Try this Dawn liquid detergent - believe it or not it really woks better and faster than anything else.
Perspiration Prevention is better than curative.
Let antiperspirant or deodorant dry completely before putting on your garment. Pre-treat the underarm area of the garment with liquid laundry detergent, so the buildup can be washed away. If the stain is old, treat the area with white or apple cider vinegar to help dissolve the perspiration. Wash in hot water at least every third or fourth time to get rid of the buildup.
Lipstick
Generally, lipstick can be removed from washable clothing with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use two hand towels; put one down and place the lipstick stain face down on it. Dab the back of the stain with the other towel, which has been dipped into the alcohol. Repeat until stain is gone. If there’s any residue, use a pre-spotter or stain remover before laundering and let air dry to be sure the stain is gone. Lipsticks today have newer formulas, such as long-lasting or those with a lot of gloss. Several treatments may be needed to remove these stains.
Blood
For clothes that you launder, soaking the bloodstained garment in cold water for about 30 minutes will usually remove it. However, if stains are visible, mix a bit of water with unseasoned meat tenderizer (which breaks down the protein in the blood) and apply to the area. If the garment can’t be laundered at home, take it to the dry cleaner right away and identify the stain. Let the professionals save the clothing.
Crayon on Walls
If your artistic child has shown his talent on painted walls or wallpaper, here’s how to get it off: Dry cleaning solvent, available at drug or shoe stores. Pour a bit on a terry cloth towel to safely remove crayon from almost any (except antique wallpaper) surface.
Mystery
Suddenly you notice a stain, but it really isn’t a mystery because it probably was there when the garment was put away or actually laundered, but did not come out totally. These stains frequently are from a light-colored liquid, such as a clear soft drink or white wine that contains sugar. If you’ve tried all of the normal spot-and-stain removers without success, give this a try: If the garment is white or light colored, use three-percent hydrogen peroxide on a cotton swab to dab at the stain. Allow it to set for several hours because it acts as a milder, slower bleaching agent.
DishwasherOder
A dishwasher can be cleaned with household vinegar or citric acid powder. Pour a gallon of vinegar in the bottom, let set for an hour or so, then run the washer through a full cycle. Citric acid powder will also help remove hard-water buildup. Add a half-cup of powder and run the dishwasher. If there’s still an unpleasant odor coming from inside, examine the drain hose to see if it’s crimped and check the bottom for bits of food or gunk. After checking, if the odor it still strong, call a plumber because it might be a possible hazardous plumbing problem, like sewer gas, that needs to be remedied.
Mothball
This strong odor, in furniture or clothing, can be taken care of with a lot of air circulation. If it’s in clothing, hang garments outside in fresh air to let the smell dissipate. Wash garments alone with washing soda or baking soda, added to the regular amount of detergent. If the odor is inside a chest of drawers or a cedar chest, you must air out the drawers too and then lightly sand the inside and vacuum up the shavings. Stuff the drawers with newspapers to help absorb the odors. Wipe the inside with a cloth lightly dampened with household vinegar and let air-dry.
Smoke
If clothing smells smoky, put it out in the fresh air. Many fabric-odor sprays do a good job, particularly on winter coats and heavy sweaters. Of course, normal laundering can remove the odor. But if there has been a fire, and the smoke smell is awful, locate a dry cleaner that has an ozone cleaner and that should do the trick.
Foot/Shoe
As long as foot odor is not a medical condition, try these hints: Wash your feet and dry them thoroughly. Spritz feet with deodorant before putting on socks. Apply antibacterial soap or soak your feet in vinegar for five minutes every night to help. Airing out shoes in between wearing, and pouring a bit baking soda inside, will help neutralize odors.
Bath Salts
Make your own special bath treat by combing 3 cups of Epsom salt, 1 tablespoon of glycerin, a bit of your favorite perfume or essential oils, such as peppermint, bergamot, rose or lavender, in a glass or metal bowl (you can add a few drops of food coloring, if you want). Put 1/2 cup or more of the mixture into the hot bath. Store the rest in an attractive apothecary jar with a latch
Air Fresheners.
Put several drops of peppermint or cinnamon on cotton balls and place in a margarine container or small jar. Poke holes into the lid and put in an out-of-the-way area behind furniture or in a guest room or bathroom and your guests won’t have a clue
Scented Light bulbs.
Dab a bit of oil of clove, peppermint or eucalyptus on a cool light bulb. When you turn on the light, the scent will drift throughout the room.
Refresh Dried Flowers and Wreaths.
Add a few drops of the your favorite essential oil to freshen and revive. Do not put oil directly on silk flowers or any material because it could stain.
Good Kitchen Smells Without Cooking.
If you don’t have the time to bake all day in your kitchen, create an inviting smell instead by putting a few drops of cinnamon, anise, orange or peppermint oil on a cotton ball and put it on the inside of the cardboard tube of the paper towel roll or dab on a dried-flower arrangement. Simmer a small pot of water and add a drop of the essential oil that matches the mood you want to create
Coffee Stains
To remove coffee (or tea) stains, rinse area with cold water immediately. Rub in a couple of drops of a mild, white dish washing liquid and rinse well. Then treat with a mixture of one-part white household vinegar and three-parts water. Rinse again and launder as you normally do. Note: If cream was used in the coffee, you may have to sponge the stain with dry-cleaning fluid.
Cranberry Stains
To eliminate cranberry stains, scoop up as much of the sauce as you can—as quickly as you can— and then rinse with cold water. Pretreat the stained area and then wash—as the care label for the fabric indicates
Red Wine Stains
To remove red-wine stains, pour a big dose of salt on top of the stain to absorb the liquid. Put the tablecloth into cold water and try to rub out the stain. Use an enzyme detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric, soak for 30 minutes and launder.
Burnt Popcorn Smell in the Microwave
To get rid of this awful lingering stink, fill as large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and sprinkle your favorite spice like cinnamon or add several drops of vanilla or lemon extract. Bring to a boil. You must let it sit inside for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down. Simply wipe the walls down with paper towels. Leave the door open to further air it out.
