Two women. Different locations. Same accident. Both were using an ordinary commercial toilet bowl cleaner containing ammonia and weren’t satisfied with the way it was removing stains. Each added household chlorine bleach to that commercial product and stirred with a brush. One died quickly; the other spent a long time in the hospital. Here’s the…
Knowing Your Cleaning Products Is Good for Your Health and Wealth
5 Home Projects to Do Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter
Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching. Steve Wadlington, president of…
Plan and Build a Birdhouse for Various Birds
Dear James: Many trees were recently bulldozed for new homes, so I want to build some birdhouses to help out the birds. What are some good birdhouse design tips? —Donald F. Dear Donald: As more land gets developed for human use, there is less habitat available for wildlife. People don’t often think this is a…
Use Woodworking Tools to Cut Perfect Curves
Dear James: Our house has unique room shapes and carpeting. We are installing hardwood flooring in one room with a curved wall. How can we make a nice curved edge on some hardwood pieces? —Anthony R. Dear Anthony: Carefully remove the old carpeting that fits along that curved wall. This will be a good template…
How to Maintain and Prevent Damage on Brick Walls
Dear James: I am using recycled brick over a wood-framed wall for my new house. Should my builder take any special precautions to ensure the old bricks do not crack over time? —Rosie H. Dear Rosie: There are not many solid brick houses built today, so if some bricks do crack, the house will not…
Add Shading for Your Patio and Deck
Dear James: It gets too hot in the afternoon sun to use our deck, but we like being outdoors. Are there any inexpensive do-it-yourself shading projects that would help?—Kristin T. Dear Kristin: Being outdoors on a deck on a sunny afternoon can be unbearable. You will find it worse in the early afternoon when the…
How to Design and Make a Wooden Deck Bench
Dear James: I could use a long bench on my deck to use when entertaining. Are there low-cost, simple-to-build bench designs that I could make myself? —Mark B. Dear Mark: Building a deck bench is one of the most common do-it-yourself projects. It would be wise to make two benches while you are at it….
Replace Your Old Gutters Yourself and Save
Dear James: A tree fell and damaged some gutters, but I should replace them all. I plan to have the gutters professionally made, but I will install them myself. Do you have any advice? —Greg R. Dear Greg: You can typically save about 50 percent of the total cost by installing the gutters yourself. The…
Summertime Smarts: 11 DIY Tips for Your Family’s Next Adventure
Whatever summer adventures you have planned—to the beach, pool, campground, or even your own backyard—these cool summer tips, tricks, hacks, and DIYs will bring a smile to your face and, perhaps, even a sigh of relief. There’s still plenty of time to get out there and do summer like a champ! No. 1: Pack a…
Use Permanent Window Film to Block Heat
Dear James: The old-tinted film on my windows blocks heat, but the corners are becoming loose and cracking. How do I remove the old film and install new film myself? —Lana T. Dear Lana: Old, deteriorating, tinted window film is still effective at blocking heat and glare, but it can look really bad and impair…
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