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Concrete is made up of cement and water plus an aggregate composed of sand and gravel. The sand and gravel do more than act as filler, though. The size and amount of gravel added to a bag of concrete also determines the product's volume, strength, and durability.
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Thistle was once a revered plant and flower. Nowadays, it's considered an invasive weed. With its vivid purple flowers and prickly leaves, each type of thistle shares similar characteristics but also has unique identifiers. If not kept under control, thistle will quickly take over a landscape.
Read MoreBy day, earwigs are hidden under rocks and mulch. At night, they love feasting on small insects and decaying plant matter. When left to their own devices, they’ll damage the plants and flowers in your garden. Fortunately, there are ways control or eliminate the earwig population in your garden.
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Snowball bushes are tall, ornamental bushes with a colorful evolution that brighten any garden. Changing from green to white to purple before producing vivid fall foliage, snowball bushes require light care. Plant in a sunny, well-drained area and water at the base to reduce fungus and mildew.
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Even with a protective coating, white blinds can yellow due to the sun. The damage isn’t reversible, but you can take steps to help your blinds keep their color longer.
Read MoreCaulk is a sealant you can use to fill in cracks around door frames and windows. However, over time, the caulk becomes less effective and lets in drafts and moisture. Therefore, you must check caulk seals each year and replace as needed. First, remove the old caulk to start.
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Toddler beds are temporary, meant as a transition bed between a crib and more grown-up options. Try a twin size bed for a smaller room or a full size for room to grow. When it’s time for a more permanent solution, choose a bed that fits the room and takes a child into teenage years and beyond.
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A building permit ensure your construction project is up to code and safe. You or your contractor can get one by submitting an application to the local building department.
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Powdery and downy mildew are similar in appearance and thrive in humid, overcrowded conditions. To avoid infection, plant flowers and vegetables so they have enough room to spread, with air flowing between each plant and avoid getting leaves wet. Water plants in the morning so they dry in the sun.
Read MoreColored grout adds a decorative element to a tile design, and darker grouts can hide dirt and stains. Routine cleaning helps colored tile grout keep its color and prevent it from looking dingy. Though there are a variety of grout cleaners available, it's best to avoid cleaning grout with bleach.
Read MoreThe nicotine from cigarette smoke leaves behind a yellow, oily stain. It's not easy to remove nicotine from walls, especially if the stains and odor have built up over time. Use some easy to find cleaning products and a lot of elbow grease to remove cigarette stains from walls and windows.
Read MoreWicker is the process of weaving rattan into a sturdy material for furniture or wicker baskets. The rattan is steamed and bent into shape or woven into patterns before leaving it to cool and dry. Because wicker bends and cracks so easily, it's best to take care when cleaning a basket.
Read MoreUnfiltered water contains minerals that aren't visible to the naked eye. When water evaporates from a teapot, the minerals stay behind, causing an unsightly white calcium buildup. The minerals don't come off with a sponge, but some household products can help bring back your clean teapot.
Read MoreWell problems in cold weather rarely have to do with the well itself. They are deep enough in the ground that they're not exposed to frost or cold. If the flow of water to the house is disrupted, it's probably frozen pipes. Deal with frozen pipes immediately to prevent pipes from bursting.
Read MoreDark grout can hide a multitude of sins. Unlike white floor grout, dirt and stains aren't as visible with dark colors. There are a variety of tile cleaning products available in a home improvement or tile store, or you can use common household products like vinegar. Avoid using bleach on dark grout.
Read MoreChlorine mixed with sweat, body oils and greasy sunblock can cause a white swimsuit to turn yellow. To avoid yellow chlorine stains, hand wash the bathing suit immediately after using. Avoid using a washer and dryer or harsh detergents as they can cause discoloration and the suit can lose its shape.
Read MoreGorilla Glue is polyurethane adhesive that's popular for its strong bond and indoor-outdoor use. As it's an irritant and a challenge to remove from clothes, it's best to take steps to avoid getting Gorilla Glue on fabric or skin. If you do drip, there are some removal methods to try.
Read MorePet urine stains on the carpet leave an unsightly yellow mark and unpleasant odor. The longer a pet stain stays on a carpet, the harder it is to remove. Blotting fresh stains with a solution of dishwashing soap and water can help to save the carpet. Old urine stains might need heavy-duty cleaning.
Read MoreNot all clothing stains are the same. Some material requires gentle treatment and certain types of stains are more stubborn than others. Knowing how to treat the different clothing fabrics and the individual items that cause staining is essential for restoring clothing back to normal.
Read MoreWhen chewing gum gets into clothes, hair and other surfaces, it can cause a sticky mess that's hard to remove. Fortunately, some common household items are effective in hardening chewing gum to make for easier removal. Ice, oils and even peanut butter are all helpful gum removal tools.
Read MoreNot all king size beds are created equal and it's best to understand all types before purchasing. The standard or Eastern King is longer but more narrow than a California King. Check labels to ensure bedding is the proper size so everyone sharing the bed receives proper coverage.
Read MoreRoutine dust and dirt can scratch and damage a pine floor. To keep the floor looking fresh, use a dust mop daily to remove surface particles, and vacuum at least once a week to remove any ground in dirt. Follow up by washing with a mild soap and slightly damp sponge.
Read MoreA dusty fan blows dirt back into the air you and your family breathes. Dust can also get into the fan's inner mechanisms to keep it from working properly. Regular cleaning will prolong the life expectancy of your fan and your family will breathe easier.
Read MoreElectric blankets can help take away the chill on a cold winter’s night. Though the heat is nice, electric blankets can cause damage to you and your home if not used correctly. Knowing how to use and maintain your electric blanket will keep your family safe.
Read MoreYour ceiling fan does more than cast light and circulate air. It also comes with seasonal settings. With the right setting, your fan can work with your heating and cooling systems. Besides providing more comfort to you and your family, it also helps to save on the cost of your energy bills.
Read MoreThe ink stamp commonly seen on pressure treated wood represents the sawmill where the lumber came from, as well as the lumber grade and wood species. You can paint over it, scrub it off, sand it or use oxalic acid to remove it.
Read MoreAerosol paint or spray paint allows you to add a quick, even layer of paint to almost any surface. Different spray paints have different uses. For example, a rust prevention spray paint works for outdoor use on patio furniture or swing sets. Decorative, general use spray paints breathe new life into indoor furniture. There are also enamel spray paints to give a protective gloss to wood and metal.
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