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October 1, 2008

Don’t get locked out...

A stubborn or sticky lock can often be eased by rubbing the edges of its key with a soft-lead pencil, thus transferring graphite onto the key. Work the key gently into the lock, moving it in and out to loosen the graphite into inside of the lock.

Another way of doing this is to squeeze powdered graphite (available in a tube at hardware stores and home centers) into the keyhole. Do not use lubricating oil, which over time can make a dirty lock even dirtier and more difficult to operate.

October 16, 2008

An update to cleaning hardwood floors...

You may have heard or even read it here before: The best way to clean hardwood floors is vinegar diluted with water.  WRONG!  I have been told, and since read in other source materials, that’s not so good.

In fact, the vinegar can actually break down the polyurethane coating applied to your floors - over time.  The argument, the vinegar makes my floors shine really nice doesn’t hold any water either.  What you are actually seeing is a clean floor with a good coat of polyurethane.

So, the recommendation is to use just a damp cloth - not a mop - on your hands and knees.  There are also floor cleaning products available on-line and at some of the better hardwood floor merchants.

October 29, 2008

Ever wonder what are the best home improvement projects for fall???

Here’s our Top Ten list:

 

Window and Door maintenance or replacement

 

Insulation of pipes and exterior walls/ceilings

 

Gutter cleaning, repair or replacement

 

Inspect furnace, fireplaces and chimneys

 

Interior painting projects

 

Roof repairs (replacement is actually best during warmer months)

 

Landscaping (in preparation for Spring)

 

Indoor and Outdoor lighting improvements

 

Weather-stripping and caulking

 

Have a professional home inspector perform a thorough maintenance & repair check-up

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