What Is A Rain Garden, And How Does It Work?
What is a rain garden? It's a low area filled with plants that catches runoff water and lets it soaks into the soil. Learn why they're great and how to make one.
Read MoreRuth de Jauregui
Hunker Editorial Policies
Hunker uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding home improvement and design, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Ruth de Jauregui
-
-
How To Wash A Comforter Properly So It Lasts For Years
Remove odors, stains, and allergens by following the care instructions for how to wash a comforter. If used inside a duvet cover, wash the cover monthly and the comforter every three to six months. Pretreat stains and repair as needed. Use wool dryer balls to fluff the comforter while drying.
Read More -
How To Clean A Humidifier: A DIY Guide
Adding moisture to the ultra-dry indoor air of a home or office is beneficial to humans, pets, and plants. Humidifiers serve the purpose well, but they need regular cleaning. How to clean a humidifier is relatively easy when using a vinegar, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide solution.
Read More -
Teak Wood Vs. Mahogany
Teak and mahogany are both tropical hardwoods that are endangered in the wild and are now grown in plantations. While both are used for furniture and in shipbuilding, teak is harder and oilier, making it more water-resistant than mahogany.
Read More -
Can You Color-Stain Slate Tile?
Color-staining slate tile requires thorough cleaning, stripping, tinting or painting, and sealing to ensure a long-lasting finish. A concrete stain mellows too-bright tones, while a chalk-and-clay paint completely changes the slate colors.
Read More -
The Best Stain For Wicker
The best stain for wicker varies depending on personal preference and use of the piece. Water-based stains are easy to apply and clean up with soap and water. Oil-based stains are durable. Add a clear finish for extra protection.
Read More -
The Difference Between Air Tool Oil And Sewing Machine Oil
Tools require the correct type of oil to continue running correctly. Air tool oil and sewing machine oil may be synthetic or petroleum-based. Mineral oil is used in sewing machines, while conventional or synthetic 10W oils are used in air tools.
Read More -
How To Restain Wood Baseboards
Repair and restain wood baseboards to enhance a home's value and restore its original charm. While it requires a few steps to clean, strip, stain, and apply a new finish to protect the wood, the restoration project is well worth the effort.
Read More -
Can You Paint Over Water-Based Polyurethane?
Paint over water-based polyurethane by first preparing the surface. Otherwise, the paint may not get a good "grip" on the smooth finish. Then prime, paint, and if desired, add a fresh coat of polyurethane for extra protection.
Read More -
How To Paint Old Ceiling Tiles
Prep, prime, and paint old ceiling tiles with a low-VOC ceiling paint or matte latex paint. Sand and repaint with matching or contrasting paint using an extension pole and roller. Wear safety goggles and protect floors, walls, and furniture.
Read More -
Red Brass Vs. Yellow Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper, zinc, and other metals. The difference between red brass vs. yellow brass is more than just color: Red brass contains a higher percentage of copper. Brass is used in musical instruments, décor, plumbing, and manufacturing.
Read More -
How To Keep Spiderwebs Out Of Windowsills
Spiders are attracted to windows because their prey tend to gather in the bright light from outside. To keep spiderwebs out of windowsills, use a variety of methods, from removing the habitat by cleaning inside and out to moving the spiders outside.
Read More -
How To Use Fabuloso Cleaner
Fabuloso multisurface cleaner use has expanded from Venezuela to Mexico to the United States since its inception in 1980. The strong, clean scent fills the house while cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, protecting against coronavirus, flu, and bacteria.
Read More -
How To Clean Black Sludge In Bathroom Sink Drains
Clear black sludge and bio slime in a sink drain by using a variety of unclogging, cleaning, and maintenance methods. Keep the drains running freely so black sludge can't accumulate to stink up your drains and feed sewer flies.
Read More -
Does Lysol Kill Mold Spores?
When Lysol disinfectant for mold and mildew is used according to the directions, it can kill mold spores. To prevent regrowth, resolve the underlying moisture issues, add air circulation to the home, and spray problem areas with Lysol weekly.
Read More -
Cleaning Tarnished Tin At Home
Clean tarnished tin at home with dishwashing liquid, warm water, and a light hand. Heavily tarnished items may need a scrub with a baking soda paste, Bar Keepers Friend, or plain toothpaste. Use a plastic scrubber to prevent deep scratches.
Read More -
How To Disassemble A La-Z-Boy Recliner
La-Z-Boy recliners are known for comfort. Designed for easy assembly, homeowners can just as easily disassemble a La-Z-Boy recliner when moving, repairing the chair, or recovering lost items stuck inside the chair.
Read More -
What Solutions Are Used To Whiten Driveways?
When deciding which solution is best to whiten driveways and hardscape, work up to the strongest methods, like power washing. Clay litter soaks up spills, and you can then use dishwashing liquid to clean. Stronger options include acid, bleach, or TSP solutions.
Read More -
How To Install Peel-And-Stick Tiles On A Stairway
Install peel-and-stick tiles on a stairway for a budget-friendly, colorful new look. Remove any carpet, smooth the surface, and stick the tiles on the risers and treads. For safety, consider adding a rubber edging on old and/or steep steps.
Read More -
What Products Are Made From Recycled Paper?
Many products are made from recycled paper, ranging from copy paper to kitty litter to seed bombs. Whether you're purchasing for business or home use or you're repurposing for art or for use in the garden, recycled paper products are an eco-friendly choice for consumers.
Read More -
How To Stop My Smoke Alarm From Beeping After I Remove The Battery
When a smoke alarm keeps beeping after removing the battery, there are usually other issues involved. To return a smoke detector to its normal state of quiet vigilance, check the connections, reset the unit or replace it.
Read More -
How Many Watts Of Electricity Do Appliances Pull?
Whether renovating or remodeling, determine how many watts of electricity the appliances pull before reinstalling still working but old units. Energy-Star-certified appliances use less energy and make a significant difference in the power bill.
Read More -
How To Get Rid Of Ants Under Paving
Ants under patio paving scurry through the garden and into the house, foraging for food. Insecticide sprays and dusts kill some of the workers, but ant baits are carried back to the nest to eliminate the larvae, queens, and other ants.
Read More -
How To Fix A Jammed Heavy-Duty Stapler
The method for fixing a jammed heavy-duty stapler varies depending on the style of the unit. A stapler may be top-, front-, or back-loading and made for use in the office or for wood. Open it, remove the jam, and then reassemble and reload to resume stapling.
Read More -
How To Kill Poplar Roots
Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods are all Populus species in the willow family (Salicaceae). The root systems are shallow and wide-spreading. Killing poplar roots and sprouts requires persistence in removing new shoots and/or applying an herbicide.
Read More -
The Door Latch Is Stuck And I Can't Shut The Door
When a door latch won't retract when closing the door, there are a couple of ways to fix the problem before resorting to removal and replacement. Try lubricating the latch and inner mechanism and then removing, cleaning, and lubricating the hardware.
Read More -
How To Make A DIY Sticky Trap
Making DIY sticky traps is a nontoxic method of catching and eliminating pests in and around the home. Flying plant pests are attracted to yellow and sometimes blue, while flies and wasps are attracted to scents like fermenting fruits and meats.
Read More
