6 Home Maintenance Tasks You May Not Even Realize You Have to Do

By Audrey Ference | Jan 9, 2018

Home maintenance and ownership go hand in hand, so you’re no doubt aware that there’s plenty you should be doing (hello, gutter cleaning!). Sorry to lengthen your to-do list, but we thought you should know that there are actually a few more home maintenance tasks that may require your attention—and odds are you don’t even realize it.

Curious what you might be overlooking? Here are some home maintenance chores that might be flying under your radar—and why they’re important to cross off your list.

1. Clean your refrigerator drip pan

Did you know many refrigerators have drip pans? I did not. But as you can imagine from the name, it’s a thing you really should be cleaning once in a while.

Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, puts it this way: “Failing to clean the refrigerator drip pan will result in mold growth.” Yuck.

How to do it: To clean it, first you have to find it.

“Remove the kick panel at the bottom of your fridge, and trace the defrost drain line to the pan, which is where it empties out,” says Rogers. Use a flashlight if you need to.

“Be sure to gently pull the pan out as it may be full of water, and dump any excess liquid in the sink before cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner,” he says.

2. Flush the water heater

“Flush” the water heater? What does that even mean? Great question. According to Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter plumbing, you need to remove the water sitting in your water heater to remove any sediment that may collect there.

“Sediment causes corrosion, reduces efficiency, and shortens your water heater’s life span,” James explains.

How to do it: First, turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. Open a bathroom hot water tap and let the hot water run for a few minutes to lower the temperature of the water in the heater. Then shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank, and put a bucket under the water heater drain valve. Open the valve and drain the water until it runs clear, with no sandy stuff. Be careful, because the water can come out hot! When it’s clear, put everything back the way it was and you’re done until next time.

To keep your water heater running at its best, James advises setting the temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Reseal your grout

When your tile was installed, whether it’s floor tile, bathroom surround tile, or countertop tile, the grout was sealed to protect it from wear and tear. But did you know that you’re supposed to reseal it every year? If you said no, you’re not alone.

“You have to reseal grout every year, and most people don’t,” says Debbie Gartner of The Flooring Girl blog.

The reason: Most grout is a mixture of sand and cement, which can absorb water, bacteria, and stains.
“A grout sealer protects your grout so it’s waterproof,” explains Gartner. Sealing will help your grout look better and last longer. The only exception is epoxy grout, which is generally used with glass tile.

How to do it: To reseal grout, apply grout sealant, wipe off any excess that gets on tiles, wait 15 minutes, apply a second coat, then clean the tiles again. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours. After it cures, test it: Water should bead on top of the grout instead of being absorbed.

Here’s more on how to reseal grout.

4. Test for water leaks

Checking for water leaks around the home—even small, slow ones—will pay off big-time down the road. Why? It can help you save water (and money on your water bill); but more importantly, it will eliminate damage to your house done by water behind the walls or in other hard-to-see places.

How to do it: “Take a water meter reading and avoid using your water for a couple of hours. After two hours, if the reading changes, you have a leak,” James says.

If you have a leak, inspect the pipes of your water-using appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine for cracked, bulging, or damaged hoses. Leaky hoses are easy to replace yourself. If, however, the damage is more extensive, you can hire a plumber.

5. Reseal stone countertops

If you have granite or marble countertops, you should be sealing those babies every year, or possibly more often. The only exception is if you have a presealed countertop. In that case, you’re excused from this one. Not sure if you need to seal? Put some water on your countertop. The more quickly it is absorbed, the more porous your stone is, and the more frequently you should be sealing. That’s also a good test to see if your sealer has worn off: If the water doesn’t bead on the countertop, it’s time.

How to do it: Wash your countertop with mild soap and water, and wipe it dry. Apply a stone sealer, let it sit 15 minutes, then wipe away the extra.
Here’s more on how to reseal countertops.

6. Wash your dryer lint screen

You know that thing gets gross, right? You’re always scraping piles of lint, shredded tissues, and other weird substances off of it. But it can get clogged in less obvious ways, too. The residue from dryer sheets and fabric softener can start to build up on the screen, blocking the airflow. That can lead to less efficient drying and even fires.

How to do it: “Soak it in hot water and dishwashing soap designed to remove grease and oil,” says Rogers. “Gently scrub the screen with a soft brush, rinse it, and let it air-dry before reinserting it into the slot.”

It’s a small thing, but it’ll help extend the life of your dryer, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home safer.

Link to the article: https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/home-maintenance-tasks-you-may-not-realize-are-important/

Related articles: https://knudtsen.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/5-garage-cleaning-tips-for-new-homeowners-in-spokane-wa/

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8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage

Sep 26, 2017

(StatePoint) Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations.

Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more of precious garage space.

• Keep trash in its place: To keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a tight-fitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh.

• Invest in a multi-purpose job box. Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs. Consider the shape, capacity and compartments needed for your tools. Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box may be better for those who do work elsewhere. If portability is important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such as the Toter HardHead, combine the strength, durability and security of a large metal box with enhanced maneuverability.

• Build up, not out: Ceiling storage racks are an excellent way to use what would otherwise be dead space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable totes are also good choices.

• Choose multipurpose storage: Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment.

• Think mobility: Being able to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a lot easier.

According to Jeniffer Coates, director of product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit more upfront, but will stand the test of time.

• Protect items: Moisture and pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids.

• Categorize: Assign and color-code dedicated areas for each type of item — tools, decorations, lawn equipment, etc. — to avoid the hassle of searching.

• Allow room to grow. While it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items.

For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.

Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think.

Link to the article: https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/online_features/home_improvement/article_d16c2c65-8b99-5ed3-859c-6b75688cd2b0.html

Related articles: http://www.amarr.com/blog/2012/07/24/tips-for-an-organized-garage/?ak_action=reject_mobile

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Repairing the garage door in emergency

By admin – October 16, 2017

It is quite annoying if the garage door gets stuck in the odd hours. It is a double impact situation for you. On one hand you cannot leave the door open just for this and secondly getting a professional technician to repair the garage door is a herculean task. In this type of situation, your problem could be resolved only by a professional service provider who can understand your situation. You can take the help of your friends or search online to have the address of the professional to have emergency garage door repair done in your home.

Why you should hire a professional for garage repair?

• Emergency service provider: a professional garage repair person knows the importance of his work and takes pride in giving services to the clients. He knows that his services could be required by a person at the odd hours. So, he is ready to understand your problem and very much willing to provide his services at times other than normal working hours.
• Efficiency: Your time and the proceedings of the day depend upon the quality of repair work carried at the garage door. If the door is repaired in a proper way, then you can have the proceedings of the rest of the day move smoothly. As you will not be required to call the technician again and again for the repair work. Hence, the quality of repair counts a lot.
• Safety: Safety of yourself and your family is utmost important. Hence, it is very much necessary to have a professional for the job who can handle the electrical as well as mechanical aspect of the garage door effectively.

Thus, hiring a professional not only solves your problem of emergency door repair but also provides you an effective and quality job work done in an economical way.

Link to the article: http://www.rockfordrealestategroup.com/repairing-the-garage-door-in-emergency/

Related articles: https://houstongaragedoorrepair42.wordpress.com/

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17 Warning Signs Mold Hiding In Your Home Is Damaging Your Body

Most of the household appliances we have at home are connected to a water source, so there is a high risk of leakage, which leads to water waste and a huge damage to the household.

Moreover, leaks impose another serious health risk- mold.

It is a common fungus type which can grow inside and outside, throughout the entire year. Mold mostly grows in damp, warm, and humid environments. Its microscopic spores travel through the air and attach to various structures and materials and multiplicate.

Mold can be of 100,000 types and species, but while some do not cause any harm, some categories are detrimental to health. For instance, allergenic molds are the most common ones, and they contain allergens, which lead to allergies and similar symptoms.

People who are exposed to mold experience are often unaware of the issue, so you need to know the following 17 symptoms:

1. Headaches
2. Metallic taste in the mouth
3. Memory problems, brain fog, trouble with focus and executive function
4. Numbness and tingling
5. Persistent nerve pain
6. Fatigue, weakness, post-exercise malaise and fatigue
7. Tremors
8. Muscle cramping, aches, and pains, joint pain without inflammatory arthritis, persistent nerve pain, “ice pick” pain
9. Weight gain despite sufficient effort (weight loss resistance)
10. Excessive thirst
11. Increased urination
12. Vertigo
13. Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, appetite changes
14. Static “shocks”
15. Light sensitivity, red eyes, and/or blurred vision
16. Sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, air hunger, asthma-like symptoms
17. Night sweats or other problems with temperature regulation.

Small amounts of mildew on the shower walls or other application where water accumulates are completely normal, but if you notice mold or mildew growth in room corners or non-shower walls, it is a clear sign that there is some leak which creates a perfect environment for mold.

If you have issues with household mold, you can clean it with the help of mold removal specialists.

Yet, to prevent additional complications, make sure you take care of the leak after the mold has been removed.

Hire a plumber to specify the reason for the leak, and try to solve the problem as soon as possible, in order to prevent serious health issues.

Source: theheartysoul.com

Other included sources linked in The Hearty Soul’s article:
www.mayoclinic.org
www.aafa.org
www.euro.who.int

Link to the article: http://healthy-life-box.com/17-warning-signs-mold-hiding-home-damaging-body/

Related articles: https://flossibettenco.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/lois/

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10 Tips for How to Organize Your Garage

Joe Jackson Sep 28, 2017

Better garage organization means easier gear access, which means more time to play outside

I’m about to be a dad, in a little less than two months and counting. In addition to getting the baby’s room ready, I’ve taken on the task of organizing my garage. Call it my form of nesting. This task is not a small one, being that I’m Outside’s Gear Guy and have spent years acquiring and testing about every piece of outdoor gear you can think of. As of right now, I’m still working through the cleanup, but I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve learned over the years.

Consider Your Car

This is the first thing you need to decide: Does the car live in the garage? The answer to this will totally change how the garage gets organized. A big part of the decision depends on where you live. Own a house in Southern California? Your car is probably fine on the street. Live in Bozeman, where it snows all the time, or Dallas, where hail can ruin everything? In that case, you’ll need to squeeze your car in with your gear. I live in Oregon, where it’s fine to leave my car outside, and because it will be hard to get a baby out of the car when it’s parked in the garage, we’ve decided to keep the garage car-free.

Invest in Shelving

Every available inch of wall in my garage has shelves, which maximizes my space. I’m a big fan of Gorilla Racks, because they’re relatively affordable, easy to assemble, stable, and hold a ton of weight. I’m not afraid to load them down with coolers, car camping stoves, and other bulky items. If you’re on a budget, check out these affordable plastic shelves that snap together in five minutes and are great for lightweight bins.

Use Your Vertical Space

The ceiling in your garage is valuable square footage. I’m currently in the process of getting a Racor PHL-1R Ceiling Storage Lift, which will store my rooftop tent. If you have a pitched or otherwise high ceiling, you might also consider it for hanging bikes, surfboards, kayaks, and other bulky items that are hard to store on a wall or the floor.

Don’t Be Afraid to Wrench

This tip relates to the one above. Installing a rooftop tent holder or hooks for your bikes involves turning screws. Thankfully, the stakes are usually lower in your garage than they are in your living room. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, redrill, reposition, repeat.

Keep Everything Accessible

By accessible, I mean you should be able to get at your gear without effort. Don’t store your gear two or three layers deep. You shouldn’t have to move one bin to get to the next. If you have a car in the garage, make sure you don’t have to pull the car out to reach your most frequently used gear.

Bins, Bins, Bins

Bins are a key part of organization, and they’re so important that they get a heading unto themselves. All my shelves are filled with bins that hold various parts of my gear. For example, all my car camping cooking gear goes in one bin. All my base layers go in another. I like 18-gallon bins—they hold a lot of gear but aren’t so big that they’ll topple me over when I try to get one off the top shelf. When possible, I prefer clear bins so I can see inside. Even with clear bins, I’m militant about labeling. I slap on a piece of duct tape and write the contents so there’s never any guessing. My go-tos, for those who are curious, are the Sterilite 18-gallon bins, which I buy in bulk.

Plan for the Seasons

If you have a small garage or a garage with a car inside, make your seasonal gear the most accessible. It’s okay to have your skis in a hard-to-reach spot in July, but your bike, helmet, and pump should be at the ready. Vice versa in December.

Build a Drying Station

I live in Oregon, so water is a problem. I need to be careful about drying gear like jackets and skins so they don’t get ruined. A dedicated drying station in my garage is helpful, because it’s easily accessible and prevents me from forgetting about my gear on the outdoor clothesline. No need to get fancy. Just string up a section of paracord along one wall to drape things over.

Create a Donations Bin

Some gear eventually needs to get passed on. Instead of letting it clutter your garage, organize it into one bin. When it’s time to pass the gear on to friends, Goodwill, or your local charity, everything is in one spot and easy to transport.

Keep Your Garage Clean and Welcoming

By this I mean sweep the floors, get rid of spiderwebs, and maybe add some extra lighting. All these things will keep your garage feeling like an organized space and help you cut down on the clutter.

Link to the article: https://www.outsideonline.com/2243301/10-tips-how-organize-your-garage

Related articles: http://www.amarr.com/blog/2012/07/24/tips-for-an-organized-garage/

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