BUILD
PAINT
CLEAN
MAINTAIN
USE
DESIGN
INSTALL
CHOOSE
GROW
How To: Get Rid of Hornets
Hornets are a vital part of any garden ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you want them buzzing in and out of your pitcher of lemonade. Hornets are flying, stinging insects that are slightly larger than paper wasps...
How To: Use Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid, a less-pure variant of hydrochloric acid, is available in high concentrations for use in a host of home restoration and maintenance projects. While this powerful chemical agent runs cheap—about $10...
Solved! The Great Debate on Mowing Wet Grass
Q. I’ve seen a neighbor mow the lawn in the morning shortly after the sprinklers were turned off, but I thought this practice was ineffective when the blades are still wet. Is it actually OK to mow wet grass?A: W...
Solved! Why Is My Smoke Detector Beeping?
Q: This past week, one of our home’s smoke detectors has chirped a few times. We weren’t cooking at the time, and cannot determine what is causing the alarm to sound. Can you help? How can we troubleshoot a smoke...
How To: Kill a Tree Stump
Removing a tree from your yard can be a tricky and expensive process, but it’s especially frustrating when you still wind up stuck with a stubborn stump. Sometimes, when its vast root system continues to send up ...
How To: Get Rid of Crickets
The chirping of crickets may be a pleasant sound of summer, but these insects can become a real nuisance—especially if they take up residence inside your home and lay eggs. Between their constant racket, ability ...
How To: Get Rid of Clover
Stubborn weeds are the bane of a beautiful lawn. Yet, although it’s pretty stubborn, clover (aka Trifolium repens) is actually beneficial. It brings nitrogen into the soil and encourages grass growth when it deco...
How to Make Homemade Window Cleaner
Dirty windows or a streaky glass door are easy to notice and are easy to clean. Yet, cleaning windows and doors always seems like a chore we put off—even though it requires minimal work. No more excuses! You don’...
How To: Repair a Screen Door in 5 Easy Steps
I don’t mind the squirrels taking their turn at the bird feeder, but our dog seems to have developed a personal vendetta against the creatures. She’s so vehemently opposed to squirrels that she managed to rip rig...
How To: Make a Homemade Deck Cleaner That Works Like a Charm
An outdoor deck sees lots of traffic. Muddy shoes, spilled food, and wet dogs can leave it dirty, stained, and smelly. Even if the deck isn't a party platform, it's up against the elements—pollen, leaves, and alg...
