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The Dos and Don'ts of Caulking Windows
Caulking windows—to give them a finished look (inside and out) and seal out leaks and drafts—is a fairly common DIY task. But if done incorrectly, it can lend a sloppy, amateurish look. Caulk is not a design elem...
How To: Clean Wallpaper
Is your wallpaper looking a little tired? Over time, dust and moisture can discolor, leaving papered walls dingier than the day they were covered. Wallpaper in the kitchen can become coated with cooking sprays, s...
Bob Vila Radio: The Rules and Risks You Need to Know About This Landscaping Hack
Just when you think you’re done raking leaves, one gust of wind can scatter your piles, shake your trees, and make more work. Burning these leaves might be less back-breaking work than bagging them or composting ...
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 ...
