Regenesis Home and Garden

Why You Really Don’t Need to Learn How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

Genie Simmons — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:19:04 +0000

Tiling a bathroom floor is not a necessary home skill to learn. It ranks along how to repair a Betamax player or how to operate an abacus. Of course, if you were a contract remodeler that would be a different matter since you would be using this skill for your livelihood. For a common homeowner with a different job and a family, however, learning how to tile a bathroom is just a waste of time and energy.

In order to learn something properly, you need time, energy, and a lot of practice. The same is required when learning how to tile a bathroom floor. Do you really have time for that now, above and beyond your work and family? The primary motivation for learning how to tile is probably to save money. If you miss a day or two’s worth of work, do you actually save money? You have a lot on your plate already, so why add something that you wouldn’t really need in the long run?

Okay, let’s say succeed in wasting your time and you actually get to learn how to tile your bathroom properly. You have an aesthetically pleasing bathroom interior because of that, congratulations on a job well done. Now what? It’s not like you’ll be laying tiles on a regular basis after that. A rough estimate would be you’d need to actually lay tiles, at the very least, twice in your lifetime. I’m talking about tile laying for your own purposes, and not in exchange for compensation.

Instead of risking a botched up bathroom floor, stick with the professionals and let them tile your bathroom. It’s much more convenient and everyone and you get your money’s worth since these people are actually skilled and experienced in the craft of laying bathroom floor tiles. There’s a world of difference between being stingy and being smart. Hiring professionals to do your bathroom tile job is being smart.

Before Fire Restoration is Needed: The Importance of Fire Alarms

Genie Simmons — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:25:23 +0000

Turning to a professional for fire restoration after you’ve experienced damage to your home or belongings is one of the surest ways to recovery. However, there are ways to prevent fire damage altogether. Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives and millions of dollars; but even though they can be purchased for under $10, 12% of U.S. homes do not have them. Using fire alarms is the most proactive way to protect your family and home from fires.

Smoke alarms are one of the few ways to protect us when we sleep, and although some fire restoration professionals are available 24 hours a day, alarms are still necessary. They should not only be placed outside bedrooms and in hallways, but inside bedrooms as well. Avoid placing them in kitchens, garages, unheated attics and crawl spaces. These are areas where fumes can set them off or where temperature affects their functionality. Use heat detectors in these spaces instead.

Install smoke alarms on ceilings or high on the walls, between four and 13 inches from the ceiling. Keep about three feet between alarms and heating systems and doors to kitchens or bathrooms. The smoke alarm is only functional if it can wake you when you and your family are asleep. Test them before installation to make sure they can be heard from all areas of the home by all members of the family. Also, test them once a month. All alarms have a test button. If they do not properly respond, replace it immediately. Smoke alarms should last about ten years, but do not hesitate to replace them sooner if they act up. Oftentimes, home owners will remove alarms as a quick fix to turn it off in cases of false alarms. Always remember to reinstall immediately in these situations.

The price of purchasing a smoke alarm and the time it takes to install it is worth the deeds it does for you and your family. The need for fire restoration could be avoided with these simple devices. However, when a fire does hit your home, reach out to the fire restoration experts at Rainbow International®, any time of the day. Always have the Rainbow International 888-HANDLED number nearby for such emergencies. Check out www.rainbowintl.com for additional tips and information.

How An All In One Washer Dryer System Works

Genie Simmons — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:58:03 +0000

If you’ve used a traditional pair of washer/dryer machines to do your laundry, the idea of a single machine that can take care of both washing and drying seems a little odd at first. How can you have the same area filled with water and then later not only have the water gone but enough heat to dry your clothes?

Before we get into how they work, I want to mention the combination washer and dryer machines are actually nothing new at all – it’s just that they’re getting more popular. This is mainly due to the proliferation of smaller homes and living residences. (Note that I’m speaking here in Western Europe, Canada, and American. In many countries across Asia they have been the norm for some time.)

So the anything new here is really our interest in them.

But back to the basic question: how do they work?

How They Work

A combo unit works by taking the same methods used individually and combining it into a single machine. The washer uses water and detergent and when the cycle is completed, all the remaining water is drained out of the machine. The only water left is what’s soaked up by the fabrics. Then the machine takes advantage of the fact that there’s air all around it – it pulls this nearby air, heats it, and thus dries the clothes. A vent then released any moisture (i.e. the water taken from the clothes) out of the unit and outdoors.

3 Simple Reasons To Use A Combination Washer/Dryer

If you have a small amount of space, you might want to make the most of it by installing a smaller combination unit. Additionally, you don’t have to spend as much time fiddling with your clothes since there’s no second machine to move them to after washing. A third bonus is that most combination machines are built with energy efficiency in mind and require less power than when doing the same in two separate machines. This is particularly true in comparison to older, less well designed models.

Author Bio: By AnnaBelle from the Wardrobe Closets Furniture Blog. Annabelle is a work at home Mom of 3 and blogger from Washington. This is her first guest post at Regenesis Home and Garden.

Is It Time for a Duct Cleaning in Your Home?

Genie Simmons — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:40:08 +0000

It’s often easy to neglect the dirt we can’t see. We all know about the prevalence and dangers related to air pollution, but a lesser known type of pollution could be inside your home. Indoor air pollution is caused by sources like household cleaning chemicals, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, dust, mold and mildew, and asbestos. When we breathe in these toxins, they can have severe health effects, making duct cleaning – one solution to indoor air pollution – ever so important.

The air ducts in your home harbor bacteria, fungi, dust and chemical compounds. When these substances get trapped, they mix with the indoor air which can aggravate sickness, allergies, asthma and migraine headaches.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends considering an air duct cleaning in your home if:

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:
- Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
- You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
- If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
- If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.
Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or
Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

It’s important to remember that removing dirt and grime from kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms isn’t the only way to keep your home clean. Duct cleaning may be a necessity if any of the above signs apply to you. The professionals at Rainbow International® are trained to detect air quality issues and provide duct cleaning when necessary. Check out the www.rainbowintl.com for more information.

How To Choose Modern Designer Outdoor Furniture

Genie Simmons — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:06:02 +0000

Modern designer outdoor furniture can add oomph and pizzazz to any outdoor space. If you have an unused back or front yard that is just dying to be made over, adding a few pieces of modern designer furniture can help you put this extra outdoor space to good use. You can choose virtually any type of furniture for your outdoor patio or garden, but modern designer furniture will give your space a unique and clean look that you will not get with other styles of outdoor furniture.

Factors to Look at When Choosing Outdoor Designer Furniture Materials?

You need to choose furniture according to the materials you want and the kind of weather in your area. There are materials, such as wicker and rattan, which will not thrive in humid and wet conditions. Wooden furniture will also splinter and discolor when exposed to dry and hot conditions. It is therefore important that you choose modern furniture that is made of materials that can survive in the weather conditions that your area is constantly exposed to. You can choose wood for outdoor furniture but make sure that the wood is treated to withstand the constant changes in weather.

Cost Considerations

Many people avoid modern designer furniture since it is often expensive. However, you can easily get the modern furniture you want if you shop during furniture sales or if you opt to shop in discount furniture outlets. You can also get amazing bargains in modern furniture in flea markets and weekend sales.

Space

Space is a major consideration when looking for modern designer outdoor furniture. You need to choose furniture that is proportionate in size to the space you have. You can take a photo of your space when you shop, and compare the furniture that you come across in order to estimate and to make sure that the pieces you buy are not too large or too small for your outdoor space.

Modern designer outdoor furniture offers a stylish and contemporary way for you to dress up any outdoor space. Aside from being very attractive to look at, these furniture pieces are strong, durable, and can last for years. Designer furniture also has a good resale value, so you always have the option of reselling your furniture if you are in the mood for a change.

If You Have A Problem With Flies In Your Home, You Need To Clean Out Your Gutters

Genie Simmons — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:03:03 +0000

When I worked as a gutter cleaner and cleaned out gutters in the late summer and early fall, I noticed that there were different types of mosquito and fly larva that were growing in standing water in gutters around a lot of homes. Not all gutters are installed properly. Some of them hang a little crooked and as a result, water can pool up in them pretty easily. These areas are probably some of the best places for insects such as mosquitoes and flies to lay their eggs. After these eggs hatch, they will develop into larva and the the larva will turn into flies and mosquitoes.

The good news is that once you know where the flies and mosquitoes are coming from, you can deal with them a lot easier. One way to get rid of them is to start by cleaning gutters around your house on a regular basis. When you find there are pockets of water in your gutters, simply add a tablespoon of bleach to each pocket. Or if you want to spend more money, you can buy some poison tablets and put these in those areas. One thing that is nice about the tablets is that they can usually work for up to a few months. This means that even if mosquitoes lay their eggs later on in the month, the tablets will keep on killing them.

Another way to get rid of the problem is to simply clean up the water in the gutter every time that it rains. You can do this quite easily by using a gutter cleaning rake and a dry towel. If you live in a desert, it’s not that difficult. But if you live in places like Seattle, you may want to stick with using the tablets so you don’t have to dry out your gutters every time that it rains.

Cleaning Your Memory Foam Bed

Genie Simmons — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:22:09 +0000

Have you ever had a stain on your mattress? Pet owners know that sometimes cats and dogs like to use the mattress as a restroom. Of course, there are other little spills and accidents that can happen during the course of life. Plus, keeping your mattress clean will contribute to its long life.

Before you being cleaning, make sure you read your manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to clean the mattress. They’ll tell you which methods to avoid and what things might work better. You can save yourself a lot of time and headache by going over these things carefully.

For simple annual cleaning, you can just vacuum your mattress. If you notice odors from your mattress, you can sprinkle some baking power on it. After it’s set for a while, vacuum it up gently. This can really help with odors you might notice while you’re in the bedroom. A good vacuuming will also remove dust and debris that can build up on the mattress. The same general hints here also apply to innerspring mattresses. If you buy a Perfect Sleeper mattress, for example, you can clean it in the same way.

Wet stains require a different strategy. Many stains can be controlled with a little vinegar. Vinegar will also help reduce the odor. This is especially important if you’re dealing with urine. Other options for cleaners are mild detergents like Woolite. Vinegar should be diluted somewhat. Around 1 part vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is a good ratio.

For really stubborn stains, you might consider using a stronger cleaner like hydrogen peroxide. However, this will discolor your mattress and might cause damage. Again, be sure to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. If you do decide to use a cleaner such as peroxide, be sure to use gloves and be careful not to spill any on your sheets.

Cleaning your memory foam mattress may seem like a pain, but it’s really no harder than cleaning any other article of furniture or clothing. Be sure to clean it regularly. Unless you have one of the cheap memory foam mattresses which can be easily replaced, you’ll want to keep your mattress in great shape. If you experience a spill or find a stain, clean it as soon as possible. Finally, use some of the tips here to give you mattress a good cleaning.

Some Nice Reasons For Choosing Portable Air Conditioners

Genie Simmons — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:04:03 +0000

While window air conditioners are suitable for cooling large areas, portable air conditioners are ideal for the bedroom rooms and areas that do not allow space for window units. A portable device can be used in separate rooms and in the basement during the hot summer months. They are usually mild or wheels for easy transport from one room to another. Plus portable air conditioner is capable of cooling the entire room.

There is no need to limit a portable ac unit in a small space like a bedroom or bathroom. These devices provide enough cold air to maintain a normal size room at home when left in the period measured. They can be toted around a comfortable, if necessary, depending on where people are.

Some of the units also include portable remote control and a built-in heater. This adds a more value to the ac unit. However, potential buyers should keep in mind this ac unit can be a bit noisier than the windows one. There are also many of these cheap air conditioners available online.

Window ac units, on the other hand, cannot be moved from room to room. They are immobile and heavy to remove a window and move to another room. They are heavier and need an outsider and a person inside, to ensure that the device does not fall from the opening, during or after installation. Depending on the height of the window of the trip was fast on the ground can damage or destroy the unit. Check out our portable air conditioner reviews for more info.

Window air conditioners are also prone to drops of condensation on the area below. Make sure that expensive things or electrical components are not sitting under it. This can lead to security problems or damage to property. The window must be strong as well to support this air conditioner.

Portable air conditioners can use an air hose to remove air. The area around the pipe should be limited to the supply of outside air to enter the exhaust pipe is usually small and placed in a box, making installation easier. Some models do not require ventilation to the outside.

Beautiful Gazebos Without Breaking the Bank

Genie Simmons — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:50:04 +0000

The idea of a gazebo as the focal point of your yard or garden is a very appealing one indeed. With the graceful styling of such structures, it adds a touch of class to your yard that looks much more expensive than it actually is. Even so, often a custom built gazebo is out of reach for the average homeowner. For such situations, wood gazebo kits may be just the thing to help bring that sophisticated look into reach even for the budget constrained among us.

A wooden gazebo kit has a great deal going for it. Since the materials are already fabricated and ready to be fitted together, you can save a lot of money on labor costs by doing it yourself. Generally these kits aren’t difficult to construct, and only require a few tools that most people will have laying around their garage.

Fitting Your Gazebo into Your Landscaping

The more difficult aspect of adding a gazebo kit to your backyard is choosing one that’s actually going to look and perform the way you want. There are so many cheap gazebo kits out there these days, it’s hard to find a quality built one that will last. Often the kits skimp on materials to bring down costs, but this can actually increase the cost to the owner over time. Wood needs to be protected from the elements so that it doesn’t end up rotting and weak.

Luckily you can seal your wooden gazebo yourself even if the manufacturer neglected to treat the wood. This can be combined with a stain in fact, so it’s an opportunity to create a beautiful and long-lasting gazebo all in one application.

Less Expensive Options

If gazebo kits are still out of your price-range, or you are wary of their quality, then going with an outdoor canvas gazebo could be just the thing for you. These lightweight gazebos are constructed of a canvas cover stretched over a frame. Generally speaking, this frame is made of metal. Aluminum is the material of choice here, due to it being lightweight yet strong, and the fact that it won’t rust or corrode when exposed to moisture.

An additional benefit to going with a canvas gazebo canopy is that they are so lightweight you can even take them with you to the beach or campground. This way you can double up on your investment and get a camping tent and a feature for your lawn and garden at the same time. So the next time you’re hiding indoors from the hot afternoon sun, consider what a gazebo could do for you and your family.

Use Color Changing LED Strip Lights To Create Your Own Space

Genie Simmons — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:30:14 +0000

Installing a color changing LED strip light is a fun way to produce lighting in a room which can be altered to suit your mood. They can be used to add a splash of color to window frames, doors, shelves, almost anything in fact. They create a fun talking point within your home and are a great way to stamp your personal style on your surroundings.

Very easy to install, LED strip lighting comes with a ready attached adhesive patch which means it can be placed securely, with no worries about it falling off. They are available in both single and multicolor options, so you can choose the look you want. As well as the basic models there are also varieties which come with the facility to dim, flash or strobe, meaning you really can create a whole range of moods and atmospheres in the space you place them in.

Remote control operating systems also make these lights easy to manage. They can be used to provide back-lighting in alcoves, and other areas where you want to have soft lighting for guests. The beauty of these lights is that they provide enough light to see by, but are not harsh or too bright. Being able to change the level of brightness, or move them from fixed to effect lighting, also gives you the opportunity to use lighting to control where and when you want guests to move. For lively parties you can use the flashing or strobe effects, whereas for more romantic evenings you can set the lights to a gentle fade to help the mood.

Flexible LED strip lights are a quick and easy way to create a new look within your home, without a large outlay. They can be used to enhance your current home decorations, or to add a dramatic touch to a particular object. Play around and have fun with these lights, and use them to create a space which is all about you.