Tag: maintenance

We get a lot of offers for product reviews, and some of the stranger ones are things like trash bags. We tend to try just about everything, but what can you really say about a trash bag? “Man, this thing really holds trash!” I was a little curious when we were offered some Fish Foam window cleaner. I know fish oil is supposed to have some health benefits, but I never thought Fish would... 

Some for you, and some for me. Some for you, and some for me. By “some” I mean red wine, and by “you” I mean my countertop. I just re-sealed my granite countertop, and I figure red wine is one of the best ways to test it out. Sealer is designed to prevent things (like red wine) from seeping into the stone’s pores, and if it’s working right, the red wine will completely... 

The other day I shared how I replaced a missing shutter. Today, we focus on painting the aluminum covering overtop our bay window. A few years ago, Jocie and I had all of our windows replaced, and the new ones have a white frame. They look great except when they’re sitting next to dingy, off-white aluminum (or need to be cleaned). Last week I went about repainting the overhang to match.If... 

A couple days ago I shared a little experiment demonstrating how well Pro-Tect decking repels stains. We tried ketchup, mustard and an asphalt solution, and none of them left an appreciable mark. There was some good discussion, and Joe suggested using grease from a grill as a more realistic test. I love a good challenge, and here’s what I did. I have a Weber grill that has served me well for... 

Did anyone get the Under Armor reference? They’re based out of Baltimore, and I always feel the need to represent. Anyway, that’s not what this post is about. From time to time, I’ll snap some photographs on my deck, and they always make me cringe. I’d estimate my deck is at least 15 years old, and the previous owners did not maintain it very well. Once the wood is splintered... 

Two days ago, I was inspired by an article on Young House Love where Sherry writes about tackling some weeds around her mailbox. It was a simple story about removing some weeds, putting down landscaping fabric, planting flowers and spreading mulch. After reading it, I thought to myself, “I have weeds and landscaping fabric. I should do this. Right now.”A quick trip to Home Depot and... 

Dryers work by tumbling clothes and introducing heat while humid air is vented out an exhaust. Most of the lint produced in this process is captured in a lint trap, but small amounts pass through and can deposit in the dryer vent. Dryers are a highly utilized appliance and lint can quickly buildup over time. As with just about every home appliance, dryers will function longer and more efficiently with... 

In my living room, I have a set of leather furniture where I write most of my posts. I really enjoy this set as it’s looks nice and is so comfortable. Obviously, I have a vested interest in keeping my furniture nice, but that is no easy task with a couple small children. This post will cover the basics of caring for your leather furniture, but I’m curious what suggestions you (my readers)... 

I love building fires in the winter. There’s something about that mesmerizing glow that I could watch for hours. Unfortunately, we haven’t really had a chance for any fires this year. In fact, the other day we had our first fire of the season, and it reminded me that I’m behind on some general maintenance. Every year you should run through this short checklist to make sure your fireplace... 

Our oven was in need of some serious cleaning and it’s a little embarrassing to reveal just how dirty it had become. One day, I began preheating the oven and soon after smelled smoke. I checked the oven and realized that some of the char was in danger of igniting! So I turned off the oven and let it cool down.I used my new-found time to look into finding a “green” method to clean...