Expert Advice on Home Improvement

We’re taking a look at some innovative green ideas from the Los Angeles homes of actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. and science guru Bill Nye. From conserving water to solar landscape lighting to green lawn equipment, find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Read in full.

New energy efficient dishwashers use less energy and water than washing by hand. A recent study showed that the average hand-washer used over 27 gallons of water and 2.5 kilowatts hours of electricity to clean a full sink of dishes, while the dishwasher used just under 6 gallons of water and less than 2 kilowatt hours for the same amount of dishes. Watch this video.

SimpleMat is a double sided, adhesive sheet that is perfect for attaching tile to a countertop or backsplash. It can be used on drywall, plywood, plastic laminate, or painted surfaces. Simply cut the mat to fit, press in place, peel off backing, and attach tile. SimpleMat is available at The Home Depot. Watch the video to find out more. Watch this video.

White vinegar works great for removing soap scum from the glass on your shower door. When the door is clean, spray a car windshield sealer, such as Rain-X Glass Treatment on a rag and wipe the door down thoroughly. Once the sealer has dried, use a clean rag to remove any remaining sealer. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

To maximize the storage space in your kitchen pantry, attach a clear plastic shoe rack to the inside of the pantry door for storing cleaning supplies and other items. Hold the rack in place at the bottom with push pins to secure it when the door is opened. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Inexpensive towel racks mounted on the inside of cabinet doors is a great way to store cookie sheets and cutting boards for easy access. Simply cut the racks to length, attach them to the door, and mount a plywood shelf near the bottom to hold the items in place. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

The Ridgid Faucet and Sink Installer is a multipurpose tool for use under sinks that can turn a frustrating job into an easy one. Uses include tightening and removing faucet nuts and supply lines, turning shut off valves, and holding strainer baskets in place. It’s available at The Home Depot. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

The plastic coating on dishwasher racks can wear off over time. To extend the life of your rack, snip off the end of the rusted tines with wire cutting pliers, then lightly sand the metal and apply dishwasher rack coatingto the bare ends. To speed the process, turn the rack upside down, and dip each tine in the bottle of coating. Watch this video.

I’ve built custom cabinets for almost 20 years, so this is the part of a kitchen remodel I love the best. And, while I do love solid wood cabinets, don’t think you’re giving up quality by choosing a manufactured cabinet. A lot of people confuse the material on some manufactured cabinets with particle board, so take a moment to find out exactly what you’re buying. Read in full.

A number of common household products—including vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and olive oil—that are found in your kitchen can be used to clean your home naturally without harmful chemicals or releasing toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Watch this video to find out how. Watch this video.