BUILD
PAINT
CLEAN
MAINTAIN
USE
DESIGN
INSTALL
CHOOSE
GROW
How To: Clean with Mineral Spirits—and Why You Should
Commonly used as paint thinner, mineral spirits—an inexpensive petroleum distillate—is also a versatile cleaner. While you might not reach for it as often as a disinfectant spray, it’s highly effective at tacklin...
8 Clever Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality Without a Humidifier
Winter doesn’t just bring colder temperatures outdoors; in most areas, it also means bone-dry air inside your home, as central heating systems suck away any humidity Mother Nature might bestow. Reduced moisture i...
How To: Remove Texture From Walls
Texturing walls is a time-honored method of adding character to a wall or covering such imperfections as drywall taping inconsistencies—but not everyone loves the ridges and swirls of knock-down or the soft rippl...
How To: Clean a Porcelain Sink
Maintaining a spotless porcelain sink will add charm and luster to your bathroom or kitchen—not to mention value to your home. This glass-based ceramic is fired at high temperatures, then used to coat a metal or ...
Solved! How to Freshen Up a Smelly Fridge
Q: Every time I open the fridge, I get a whiff of sourness that I can’t identify. I’ve already cleaned out all the old leftovers, but this vaguely unpleasant odor remains. What can I do?A: It takes detective work...
Never Combine Bleach and Vinegar When Cleaning—Here’s Why
Heavy-duty dirt, grime, mildew, and mold accumulations call for powerful household cleaners. And chances are you have two of the most potent—bleach and vinegar—in your cleaning cabinet right now. Used alone, thes...
5 Great Ways to Heat a Garage in Winter
The typical garage isn’t designed to stay warm inside when outdoor temperatures are frigid. It lacks insulation, and its concrete floor remains chilly all year around. Even with a small space heater running, you ...
How To: Paint Behind a Toilet
The cramped space behind the toilet is a difficult portion of the bathroom to maintain, posing a challenge when it comes time to dust and an even larger one when repainting. A toilet tank situated not quite flus...
Solved! When, Why, and How to Use Pilot Holes Correctly
Q: I know it’s a good idea to pre-drill before nailing or screwing two pieces of wood together, but I can’t seem to get the hang of the technique. Any tips for me?A: Yes, creating what are called "pilot hole...
The Must-Dos (and 4 Definite Don’ts) When Cleaning an Oven
Avid home cooks put their ovens into overdrive not simply during the holidays but year-round. What doesn’t land on the dinner table often winds up in the oven chamber—on the oven walls, roof, floor, racks, or win...
