washer and dryer maintenance routine

• Replace vinyl dryer exhaust ducts with metal ductwork to reduce fire hazards.

• Before every dryer load, clean out the lint filter.

• Every three months, wash the lint filter with detergent to remove invisible chemical residues that can restrict airflow.

• Every month, visually inspect the dryer exhaust duct for crimps, obstructions, and unnecessary bends.

• Yearly, remove and clean out the entire exhaust duct line from dryer to exterior.

• Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided-metal ones to reduce the risk of bursting. Expect to pay about $8 per hose.

• Monthly, inspect washing machine hoses for tight fittings, bulges, cracks, and leaks. Tighten loose fittings. Replace damaged hoses.

• Always ensure that the washing machine is level and on firm footing.

• Always use the proper type and amount of detergent for the machine and load.

• To prevent washing machine odor in front-load machines, always always allow the interior to dry before shutting the door. Families with small children, however, should not leave the door ajar. Instead, use products specifically intended to eliminate odor-causing residues.

Homemade organic pesticide

It's that time of year where our vegetable gardens are producing the fruits of our labor but it's frustrating to find that the bugs have gotten to the feast before us.  Below are some examples of homemade pesticides to help keep the bugs at bay and not harm ourselves with chemicals.

Soap Spray

A way to stop the slugs is with soapy water. You can just use your old, dirty dishwater! Collect some of the water in a pan and pour it into a watering can or even use a pitcher to pour it over the plants. This works really well on hostas and mums, but also can be used on other hardy plants. For a stronger solution, mix 3 Tablespoons of liquid detergent into a gallon of water, I prefer Dawn, but any will do. Use this weekly.

Spearmint Hot Pepper Horseradish Spray

This is effective on many different kinds of outside bugs and insects and should be an outside spray.
1/4 cup of hot red peppers
1/2 gallon water
1/4 cup of fresh spearmint
1/4 cup horseradish, both root and leaves
1 tablespoons of liquid detergent
1/4 cup green onion tops
Mix the spearmint leaves, horseradish, onion tops and peppers together with enough water to cover everything. Then strain the solution. Add a half-gallon of water and the detergent. You can use this to spray almost any plant safely. Store the mixture for a few days in a cool place.

Natural Pesticide for Aphids and Whiteflies

Mix a few drops of dishwashing detergent with water and spray on plants leaves. This is extremely effective in controlling many soft-bodied insects such as aphids and whiteflies.

Garlic
One of the most effective natural pesticides is garlic. This pungent bulb can be used to control mosquitoes, aphids, spider mites and more. Planting garlic around tomatoes and fruit bearing trees can repel pests that range from insects to rabbits, moles and groundhogs. You can also create your own garlic based pest repellent using only fresh chopped garlic and mineral oil. Allow four ounces of garlic to sit in two tablespoons of mineral oil for a minimum of one day. This pesticide should be diluted 1:20, which means one part pesticide to 20 parts water. It can be sprayed on plants, flowers, vegetables and even ponds to repel pests.


Red and black pepper sprinkled around your garden can also help keep the pests away. Fragrant and useful lavender actually repels mice and other pests while bringing in butterflies. Mint is also a powerful deterrent in the garden, but it can spread so make sure to contain it in one area. Another herb to consider when making organic pesticides is wormwood. While the wormwood plant actually works to repel slugs and snails, you can simmer the leaves in water for an effective pest ridding spray.

Alternative Decking Materials

It's summertime and most people like to take advantage of the nice weather to do some home improvements.  Here is some info if you're looking at building or replacing your deck...

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:


Alternative decking materials are rising in popularity because they are durable and long lasting, require little to no maintenance, and most are composed of recycled materials. The two most common types are wood/plastic composite lumber and plastic lumber. A majority of alternative decking materials are made from 90-100% recycled materials that do not require the use of paints or sealers and are not prone to cracking or splitting like their wood counterparts.



Estimated Cost Savings:

The initial investment in alternative decking materials is often more expensive than traditional wood; however the paybacks are received in the form of reduced maintenance and increased durability for longer lifespan. These materials quickly pay for themselves in only a few short years, with savings on maintenance in the thousands over the deck's lifetime.



Issues:

With respect to installation and use, the issues to watch out for with these materials are stains, molds, mildew and sagging. Stains are a leading drawback with composite decking materials because they are made primarily from oak fibers, which have a higher tannic acid content. Molds and mildew are also common to composite decking materials, however can be avoided by proper spacing between deck boards, allowing for drainage and avoiding the buildup of mold and mildew-friendly water pools. Many manufacturers suggest periodic cleanings with deck cleanser to prevent buildup. Finally, composite decking is weaker than wood. Avoid sagging or drooping by building the deck according to the manufacturer's specifications.



Installation (Getting It Done):

Alternative decking materials can be cut, nailed, routed, drilled, and screwed in the same manner as wood. They usually have a lower structural value than their wood counterparts, and so, usually require narrower spacing between their support beams or joists. Work with experienced contractors who specialize in the use of alternative decking materials. Make sure that the manufacturer's specifications are followed to ensure a healthy, beautiful, durable, and "environmentally friendlier" deck.

More Information On This Topic:



NADRA-North American Deck and Railing Association

Deck Information, Products and Service Providers