Home Maintenance

Mold can grow in just about any area that is moist and receives little sunlight, especially a damp basement. Mold removal is important because it can cause damage to the basement and create health...

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...

Urine stains are unseemly, but the smell is unbearable. Finding and removing the source of the stench can be difficult, but afterward, the clear, fresh air is worth the trouble.

Pervasive odors can be difficult to eradicate. The best way to breathe easy is to find the source of the odor, clean it and apply an anti-odor agent to the area.

Whether your pet did it, or your kid did it, or your father did it, don't worry. Removing urine and its odor from your laundry is easy.

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....

Cleaning marble is not always an easy task because of a variety of differences, depending on where it came from. With man-made marble (also called "cultured marble"), even more variables come into...

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...

Mold is a fungus that forms on virtually anything, including a patio made of concrete. Moisture is the main reason mold forms. Concrete can be particularly vulnerable. Concrete acts like a sponge...

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...

Fungus growth occurs almost everywhere. Mold spores fly through the air and stick to surfaces. Given the right conditions, these spores can grow into mold and fungus, reducing the aesthetic value...

Mold thrives in areas that have undergone water intrusion. When mold grows in a basement, it is imperative to treat it aggressively for two reasons. First, it can cause damage to the walls and...

Mold can grow on virtually any surface, including concrete walls. Concrete can be particularly vulnerable because its surface acts like a sponge, trapping water inside. Mold grows best in damp and...

Smooth shiny tile is classic, beautiful and easy to maintain. If you do not maintain your tile, it may become dull and cloudy. Whether your shiny tile is on your floor or on the walls, the same...

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...

Granite is often chosen as a countertop material because it is less likely to absorb and retain bacteria, but that doesn't mean that it never collects any bacteria at all, which makes sanitization...

When you are cleaning the exterior of your home, it can be difficult to focus on just one area. For instance, if you are cleaning the aluminum siding on the side of your house, you may begin to...

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...

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...

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...

Many old doorknobs add character to a home, but often they haven't been well cared for and are covered with paint and grime. Although you can use a commercial paint remover to try and get paint...

If you have an outdoor pool, chances are good that you spend quite a bit of your time removing things such as bugs and leaves that have fallen into it. One solution that some pool owners have...

Homemade ammonia cleaners are easy to make, less toxic, and definitely more economical. Ammonia cleans windows without the streaking that commonly occurs when using vinegar and water alone. ...

Keeping your brass fixtures beautiful requires regular cleaning. Cleaning brass often makes the upkeep easier. If your brass starts to oxidize and discolor, you will most likely need the help of a...

Brass can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom. Well-maintained brass fixtures add a touch of class to bathrooms with their shine. But brass will tarnish easily if not cared for properly. This...

In just a few years' time, the beauty of a fresh coat of house paint may be marred. This is because organic substances in paint serve as food for mold and mildew. Minerals (inorganic compounds)...

Mold is more than just an unsightly home maintenance issue. Human health can be affected by exposure to excessive amounts of mold. Health effects can range from itchy eyes and nasal congestion to...

If you live in an area with acid rain or chemical fall out, your home's roof may take the brunt of the abuse. Chemical deposits can stain and degrade your roofing, whether it be shingles, slate or...

Cleaning your bedroom may seem long and boring. (If you've havent cleaned it in a while!) But when a job can't be pout off for any longer, you need to break out trash bags, and get working!

The removal process is not that difficult as other food colored beverages. Removing coffee & tea stains can be accomplished with some basic household products! If the stain has set in from...

Powder and liquid detergent can be used for other purposes besides cleaning clothes or dishes. This can save you money from having to buy multiple cleaning products.

Water bugs is a term used to describe many species of insects that live and eat on or under the surface of water. They can be found near pools, lakes, ponds, streams, rivers or any other source of...

Whirlpool tubs are wonderful and expensive, but can be also difficult to keep clean. Follow these steps on a routine basis and your tub will always be shiny and ready for you to enjoy a nice, hot...

Gas pressure washers are a great way to clean the concrete of your home, your vinyl siding and even remove paint from the side of your house as preparation for a repainting job. Gas-powered...

One little oil leak in your car can stay with you forever on your driveway. But it doesn't have to. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get most if not all of an oil stain out of...

Protecting kids and pets. Reducing petroleum consumption. Saving money. Whatever your reasons for choosing chemical-free cleaning methods, there are numerous ways to banish toxic chemicals, as...

My family has 7 cars that vary in age. We have many friends who drive there cars onto the driveway. We also have many delivery vehicles that deliver food and packages to the house. They all...

When faced with a clogged drain, people often call a plumber or resort to chemical drain cleaners to solve the problem. Instead of incurring the added expense and potential environmental hazards,...

Depending on the quality of the paint used on your furniture, you may actually have to do very little to protect it. If the paint is high-quality and applied evenly over a base of primer, you...

A pressure washer is quite useful for those tough outside cleaning jobs that may require more scrubbing effort than you can physically provide. The powerful blast of water from the washer can...

Photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels, are a popular option for producing energy or complementing other energy sources. They are often located on the roof of the home where they are...

Powerwashers are the easiest and most effective tools you can use for quickly cleaning and removing stains from your home's exterior, whether it has brick, siding or concrete. An effective power...

Purchasing kitchen and bathroom cleansers can be very expensive and the commercial brands tend to be loaded with unsafe chemicals. With just a couple of simple ingredients you can make your own...

Drafty doors can cost you hundreds of dollars each year in bills, because your home's heater and air conditioning have to work harder to regulate the air temperature within your home. Sealing your...

Many times when people have a jacuzzi tub they will use it for a while and then the fun of it starts to wear off and they won't be using it quite as much. Or they will move into a house that has...

The prep work before a professional carpet cleaning is about the hardest part of the rug cleaning process. Since you're doing most of the work already by moving furniture and rearranging rooms,...

Metal siding is a versatile product that is durable and tough and can be painted or manufactured in any color. It's fire, weather and termite resistant and doesn't heat up in the sun. Initial...

Transmission fluid on the driveway is unsightly and can damage some driveway surfaces, namely asphalt. Because this fluid contains oils, if left for any length of time it easily seeps down into...

Nothing makes cabinets look old and worn like dirty cabinet hardware. Often overlooked when performing everyday cleaning tasks, this hardware can accumulate a lot of greasy buildup and plain old...

If you're trying to remove stubborn stains and leftover coffee smells from the inside of your glass or metal carafe, it's not necessary to purchase expensive detergents or cleaning products. With...