Nothing exemplifies the incorporation of ancient materials into modern design like a stone sink. Stone sinks, carved from a solid pieces of stone such as granite, limestone, soapstone or marble, are durable and resistant to cracking, staining and chipping. However, if a stone sink is not properly sealed and is allowed to absorb too much water, it can gradually fall into disrepair. Most stains are removable with a homemade poultice.

Even with regular treatment of your hot tub's water, it's important to drain the tub regularly, clean it and refill it with fresh water. The drain plug of your hot tub is designed for just this purpose. It's important to drain your hot tub regularly. It's not hard to use the drain plug, and employing the plug to empty out the water is the first part of cleaning and refilling.

A pond can add great value to your property or home. Along with the responsibility of landscaping around the pond comes the task of keeping the pond clean, fresh and clear. Algae blooms have a tendency to build up on the surface of ponds when excessive nutrients have been introduced to the pond water, usually through plant and animal decay and debris. Removing this algae for good requires safe use of hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), a powerful corrosive that must be handled with care and kept out of the reach of children.

Newly taped drywall, whether it's an entire construction or just a patched hole, usually needs some sanding in order to be flat and even. Traditionally, this is done with drywall sanding pads, but this process, while quick and efficient, generates a great deal of airborne dust that can be both messy and hazardous to breathe. For those who are willing to take a little more time, wet drywall sanding is a cleaner alternative.

Old storage trunks lying in a basement or attic may contain family heirlooms or memorabilia, and opening them can seem impossible if the key has been lost. Often, the locks are quite simple and can be opened by a novice lock-pick using a couple of office supplies. With a little finesse, locked storage trunks can be opened without the key. Many of these locks can be manipulated with a little finesse, trial-and-error, and patience.

Some items should never be put in your garbage disposal. Among them are eggshells, oil, banana peels, coffee grounds and objects such as spoons and cups. If by chance a cup or glass does become lodged in your garbage disposal, do not turn on the disposal or pour oil on it to loosen it. Disconnect the disposal before trying to dislodge the cup. Disconnect the Power Anytime you are working with a garbage disposal, turn off the disposal and disconnect the power at your circuit breaker to ensure that the disposal cannot come to life while you are working on it.

Metal wall art is growing in popularity for both outdoor and indoor use. Corrugated metal, with its ridges, provides an extra depth of artistic potential to the creative do-it-yourself aficionado. Corrugated metal sheets in different colors transform into artwork. Things You Will Need + Craft paper Pencil Permanent marker Lightest grade aluminum corrugated metal sheet, colored Heavy work gloves Safety goggles Hearing protection Sharp utility knife Straight-cut snips Portable profile shear Electric or pneumatic shears Electric nibbler Light oil or soap Heavy-duty metal drill Screws Construction-strength adhesive Sealant tape or butyl caulking Acrylic roofing paints, various colors Mounting brackets and screws Cold chisel Mallet There are different grades of corrugated metal; however, for wall art purposes, aluminum corrugated metal is the best option because it's lightweight and rust-proof.

A Victorinox-brand flashlight has an LED bulb that lasts longer and uses less battery power than a conventional flashlight. The LED bulb is screwed into the flashlight in a similar manner to that of a flashlight which uses an incandescent bulb. A few tools found around the house will be needed to replace the bulb. Step 1 Unscrew the battery cap from the back of the Victorinox flashlight. Place the battery cap aside.

Found on various household appliances and equipment, rubber gaskets keep air and liquids from escaping or entering the devices. Gaskets are susceptible to dust, dirt and debris build-up. Rubber gaskets are also not immune to mold and mildew developing on the material’s surface. The gaskets need regular cleaning and refreshing especially if the rubber becomes dry and hard. When cleaning rubber gaskets, it is important to use a cleaning solution that will remove debris and any odors.

The durability, versatility and waterproof properties of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) make it a common roofing material for recreational vehicles and flat-roofed structures. Although EPDM roofs resist ultraviolet rays, pitting and most weather damages, they are not maintenance-free. Simple supplies can clean rubber roofs. Things You Will Need + Broom Garden hose Slip-resistant shoes 1/4-cup mild liquid laundry soap Clean bucket Nylon scrub brush Clean rag Mineral spirits Rubber roofs accumulate dirt, tree sap, bird droppings and oxidation, which cause recreational vehicles and homes to appear dingy.