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Show Notes for March 13, 2010
On The House had a brand-new edition of America’s #1 Home Improvement show. This week James and Morris had information on a new, federal program for energy efficient house upgrades called “HomeStar”. The hosts talked about a recent story about plastic surgery gone wrong with caulk. We’ll also had some pre-spring cleaning tips, because it’s never too early to neaten up your home. So read the show notes for instructions. Home improvement, remodeling, gardening, design – whatever you need, On The House is always here to help!
CLEANING CABINET DOORS TO APPLY NEW PAINT/VARNISH
To remove surface grease and grime, wash all with a solution of trisodiumphosphate (TSP). Then, using 100 to 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the doors and all exposed surfaces of the cabinets. The goal is not to remove all of the paint or varnish, but rather to create a smooth and uniform surface to which the new coat of paint will adhere. All nicks and blemishes should be filled with a vinyl spackling compound, and lightly sanded. A second application of spackle may be required if the first application shrinks. Remove the sanding dust by vacuuming the cabinets with an upholstery brush and wiping them down with a tack cloth or a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
When working with a painted cabinet, apply a coat of oil base primer to all areas. Cabinets with a dark stain should be treated with a heavily pigmented shellac-based primer to help conceal the stain. In either case lightly thin the paint with mineral spirits and apply with a natural or china bristle brush. Never use a polyester or synthetic bristle brush when working with oils.
CLEAN HARSH WATER STAIN FROM TOILET BOWL
Long term solution is a water softener system, to reduce hard water stains in the future. You’ll need to lower the water line in the toilet by first turning off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet, then take a bucket of water and pour it into the toilet bowl. This will siphon out the excess water, so the water line will be below the build up/where you want to clean it.
Get a hummus stone (or hummus stick) and get a can or a bottle pure gum turpentine. Dip the stone (or stick) in the turpentine, this is used as a lubricant and cleaning agent, and then rub the turpentine soaked hummus stone onto the hard water stain. This should remove it without removing the porcelain. However be sure to test an area as this might stain your china.
CLEANING MILDEW FROM BATHROOM TILE/GROUT
For tile mildew removal: mix 1- third of a cup of powdered laundry detergent and 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach into 3 quarts of warm water. Add the bleach to the water first, and then the detergent. Although this formula is relatively mild, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection and make sure that there is plenty of ventilation. Transfer the thoroughly blended concoction into a spray bottle or pump sprayer and soak the affected area. Continue to re-spray the area, keeping it wet until the black mildew turns white. Then, rinse with fresh water and pat dry with a towel.
Whitening chemicals are best used on grout. One that does a good job is hydrogen peroxide. A standard 3-percent solution can be poured right onto the affected area and the cleaning-foaming action can make light work of your grout-cleaning job. Chlorine bleach also works well. The problem with tile grout is that it must be regularly cleaned. Once dirt is allowed to sink deep into grout's pores, getting it out can become impossible.
• The Original SUNHEAT - electronic zone heater that is the safest, most energy efficient infrared heater on the market.
• Tahoe Creamery - Tahoe Creamery produces all natural, gourmet ice cream equal to the fresh purity of Lake Tahoe.
• Home Maintenance For Dummies, 2nd Edition - A hands-on, step-by-step guide to properly maintaining your home, written by the Carey Brothers.
• EZY Deck Tiles - Deck tiles for resurfacing concrete patio decks; there are many other companies that make similar products.
• FenceScape - Composite fencing from TimberTech.
• Xypex - Cement and concrete solutions, call 1-800-961-4477 to see what’s best for your project and what’s available in your area.
• Pella Windows & Sliding Glass Doors - Sliding glass doors and windows with blinds in-between-the-glass.
• Obama seeks incentives to make homes more energy efficient - From USA Today.com.
• Fact Sheet: Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program - From White House.gov.
• "Caulk" Butt Enhancements Hospitalize 6 - From CBS News.com.
• Rebecca Cole GROWS - Check out Rebecca Cole’s website for design and gardening inspiration.
- Picture of deck tiles, by Rebecca Cole
• Dom DeLuise Classics - The “Best of” his recipes from In The Kitchen with Dom DeLuise.
• Karel’s Korner - A new weekly series featuring health & fitness tips.
• Green Tip of the Week - A weekly series featuring easy tips to “green” your home, sponsored by Serious Materials.
• Food, Wine & Entertaining with Chef Jamie - A new weekly series featuring food, wine, & entertaining tips.
• On The House Mailing Lists - Receive all your favorite On The House Features in your e-mail box.
If you need any more information about today's program, please contact us
or post on our new Home Improvement Forum and we'll try to help you
find what you need. Thanks for listening to On The House with the Carey Brothers!
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