Home Maintenance Tips

Is your kitchen suffering from a smelly garbage disposal? No problem! Here’s how to cure and prevent it using simple, inexpensive ingredients you have in your kitchen – in 3 easy steps.

1. Get about a dozen ice cubes and a half cup of course, rock, or Kosher salt. Put these in the disposal and turn it on. Let it run for about a minute. Turn on the hot water and let it run for another minute.
2. Next, get a cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda. Pour the baking soda into the garbage disposal and then add the vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 – 15 minutes. Put the sink-stopper in and fill the sink with hot water. Remove the stopper and turn on the disposal while the water drains out to give it a good flush.
3. Make your smelly garbage disposal smell fresh using the peel of your favorite citrus fruit. Peel a lemon, lime, orange or other citrus fruit and grind the peel in your disposal with the water running.

Enjoy!

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Summer weather is ideal for an exterior caulking project. Warm weather gives you an opportunity to replace caulk and have time for it to dry. Caulking helps prevent rain and moisture from seeping in and causing rot. Therefore, caulking is an important project that will help protect your home for the long term. Start by carefully removing all caulk that is cracked, crumbling or pulling away. Once removed, check the areas and make sure they are clean and dry. If you discover areas of damage or rot, it’s time to call a professional. 

Now you are ready to replace it. Different products are designed for different projects. Consequently, you should be sure you select the correct caulking for the job. Also, consider choosing exterior caulking that is made to take paint. Chances are you will want to paint at some point and you will be glad you chose the right product.

Caulking can help prevent water damage to your home, so it’s important to check the condition of your exterior caulk regularly. Want more helpful tips? Click here. Would you like information regarding buying or selling a home? Get in touch – we’re here to help you reach your real estate goals.

It’s perfect weather for pressure washing! While you have your pressure washer out, do your house, driveway, decks, patios and other exterior surfaces. You can do this annually so these surfaces look their best for outdoor fun and entertaining.  However, its something you need to do if you are planning other home improvements and repairs. Make sure you use a low pressure setting so as not to damage wood, siding and mortar.  Consumer reports tips and safety about pressure washing.

If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one at most home improvement stores. However, if you aren’t comfortable handling one, hire a professional. If you are pressure washing your home to have it repainted, make sure the painter you use will pressure wash first. Pressure washing companies are available, along with experienced handyman. Concrete companies may also provide this service if you are updating or replacing concrete. Make sure you get reliable references for anyone you hire to work in and on your home.

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