An elderly couple on Social Security expresses concerns about potential benefit cuts and their ability to maintain their home, while a single man seeks advice on managing multiple women interested in him after wearing a dating T-shirt. Dear Abby advises the couple to seek community help and contact politicians about Social Security, and suggests the man be honest and patient with women interested in him, emphasizing the trial-and-error nature of dating.
The article highlights seven common home and garden mistakes that can worsen allergy symptoms, such as letting grass grow too tall, gardening in the morning, wearing garden clothes inside, keeping windows open during high pollen days, cuddling pets immediately after outdoor activities, leaving grass clippings around, and going outside after thunderstorms. It offers practical advice to minimize allergen exposure and improve indoor air quality, especially during peak pollen seasons.
To maintain the brightness and efficiency of solar lights, it's essential to clean them regularly. Start by wiping off loose debris with a damp cloth, then use dish soap and water to remove grime. Rinse with a clean cloth to eliminate soap residue. For cloudy marks, use painter's tape to protect the area, clean with distilled water, and finish with a lacquer spray to prevent fading. Regular cleaning every 2-3 months can optimize performance, depending on environmental conditions.
Kacie Stephens, founder of The Big Clean Co in Melbourne, shared common mistakes people make when cleaning their homes, including using too much water when mopping, using too much cleaning product, improper use of Windex for windows, neglecting vacuum maintenance, and not maintaining the vacuum cleaner head. She also recommended using a pumice stick to effectively clean grubby ovens without leaving scratches.
A boomer couple moved back to Virginia from Florida due to rising insurance and home costs, as well as the intense heat. Despite Florida's population growth, many are leaving for cheaper living. The couple found lower costs, a relaxed lifestyle, and a break from politics in Virginia, where they now reside in a smaller home near Virginia Tech. They cite cheaper utilities, car insurance, and maintenance costs as reasons for their move.
Dealing with hard water stains on faucets can be challenging, but using aluminum foil as a chemical-free alternative can effectively scrub and polish away the stains. By crumpling or folding a sheet of aluminum foil, dampening it with water, and gently scrubbing the stains, you can remove mineral deposits and bring back the natural gleam of your faucet. Additionally, aluminum foil can also be used to remove rust from metal and stainless steel items, making it a versatile cleaning tool for various household fixtures and appliances.
Drill Brush, a small business based in New York State, offers a set of cleaning brushes that attach to drills, with different colored bristles for various cleaning purposes. The company was founded by a former electrician who needed a way to clean without causing harm due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Customers have praised the brushes for their effectiveness in cleaning tough stains and dirt, particularly in older homes, and they are available for purchase on Amazon.
Whether you're a DIYer or a homeowner, having these six unconventional tools in your toolbox can make your life easier. From alligator forceps for retrieving small items in tight spaces to an adjustable hammer for hammering in confined areas, these tools can help you tackle various projects with ease. Other useful tools include plastic syringes for removing splinters and delivering precise dosages of liquids, Vampliers for removing stripped screws, stubby screwdrivers for tight spaces, and nail pliers for holding nails securely while hammering.
A list of 49 cleaning products to help you achieve higher levels of cleanliness in 2024, including spot removers for tough stains, a bestselling Pink Stuff for hard-to-get stains, a hairbrush cleaning tool, a Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner, a touchless stationary vacuum, a professional-strength grout cleaner, a grout pen, Stomp 'N Go stain-removing pads, dishwasher-cleaning tablets, a microfiber spin mop and bucket, an Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator, an Angry Mama microwave cleaner, a shower door cleaner, an all-purpose squeegee, a Dyson stick vacuum, a vacuum hose attachment, washing machine cleaning tablets, a cooktop-cleaning kit, cleaning K-Cups, earbud cleaning putty, a wireless phone sanitizer, wood polish and conditioner, and Glisten disposer cleaner.
The iRobot Roomba 694 is currently on sale for a record low price of $160 on Amazon, along with other Roomba models at up to 50 percent off. The 694 is praised for its ease of use, app connectivity, and solid cleaning performance on various floor types, although it lacks some replacement accessories. For those seeking additional features, the Roomba j9+ is also discounted to $599, offering advanced cleaning capabilities and automatic bin emptying.
Having a stash of problem-solving items like batteries, paper clips, duct tape, and an air compressor can help you fix small problems yourself or buy time until a professional can remedy the situation. Other useful items include electrical tape, a FIXD sensor for vehicle diagnostics, a Leatherman multi-tool, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, cork stoppers, heavy-duty aluminum foil, and a wet-dry vacuum for various household emergencies.
As the demand for dehumidifiers surges in the UK due to rising energy costs and the need to combat damp and mould, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels. Dehumidifiers help reduce condensation and moisture, improving air quality and making homes easier to heat. While they can be costly to run, they offer benefits such as drying clothes indoors efficiently and preventing respiratory issues associated with high humidity. Additionally, alternative methods like shock ventilation can also help reduce indoor moisture levels, and professional dehumidifiers are used for severe situations like flooding.
Winterization expert Tom Fleming shares last-minute cold weather hacks to prevent frozen pipes, including turning off the water supply line, draining the water from the lines, and using mulch or makeshift covers for outdoor spigots.
Denver Water issues an alert to prevent flooding as subzero temperatures approach, advising to keep pipes above freezing level, cover crawlspace vents, drain outside lines, and let faucets drip. Plumbing expert recommends extra insulation for copper pipes and suggests checking insurance coverage for burst pipe repairs, which can cost between $200 and $1,000. It's important to look for signs of pipe damage once temperatures rise.
Heating and plumbing experts advise homeowners to prepare for the upcoming coldest temperatures by checking vents, changing filters, and ensuring that no obstructions are blocking PVC pipes for high-efficiency furnaces. Signs that may indicate the need for a technician include a thermostat not maintaining the set temperature and unusual furnace noises or smells. Additionally, steps to prevent frozen pipes include leaving cabinet doors open and letting faucets drip when the temperature drops below freezing.
