How to Keep Stray Cats Out of Your Yard

If the neighborhood stray cats have turned your yard into a hangout, you may have to try several tricks to get them out. Most local laws allow cats to roam free, and it is a crime to harm them. Tip A short fence made of chicken wire will also deter cats, but an extreme measure like that could also turn your lawn into an eyesore. Commercial cat repellent, or other items like peppers and oils, will need to be reapplied every few days or after any rainstorm.

How to Remove Cuts And Scratches From Solid Surface Countertops

How to Remove Cuts And Scratches From Solid Surface Countertops. Your solid surface countertop has only been installed a few months and scratches have suddenly appeared. Don't panic! You can easily restore your countertop to a sparkling finish by following these steps. Remove Cuts And Scratches From Solid Surface Countertops Things You Will Need + Mild, abrasive liquid cleaner Scrubbing sponge or wet cloth Solid surface scratch removal pads Clean towels Tip Contact the manufacturer of your solid surface countertop for any specific questions or concerns regarding repair and maintenance.

How to Remove Permanent Marker on Bricks

Made from clay and other natural materials fired to form a hard, stable product, bricks are porous, which makes them susceptible to stains from food, mold or even the errant permanent marker. To remove permanent marker stains, start with basic household cleaning products. Try cleaners, scrubbing and bleach to remove permanent marker stains. Made from clay and other natural materials fired to form a hard, stable product, bricks are porous, which makes them susceptible to stains from food, mold or even the errant permanent marker.

How to Restore a Wok

There are several reasons a wok may need restoration: a wok that isn’t used for a long period of time may rust, and a wok that is improperly cleaned won’t keep food from sticking to it. But a good-quality wok shouldn’t just be thrown away; its age is actually one of its benefits, and once properly cleaned and seasoned, your wok will be like brand-new. That deep black patina on a wok actually imparts flavor, and it’s an essential ingredient in Chinese and Thai cooking.

How to Troubleshoot the Picture Quality of a Sanyo TV

Like most modern televisions, those made by Sanyo offer a menu accessed by the TV's remote control that provides a wide choice of variables for adjusting picture quality. In addition, you can troubleshoot both the Sanyo TV and components connected to it if you experience picture-quality issues. Most adjustments to the Sanyo TV itself can be accomplished by pressing a few buttons on the remote control. If components connected to the TV present picture quality problems, the cable connections are the first places to look for solutions.

Torn Paper Wallcovering Technique | HomeSteady

The torn wallpaper look is a technique of literally tearing pieces of wallpaper at random and applying them to the wall. This look gives walls a very modern, textured look, and provides a whole new way to use great patterns of wallpaper. There are many different ways to use the technique: tear wallpaper into various sizes and shapes, or cut it into same-sized squares and make a more organized pattern.

DIY Thermopane Window Repair | HomeSteady

Repairing glass in a thermopane window is different than repairing single-glaze windows. A thermopane window is made of insulated units that typically have two panes of glass. Broken thermopane glass Instead of the puttylike glazing compound used with a single-pane window, a thermopane window uses a sealing component and a mechanical glazing stop, or glazing bead. Two Reasons for Repair A thermopane window is defined by the insulated glass unit.

Garage Leaking Water Through the Walls

Because garages are not finished to the same quality standards as the living areas of homes are, garages are more likely to suffer from occasional leaks. But leaking water anywhere in a home's structure is cause for concern because it increases the risk of structural damage and mold growth. If water’s leaking through a garage wall, the culprit could be one of a number of problems. Finding and fixing the leak is essential, and then you can focus on repairing any damage caused by the water.

How Does a Battery Tester Work?

Since most batteries don’t come with built in meters to tell you when they are out of power it can be hard to tell when household batteries can be used or should be replaced without testing them first. Without a battery tester or multimeter, the only way to do this is by popping the battery or batteries into an electronic device and trying to turn it on. This is a time consuming process, though, and battery testers let you test single batteries quickly and accurately.

How to Install Christmas Lights on a Deck Railing

Save the hassle and plan first. During a hectic holiday season, there's nothing more annoying than having to unwrap a string of lights because you didn't wind it properly the first time. We tend to hurry on what we think are mundane tasks, but if you take just a moment to plan, you'll only have to do it once. Then you can get on to the really fun stuff, like maneuvering your way through those crowded stores.