Dear James: I bought an air compressor because I think pneumatic tools are better than electric tools. Now I need a long hose. What type of pneumatic hose is good for tools?—Juan K. Dear Juan: For many home projects, pneumatic tools are better than electric or battery-powered ones. Electric tools, and particularly battery-powered tools, are…
Please, Can’t Someone Make a Decent Steam Iron?
I just asked Siri, “How do most people relax?” She rattled off a list of activities including “Nosh on chocolate,” “Rub your feet over a golf ball,” “Count backward,” “Meditate,” and “Drip cold water on your wrists.” Siri completely missed my favorite way to relax. I iron (not to be confused with “I pump iron,”…
How to Remove Rust Stains From Just About Anything
If there’s one subject that shows up in my inbox more often than any other, it has to be rust. Ugly, orange-ish stains on tubs, showers, toilets, washing machines, sinks, and even stainless steel. One reader (who shall remain nameless, as I have hopelessly misplaced your message) wrote that tiny rust marks have appeared on…
Car Dealer Spills the Beans on Treating Leather Interiors
Do you know what I love? Learning insider secrets. I’m not talking tabloid headlines or conspiracy theories, which I work hard to avoid, but solid, authentic, and reliable insider secrets. I’ve got one for you today, prompted by a question sent in by a faithful reader. Dear Mary: I recently purchased a late-model previously owned…
Yes, You Can Put Silver in the Dishwasher
Contrary to popular belief, you can put silver in the dishwasher without causing harm, provided you are careful to follow a simple set of rules. I grew up being fearful of the oddest things. I wasn’t bold enough to question why, so I just did as I was told. Here’s one: Never ever put silver…
Get Fit: Essential Equipment to Build Your Own Home Gym
A gym membership is great at first, but the trips often become less frequent because it’s raining or you’re too tired to go out. A home gym allows you to exercise at your convenience so you can ditch the stretchy pants while improving your health. Ride With the Pack Peloton Plus Exercise Bicycle From $2,295…
Gardening Resolutions for the New Year
Aren’t you glad 2021 is over? Hopefully, 2022 will be better. Gardening makes everything better, so let’s talk about how to make gardening better. Make a New Year’s resolution to learn more about gardening. Resolve to take a gardening class with your local extension office, which is part of your state university. All year long,…
Excessive Vitamin D in Pet Food Is Toxic
Q: The pet food my dog, Sarge, eats is being recalled because it contains too much vitamin D. Since vitamin D is necessary for good health, how can too much be harmful? A: Several companies’ pet foods were recalled this year after they were found to contain toxic levels of vitamin D. Humans can manufacture…
Is Your Home Working for You?
We ask a lot of our homes. We ask them to function crisply, to store all of our stuff neatly and with precision, to give us shelter, warmth, water, and electricity, and to provide us with special places to eat, bathe, sleep, and enjoy peace and quiet. They’re also the central hubs for our family…
Mom-of-3 Transforms Home Into 1970s Time Capsule and Manages to Get Everything for Less Than $25
A mother from Chicago has created an incredible “time capsule” home that will transport you to the 1970s and also revealed that every piece of furniture is second hand and costs less than $25. Writer Corbyn Hanson Wittig, 51, took on the huge endeavor of transforming her new home with four bedrooms into a vintage…
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