Tag: how to

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3 Tips and Tasks to Maintain the Garage During Winter

Winter is the most difficult time of year for garages. The cold weather can wreak havoc on your garage door, the concrete floor, the paint on your walls and even your car’s tires. This article will give you some helpful tips to maintain your garage during winter so that it doesn’t become a nightmare to use in spring!

1) Make sure to check the weather stripping on your garage door. If it’s worn out, replace it.

If you have an attached garage, the weather stripping is essential for keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. If it’s worn out, replace it right away! You don’t want to be dealing with a drafty garage all winter long.

If you have a detached garage, you can seal up the door from the inside with weather stripping. This will keep out any cold air that would normally seep in through cracks between your doorway and its frame. You should probably hire a professional to do this for you if DIY isn’t really your thing!

2) Install a garage heater.

If you’re really not looking forward to dealing with a cold garage all winter long, installing a garage heater is the perfect solution. There are many different types of garage heaters available on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. You want to make sure that you get one that is big enough to heat your entire garage, but not so big that it’s going to be a waste of energy.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are some cheaper alternatives to a traditional garage heater. You could try installing an infrared heater, which will warm up the objects in your garage instead of the air itself. Or, if you have a gas stove in your garage, you could try using that to generate heat.

Just be sure to take into account the ventilation in your garage before attempting either of these methods! You don’t want to end up with a carbon monoxide leak.

If all else fails, you can always just pile on the blankets and hope for the best.

3) Always keep the floor of your garage clean.

The concrete floor in your garage is susceptible to a lot of damage during winter. All that salt and snow can quickly wear away at the surface, leaving you with a nasty mess come springtime.

To prevent this from happening, be sure to sweep and mop the floor regularly. If you have a garage-floor heater, you should also run the sweeper over it on a regular basis. You don’t want to end up with nasty melted marks all over your floor!

You are now ready to face winter with a well-maintained garage! Follow these tips and you’ll be able to stay warm and organized all season long. Happy winter!

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How To Clean A Charcoal Grill

Having barbecue parties is fun especially during the summer. You can have your friends and family over and grill some steaks and hotdogs with some side dishes such as salads or sandwiches. 

But you have to clean your charcoal as part of ongoing maintenance, and also for it to function well. It may be additional work, but it is necessary or else your food might not be cooked very well.

How often will you need to clean your grill? Is it only during summers when in use? How about other times? Well, charcoal grills build up rust and ash, so you need to have them cleaned once during grilling season at the very least or more if you use them frequently. Always scrape the built-up crust and remove ash for maintenance. Also, have the grill itself oiled when in use to avoid food sticking to it.

How do you clean a charcoal grill?

Equipment

The first thing you need to know is the equipment that will be used for cleaning. You will need cleaning instruments such as brushes or sponges. This also includes cleaning solutions, and you should avoid the toxic ones because it will affect the food you will cook. A simple mix of warm water and dish soap then also paste of vinegar and baking soda are enough. Then you will also need trash bags for the charcoals and debris.

Lids

Lids are advised to be cleaned often to avoid the collection of grease and smoke. You can do this by simply wiping it with soap and water solution after use.

Grates

Grates should be cleaned before cooking. Have it heated for about 15 minutes then use a stainless steel brush to remove the debris. This way, you will not stick to the grill. Aluminum foil is also an excellent scrubber for the grate.

Bowl and Ash Catcher

The bowl should be brushed or wiped with any debris with a mild detergent soap or glass cleaner. Be sure to have the ash catcher emptied too.

Additional Tip: You can also do some pressure cleaning for your grill to make things easier. Just make sure you know how to use your washer.

How to maintain a charcoal grill?

It was asked before how often grills should be cleaned, but maintenance is also a must so how should that be performed?

At the end of the grilling season

a. Always remove and dispose of the ashes.

b. Clean your grill.

c. Oil the grate.

d. Cover it to protect from weather and seasons to come.

At the beginning of the grilling season

a. If there are any excess ashes, remove them.

b. Wash your grill.

c. Stock the charcoal.

3. During the grilling season

a. Always check if you have a supply of charcoal.

b. Clean your grill once in a while especially if it is used often especially the grates.

c. Brush your grates before and after grilling so that debris will easily loosen.

d. Always oil the grate to avoid the food sticking. It also helps prevent any rusting. It also adds flavor to the food you are cooking.

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How To Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Relaxing does not always have to be done inside. In fact, it is a great opportunity for you to catch some sun and be with nature. The problem at times though is that either you do not have the time or money for it. But you do not have to go that far for you can do it just outside your home in your backyard or patio. Just sit around and observe your surroundings like your garden or the trees around. But of course, cleaning would be required when you have something outside and that includes the furniture. Because it is outside, it is most likely prone to be dirt and dust. 

All pieces of furniture are made from different materials, therefore, cleaning is done in different ways.

Wood

Mostly, wooden furniture would likely consist of grime and in order to remove them, you will just need an oil-based soap mixed with warm water. You can also use the ammonia, vinegar, and water solution. You can also purchase commercial wood cleaners but be sure to read the instructions first when using them. Hardwoods are required to be sanded. It can be done after cleaning, but it is also advisable to do it once a year with the application of coating for protection.

Metal

Metals are prone to rust so as you are cleaning them, watch out for those potential rust spots and be sure to take care of them first before anything. You can remove them by using white vinegar and water solution or metal polishing paste. Do not use chemicals that cause oxidation. To avoid rusts, sand your furniture and add rust-resistant paint. Add rust-resistant primer before that. Then apply a coat of automotive wax.

Plastic

You will just need a mild cleanser for plastics. You can make your own by just mixing water and soap dish. Avoid chemicals such as chlorine or bleach that eat away the plastic. Also, watch out for cleaners that scratch the plastic. Abrasive cleaners do this. For protection, add a coat of automotive paste wax. 

Wicker

Before getting wicker wet, it is required to some pre-cleaning. Have something like a brush to loosen the dirt or grime. The cleaning process for wicker is the same as wood (wiping it with solutions) but requires it to be more diluted. Have the wickers hosed down every few weeks or so to avoid dirt build-up. You can also wipe it regularly for added protection and prevention.

Glass

The pieces of furniture that are made of glass are most often tables. The best way to clean them is simply by wiping them with home cleaning solutions or dish detergent. Be sure to use a microfiber cloth or dishtowel to avoid scratches. You can cover them when not in use to be protected.

Fabric

Fabrics involve the seat covers and cushions. Seat covers can be machine washed if you desire. Cushions, on the other hand, should be regularly dusted by shaking them out or clapping them together. If they are small enough, they can be machine washed. If not, they are done by hand and scrubbed with a brush. They are also air-dried under the sun.

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How To Clean a Concrete Patio

Entertaining guests does not have to be always done inside the house. In fact, there are various tips for this. Having a backyard or pool for barbecues will surely be an experience for them. With this, it would be beneficial for you to have a patio. You can also have dinner or lunch parties with it. You can also have your meals in it from time to time for some change. 

A patio can be built with different materials, but it also has different costs and durability. Concrete is one of the most popular choices because of its versatility and adaptability. Add to that, it also costs less than the others but durable enough.

1. Clear the Patio

But of course, like anything in your house, you have to maintain it and clean it regularly. Surely, clean concrete is definitely good for the eyes. With these simple steps, you can definitely do the cleaning on your own:

The first thing you need to do is clear your patio. Put the furniture and plants out of the way. If there are appliances such as a grill and toys of your kids or pets, put them in a safe place. After that, you can sweep or use a leaf blower in removing dirt and leaves. Then wash your concrete with a hose.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solutions

Then it is time to mix the solutions you will use. There are three solutions you can use. First is the baking soda and bleach paste that is good for stains. If you want more environmentally friendly, vinegar and baking soda paste will be good for that. For the smaller areas, have vinegar, salt, and water in a spray bottle to apply it on your targeted zones.

3. Clean

Before you do your clean, protect the nearby plants by hosing them with water or covering them. Then, apply the solution and let it sit for a while. Then scrub it with a brush. Use one that has a long handle, so it will be easier and comfortable. For deeper stains and mildews, be sure to use the right solution for it. This may also require to let the solution sit in longer. Another alternative would be using a pressure washer to be more convenient especially for tougher stains and molds. Just be sure you know how to use it because it might affect or even damage your concrete. Also, be aware of the solutions you will use with it because some of them are damaging to the washer. Another thing to watch out for is the nearby plants. The high pressure might destroy them.

4. Rinse

After all of that, rinse away the solutions from the concrete. If the nearby plant is not covered, have them sprayed with more water. Then let the concrete dry. If you want, you can apply a sealer to provide more protection from future stains. Once it is all dry, you can rearrange your patio and is ready for use again.

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How To Clean A Wood Deck Naturally

A home is a nice way to show your personality. In fact, it is said that you usually show your true self when you are at home. So the decorations and style of your house most likely speak about you. And this applies to both the interior and exterior of the house. Some would tend to get more focus on the inside, but it is the outside of the house that people will see. That is why they make an effort in beautifying the backyard and adding something on the outside. One of those is the wooden deck. It is simple but adds a lot of character. Of course, like any other part of the house, you need to know how to maintain it and to maintain it, you will have to clean them.

It might sound intimidating but with these following steps, you can definitely do it by yourself.

1. Prepare

First off is to clear your deck. Remove anything that will get in your way from cleaning like potted plants or tables or chairs. If needed, you can cover them if you think they will need protection.

2. Sweep

After clearing the area, sweep the deck and stairs for any debris. Look also for cobwebs and remove them.

3. Wash

Now it is time to wash your deck. It can be done in different ways. But before that, you must pre-treat stains, algae, and molds first. It should be done by appropriate chemicals. If this will not be done first, they might come back sooner. Then after that, you can now wash your deck. It could be by a regular hose but be sure to have your deck rinsed thoroughly. Another option and more efficient is by a power washer. Just be sure that you know the instructions on how to use it. It tends to get too powerful that it can remove paint. If you are planning to do that, then having a power washer is more useful for you now. Not only the power may impact you in using it will also affect and damage the wood that could cause splintering and fraying if you use it with much power so be sure you know the proper technique and how to use the power washer.

4. Clean

After washing, it is time to clean your deck. There are different kinds of cleaning solutions you can use. In choosing though, you will need to consider something that will not damage your wood. It is also important to use a product that will not be harmful to you, your family, and even your pets. Use a long-handled brush in applying the solution and leave it for a while. Then after that, be sure to rinse thoroughly, removing the solution very well.

5. Seal

After all that, you will need to seal your deck for protection from ultraviolet light and prevention of forming mold and mildew and also from water damage. You will just have to purchase a sealer. You can have a waterproof one for more effectivity. Apply it according to instructions. After that, you can now place your tables, chairs, plants, and other decorations back.

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How To Clean Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one part of your house that will make it look attractive. The downside for this though is the maintenance required and it should be done occasionally. Over time, it will gather dirt and mold, and your exterior will not look good. It is not that hard though. With these easy steps, you can definitely do it like a pro.

Preparation

Before you start cleaning, you have things to prepare first to avoid potential risks.

1. Examine

Go around your home and see if there are loose boards. This might have an impact on how you will clean them. Also, it might be an additional task for you in the future.

2. Safety

Safety gear starts with your clothing. It should be comfortable for you to easily move around with closed-toe shoes. Then for protection, you would need rubber gloves, safety goggles for your eyes, and a face mask so that you will not breathe in the fumes. If there are objects in the way like furniture, move it away. Also, cover the plants for they might get damaged from solutions that will be used. Be sure to have electrical objects such as lights and outlets covered with plastic sheets and duct tapes. To avoid water entering inside the house, close the doors and windows. If you are planning to use a ladder, have someone with you to hold it for additional safety.

3. Cleaner Solution

Cleaner for vinyl siding is actually easy to prepare. But before that, you should check if your siding has mold and mildew on it because it might need a different solution and deeper cleaning. There are three types of solutions that you can choose to use. It could be as simple as soap and water, and this will be already effective. If you think you need something tougher, you can use bleach mixed with water though it could be more harmful and harsh. For other options, you can also use vinegar mixed in water.

Cleaning

After the preparations, it is now time to clean. There are two ways to do this:

1. Cleaning by Hand

You can do it in the old fashioned way. You just have to gather the needed materials which consist of sponge, bucket, and solution. If it has tougher stains, you might want to use a bristle brush. Do it by sections, so you would know what needs to be cleaned more than the others. Be sure to be gentle because added pressure might cause damage to the vinyl. For rinsing, you can use a hose.

2. Cleaning by Pressure Washer

To make cleaning easier and faster, people tend to use power tools. One is the pressure washer. Unlike doing it by hand which is more tiring and time-consuming, using a pressure washer is not and produces a greater result at times. The problem is that it can cause damage if not used properly. So the first thing you need to do is learn how to operate your pressure washer. Read the manual and ask for recommendations. Learn also what kind of solutions are allowed to be mixed in the pressure water. Bleach is not allowed for it will damage it. For rinsing, just use a regular hose or buckets of water for it does not require high pressure.

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How To Clean Mildew Off Of Your Driveway

Maintenance is one of the keys for the home to both look good and be safe. You would not know if the woods and platforms around your home are still sturdy if you do not check it or clean it out. And then there are also the molds and mildews that not only look bad and nasty, and they are also hazardous because they tend to get slippery.

But how would you clean off these mildews? It can actually be scrubbed off by using a brush or wand, but it would be tiring and also dangerous at times if you will do it in higher places such as the roof or siding that often requires a ladder. You can also use a hose, but it would also take a long time. The best option would be an electric pressure washer. Because of its high pressure, it is much easier to do the work.

With a pressure washer, cleaning the molds and mildews, whether it will be at decks, sidings, patios, and others, is a lot easier and not time-consuming. You can also definitely use it for cleaning your driveway and make it more appealing and even safer. To make it much easier though, you will have to the following:

1. Scrubbing It Off with Bleach

Before doing any washing, scrub the mildews with bleach first. The reason for this is to remove the tougher ones. At times, the pressure will not be enough so by cleaning it first, it will be a lot easier. Bleach cannot be mixed in the pressure washer because it will ruin it.

2. Pressure Washing

To start with this, you will need to select the proper detergent. Technically, you can use any detergent available, but there would be a case that it is not practical, and the mildews will come back shortly. It could also be not compatible with the cement or wood that it would cause damage. Select the right detergent for this. Various types can be purchased, and you can find ones that are used particularly for cleaning mildews. As said before, do not mix bleach for it will cause damage to your pressure washer. To do this, spray some to the concrete and let it soak for a while. After that, you can now clean it up with the washer, and the mildew will quickly be washed away. For your safety, be sure that you know how to use it. Also, to make it look cleaner, do it in even strokes. Do it also by sections to avoid overlaps.

3. Rinsing

Once it is soaked up with the solution, it is time to rinse it. Be sure to have your pressure lower and also have it in even strokes like with the detergent. Have your nozzle not too near nor too far away from the concrete when rinsing. If you are around light fixtures or any other furniture, be careful around them. With the pressure, your driveway will be good as new.

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How To Use A Pressure Washer With Detergent

One of the crucial things in having a house is maintaining it. If there are damages, you should go ahead and fix it right away. If not, it could have further damage. It is not just about fixing things, though. The best way to maintain your house is to be clean, inside and out. Add to that; it will be good for your health, physically and mentally.

It is not an easy task, though. You will have to give time and effort to it. But you can make it easier though as long as you are willing to invest. As for the cleaning materials you will use, there is a variety you could choose from to help make your cleaning a lot easier. Power washing is one of those. It is handy because it would make the cleaning of your shed, siding, driveway, car, etc. a lot easier. You would need to know the technique in how to use it though because it is so powerful that it would be harmful to you and the one you are cleaning.

Soap vs. Detergent

One of the basics you would need to know is the solution you can use with it. You can use both soap and detergent. What is their difference though? Soap is more natural and made from fats and oils from plants and animals. Detergents, on the other hand, are human-made and not biodegradable. Soaps are great for lighter cleaning but still adequate for dissolving and breaking down dirt, grime, and stains. It is not that effective if it gets more robust, though. Detergents are excellent for that because it is more effective. The problem is it can cause damage. Because of this, it should be used and dealt with accordingly. You should also know how to dispose of it properly.

How to use a pressure washer with detergent

1. Know what kind

Soaps have different types, and if you are going to use one, be sure that it is compatible with what you are cleaning. If not, it may cause damage. Also, always remember to not use it with bleach for it may cause damage to your pressure washer pump.

2. Know the cleaning procedure

The first thing you need to know is how to use the pressure washer. As said before, it could be harmful to you and what you are cleaning, so know how to operate it. You would need a tank for your detergent. If you do not have one, a water bucket will do but still needs a tube to be injected to the pressure washer pump, and then you can clean with a detergent brush or gun. Before rinsing the detergent, you have to let it sit through for a while.

3. Know what to prepare

When cleaning with a pressure washer and soap, always plan ahead. Be sure to have your windows, walls, etc. protected. Some stains need to be taken care of by cleaning solutions because the detergent might not be practical for it. Also, debris and dirt should be removed first with water.

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Pressure Washing Tips For Cleaning Concrete Driveway

They say that you will see what kind of person others are in the way they dress and clean up themselves. That is because, with your style, you can express who and what you are. This concept does not only apply to your clothing but also to your home. People will easily judge once they see other people’s home if it is either dirty or clean. They do not even need to go inside your home but one look at your backyard or driveway, they will tend to judge. That is why maintenance is essential.

When it comes to maintaining your driveway, it is advisable to have it cleaned every six months. Sure, you can hire someone to do it, but it would be less expensive for you to do it by yourself. It is not that hard. To get started, all you need is to invest in a pressure washer, and you are good to go. Here are some tips that will help you:

1. Clear the Area

If you have kids and some of their toys are scattered around, put them away. Make sure to put your items away as well, including your car or bike or anything you put in your driveway that will get in the way of your cleaning.

2. Sweep the Area and Look for Stains

After clearing the area, you will also need to sweep it to be free from excess dust as you possibly can. Also, look for stains. Like clothes which stains the cannot be removed by simply putting it in a washer, stains in the concrete cannot be removed by pressurized water alone. You would need to scrub them first.

3. Ready Your Device

After you have done all of the above, you would need to prepare your device by attaching the spray wand and hose. Test it out first before doing anything else to be sure.

4. Apply Detergent

It is time to apply detergent. The procedure might vary somewhat depending on your device, so it is essential to have the users’ manual on hand. The user’s manual will not only inform you in regards to the appropriate detergent loading procedure, but it will also tell you what kinds of chemicals to use. Nozzles are also attached for cleaning, so be sure to have them ready.

5. Wash Concrete

Now, it is time to wash the concrete. It is said before to have your device tested, now it would be advisable to start slow, so you could get used to it for pressure washers tend to be powerful. You can control it by adjusting according to your preferred power and also set your distance. You would need to let the detergent work with the dirt and stains first and clean one section at a time to ensure no uneven streaks.

6. Rinse Concrete

After soaping it, rinse it with water. For it to be faster and more effective, it is recommended to have surface cleaner attachment if you want to. But you can adjust it or attach another nozzle. For additional protection, you can seal the concrete. All you need is a waterproof sealer and put it all over the concrete.