Tips

How to Clean Jewelry With Club Soda

Over time, jewelry can become dirty and dull from the oils on your skin and perspiration, not to mention dust and food matter. Cleaning jewelry, much of it with crevices and fine details, can be a tedious chore and expensive, too, with specialized solutions for different metals and stones. Avoid this trouble by employing club soda, also known as soda water or carbonated water, along with a few household items.

How to Install a Washing Machine on a Carpet

Installing a washing machine on a carpet isn't the most ideal situation, but it can be done if that's all you have available. The main objectives in this kind of setup are to keep the washing machine as level as possible, and protect the carpet from possible leaks. The machine can be kept level with the addition of a thick piece of plywood as a base and the carpet protected by the addition of a washing machine drain pan.

How to Size a Filter in an HVAC System

Properly sizing an air filter for a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system will not only make the unit efficient but keep the air inside the home cleaner and healthier. Air filters are usually placed just inside the HVAC air intake grill. This allows for easy access to the filter and keeps the entire duct system clean. Step 1 Understand that the size of the air filter is based solely on the air movement of the blower fan contained inside the HVAC unit.

How to Reface Melamine Cabinets

Most people think that melamine cabinets can be difficult to remodel since the plastic-like surface is notorious for being hard to paint over. But this reputation is unnecessary. With a primer made to adhere to plastics and difficult surfaces, you can have your cabinets refaced in a weekend. And if you prefer something less messy or want a wood finish, contact papers are an easy option. Contact papers allow you to get extremely creative with various finishes without a mess or emptying your wallet.

Alternatives to Window Wells | HomeSteady

A window well serves the vital function of retaining the soil to keep it away from the window frame and to allow light to reach the window. Window wells are only necessary around windows that sit partially or completely below ground level. Because window wells can fill with water, many have hidden drains that reroute rainfall downward to the foundation drain located around the perimeter of the basement footing. Alternatives to window wells usually involve excavation.

How to Remove Cheese Stains

Cheese stains can make their way onto your clothing, upholstery, carpet, and other home surfaces. Whether you are dealing with spray cheese, hard cheese, or a soft cheese such as cream cheese, the stain can be frustrating. Cheese stains come in a variety of forms, but you can handle them all with a simple cleaning procedure. Scrape all solid pieces of cheese off the stained area. This step is especially important on surfaces such as carpet, where the cheese is more likely to be ground into the material.

How to Rough Up Glazed Tile

Glaze or gloss, a protective and decorative finish, is baked onto ceramic and terracotta tiles at very high temperatures, until it forms an upper layer. De-glaze a tiled floor prior to painting it. However, you may need to rough up or remove the glaze if you want to repaint the tiles, or if you prefer the natural look of tile in areas where moisture resistance is not a problem. Paint applies better to a rough, porous surface than one that is smooth and glossy.

How to Frame a Door on a Two-by-Six Wall

Two-by-six framed walls provide added space for thicker, sound-absorbing insulation. At least two good reasons exist to opt for two-by-six studs over standard two-by-fours for wall framing. Apart from the fact that a two-by-six wall is stronger, it provides more space for insulation, which protects a living space from cold outside temperatures and noise. Framing a door in a two-by-six wall involves a little extra work and expense because standard doorjambs are made for two-by-four walls.

How to Repair a Wolverine Faucet

If you own a Wolverine faucet and it leaks, repair it by replacing the cartridge. This is a common repair for any faucet, including the Wolverine brand. It takes about a half hour from start to finish, and after this repair the leak is gone. The cartridge is the part that contains the seals and gaskets for the hot and cold inlet valves on the faucet. Replacing the cartridge simply updates worn out seals and makes the faucet operate like new.

How to Clean the Water Filter in a Frigidaire Washer & Dryer

Frigidaire washing machines and dryers have several features, such as a vibration-control system; specialty wash, time and fabric cycles; large-capacity drums; wrinkle protection; and moisture sensors. The washer and dryer each use a filter to remove dirt and debris from the system, which requires cleaning on a regular basis. Dryers use a lint filter, usually located inside the door, which is lifted out for cleaning. Washing machines use a water filter, located inside the water-inlet hose, which is cleaned with a few standard household tools.