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Vacuum Cleaner Basics

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Vacuum Cleaner Basics

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. One of the wonders of the modern age, vacuum cleaners, range in price from $60 to almost $2,000. What s different about them? It s a matter of choosing the right tool for the job. There s a lot of hype about the ability of vacuums to eliminate pollen, mold spores and other allergens. The fact is that most allergen particles are big enough to be handled by any vacuum, whether it says HEPA or not. The key is the vacuum s emissions: what comes out the back end. Bagless models are attractive for those of us who forget to buy the bags or just would like to throw less away. But, for allergy sufferers, they may not be the best bet. You still need to empty the dust chamber into a trash bag at some point, and even if you do this outside, you still come into contact with some dust. Other factors to consider are the sorts of surfaces your vacuum will have to clean. Most do well on bare floors. But if you have carpets of varying pile heights, you ll want to be able to adjust your machine. If you have mostly carpet, you ll probably want to consider an upright model. If pet hair is an issue, you ll need to compare models on that basis. Canister models are generally easier to handle. Some European canisters are easier on the ears than most. But statistically, canister models are also more prone to needing repairs than uprights. Once you ve decided which features are important for cleaning your home, there are good bets in every price range. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

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Garage Storage Solutions

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Commonly used as the family dumping ground, the garage is undergoing a revival as a functional workspace. Installing a garage storage system that frees up some of this space can have the same effect as adding a room and it s a good way to increase your home s value. First, group the bins and bulky items you need to store by their use and measure them so you know how much space you need for each group. Tall cabinets with double doors are great, but be sure they come with enough adjustable shelves to optimize the space inside. Include at least one lockable cabinet to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Add some low cabinets on casters, creating a work surface on top. With some pegboard or a vinyl slat wall system for tools, you ve got the beginning of a home workshop. For easier cleaning and less clutter, keep things off the floor: store sports gear and yard tools on heavy-duty, wall-mounted hooks and racks. If you ve got a lot of ceiling height in your garage, use it. Try an overhead storage rack for seasonal items or as a bike lift. There are lots of garage storage options, but organization hinges on consistency: choose cabinets and racks of the same color and type. Look for systems made of metal, plastic or wood specifically treated for garage use. And remember that bigger is not always better. You need a system that will allow you to find your stuff and still leave room for the car. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Replacing the Gutters

The Melrose home had only one gutter left on the front, which had been neglected and was clogged with muck. In the back of the home, a vinyl gutter had been installed by the homeowners. New England Gutter Kings were called in to install a seamless aluminum gutter system. The old gutter was removed and the lengths were carefully measured. Heavy-gauge sheet aluminum was measured and extruded right out of the truck in front of the house. This 32-gauge aluminum holds the profile of the gutter well and will stand up to years of abuse and cleaning. It also gives the profile of the crown molding. Only about eight feet of fascia board needed to be replaced, so western red cedar was used before the gutter was installed. The installation required three people and is set on a slope to drain the water out to the street and sewers.

Paintbrush Cleaning

Cleaning paintbrushes is a messy job, but someone's got to do it. First wipe off as much excess as you can. If you're using latex paint, work the bristles in warm soapy water. For oil-based paint, first clean brushes in a glass or metal container in an inch of solvent, then use warm soapy water. Smooth clean bristles with an old comb.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Regular cleaning of the dryer vents will increase dryer efficiency and reduce fire risk.