How to Discharge a Microwave Capacitor

When your microwave just doesn’t seem to heat up your food anymore, a simple fix might get it back in working order. Any microwave repair begins with discharging the capacitor. Even unplugged, a charged capacitor makes microwave repairs dangerous.

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Does Polyester Shrink In The Dryer? (How To Care For It)

When it comes to drying laundry, polyester needs to be handled with care. Your drying machine can handle many tasks, but if you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your clothes. Polyester can be found in many types of clothing and is known to shrink.

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How To Remove Gorilla Glue (Easy Step-By-Step Guide)

Gorilla Glue is one of the most useful substances known to man when it comes to fixing things, including things like loose furniture. Unfortunately, it also has a really sticky, gooey consistency that magically seems to get into every nook and cranny imaginable. Most people out there have wondered if there’s a way to remove excess Gorilla Glue from surfaces. Thankfully, there is.

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Dryvit Vs. Stucco: Which Material Is Better?

This is a common misconception that we want to clear up straight away. Dryvit is actually the brand name for a specific EIFS manufacturer – not a type of siding itself. For clarity, throughout this article, Dryvit and EIFS will be used interchangeably to match the common parlance.

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Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? (Here's What You Can Do)

We are so dependent on electronics today in one form or another. However, when something like your Kenmore Elite electric dryer stops heating, it can be more than frustrating.

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The 5 Best Handrails for Concrete Steps [For Your Home]

Handrails are a necessary part of building concrete steps. Some handrails work better than others, especially when fastening them to concrete. There are many styles, colors, and designs when it comes to handrails. We are going to go over what makes the best handrails for concrete steps.

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Why Would a Backflow Preventer Be Leaking?

Backflow preventers are necessary because they prevent contamination and pollutants from entering your home’s water supply. The last thing that you need is for waste and pesticides to flow backward and contaminate your water. However, it can be just as frustrating and confusing if your backflow preventer leaks, so what causes it?

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What Is The Fine For Renting An Illegal Basement?

Renting out a basement is complicated. The first step is to make sure your basement is legal for occupancy. If your basement does not meet living standards, and you decide to rent it out anyway, you could face serious legal ramifications. Though basement apartments seem like a convenient situation for landlords and renters, the reality is that many issues can arise if you handle the situation carelessly. 

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Can You Put Aluminum Foil In The Toaster? (Find Out Now!)

There has been a myriad of cooking hacks that just make our lives easier. Whether it’s a fun way to spice up a dish or make cooking less stressful, I’m here for it. People have been using aluminum foil for years to make tasks in the kitchen a breeze. 

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What Are The Pros and Cons of Sealing An Asphalt Driveway?

When looking for ways to protect your home, there are a lot of different things to think about. Your driveway is something that gets used every day but isn’t often taken into consideration with regards to protection. By covering your asphalt driveway with a seal coating, you can help keep it in good condition.

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How To Clean Baked On Grease From Air Fryer

Having fried food is not exactly healthy, but that doesn’t stop us from indulging in it from time to time! But thanks to air fryers, it’s possible to have our favorite fried foods, with less oil, fewer calories, and more goodness.

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How To Build A Solar Generator (Step-by-Step Guide)

Have the lights in your home ever flickered out? The fear of a power outage is real. However, a solar generator can put your mind at ease. They are quiet, efficient, and portable. Whether you reside in the country or city, solar generators are a useful tool. It may seem like solar generators are super high tech – while they are cool, a portable solar generator can be built by any motivated person. 

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Water Coming Up Through The Carpet? (Here's What To Do)

Leaks are a homeowner’s worst fear. They can cause massive damage to both your home and the property inside of it. Because of this, it’s crucial to find and fix the leaks in your home as quickly as possible.

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Zep Foaming Wall Cleaner Vs. Zep Carpet Cleaner: Which Is Better?

If you have kids, pets, or a spouse, you’ve probably discovered Zep’s Foaming Wall Cleaner or Instant Carpet & Upholstery Spot Removal products. People swear by both of these products, and claim that they’ve removed stains they thought it was completely impossible to get rid of! So between the two, which is better?

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Are Ceramic Mugs Dishwasher-Safe? (Find Out Now!)

Ceramic mugs are great for a lot of reasons. One can customize a ceramic mug to make it unique, and often ceramic mugs hold sentimental value. And of course, ceramic mugs make it easy to drink hot liquids like tea and coffee.

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How To Lock A Sliding Glass Door From The Outside

In general, sliding glass doors are typically locked from the inside and not the outside. This is because they are not intended to be used as entrance doors, even though many people use them as the primary way to enter their homes. However, the good news is that there is a way around this! So, how do you lock a sliding glass door from the outside?

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How To Clean An Outdoor Rug

Outdoor living spaces are a fabulous way to expand your home and provide a restful retreat or extra entertaining area. Laying a rug on your grass or patio helps define zones and transform spaces into more of a room. Of course, it’s still outside, which means it’s prone to more dirt and grime, so how do you clean an outdoor rug?

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How Much Candy Should You Buy For Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for many people, regardless of age. Between the candy, spooky decorations, and fun community vibe, Halloween is a time for people to come together. So, how much candy should you buy for Halloween?

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Can You Mix Kerosene And Home Heating Oil?

If there’s one thing that took me by surprise, it was the sheer variety of fuels that are used to heat up a regular home and provide power to it. Two of the more common fuels that you can use are home heating oil and kerosene. Both are used to bring up heat in a home, so some people might feel the need to pool the two together. But, is this really a good idea?

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How To Remove Rust Stains From Vinyl Siding

Streaks of rust coating your vinyl siding will harm your home’s curb appeal. In addition to being an eyesore, rust stains present a challenge when trying to clean the exterior of your home. Thankfully, there are several solutions to this problem. Below you will learn how rust stains happen, what you can do to remove them, and how to keep them away for good. 

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Why Does My House Smell Like Cigarette Smoke? (We Don't Smoke)

There is no worse smell for a non-smoker than the stench of cigarette smoke. The worst-case scenario is that your house smells like cigarette smoke when you’re not even a smoker. So, why does my house smell like cigarette smoke?

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How To Unfreeze Pipes In A Mobile Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Mobile homes require a lifestyle that very few people can handle in large doses, especially if you’re looking to start doing stuff during the winter. During the winter, you might start to notice that your pipes are more prone to freezing than a typical home’s would be. This is primarily due to all the exposed, above-ground plumbing. But, what can you do about it?

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How Long Does It Take for HOA To Foreclose?

A homeowner’s association (HOA) can be a great asset when living in a community full of diverse cultures. Although the HOA is not allowed to discriminate against anyone for any reason, they can help keep the neighborhood safe and comfortable. The HOA is an organization in a community that creates and enforces rules for the properties as well as the residents. The members of the HOA are those who live in the community.

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How Long Does Cooked Shrimp Last In The Fridge?

If there’s one thing that people tend to be leery about eating, it’s seafood. Even when it’s fresh, people get worried about the possibility of food-borne illnesses due to the lightning-fast rate of spoiling seafood has. Though people are more amenable to shrimp than other shellfish, shrimp remains a little sketchy to eat after it’s been cooked and refrigerated.

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How To Remove Lacquer From Brass Surfaces (Do This!)

There’s something about the understated beauty and elegance of brass that makes it a terrific addition to any home interior. Use brass items as accent pieces throughout your living and dining rooms to wow your guests. Brass looks even better when it features the right kind of finish.

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How Do You Fix Water Damaged Particle Board Cabinets?

If there is one thing that homeowners dread, it’s water damage. Water damage can warp wood, destroy particle board, and also cause mold to grow throughout your home. That’s what makes flooding such a nightmare to deal with. If you have particle board cabinets that have been affected by water damage, it’s easy to panic and worry that you will have to replace them. Good news: you might not have to.

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Does Every Room Need A Heat Source? (Find Out Now!)

Heating a house is something that requires either a central heating unit or individual heaters for each room. Federal laws require that every habitable space has access to heat.

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How To Clean A Wood Stove Chimney From The Bottom-Up

Keeping the chimney clean is not something that every homeowner considers. It might seem like a pain but keeping your chimney clean not only results in a cleaner, more sanitary chimney, it will also help to keep your home safer as well.

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WaterBoss 900 Brine Tank Is Full Of Water? (We Have A Fix)

Water softener systems remove minerals from water that would otherwise lead to hard water. Hard water is when too many minerals build-up, and it can leave residue and weaken detergent. Because of that, homeowners use water softeners, such as the WaterBoss 900, to remove excess minerals from their water.

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Why Does My Trash Can Have Maggots? Causes And Fixes

One reason people get maggots is because they empty their trash infrequently. Sure, fewer trips to the dumpster means using fewer plastic bags. This is often smart logic. If, however, you live in a warm climate, and have an open-air kitchen, then this may also mean you have a breeding ground for maggots.

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How To Drain A Keurig B60 (Quickly & Easily!)

There could be many reasons for needing or wanting to drain your Keurig coffee maker. It could be a move, or perhaps it’s being sold, or maybe it just hasn’t been used for a while and needs refreshing. Perhaps it is even that new shiny Keurig model that goes so well with your new kitchen remodel? Whatever the reason is, it inevitably leads to one question above all others, and that question is about how to drain a Keurig B60.

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How To Get Kool-Aid Out Of Carpet (7 Ways To Do It!)

If you have kids, you have probably had Kool-Aid spills in your carpet more than once. Or adults doing Jell-O shots. Were you able to get the stain all the way out or did you give up and toss an area rug on that spot? Some stains are just really difficult to get rid of. Especially red Kool-Aid. But it is possible if you do it correctly.

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Can I Use A Blender Instead Of A Food Processor? (9 Alternatives)

There’s nothing quite as good as a home-cooked meal. They can bring you comfort, be used in celebration, or just fill your tastebuds with joy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that preparing meals can take quite a bit of work.

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Can You Mix Fabuloso And Bleach?

Fabuloso is that delightful purple cleaning detergent that has been used in countless homes and businesses throughout the country. It’s basically a hallmark of people who love the floral-chemical smell of solvent. Sometimes, Fabuloso alone isn’t enough to get the bathroom clean. So, what happens then? Can you add bleach to improve results?

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How To Get Diaper Cream Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Guide)

Ah, new joys of parenthood. Lots of bottle filling, lots of new stains to get rid of, and tons of new things you never knew about keeping a good house. One of the first new stains you’ll run into as a parent is the awkward spill that happens if you drop diaper cream on a carpet. So, how do you get this stuff out of your pre-baby carpet?

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Power Air Fryer Fan Is Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Over the past few years, air fryers have become more and more popular. Cooking with one in the kitchen is a great way to reduce the amount of oil in your diet. An air fryer can make anything from delicious crispy homemade fries to a tasty cake for dessert. 

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Pry Bar Vs. Crowbar (Here's How To Tell The Difference)

If you’re working on a home improvement task, chances are you’ll need a handful of tools to get the job done. With so many different tools available, it’s not easy to know which one you’ll need. 

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What Kind Of Mold Grows In Window Air Conditioners?

Window air conditioning units are lovely in the summertime. On a hot day, you can flip a switch and out pops some nice cold, refreshing air. However, there is one issue with these types of units: Mold. Mold is problematic no matter what type you have, although some are worse than others.

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Can You Paint Over Water Damaged Ceiling?

It’s not uncommon to have water damage on your drywall, whether it be ceiling or walls, especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If you have water damage on your ceiling, you have probably wondered if painting over the problem area is a practical solution. After all, simply applying a couple of coats of paint is far easier than replacing ceiling material.

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What Is The Rough-In Height For Sink Drains?

The “rough-in” building stage is when the plumbing fixtures and pipes are all lines are put in place, but they are not yet connected. Plumbing rough-ins, such as sink drains, are just one of many things inspected throughout the building or renovation process.

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How Long Does Asparagus Last In The Fridge? (Raw and Cooked)

Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable. Even better, it comes chock full of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that we all need in our lives. Despite being a spring vegetable, it is used throughout the year in a variety of dishes.

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How To Get Burnt Sugar Off Stove Top

Burnt sugar is one of the toughest stains to remove because of its strange consistency. It’s common to burn sugar on your stovetop, but that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck.

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Can I Use Borax In My Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, one that’s mainly used to soften water. Water that includes calcium, magnesium, and other particles is classified as hard water, and borax is what turns hard water into soft water by way of exchanging sodium ions.

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Got Water In The Bottom Of The Dishwasher? (We Have A Fix!)

If there is still water in the bottom of your dishwasher after it is done running, don’t freak out. There are ways to fix it. And it is often a minor issue that you can fix yourself.

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How Much Does A Screened Porch Cost?

Screen porches have been so popular in the past few years. They are fashionable, practical, and allow weather-proof outdoor chilling. But how much does a screened porch cost?

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What Is The Difference Between A Shower Pan And A Shower Base?

When you first decide to make a DIY shower installation happen, you’ll see a lot of talk about adhering tile to a shower pan, or finding the right thinset for a particular shower pan brand. You might also start hearing people discuss picking up the right shower base. These terms seem pretty similar, but is there a difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

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How To Make Kitchen Cabinets Shine (Step-by-Step Guide)

No matter how hard we try, wood kitchen cabinets can take a major beating over time. Nicks, dings, spills, and drips can build up over time to really wear down the once bright and shining cabinets. When that happens, it can make the entire kitchen feel worn and outdated.

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How To Remove Expanding Foam Filler From Your Skin

Spray foam is a common, easy to install insulation to improve the efficiency of your home. The bad thing is that, unless you are covered head to toe, it is all too easy to get that spray foam on your skin. It can take hold quickly and can be very annoying to deal with even if it really doesn’t do any harm.

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Can You Put A Sauna Suit In The Dryer? (Find Out Now!)

Some states ban sauna suits, while others say they’re okay. You can use them to shed unwanted water weight and fit into your favorite clothes. But can you put sauna suits in the dryer after you wash them? Here’s what you need to know.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier can be a great addition to any home in climates that are particularly humid. Not only can it be quite uncomfortable to live in that kind of humidity, but the added moisture can be a major detriment for the health and cleanliness of your home.

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Can You Wash Baby Bottles With Dawn? (Find Out Now!)

Wondering how you should clean your baby’s bottles? You’re not alone! Like anything regarding your baby, you want to ensure that you are upholding the highest standards for hygiene. So, this brings us to the question at hand: can you wash baby bottles with dawn dish soap?

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Sprinkler Backflow Preventer Leaking? (We Have A Fix)

Backflow preventers are standard parts of irrigation systems installations. Negative pressure in the water system could pull contaminated water back into your drinking water supply.  What is the remedy for a sprinkler backflow preventer that is leaking?

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Why Is The Dryer Blowing Cold Air?

Appliances such as washers and dryers are a modern necessity, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always easy to use. Dryers are prone to operational errors or unexplainable behavior just like any other appliance. So, why is your dryer blowing cold air, and should you be worried about it?

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Can My Neighbor Put Up A Fence Without My Permission?

Imagine the following scenario. You and your neighbor have been living next to each other for years, and you never really had any issues. Yet, one day, you notice a construction crew near your yard. They’re putting up a fence! You’re confused because you’re not really sure whether or not they are allowed to do this. Is this even legal?

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How Do I Clean My Septic Tank Naturally?

On average, a septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years. However, there are other measures you can take that will help extend this time and prevent any backups, clogging or unpleasant odors.

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Can You Write Off Lawn Care On Your Taxes?

As a property owner, tax write-offs are important considerations that can save you a lot of money. But, if you plan to write-off home-office related deductions, it can be tricky. You need to consider a lot of factors, and you might wonder if you can write off lawn care on your taxes. 

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How To Clean A Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Rack

Not many people have a kitchen sink rack, but those that do know that its both a lifesaver and a major pain. A great way to protect your sink from scratches and rust, if you can fit it in the dishwasher than its easy to clean. If not, you are going to be scrubbing and scrubbing and trying to get inventive to cut back on your cleaning time.

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How To Tell If the Refrigerator Start Relay Is Bad

There are many different components to your fridge. When one of them goes bad, there is a chance that your fridge may not work efficiently and could stop working altogether. Identifying the various components can be difficult, particularly if you don’t know what to look for.

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How To Unlock A Honeywell Thermostat (Step-by-Step Guide)

Thermostats are amazing artifacts of modern engineering. Think about it. They come with temperature sensing equipment that helps regulate the warmth of your home in a pinch. They also come with indicators for battery life, special eco-friendly modes, as well as less cool features, like locking. A locked thermostat is annoying, but how do you unlock it

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How Long Do Mushrooms Last In The Fridge? (Find Out Now!)

Mushrooms are underappreciated ingredients that deserve to be included in more dishes. The earthy flavor they feature pairs well with so many other ingredients. Mushrooms work great in sauces, soups, and you can sauté them with garlic and butter to create a delicious appetizer.

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