Home Maintenance

Iron bacteria are not unhealthy to humans, but they can create a sludge that narrows pipe diameter, impairing water flow. The rust-colored sludge in the water chamber of your flush toilet comes...

Caulking your bathroom or outdoor areas is a useful maintenance strategy to ward of moisture damage to floors and walls. It also creates an appealing boundary between tiles and the tub walls of...

Because mold grows in damp (or humid) areas that receive little light, a basement can be the perfect place for it to thrive. To get rid of mold from a basement, the first thing you must do is...

A wood deck makes a beautiful addition to the exterior of any home. Over time, the deck may become dirty from its extreme exposure to the elements. It is not uncommon for algae, mildew and dirt to...

An outdoor spa can be a relaxing and therapeutic haven after a hard day. The hydrotherapy that an outdoor spa provides can help relieve stress, headaches and sleep problems as well as ease tired...

Mold has the potential to damage wood. Mold is also an eyesore when it attaches itself to any surface. Mold requires "food,'' or organic materials, in order to grow. Wood is just such a material....

Routinely cleaning the roof of your house is vital to maintaining the overall neat appearance of your home. Stains from mildew, moss, lichens, mold and dirt can take over your roof. Traditional...

Ceramic floor tile is durable and, in most cases, easy to clean. In fact, ceramic tile usually needs nothing more than a damp mop to keep it looking like new. Ceramic floor tiles that are exposed...

Mold and mildew will not only physically damage the areas where they grow but will also affect the respiration of people who come into contact with it. Mold and mildew grows on organic materials...

Rubberized floor tiles are used for a variety of purposes including kid's play areas, yoga, martial arts and gym floors. Rubberized tile is lightweight, waterproof and shock-absorbing, making it...

Roof shingles become dirty over time. They are exposed to wind, rain and other weather elements that not only cause dirt to form on the shingles, but also mold and mildew. Stained shingles take...

Chlorine bleach is used in many households as a disinfectant and as an effective cleaning solution. The sodium hypochlorite solution is highly toxic undiluted; especially to plants. It is the...

Cedar shingles are known for their distinct look and durability. Maintaining the cedar shingles ensures they keep their attractive appearance and protective qualities. Weathering of cedar shingles...

White mold, which is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is most known for attacking plants. White mold can grow on just about anything provided it's in the proper environment and has a...

Swimming pools are a popular recreational gathering spot, but they require frequent cleaning. Owners often use common household bleach to disinfect their swimming pools. While bleach may make...

Mold is a fungus that attaches itself to buildings. Mold thrives on buildings that are exposed to moisture and receive limited sunlight. The way one cleans mold from a building can depend on what...

Black mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that grows in damp, shaded areas. Black mold has a slimy appearance that is usually black or green in color. Black mold can make a porch...

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet (or damp) areas. When a house becomes flooded, it greatly compounds the potential mold problem. When mold grows in a house, it is crucial to treat it...

Mold in living areas can be dangerous to humans. Among the many health problems that it is linked to are respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and...

Moisture is the main reason mold grows in a basement. Mold thrives best in humid (or damp) areas that receive limited sunlight. A basement can be an ideal place for mold to grow. It is important...

Mold can grow virtually anywhere moisture exists, and grows in a variety of colors. White mold often grows in damp areas such as basements. On porous or semi-porous surfaces, such as concrete,...

Mold is a form of fungi that can attach itself to just about anything, including a cement patio floor. Mold grows best in areas that are wet (or humid). It is important to remove mold because it...

Mold is a fungi that grows on just about anything, including stone. Mold thrives in areas that are damp, humid and sheltered from sunlight. Mold can particularly thrive on the underneath side of...

If you have made the decision to refinish your basement, the renovations probably include the installation of a new carpet. In order to prevent moisture and mildew from penetrating the carpeting,...

Ceramic tile counter tops make a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Proper care for ceramic tile counters is imperative to ensure that the counter retains its original beauty and lasts...

Mold is a form of fungi that thrives best in damp, humid areas that receive little sunlight. A basement can be an ideal place for mold to grow, especially if there has been a leak or water has...

Cleaning and sealing ceramic tile grout is a home maintenance chore that can make a big impact; however, most people perform the task improperly, relying on toxic chemicals that offer little more...

Does your drain currently smell weird, bad, or awful? This article will give you some tips and tricks on how to deodorize a smelly drain. Type of drain this can be used on are bathroom drains,...

Black water stains result from iron reacting with wood furniture. The wood essentially rusts, causing unsightly black stains. They can be removed with some elbow grease and a simple solution, but...

Mold is a problem in any room of the house that is exposed to a lot of moisture and has relatively low air circulation. This makes bathrooms prime places to find mold. Mold can be found in the...

Mold is found everywhere outdoors, and will readily turn into visible mold growth if given the right conditions. A shaded and moist sidewalk, such as those found near a sprinkler or under a tree,...

Mold is present in nearly all homes and is commonly found growing in bathrooms where warm and humid conditions encourage the spores to germinate. A bathroom sink is an ideal surface for mold...

There are many different types -- and colors -- of mold. Attention is often focused on black mold because there is one variety that produces mycotoxins, a poisonous type of fungus. Like most...

Wood treatment helps to prevent fungus and algae from growing on wooden structures outside. It also can prevent damage by insects and microbes. Cleaning and sealing of treated wood should occur...

Concrete is a durable building material for sidewalks, paths and driveways. The pitted surface of concrete can collect debris such as those from fallen leaves. As the leaves decompose, they may...

Bricks add a nice touch to a home in whatever form they may take, whether they are in a fireplace or otherwise. They are generally easy to maintain, but sometimes they still need to be cleaned....

Moss is a simple type of plant that grows just about anywhere, especially in damp, shaded areas. Moss often grows on the northern side of a building because it receives less sun. Eliminating moss...

One of the best environments for growing mold is a humid, damp, dark area, and there is nowhere in the house that fits that description better than a bathroom shower. Once mold has started to...

Not only unattractive, the mold on your tiles releases toxins into the air where you can breathe them in, causing a variety of respiratory conditions. Follow these simple steps to clean the mold...

Dealing with rotten meat is never a pleasant experience. Whether the source is forgotten leftovers or the remains of a refrigerator after a power outage, spoiled meat will quickly attract insects...

The first steps in mold remediation are assessing the extent of damage and finding sources of moisture resulting from flooding, leaking pipes, warped wood, mildew or old appliances. Do-it-yourself...

Rubber mats are used in showers to prevent slipping by providing a surface with traction on which to stand and move. Keeping your shower mat clean helps maintain an aesthetically pleasing bathtub...

Dirt and stains can swiftly accumulate on the grout in between tiles. Because of the porous consistency of grout, removing this filth can be a challenge. With a simple cleaning product and a bit...

Mold is nasty and dangerous. If you clean it up yourself, do so with care. When assessing your mold problem, carefully consider whether you should call in a professional. If the affected area is...

Cleaning mold from a bathroom ceiling is complicated by the nature of mold. Rubbing mold transfers it to other proximate surfaces, where it will grow. A dime-sized section of mold contains...

Moss in your stairwell can lead to foul odors, insects that breed, and a generally slippery experience when walking up or down the stairs. Some people love the green sight of moss as it pokes its...

Mold and mildew can penetrate into the grout between your tiles, especially in a humid area like the bathroom. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also cause health problems. For major mold...

Mold accumulates due to poor ventilation, water damage and high humidity levels. Water-damaged carpeting, upholstery and insulation require aggressive treatments with an extraction vacuum and...

Storing tents in their stuff bags can create an influx of mold and mildew, especially when stored in a damp place like a garage. The curtains (the area that is zipped up to close the tent) are...

Wood siding requires a certain amount of care to keep it looking good. Mold is a particular problem, especially in shady areas of your house. With the proper type of sealer, you can greatly reduce...