How Do I Tips

How do I caulk hard to reach areas where the caulk gun won't fit?

Slip a plastic drinking straw over the nozzle tip and secure it with some duct tape (if the straw is too small, slit one end so it will fit over the tip). Cut the straw long enough to reach the spot, then guide the straw with one hand as you squeeze the caulk gun trigger with the other.

How do I stop my caulk gun from oozing after I've stopped applying the caulk?

Reduce unwanted post-calking ooze by tightly wrapping the caulk cartridge with duct tape before you start. This helps keep the cartridge from bulging and contracting whenever the trigger is squeezed and released, greatly decreasing the mess.

What's the best way to care for my marble top furniture?

Normal maintenance includes periodic washing with clean water and a mild detergent. After cleaning, detergent should be completely rinsed away. To protect the finish, use a clear, non-yellowing white wax--you can usually find these in aerosol cans in hardware stores. After spraying the marble top with wax, be sure to buff it. If you spill anything on your marble top, wipe it up immediately. Acidic beverages such as fruit juices and soft drinks can stain marble tops.

How do I clean a burnt pot?

Try baking soda (1/2 to 1 cup ) and about four inches water. Boil furiously for about half an hour. You may need to add water occasionally.

Put dishwasher detergent in water in the pot and simmer, scraping occasionally with a wooden spoon. Very badly burned pots may require two applications. When most of the burnt material has come off, the rest will lift very easily with a scouring pad.

How do I clean a cast-iron skillet?

Iron skillets can aquire seasoning over time, an accumulation of good flavors guaranteed to make any dish you cook that much more delicious. To protect that seasoning, never use soap on your skillet. Scrape off any stuck pieces of food, rinse with water, and wipe off.
You can finish by wiping a bit of olive oil onto the skillet. In fact, you don't even have to rinse the skillet--if you cook a lot of cajun food, for example, you may want to avoid getting water on your skillet. If you do wash with water, set the skillet upside down in a warm oven to dry (remember to turn the oven off after a while--set a timer to be sure).

How can I clean off the starch that's stuck to the ironing plate of my iron?

To clean the ironing plate, generously spread salt over a flat brown paper bag. Set the iron on low and iron the bag--the salt will clean the ironing plate.

How do I clean hard water buildup from the inside of my dishwasher?

Consult the manufacturer's instructions before you use any product to clean mineral deposits from the inside of your dishwasher (some dishwasher linings may be easily damaged). Many recommend the following: Run the empty dishwasher through a full cycle with a cup (250 milliliters) of white vinegar instead of dishwashing liquid. If mineral stains persist, repeat.

How do I clean debris from my garbage disposal? Will cleaning eliminate the foul smell?

To clean, put two cups of ice in the disposal, then run it until the contents are gone.
For the odors, try a tablespoon of baking soda or an entire sliced lime, skin and all. Once ground up you will have a clean, odor-free garbage disposal.

How do I clean a Thermos?

To clean a thermos bottle, fill it with water, drop in four Alka-Seltzer tablets, and let it soak for an hour.

A denture cleaning tablet also works in cleaning a thermos, and takes any smells out of it too. Fill the thermos with hot water and one or two tablets, then let it soak.

How should I clean hardwood floors?

Use a cup of white wine vinegar diluted in a bucket of water. Dip a mop in the mixture, wring until it stops dripping and wipe the floor. The vinegar (a mild acetic acid) kills germs and gives wood an excellent shine

How do I clean the delicate fabric on my lamp shades?

Try using a baby's hairbrush to clean away dust and dirt on lamp shades.

How should I clean marble tile?

For everyday cleaning, mop marble floors with mild, soapy water. If your marble tile is cleaned less frequently, say once a week, you might want to use a bleach solution. Never use citrus-based or ammonia products on marble tile--they'll dull your tile's finish. And never use abrasives--remember, marble will scratch

How can I clear a clogged drain without drain cleaner?

1. Mix one cup of salt with one cup of baking soda, and just enough vinegar to turn it from a solid to a liquid substance.
2. Toss it down the drain.
3. Pour boiling water (a full tea kettle or coffee pot) in afterward.

How can I make my basement less damp?

To fix a damp basement, you first have to determine the source of the moisture. Try this low-tech detection method:
Cut a few 12x12-inch squares of aluminum foil or thick plastic, and tape them to the walls and floor. Wait several hours, then check for condensation on the exposed side of the foil or plastic.
If moisture has collected on the front side, there's moisture in the air. This problem can be solved with an appliance called a dehumidifier, that removes moisture from the air.
If the underside of the foil or plastic is wet, moisture is passing through the wall or floor from the soil. An interior coat of paint can help, but to fix it permanently you'll need to seal the leak from outside. If you know how, you can do it yourself; otherwise, call a building contractor for help