Read on to find out how to take action against some of the common household dangers in your home.

Fire Prevention

Smoke Detectors

There are two main types of smoke detectors:

• Optical: Best for low heat, smoldering fires.
• Ionization: Best for detecting hot, flaming fires.

Detectors are also available that combine optical and ionization sensors in the same unit to give greater warning for either type of fire.

How to Install a Smoke Detector:

• Install smoke detectors on the ceiling or near the top of the wall and away from corners of the room.
• Make sure to install one or more smoke detectors on each level of your home.
• Be sure to install a smoke detector in or near the bedrooms in your home.
• Replace the batteries in your smoke detector every six to 12 months.
• Gently vacuum or use canned air to blow out the unit once a year.
• Discard and replace smoke detectors after 10 years of use.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This silent killer is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that strikes without warning. It is formed as a byproduct of the burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, or diesel fuel as well as from the combustion of materials like wood, paper, and cloth.

Improperly vented or defective heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and generators are the main cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Since carbon monoxide doesn’t rise to the ceiling like smoke, detectors can be mounted anywhere in the room.

Carbon monoxide detectors are available that plug into wall outlets or are powered by batteries. Detectors should be cleaned and the batteries replaced at least once a year.

Fire Extinguishers

Every home should be equipped with at least one multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher that can be used on combustible materials, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Make sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible, and that all family members know how to use it.

To use a fire extinguisher:

• Pull out the pin
• Aim at the base of the flames
• Squeeze the trigger
• Sweep from side to side

Escape Ladder

Two-story houses should have an escape ladder stored on the upper floor. Make sure the ladder is easy to get to, and every family member knows where it’s located and how to use it.

Hazardous Chemicals

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that can seep up into your home from underground. Exposure to radon gas over time can result in health problems. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to radon gas in homes accounts for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. every year.

Due to geologic conditions, the presence of radon gas is more prevalent in some areas than others. To find out if you’re at risk, check out the Radon Zone Maps on the EPA website. If your part of the country is at risk, use a radon test kit to check the air, and take steps to reduce your levels if needed.

Water

If you live in an older home that used lead solder to join copper pipes, the tap water passing through the pipes may contain elevated levels of lead. Water testing kits can detect if lead or other contaminants are present in the water in your home. If they are, consider installing a water filter designed to remove them. Change the filter regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Lead

Houses built before 1978 may have been painted with lead based paint which can result in lead poisoning if paint chips are ingested or the dust inhaled. If the original paint isn’t peeling and has been painted over with a layer of lead free paint, the lead probably doesn’t represent a health concern. However, if the paint is peeling or demolition is taking place in your house due to renovation, you should test to see if the paint being disturbed contains lead using a home lead testing kit.

Mold

To prevent mold in your home, keep the humidity level under 50% and repair any plumbing, wall, or roof leaks as soon as they occur. It’s also important to cover the crawlspace under your home with a layer of 6 mil plastic to keep moisture from filtering up from the ground.

Child Safety

Kitchen

Anti-tip bracket for stove.

• Attach childproof latches to cabinet doors, drawers, and the refrigerator.
• Install an anti-tip bracket on your stove to keep it from turning over.

Bathroom

• Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120° F to prevent scalding.

Electrical

• Cover electrical outlets with childproof inserts or install special Swivel Outlet Covers.

Pool

• Fence your pool and install a childproof lock on the gate.
• Install a pool alarm to detect if a child falls in the pool.

Other Tips from This Episode

Related posts:

• (686) Safe at Home
• How to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home
• Fire Safety for Your Home

Regardless of whether the outdoor furniture on your patio or deck is made of wood, aluminum, wrought iron, or plastic; it takes a lot of abuse from the elements including sun, rain, snow, and extreme changes in temperature.

Here are some tips on how to clean and protect the furniture on your deck or patio to keep it looking like new.

Wrought Iron and Metal Furniture

How to Clean:

• Mix up a squirt of dishwashing detergent with a bucket of warm water.



• Scrub surface with a scrub brush.
• Rinse furniture and allow to dry.
• Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rusted spots down to the bare metal.
• Wipe off any metal reside with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha.
• Spray bare spots with a primer made for metal, such as those made by Rust-Oleum following the directions on the can (wear an approved respirator). Allow surface to dry for recommended time.
• Spray furniture with paint made for metal of the desired color, following the directions on the can (wear an approved respirator).
• Allow paint to dry thoroughly before using furniture.

Aluminum Furniture

How to Remove Oxidation:

• Option #1: Remove light oxidation by rubbing the surface with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.



• Option #2: Rub the surface with automotive rubbing or polishing compound to abrade away oxidation.
• Option #3: Clean the surface with dishwashing detergent and water using a plastic scrubbing sponge or very fine steel wool. NOTE: Try first on hidden area to see if it scratches the aluminum.
• All options: Rinse off the cleaning solution with a garden hose, and allow to dry.

How to Prevent Oxidation:

• Apply a coat of automotive paste wax to the surface.
• Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes.
• Remove residue and polish surface with a clean cloth.

Plastic and Molded Resin Furniture

How to Clean:

• Dip a sponge in warm water, and squeeze out any excess.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the sponge to act as a mild abrasive.
• Scrub furniture with sponge.
• Rinse furniture with garden hose.
• Allow furniture to dry.

How to Remove Mildew or Mold:

• White Furniture: Apply a solution of one part bleach to four parts water in a pump up sprayer. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.
• Colored Furniture: Apply a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to one quart water in a pump up sprayer. Leave on for 10-20 minutes then rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.

How to Restore Shine:

• Apply a coat of automotive paste wax to the surface.
• Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes.
• Wipe off any residue with a clean cloth.

Natural Wood Furniture

How to Clean (Redwood, Cedar, Pine):

• Option #1: Scrub surface with soft scrub brush using special wood cleaner or brightener following the directions on container (wear protective clothing and rubber gloves). Rinse with hose and allow to dry in full sun.
• Option #2: Scrub with mixture of 1/4 cup ammonia and two tablespoons white vinegar in one quart water. Rinse with garden hose and allow to dry in full sun.

How to Clean (Teak):

• Option #1: Apply teak cleaner, following the directions on the container.
• Option #2: Apply mixture of 1/4 cup laundry detergent and one quart bleach to one gallon water. Allow to remain on for 10-20 minutes. Scrub with soft bristled brush and rinse with garden hose.

How to Refinish Teak Furniture:

• Gray Patina: When left unfinished, teak will develop a natural silver patina over time.
• Natural Color: To retain the natural brown color of new teak, apply a special teak protector, teak oil, or teak sealer following the directions on the can. Reapply as needed.

Fabric Cushions

How to Clean Removable Covers:

• Remove covers and follow machine washing instructions on tag.
• Put covers back on cushions while still damp and allow to dry.
• Allow fabric to dry in place to reduce shrinkage.

How to Clean Attached Covers:

• Dissolve a squirt of dishwashing detergent and a teaspoon of borax in one quart warm water.
• Wet down the fabric with the solution and scrub lightly with a sponge or soft bristled scrub brush.
• Allow to soak for 10-20 minutes.
• Rinse cushions using a garden hose with sprayer.
• Allow cushions to fully dry.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew:

• White Fabric: Remove mildew by applying a solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes, then rinse off with garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun. If cushions are machine washable, add recommended amount of bleach to washer. NOTE: Do not use chlorine bleach on colored fabrics.
• Colored Fabric: Wash in machine or soak with diluted color safe, non-chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in full sun.

Related posts:

• How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture
• How to Clean, Sharpen, and Maintain Garden Tools
• Exterior Multi-Surface Cleaner

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Tips

Adding drawer dividers is a great way to make existing drawers more functional. You can buy them ready made from home improvement stores, or make them yourself out of wood to fit a specific size or shape.

Another option is to replace drawer bottoms with 1/4” pegboard and use dowels as adjustable spacers to accommodate everything from pots and pans to kitchen utensils.

Installing a pullout rack in your cabinet is perfect for storing cookie sheets, baking pans, and trays.

Rollout racks (or drawer slides) can also be adapted for use with a kitchen trash can, or you can purchase a pullout specially designed for that purpose. The cabinet door in front of the trash can either be hinged or attached to the front of the rack so it pulls out with the can.

Kitchen Cabinet Facelift Tips

To improve the looks of your kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Doors and drawer fronts can be custom ordered in various sizes from home centers in a wide range of colors and styles. They’re also available unfinished, so you can finish them yourself to match existing cabinets.

Another option for dressing up bland plywood cabinet doors is by attaching mitered strips of molding to the face. Stain and finish the molding to match the doors, then cut the miters and nail the molding in place.

Kitchen Cabinets Upgrade Tips

To increase the usable space in your kitchen cabinets, consider utilizing the open space above hanging cabinets for display or fill in the space with a custom cabinet for added storage.

You can add a touch of elegance to your cabinets by replacing some of the wood panels in the hanging cabinet doors with glass to display collectables, silver, or fine china.

A plate rack can provide an interesting design feature while making your kitchen more efficient at the same time.

Adding an island to your kitchen can make use of wasted space. Allow 42” between the island and other cabinets, and 36” for walkways.

If your kitchen doesn’t have space for an island, try a rolling cart instead. Park it against a wall when not in use, then pull it out into the room when needed for cooking or serving.

Kitchen Countertop and Backsplash Tips

A tile backsplash is a great way to dress up your kitchen while making it easier to keep clean. Mosaic tile kits, such as those from JEM Expressions, are available with unique custom images ranging from artwork to personal photographs.

Wood, both painted and natural, can be used for a backsplash as well. Vertical wooden beadboard can make a beautiful kitchen backsplash.

Granite is very popular kitchen countertop material, but it can be expensive. One way to have the look and functionality of granite without spending a fortune is by installing a granite insert on the counter next to the stove for pans hot from the oven.

To free up additional countertop space, replace your existing countertop microwave with a combination vent fan and microwave that fits over your stove.

Other Tips from This Episode

Related posts:

• (698) 10 Step Kitchen: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
• (710) Dream Kitchen
• How to Adjust Concealed Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

We all know solar water heaters can help the environment but there may be a few things you don’t know about them. They only provide 50% to 80% of the water heating needs of your home, depending on the climate. While most solar water heaters require electricity to operate, they cost only a tenth the operating cost of a regular water heater.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Here’s an experiment: Place a bottle of cold water outside in the direct sunlight. In two or three hours, feel how hot the water is. Wouldn’t it be great to make that work for the water in your whole house? Actually, you can!

There are several solar water heaters on the market, but there are also some misconceptions, such as a solar water heater will supply all your hot water. Only the extreme southern climates can have a solar water heater meet almost 100% of a home’s needs. Depending on the climate, it typically will take care of 50% to 80% of the hot water.

It’s not free to operate either, even though the sunlight is free. The good news is that it’s only going to cost about one tenth the amount to run as compared to a conventional water heater. The price is also coming down, so they’re more affordable. There are even some do-it-yourself models on the market.

Related posts:

• Is Water from a Tankless Hot Water Heater Hot Enough?
• Energy Efficient Hot Water Heaters for Your Home
• Advantages of a Solar Hot Water Heater

Dimmers are a great way to add ambiance to a room, but now they can do even more. The Lutron Maestro Dimmer with Occupancy Sensor turns the lights on automatically when you walk into the room, then turns them off again once you’ve left. This not only saves energy, but can reduce your utility bills as well. The Lutron Occupancy Sensor Dimmer is available at The Home Depot.

Related posts:

• How to Save Energy with Dimmer Switches and Motion Sensors
• Wireless Moisture Sensor for Your Lawn or Garden
• (714) Something for Almost Nothing

Watch this video to find out how to make and install a simple hook to suspend bananas beneath the hanging cabinets in your kitchen without taking up added counter space.

• Drill a hole in cabinet dividers beneath the hanging cabinet with a 1/8” drill bit.
• Snip off a piece of wire from a coat hanger and bend it to a “Z” shape.
• Insert one end of the hanger in the hole, and voila! You now have a hanger to suspend your bananas.
• If the dividers on your cabinets do not extend below the bottom, bend a loop in the wire at the end of the hanger and attach it to the bottom of the cabinet with a screw.

Related posts:

• How to Adjust Concealed Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
• How to Fix a Stripped Wooden Cabinet Knob
• How to Level and Attach Kitchen Cabinets

Updating and improving the look of your home doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget. By using recycled or reused materials, along with a little imagination and creativity, you can make a big difference in your home for a very small investment. Here are seven simple DIY projects to get you started.

Where to Find Items to Reuse and Renew

There are a number of sources for used and discarded items, such as:

• Thrift stores
• Secondhand consignment shops
• Goodwill
• Salvage companies
• Habit for Humanity ReStores
• Online at The Freecycle Network
• Yard and garage sales
• Classified ads online and in newspapers
• Remodeling site dumpsters

How to Refinish a Ceiling Fan

Instead of throwing an outdated ceiling fan in the trash, consider refinishing it to make it look like new. Here’s how to go about it:

• Disassemble the fan components you plan to paint.
• Clean all the parts with denatured alcohol to remove any dust or grease.
• Rub metal surfaces with fine steel wool to remove the gloss.
• Lay all of the pieces out and spray with several light coats of spray paint for metal.
• Reassemble the fan components except the blades.
• Reattach the fan to the ceiling.
• Attach the blades and balance if needed.

How to Refurbish Old Furniture

Kendra Bennett is a homeowner who has a knack for taking old objects and transforming them into something new. She found an old credenza for $20 at a yard sale. After stripping off the black finish and refinishing it, the piece was converted into this unique conversation piece for her home.

The two cabinet doors in the center of the piece were removed and replaced by wine racks. As an accent, two wooden window frames were backed by mirrors then mounted on the wall above it. The whole project only cost $150 dollars and a little imagination.

How to Make a Fireplace Screen

To hide a fireplace from view during the summer, create a simple fireplace screen by hinging together discarded shutters found at a salvage store. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean, sand, and make any repairs to the shutters.
• Apply two coats of interior paint and allow to dry.
• Link the shutters together with brass cabinet hinges.
• For screens of more than three shutters, install each pair of hinges on alternating sides so the screen can be folded up like an accordion when not in use.

The project was completed in less than a day for under $10.

How to Personalize a Child’s Chair

Lisa Brodie also enjoys giving new life to old pieces of furniture. Some of her favorite items are small chairs made for children. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean the chair to make sure all of the dust and loose finish is removed.
• Apply a coat of primer and allow to dry.
• Apply two coats of paint.
• Decorate the chair as desired with contrasting colors and patterns.
• Personalize the piece with the child’s name.
• For a more durable finish, apply a final coat of clear finish (brushed or sprayed) to the painted surface.

How to Refinish a Wicker Chair

To make an old wicker chair new again:

• Use an air compressor to blow off dirt and dust out of cracks.
• Clean surface with a scrub brush and denatured alcohol.
• Use a hot glue gun to reattach broken or loose caning.
• Apply several light coats of spray paint, letting it dry for the recommended time between coats.
• Allow the paint to dry completely for several before using. A fan can help speed up the process.
• Store any leftover paint to use for touch up later.

How to Build a Headboard

To turn a discarded column and some leftover lumber into a headboard:

• Mark the cuts around the column with painter’s tape.
• Cut the column to length using a reciprocating saw.
• Construct a cubbyhole shadow box for the headboard from 1×6 lumber.
• Use 2×12 lumber for the feet and caps.
• Assemble the columns to the headboard.
• Paint the headboard and allow to dry.
• Use screws to attach the headboard to the wall studs.

Since all of the material used in the headboard was discarded or scrap, the project cost next to nothing.

How to Pour Concrete Stepping Stones

To make personalized concrete stepping stones for your yard:

• Cut down a 5-gallon bucket with a jigsaw to use as a mold.
• Spray lubricating oil around the inside of the mold to prevent the concrete from adhering.
• Mix up concrete and fill the mold with it.
• Smooth off the top of the concrete using a board as a screed.
• Customize the concrete while wet with handprints, decorations, or masonry dye.
• Allow concrete to dry before removing stepping stone from the mold.

Other Tips from This Episode

Related posts:

• How to Paint a Wicker Chair
• Tips for Refinishing Children’s Furniture
• How to Make a Headboard from an Old Column

Here are some tips to help you choose the right paintbrush for your painting job:

• The size of the brush used is based on how large a space you’re painting.
• Choose either natural or synthetic bristle brushes when applying oil-based paint.
• Use only a synthetic bristle brush when applying water-based (latex) paint.

Watch this video to find out more.

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• Temperature Range for Painting Your House
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Natural clay wall plaster, such as the products from American Clay, is easy to apply and can give your home a unique look. Unlike most wall paints, natural clay contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the coating can actually add insulation value to your exterior walls.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Sculpting modeling clay is a favorite activity for kids everywhere, and they can be pretty imaginative with the things they can make from it. But there’s a pretty green use for clay that you might not know about. You can use different forms of clay on your interior walls, but this isn’t the stuff you want to use.

First, there’s clay plaster. This is actually something that people have used for hundreds of years and you might think it will make your room look like an adobe hut, and that could be the case if you want, but I’ve seen some pretty amazing designs and textures that make it very appealing visually and it’s easy to learn how to apply it.

There’s also a clay paint available, which is easier to apply than the plaster, but not as expressive with texture. Both of these items have no volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde or any known carcinogens. Plus, with the plaster you get an added insulation factor to help reduce your home’s energy costs.

Related posts:

• Eco-Friendly Wall Paint
• Does Sand Improve Clay Soil?
• How to Apply a Finish Coat of Plaster to a Pool

Puresque Carpeting is an environmentally friendly product that absorbs and decomposes common odors in your home including cooking, smoke, and pets. In addition, it resists mold and mildew.

Puresque carpeting comes in a range of colors and textures and is available at The Home Depot.

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