If you live along the coast, or in a region prone to severe weather, then you are likely aware of the danger of hurricanes and tropical storms. They can completely demolish homes and entire communities in their path. In some cases, you might even be ordered to evacuate your home when a hurricane is expected to hit. In other circumstances, it is your responsibility to hope for the best but plan for the worst. As you begin preparing your home and gathering emergency essentials, you might wonder exactly what you should buy at the grocery store to properly prepare your pantry for a hurricane.

Indoor plants are a fantastic way to bring color, life, and even oxygen into an indoor space. They help cleanse the air and give a natural feel to an otherwise man-made space. Often, indoor plants require very little maintenance and need water once a week or even less. But from time to time, just like with any item in your home, indoor plants get dusty. This can give your otherwise green and vibrant indoor plant a dull and dirty look. But what do you do when your indoor plants start to collect dust?

Homeowners are constantly searching for new ways to bring unique features into their homes. One option you may be considering is a tree branch railing. These are charming, rustic, and easier to install than you’d think.

Recently purchased a new Black and Decker coffee maker but confused as to how to program it? If this describes your current situation, you’ve come to the right place! Black and Decker coffee makers come outfitted with a variety of functions and features. The Maryland-based company manufactures over 33 different types of machines, each with its own unique characteristics.

For many homeowners, choosing the grade of oil they use in their lawn mower can be tricky. A common oil grade that people use in their lawn mower is SAE30. However, many people wonder whether or not they can swap out the SAE30 in favor of 10W30.

One-pound Coleman fuel canisters are handy and efficient at providing fuel sources for camping stoves, lanterns, insect foggers, and a host of other applications. These small propane tanks are not refillable. The problem is disposing of the empty propane fuel canisters.

For baking enthusiasts, convection ovens are a very popular oven choice. They offer the opportunity to bake multiple items at once in a reasonably short time. At one point or another, you may find yourself wondering: “Can you use aluminum foil in a convection oven?”

Linoleum is a great, cost-effective option for kitchen and bathroom floors. It’s known for being durable and long-lasting, more so when it’s properly cared for. The key to making linoleum floors last longer is regular cleaning.

Pergo floors are the same as laminate flooring, but Pergo is simply the brand name. Actually, Pergo has a patented way of producing their laminate that makes it more durable and shinier than all the rest. In fact, they are the ones who invented laminate flooring way back in 1977 so they know what they are doing.

Any avid camper knows a decent sleeping bag costs a pretty penny. To give the bag a long life (and spare your wallet), proper care is a must.

I love the look of a microfiber couch, and really, who doesn’t? Microfiber is the modern alternative to suede and is regularly ranked as one of the easiest to clean materials for sofas. It’s even pet-friendly! Cleaning it, though, can be a bit of a hassle. Is it possible to wash microfiber couch cushions, and if so, how?

The term ‘Auger’ refers to a device that consists of a reduction gearbox and an electric motor. These work the motor by turning the auger shaft at a rate that’s predetermined inside of a pellet stove. It helps to deliver the fuel into the burn pot from the hopper. While auger motors are great, they still have times where they malfunction. So, how do you test an auger motor to see if you need a new one?

Bathroom ventilation is essential to prevent mold growth, mildew, and odors from lingering. However, it is easy said than done to vent a bathroom when you have no outside access. So, how can you vent a bathroom with no outside access?

If you plan to work with old lead, remove it, or paint over it, you need certification. The EPA has strict lead renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) standards, and you need to comply. Of course, getting lead certified comes at a cost, but how much should you expect to pay?

Older adults, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues may find washing clothes a chore. The simple task of taking clothes out of the machine after a cycle and putting in a new batch of laundry can put quite a lot of strain on the back. In that case, a laundry platform is a perfect fit for the situation.

Around 90 percent of homes within the United States are wired electrically using ROMEX, the trade name for non-metallic (NM), sheathed cable. This type of wiring system is simple to run and very convenient. However, it’s essential that you do not have any exposed ROMEX in your home and the wiring should be completely covered.

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.

Kitchen cabinets can take quite a beating throughout their lifespan. They are constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations, dirt, dust, and grease. Not only is it difficult to keep them clean, but it’s hard to prepare them before you repaint or stain them. What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?

When it comes to building high-quality tools, few companies have as big a name as DeWalt. This is a company that built its entire name on being as all-American as apple pie, beer, and the 4th of July. Lately, much of the tool manufacturing world has been switching its factory locations from the US to other countries. Is DeWalt buckling to that pressure, though?

Whether your goal is to learn a cool party trick or you can’t find your corkscrew, knowing how to open a wine bottle with a lighter is a neat way to handle it. Some people doubt that you can do this, but science says otherwise. If you want to open your wine bottle with a lighter, we have a few simple steps to follow.

The basement, more than any other area of the home, can become a storehouse for mold growth, moisture concerns, high humidity levels, unpleasant smells and any other indoor contaminants. While unventilated basements are very often prone to stale odors caused by mildew, this lower level is also ordinarily used to store household chemicals.

Kitchen cutlery comes in every material imaginable. From silicone and other man-made materials, to aluminum and other types of metal. But when it comes to aesthetics and chef preference, nothing beats a good solid wooden spoon for stirring a sauce. But unlike other materials, wood does not last forever. In fact, it deteriorates so much over time that it eventually needs to be tossed in the trash. So, when is it time to throw away your wooden spoon and purchase a new one?

Many people recoil at the thought of being near asbestos. But you might be surprised to learn how common it is in older homes. If you’re thinking about buying a house with asbestos in the siding, the best thing to do is be informed. Learn more about it and the potential risks.

Throughout the country, there’s a new phenomenon occurring. As our civilization becomes more densely populated, we’re starting to see a lot of the activities that once were deemed harmless to become a major nuisance to neighbors. For example, lighting fireworks or having an unfenced pool can be considered risky. But, what about practicing your archery?

If you get a rush every time you enter HomeGoods, you might already know exactly when to snag the best deals and find unique items. But what if you can’t find what you’re looking for to complete your latest home design dreams? When does HomeGoods restock so you can get your hands on that prized bookend or cushy throw pillow set?

Strawberries are considered to be the most romantic berry out there, and rightfully so. They’re sweet, they’re related to the rose family, and you can always find a recipe that’s appropriate for the occasion. Unfortunately, when you’re prepping strawberries, it’s possible to have some of their redness end up on your carpet. So, what do you do then?

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing that is better at night than experiencing a nice hot bath. We often don’t give our water heaters enough credit in that department, or appreciate how much they do until we notice that things aren’t doing too well in that department. Having your water running lukewarm might be okay if you’re in the kitchen, but it’s still pretty bad when you’re trying to run a bath and should be cause for concern. Ever wonder what could cause this?

Converse shoes became extremely popular during the ‘90s, but the popularity never really went away, unlike other fashion trends. However, the fact that these are canvas shoes makes them a bit harder to clean. While they’re generally safe on the cold, fragile setting in the washer, should you put Converse in the dryer?

Garbage disposal cleaners are an essential part of maintaining your garbage disposal. It is harder to keep your system clean and free of built-up residue and grease without them. However, all garbage disposal cleaners are created differently. This is why it’s crucial for you to know the best garbage disposal cleaners on the market.

Believe it or not, many homeowners don’t realize they need to pump their septic tank regularly. Usually, the tank will back up throughout the house before anyone realizes what’s wrong. For those who live on land with a septic tank, the day will come where you need to pump it. How much will it cost you to do this?

The average homeowner keeps bleach around to clean the house or even do laundry. There is no denying that bleach is an effective cleaner, but it is hard to get past the strong smell. So, what can you do if your house smells like bleach after cleaning?

A solar cover is a great addition to your heated or non-heated pool. If your pool has a heater, you will have to retain all the heat you can. If it is heated, saving heat with a solar cover is a great way to save money.

Whenever you move into a new place, one of the first things you should do is buy new locks. While it’s initially a safety tool, it also allows you to customize your home a little more by choosing any doorknob you want. One of the most commonly picked styles are handles with twist locks. 

You likely understand by now all of the dangers that are associated with mold growth in the home. They can present health hazards that cause issues as minor as enhanced allergy symptoms or as serious as major lung damage. Aside from the health risks for home occupants, elimination and remediation of mold can be costly and very overwhelming.

Are you having trouble with your Heat & Glo fireplace turning on and off? This can be a bit of a mystery, however, we’ve got a few answers, that might solve your problems.

When your Whirlpool Duet electric dryer appears to stop heating, it is not just inconvenient and frustrating. You might be thinking about costly repair bills as well, but don’t.

Brussels sprouts are the perfect fall vegetable that can pair nicely with pork, chicken, or pasta. This option is a healthy vegetable that is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Brussels sprouts will last a surprisingly long time if properly stored.

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.

Getting a new dishwasher can be exciting until it gets there, and you have to hook it up. You have no idea how to do that so what are you supposed to do now? Call Lowe;s and have them hook it up. But how much do they charge?

Kitchen mats sure can tie the room together. Not only that, but they also serve a functional purpose. Kitchen mats provide a comfortable surface during long dishwashing sessions. They’re also good to have around in the presence of water to soak up spills and minimize slipping.

You have a big event approaching, guests are coming over to visit or you’re putting your house up for sale. There couldn’t be a more perfect time to give your carpets a much-needed cleaning. However, after shampooing, your carpet now has new stains and bald spots, leaving you feeling defeated.

As technology advances, more and more people are starting to use apps rather than traditional cable TV. Entertainment can be found on Netflix, YouTube, and even Hulu. Due to this, many media consumers prefer to digest their media through multiple devices.

Do you always wonder why your friend’s house smells so good? After all, they have pets, kids, dirty laundry, and other odor challenges, just like you. But you don’t crinkle your nose when you’re at your friend’s house. There are a few reasons why your friend’s house smells great, and you can use them to make your home smell better, too.

On-demand running water is a fantastic convenience that many of us could not imagine living without. Unfortunately, sometimes the system can have problems that cause the water to run at unexpected times. The sounds of running water in your walls and the threat of a leak can be very nerve-wracking. Here are some things you can do to identify and fix the issue.

A Jacuzzi is a great way to add a sense of calm and luxury to your home. However, there is nothing luxurious about getting into a Jacuzzi full of chunks of black flakes. So, what is the black stuff coming out of my Jacuzzi jets?

Sparkling water is more popular now than ever before. Buying it in bottles or cans can become an expensive habit and is bad for the environment. Thankfully, things like SodaStream exist. In fact, the SodaStream has quickly become one of the most popular modern kitchen tools, as it allows people to make their own carbonated beverages in the comfort of their own home.

When it is clean and given the chance to shine, aluminum can be stunning. There are a ton of retail products out there that claim to be able to polish the surfaces of aluminum items, but there are some caveats.

Having a porch is one of the fastest ways to add value to a home, but only if it looks nice. The easiest way to give a porch a facelift is to add a fresh new coat of paint to it. Of course, that means that you will need to know how to paint your porch properly. If you have an aluminum screened porch, it quickly becomes an “easier said than done” matter.

Knotty pine is one of the most classic natural materials used in home decor, lending itself easily to several styles. That often makes it hard to decide exactly how to design a room around it.

If you climb into your attics and find your roof turbine vents are not spinning, there may be a moment of panic that sets in. Issues may come up regarding how long this takes to repair, and you may start worrying about the cost. That’s entirely understandable, but with this guide, we will find out how to diagnose any issues and fix them.

Technology has evolved in substantial ways over just the last 20 years. Take home security, for example. Back then, something like a camera in the home would have been considered extravagant and over-the-top. But now, cameras are more than affordable and can give peace of mind and security to any homeowner.

Backing out of a lease isn’t something we plan for. However, sometimes it happens. When it does happen, it’s important to know the proper steps, so you don’t get into any trouble along the way. In this article, we are going to show you how to back out of a lease correctly. Because when life throws you a curveball, you want to mitigate further stress. 

Anyone who’s lived in a house with kids know that strange kinds of breaks can occur. One of the rarer types of kid-related damage that can occur happens when you hear a loud bang, followed by crackling of glass coming from your kitchen. I’m talking, of course, about having an oven door that’s been broken or cracked. Obviously, you can’t keep cooking with an oven that has cracked glass. So, how much do you have to pay to get it replaced?

Battery acid can refer to any acid that is used in a chemical cell or battery.  There are different types of acids within batteries, depending on if it is a lead-acid battery or an alkaline battery. Because car or automotive battery acid is 30-50%  sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water, it is important to dispose of battery acid in the safest way possible.

Tempered glass is one of the most durable types of glass in the world, which is why it’s often used in convenience store counters, cellphones, as well as commercial furniture. When you first get it, it has a tendency of having a shiny, pristine look that’s not unlike regular glass. As the years pass, though, it starts to become harder to clean and even a little cloudy. Thankfully, if you clean it the right way, you can restore it to its former glory…

Trying to unlock a locked bathroom can be stressful and even frightening. No matter if you’re locked in a room or outside of it, getting to where you want to be is key. Thankfully, bathroom doors usually have privacy locks, instead of security locks. 

Why does my house smell like a permanent marker? This is the first question that will cross your mind when you notice the smell. However, before you start finding the reasons behind the smell, it’s best to remember that the odor is never a good sign, since it points to a problem somewhere in your house.

Air return vents are one of the most important aspects of your home’s HVAC system. They allow air to both enter and leave the HVAC system and maintain proper air pressure within the house. Sometimes, though, they can be incredibly noisy which can be inconvenient and annoying. 

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. 

Shop Vac vacuums are not exactly the most affordable type of vacuum, but they are the most powerful. Unfortunately, most (if not all) Shop Vacs require a specialty filter. If you’re like most builders, you probably have been wondering if you could just use the ol’ vacuum without changing or using a filter. So, can it actually be done?