Home & Garden, March 2022

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

A supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

March 31, 2022

CLEANING HARD-TO-REACH SPOTS Green Shoot Media

Cleaning your house out after being cooped up in doors for the winter can feel fantastic. Some hard-to-reach spots, however, like to hold onto dirt.

Here are some creative ideas to tackle stubborn cleaning jobs. Some require a small investment of a specialized tool, while others simply require repurposing common household items.

CLEANING SMALL SPACES Dust, crumbs and hair can be nearly impossible to remove from between keyboard keys and in the fine lines and awkward spaces inside your car’s interior, such as air conditioning vents.

Just be careful not to get it in carpets or any other fabrics. Alternatively, use a small foam paintbrush with a triangular shaped edge, along with some warm

CLEANING continued on page 19

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

March 31, 2022

EXTERIOR INSPECTION Green Shoot Media

After enduring the extreme conditions of winter, your home’s exterior could be battered and bruised. Spring is the time to look for signs of damage and make repairs.

Some repairs you can make yourself, while others could require professional services.

Start by getting outside and walking around your house to perform a visual inspection.

ROOF With a pair of binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens, check for missing shingles, damaged or missing metal pieces or excessive wear. Consult a roofer for any needed repairs.

MASONRY AND FOUNDATION Check the foundation and masonry for deterioration, cracking and leaks, recommends E&E General

Contracting. Check chimney masonry for signs of vegetation growth, water infiltration, cracked or missing bricks or stones, and have a mason make any needed repairs. You’ll likely need

a specialist to make any necessary repairs to the foundation, as this kind of work is difficult and critical to your home’s structural integrity.

Siding and exterior structures

Check for holes or warping in siding. If you have a wood exterior,

EXTERIOR continued on page 19

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

WATER HEATER BASICS Green Shoot Media

A traditional tank water heater will last about 8 to 12 years. Understanding how a hot water heater works and performing regular maintenance can maximize its life span.

Here are some tips to keep get the most out of your water heater.

HOW IT WORKS Hot water tanks have an anode rod, usually made from magnesium, aluminum, or an aluminum/zinc alloy. Through electrolysis, the rod attracts corrosive particles in the water to itself, which corrodes the rod. Eventually the rod is no longer effective and corrosive particles destroy the lining of the tank, which causes it to need replacement. Replacing the rod before it fails — usually in about five years — can double the life of your water heater, according to FamilyHandyman.com. To find out the condition of your anode rod and decide if it needs to be replaced, check the rod every one to two years.

When buying a new anode rod, keep the following tips from FamilyHandman. com in mind.

• A magnesium rod protects your tank better but doesn’t last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod.

• Aluminum/zinc rods are cheaper and are recommended if your water has an odor, but you should consult a water treatment specialist before switching to an aluminum rod.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE The following routine maintenance tasks will help keep your water heater in working order. Check your heater’s user manual for the steps to perform these maintenance tasks and how often they should be done.

• Check the pressure valve to be sure it’s still functional.

• Flush the water tank to get rid of sediment buildup. (A water heater’s warranty usually requires that you do this annually to maintain coverage.)

WHEN TO REPLACE BobVila.com offers the following list of ways to know when your water heater needs to be replaced.

• A banging or rumbling noise, which can be caused by hardened calcium buildup from hard water.

• An odd smell in hot water. This could be caused by bacteria or metal contaminating the water.

• A red or yellow tint to hot water, which can signal rust.

• A drop in water temperature or heating capacity can be caused by sediment buildup, which can require replacement if it goes unchecked for too long.

• Water pooling around the base of a water heater tank. If it’s not a simple fitting or valve problem, the inside of the tank could be cracked or corroded.

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March 31, 2022

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

SPRING CLEANING CHORES FOR KIDS Green Shoot Media

If you’re embarking on a spring cleaning project, getting the kids involved can teach responsibility and other valuable life skills.

Every parent knows that sometimes teaching a child to do a chore is more work than doing it yourself, but spending a little extra time now can help set them up to be great household helpers as they grow. An older child who develops useful skills such as bike repair or lawn maintenance could even open their own summer business.

Once your kids have new cleaning skills under their belts, they’ll be able to help more around the house on an ongoing basis. (This is a great time to institute a daily or weekly chore chart, if you haven’t already.)

For health and safety, have kids use all-natural cleaning supplies whenever possible, such as diluted vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and toothpaste (for polishing metal surfaces such as doorknobs and fixtures.)

Set each child up with a caddy of cleaning supplies they will need to complete their jobs. Here is a list of chore ideas for small hands to get you started.

YOUNGER CHILDREN • Washing windows and windowsills.

• Sorting dirty laundry and removing clean laundry from the dryer.

• Dusting baseboards and furniture and wiping down doorknobs and light switches.

• Wiping down kitchen cabinets.

• Sorting books and magazines.

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• Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping.

• Pulling weeds and watering flowers and houseplants.

• Sort shoes and put away winter boots.

• Wipe down outdoor toys.

• Put away winter clothing and put out springtime wardrobe.

• Using a broom to remove cobwebs from porches and overhangs.

OLDER CHILDREN • Washing and vacuuming the car.

• Cleaning bathrooms.

• Cleaning and vacuuming under couch cushions.

• Clean out and wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers.

• Deep cleaning microwave and stove.

• Changing bed sheets and laundering linens.

• Mowing the lawn and helping with yard work, such as weeding, planting bulbs or putting down mulch.

• Sweeping the patio or deck and wiping down outdoor furniture.

• Cleaning out pet kennels and laundering pet beds.

• Perform maintenance and make simple repairs to sports equipment and bicycles, such as airing up a basketball or replacing bicycle brakes.

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

SPRING GARDEN PREP Green Shoot Media

The work you put in making some basic preparations in the spring can pay off with a garden that performs well all season long.

Spring is the time to sharpen and repair tools, get the shed in order, plant bulbs and start your compost pile. Here are some tips to get you started.

SHED AND TOOLS You could find some nasty surprises lurking inside your garden shed in spring, especially if it isn’t lighted or heated during the winter. Rodents or other animals could have made their home there, or the structure might have suffered a leak or exposure to the elements. Once it’s warm enough, venture into the shed to GARDEN continued on page 18

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March 31, 2022

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

GARAGE STORAGE OPTIONS Green Shoot Media

The garage is a great place to store household items when they’re not in use. Basic — but sturdy — shelving units can do the job.

If you’re short on space in your garage, however, consider some creative storage options to maximize your storage space.

SUSPENDED STORAGE Using the vertical space in your garage helps free up floor space. Anything you don’t access on a regular basis can be hoisted up. Look for bicycle storage systems that use rope and a pulley with hooks attached at the end to allow you to safely store your bikes overhead. A similar pulley system can be used to elevate a metal shelf where you can store items in plastic bins overhead. If you have access to a ladder, a fixed overhead storage shelf is also an option.

WALL STORAGE If you’re short on floor space, look for creative options for storing items such as bikes, and sports and lawn equipment on the wall. A modular wall-mounted slat storage system allows you to customize your storage for your particular items. Add hooks, wire baskets or shelves to the slats to store items of a variety of shapes and sizes — from a rake to a garden hose to a bicycle.

Even the inside of your garage door can be made into useful storage space. Attach metal brackets to hold light sports equipment such as fishing rods horizontally.

FUNCTION OVER FORM Of course you could go all-out with a brand new customized garage storage system, but you don’t have to spend a lot to make your space functional. If you’re on a budget, consider hitting the classified ads, yard sales or a resale shop for garage storage options.

If you don’t mind less than perfect aesthetics, look for quality items that might have some cosmetic defects. The key is to focus on being sure the storage units you choose are sturdy enough to hold your items.

March 31, 2022

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

3-D PRINTING FOR HOME PROJECTS

Green Shoot Media

A 3-D printer can be very useful for home repair and improvement projects.

In the past, once a molded plastic part was damaged, the only option was to replace it. If a replacement was unavailable, you were out of luck.

Today, with a 3-D printer and the right kind of filament for the job, you can recreate parts that might otherwise have been difficult or impossible to find.

for around $200. Popular starting models include the Creality Ender 3 V2 or the Monoprice Select Mini V2. Read online reviews to see how others use the printer for your intended purpose. You’ll also find lots of great tips from the online maker community about how to get your machine up and running.

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GETTING STARTED An entry-level 3-D printer can be had

3D PRINTING continued on page 18

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

March 31, 2022

POPULAR INSECT REPELLANT PLANTS

Metro Editorial

Homeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring mélange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects.

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Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals’ overall health.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, insect-borne diseases are viral and bacterial illnesses that develop from insect bites. Mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas are some examples of insects that can pass on disease. Fever, chills, headache, and muscle soreness are just a few of the more common symptoms linked to insect-borne diseases.

The good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love.

BASIL The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths.

LAVENDER Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family.

Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation.

INSECT REPELLANT continued on page 16

March 31, 2022

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

DESIGN IDEAS TO GIVE YOUR HOME A FARMHOUSE FEEL Farmhouse style homes are having a moment. A 2020 survey from Homes.com asked more than 5,000 adults across the United States about their favorite house style from a list that included bohemian craftsman, mid-century modern ranch, French chateau, and Tudor, among others. Modern farmhouse was the runaway winner, as participants in 42 of the 50 states indicated this simple, cozy style was their favorite.

Home renovation projects can help homeowners put their own unique stamp on their homes, and such projects can be both aesthetic and functional in nature. The following are some farmhouse design elements homeowners can consider as they look to transform their home interiors with this popular style in mind.

EXPOSED BEAMS Exposed beams instantly evoke images of a farmhouse. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that this rustic renovation project can utilize real wood or faux beams that look like the real thing. Decorative beams that have nothing to do with a home’s structural integrity can be installed by skilled do-it-yourselfers. However, even faux beams are heavy, and BobVila.com recommends homeowners have an

engineer assess their existing structure prior to installation.

DISTRESSED WOOD FINISHES Distressing is designed to make something look less than perfect.

Distressed wood finishes can be found throughout many farmhouse style homes. Furniture and picture frames can provide the distressed look farmhouse fans are looking for. This is a relatively inexpensive project that many homeowners can tackle on their own after watching some online tutorials that recommend the right tools and techniques to get the job done right.

KITCHEN SINK Many components combine to create a truly classic farmhouse kitchen. But perhaps no component is more essential than the classic farmhouse sink. The renovation experts at HGTV note that a classic farmhouse sink features a deep, wide basin. Farmhouse sinks are large enough to handle all the dishes that come after a big family meal.

Old-fashioned porcelain sinks are worth consideration by homeowners who want their kitchen sinks to evoke a traditional farmhouse feel.

European farmhouse style. Homeowners overhauling their kitchens to create a farmhouse feel should consider installing a large island with a walnut butcher block countertop for an authentic farmhouse feel.

Farmhouse style homes are wildly popular. Some simple renovations can help homeowners with a fondness for farmhouse style bring this classic look into their homes.

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

HOW TO MAINTAIN HARDWOOD FLOORS Metro Editorial

Hardwood floors have long been sought after by home buyers. In its 2019 “Remodeling Impact Report,” the National Association of Realtors® revealed that new wood flooring was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers.

Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Homeowners who already have hardwood floors know just how impressive these floors can be, especially when they’re well maintained. Maintaining wood floors is not necessarily as straightforward as it may seem, and homeowners may benefit from a tutorial on how too keep the floors under their feet looking good.

TO POLISH OR NOT TO POLISH? Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them looking good. But the home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that not all floors can be polished, and determining which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with waterproof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine polishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil will need to be waxed rather than polished.

WHAT FINISH IS ON THE FLOOR? The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a simple way for homeowners to determine FLOORS continued on page 16

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

HOW TO CORRAL A CRABGRASS INFESTATION Metro Editorial

controlled without much effort.

A well-manicured lawn adds undeniable curb appeal to a property. Homeowners who take pride in their lawns should know that they can take that pride all the way to the bank, as investing in a pristine lawn can provide a significant return at resale.

IDENTIFYING CRABGRASS Crabgrass is a weed that grows in areas of a lawn that are bare or where the grass is thin. Crabgrass gets its name from its appearance, as it grows from the center outward and mimics the look of crab legs emerging from the center shell.

A 2019 report from the real estate experts at HomeLight found that a $268 investment in lawn care service can add $1,211 at resale. That’s a 352 percent return on investment.

THE GROWTH OF CRABGRASS The University of Minnesota Extension notes that crabgrass is an annual plant. That means a crabgrass infestation that’s problematic once the mercury rises in the summer will die out in late fall or early winter. But crabgrass germinates in the spring,

Homeowners can capitalize on a pristine lawn even further by tending to their own lawns. Crabgrass is one lawn problem that can compromise the look of an otherwise lush lawn.

Thankfully, crabgrass can be

CRABGRASS continued on page 15

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

March 31, 2022

CRAFTSMAN HOME RENOVATION IDEAS Metro Editorial

Craftsman homes trace their roots to the late 19th century. An architectural style inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished in Europe and North America for roughly 40 years between 1880 and 1920, the American Craftsman home has endured into the 21st century thanks to its beauty and the unique feel its homes inspire.

Many craftsman homes were built nearly a century ago if not even earlier. That means these homes may be in need of some renovations that make them more functional in modern times without sacrificing their historic beauty.

Homeowners who want to maintain that authentic craftsman feel must carefully consider their choice of material when replacing the siding on their homes. The siding manufacturer Allura notes that fiber cement siding can be a great option for homeowners who want to replicate the original design of craftsman homes built with sported board-andbatten siding. Fiber cement siding gives the appearance of wood when installed and does not fade quickly or require significant maintenance.

EXTERIOR COLOR Homeowners need not feel beholden to certain colors when replacing siding or repainting their

SIDING Craftsman homes are instantly recognizable from the street.

CRAFTSMAN continued on page 15

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022 CRAFTSMAN

CRABGRASS

continued from page 14

continued from page 13

homes’ exteriors. Nautical color schemes featuring navy blue exteriors with white accents can highlight features that are unique to craftsman homes, but more understated colors and tones can work just as well.

PORCHES An expansive, welcoming front porch that makes for the perfect place to relax and read when the outdoors beckons is a telltale feature of craftsman homes. Furniture options abound when homeowners are looking to upgrade the living spaces just outside the front door of their craftsman homes. Adirondack chairs can make a porch a relaxing place to enjoy a morning coffee or postdinner digestif, while wicker furniture can help homeowners establish a relaxing vibe for summer. A porch swing or hammock can make that relaxing vibe resonate even more.

REAL WOOD CABINETS Cabinets are a popular avenue homeowners look to when they want to give their kitchens a new look without breaking the bank. When upgrading cabinets in a craftsman home, the home renovation experts at HGTV note that craftsman-style kitchen cabinets often feature straight lines and minimal ornamentation. Cabinets are typically made from heavy woods like quartersawn oak, hickory, cherry, or maple. HGTV notes that updating the cabinets in a craftsman home often requires custom cabinetmakers, so the project may be more expensive than it would be if replacing the cabinets in a different style of home.

Craftsman homes are instantly recognizable thanks to many of their unique features. There are various ways to renovate craftsman homes yet still maintain their authentic feel.

so homeowners will want to take steps to prevent it long before it becomes an eyesore in summer.

HOW TO CORRAL CRABGRASS The UME notes that application of a pre-emergent herbicide before crabgrass seeds can germinate is an effective way to eliminate it. The timing of that application can be tricky, as jumping the gun and applying the herbicide too early can prove fruitless. The same goes for applying herbicides too late.

Crabgrass will likely still grow if the herbicide is applied too early or too late.

UME recommends applying a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures approach 55 F. Home Depot notes that a chemical treatment may be applied after crabgrass has already grown in, but this option requires careful application to avoid killing surrounding healthy grass.

Crabgrass can be pulled out by hand, but such an approach can be physically daunting. That’s especially so because crabgrass thrives when the weather is hot and dry. So homeowners who intend to pull crabgrass by hand can decrease their risk of dehydration or heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water and pulling the grass during early morning or evening hours when the sun is lower and temperatures are more mild.

Crabgrass can compromise the look of an otherwise healthy lawn. But various strategies can eliminate crabgrass and restore a lawn without much effort on the part of homeowners.

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March 31, 2022

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022 INSECT REPELLANT

FLOORS

continued from page 10

continued from page 12

MINT Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other plants’ domains.

which type of finish is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub a finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, then the floor is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal. The HDA also notes that recently installed wood floors are likely surface sealed.

LEMONGRASS Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes.

Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS The Farmers’ Almanac® recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home.

That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home.

Insects are unwanted guests around a home each spring, summer and fall.

Certain plants can help repel insects and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.

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WHAT CAN I DO ON A DAILY BASIS? Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood floors maintain their impressive look. · Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. For example, tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scarring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors. · Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up. The HDA advises vacuuming without the beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor. Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is another way to pick up dirt without damaging floors. · Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Local home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for their floors. These products are likely homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD FLOORS BE POLISHED OR WAXED? Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months.

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Hardwood floors are attractive for many reasons. And they look even more stunning, and last much longer, when homeowners make an effort to maintain them.

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HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022 GARDEN continued from page 7

make any necessary repairs.

While you’re there, sharpen tools with blades, such as shears, loppers and pruners, with a mill file, and oil those with moving parts. If any tools still have last year’s dirt or mud on them, remove it with a garden hose and clean them in warm, soapy water.

This will help prevent the spread of disease. Give the wheelbarrow a good cleaning, oil the wheels and tighten any wobbly bearings.

Inventory the shed for supplies you’ll need in the coming year. Be sure you have fertilizers and soil amendments on hand for the season. Some supplies such as grass seed, might not hold up over time, so dispose of old product and replace it with new.

PLANT AND DIVIDE Spring is the time not only to plant new bulbs for summer and fall blooms but to divide any perennials that have gotten overgrown or crowded. Dividing them now will allow them to re-establish themselves in a new location and put down strong roots by the winter. In general, fall-blooming plants are best divided in the spring, but some plants should be divided just after they flower. Be sure to consult with your local extension office for your plants’ needs.

This is also the time to put down new mulch. Dyed mulch, even those varieties intended to last for multiple seasons, typically needs to be replaced each spring.

Mulching early will help prevent weed growth before they have time to sprout.

Remember that any organic material you remove from your flowerbeds when you clean them out in the spring to prepare for planting, such as leaves, foliage, stems and sticks, can help start your compost pile for the year.

3D PRINTING

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are many kinds of filaments, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) filament can’t hold up above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so you shouldn’t use it to make parts that will be used in higher-temperature applications.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament requires a higher temperature during the printing process, so it may not be usable in some entry-level machines, but it is durable and holds up over time. Do some research before buying a machine to be sure you can print with the kind of filament you need for your jobs.

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You can find pre-made design files for some applications via online 3-D project databases such as Thingiverse.com or MyMiniFactory.com. A quick search turns up useful household items such as a wall shelf bracket, a power strip under-table mount, replacement wheels for a robotic vacuum, a miter saw box, replacement washing machine buttons, a vacuum

cleaner dust bag clip and more.

If you can’t find the design you need and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and learn a new skill, you can always design the part yourself. Download free or opensource computer-aided design software, such as TinkerCAD or FreeCAD, to get started. Again, the internet is your friend here, as there are myriad free tutorial videos and websites to help you get oriented.

SHARE YOUR DESIGNS Once you’ve created your own design, you can share them for free or for profit via the internet. After all, if you needed a particular part, chances are others have run into the same problem and are willing to pay. You can also print up some of your creations and sell them through platforms such as Etsy and eBay. A $200 printer and some inexpensive filament could turn into a part-time money-making operation. Invest a little more and you could turn your side hustle into a full-time job. The sky is the limit.

March 31, 2022

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

19

EXTERIOR continued from page 4

look for signs of termite or carpenter ant damage, such as holes, or actual insect activity. This is also the time to power wash siding, provided it’s in good shape. If a gazebo, deck or other wood structure is looking worse for wear, spring is a good time to stain or seal.

WINDOWS AND DOORS Look for holes and tears in screen doors and windows. If they need repairs (even small holes should be fixed), pick up a repair kit at your local home improvement store. Check the seals on windows and doors to be sure they are keeping out water and holding air.

LANDSCAPING Check concrete, asphalt or stone paths for damage. Check your water sprinkler system for broken, damaged or clogged sprinkler heads.

If you have landscapers perform seasonal maintenance on your sprinkler system, they will check for damage to

the system and make any necessary repairs.

AIR CONDITIONING Your AC system can suffer damage

CLEANING continued from page 2

soapy water, to clean air vents. (This works great in your car.)

OneGoodThing.com recommends forming an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll into a window track cleaning tool. Attach one end to the vacuum hose (secure with tape) and press the sides of the other end together to fit into the track.

You could even use this trick on sliding door and shower door tracks.

Another great hack from this site is to use regular kitchen tongs to clean blinds.

Attach a microfiber cleaning cloth loosely over the ends of the tongs, secure with a rubber band and use it to clean both sides of blind slats at once.

Similarly, wrap the end of a butter knife with a microfiber cloth, secure with a rubber band, and use it to clean the openings of HVAC registers (don’t forget air intakes).

CLEANING AWKWARD SPACES A garbage disposal is incredibly useful but notoriously difficult to clean. It’s oddly

shaped and inaccessible. You might know you can toss in some citrus peels or ice cubes to freshen up the disposal quickly from time to time, but to deep clean this awkward space, try this process. Turn off the electrical breaker. Spray a foaming cleaner such as Scrubbing Bubbles into the disposal, being careful to lift the rubber flaps (wear rubber gloves). Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then use a bottle brush to scrub the bottom surface as well as the underside of the rubber flaps. Rinse and run the disposal with cold water.

Repurpose old toothbrushes for cleaning oddly shaped or tight spots between faucet levers, hair dryer vents or the dishwasher filter, or even detail your cheese grater, waffle iron or toaster.

The floor behind the toilet is always a tricky spot to access. ThisOldHouse. com recommends using a separate toilet scrubbing brush (not the one you use to clean inside) to scrub this area.

Even better, steam the area with a steam cleaner first to loosen grime.

during from the winter elements. You’ll want to be sure it’s in working order before the warmer summer months arrive, so you aren’t stuck without

cooling.

Schedule maintenance by an HVAC specialist well in advance, as these services book up early.

20

HOME & GARDEN SPRING AND SUMMER 2022

March 31, 2022

Erb’s Ace Hardware is stocked and ready to serve you for all your

Spring & Summer Lawn & Garden Needs

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