Constance Barker

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Stories By Constance Barker

  • How To Iron A Nylon Flag

    If you find yourself dealing with a wrinkled nylon flag, you can iron it to fix the problem. If you hate ironing, you can work around it by steaming the flag or washing it, if it's color safe. It's always best to follow any instructions on the flag's care tag if applicable.

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  • How To Get A Stain Out Of A White Sofa

    A white sofa catches your eye and pulls you into a room, but it also provides a glaring background for stains. Depending on its type of upholstery, a white sofa requires a dry-cleaning solvent, water-based cleaning with or without detergent or professional cleaning.

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  • How To Clean Paw Prints Off Of A Deck

    After a walk or trek through the back yard, your four-legged friends tend to leave their paw prints dotted across your deck. The marks normally contain dried dirt and mud that become crusty after they have dried.

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  • How To Get Rid Of Gas Fumes After A Spill

    The fumes from a gasoline spill linger in the air, especially without proper cleaning. Gasoline can soak into porous surfaces, such as concrete or carpet fibers, and require an absorbent to lift the liquid and fumes from the affected area.

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  • How To Flatten Warped Wood

    Wood warps from exposure to moisture which curves plywood or boards for sub-flooring or framing a home. As humidity or moisture from rain water falls onto the wood, the lumber absorbs the liquid causing it to expand and bend.

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  • How Can I Soften A New Pillow That Is Stiff?

    New pillows, especially memory foam, may feel stiff at first. The fibers in new pillows have not had enough manipulation to soften and require the application of heat or a crushing action to help them relax. Over time, the fibers adapt to the weight of your head and soften without an outside influence.

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  • How To Get Sharpie Off Of Concrete

    Sharpie markers are easy to use, but they mark up your concrete sidewalk or driveway. The concrete has a porous surface, allowing the ink to seep into the tiny crevices. Washing the surface with water does not remove the ink since it requires a cleaner that pulls it to the surface.

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  • Can A Dehumidifier Work With Windows Open?

    Dehumidifiers work to remove excess moisture from the air. Open windows may allow humidity from the outside to filter in, which makes the dehumidifier work harder. Close windows in the home when running the dehumidifier to reduce costs and to get the most benefit from the machine.

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  • How To Remove Algae From An Outdoor Carpet

    Outdoor carpet adds a decorative element to cement porches and patios, but the flooring is also affected by weather, which could result in algae formation. Wet and humid conditions can cause algae to spout and spread quickly in an outdoor carpet.

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  • How To Restore Shine To Shower Tile

    Over time, shower tiles collect a film of soap scum and hard water deposits, which diminishes the shine. To restore shine to the tiles, you need to remove the grime from the tile surface.

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  • How To Clean Cigarette Smoke From An LCD Screen

    An LCD screen provides clear, crisp visuals, but smoke film from cigarettes can obscure your viewing pleasure. As cigarette smoke settles on surfaces, it leaves a greasy film behind. Over time, as the smoke film accumulates, the LCD screen may appear dark and hazy.

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  • How To Remove Lime Buildup From A Water Cooler

    Lime is the white, crusty layer that forms on surfaces where water has dissipated. As the water diminishes in a water cooler, lime buildup appears as rings around the tank. Minerals in the water, such as calcium, leave behind dense stains that are tough to remove with ordinary cleaners.

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  • How To Remove Motor Oil Stains From A Brick Driveway

    Motor oil stains can occur on driveways when oil is being added to a vehicle or if a car has an oil leak. On brick driveways, the oil absorbs into the porous surface, leaving an ugly mark. Removing oil stains from a brick driveway is accomplished by first getting rid of the excess oil, then concentrating on the stains.

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  • How To Remove A Silicone Stain From Concrete

    Silicone caulk is a sealant that prevents water from seeping into areas and causing corrosion, such as behind shower walls in bathrooms. Silicone attaches to surfaces quickly, so removing the caulk requires patience and a little elbow grease.

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  • How To Remove Fish Odor From Fabric

    Fish odors are one of the most repugnant of smells. Fish can come into contact with clothes while fishing or if a broken fish oil pill touches clothing. Fabrics absorb fish odors. Simple washing may not remove all of the lingering fish smell.

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  • How To Remove Iron-On Patch Glue

    Iron-on decals are easy to add to clothing, but after removing the decal, the glue remains. A hot iron warms the glue enough to release the decal from the clothing, but the glue clings to the fibers in the fabric making it hard to remove.

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