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with it comfortable in nearly any space. Once you choose the right shade, concentrate on using the right formula and sheen of paint. Think about the type of space you’re painting, the final look and the level of durability you want to achieve.
Take your home from dreary to cheery with a fresh coat of paint
3. Concentrate on the edges
Spring is upon us and so is the time for spring cleaning and sprucing up the house. What’s a quick and easy way to make a room look instantly cleaner and brighter? Add a fresh coat of paint. But don’t think this project will be a long and laborious one — with a little planning and the right products, it’s as easy as one-two-three. Ensure the success of your next project by following these five easy, fundamental steps:
4. Roll it out
After prepping the walls, don’t forget to cover the floors and any furniture with drop cloths or plastic. If you’re a novice and you’re looking to achieve clean paint lines around the space, painter’s tape along the trim, doors, windows and moulding will provide an extra level of protection. Then, take your time and slowly cut in around the edges with your high-quality, angled brush. Although it can seem tedious, a little bit of patience is key when painting and can really make a room look like it was done by a professional.
Now that the walls and your room are prepped and the edges are complete, you’re finally ready to start painting the rest of the wall. Start in a corner of the wall and apply paint as close to the edge as possible. Then, paint a large “W” or “M” on the wall, filling in and overlapping the areas while the paint is wet. This way, you’ll get even coverage and avoid roller marks and lines. If paint splatters off the roller, it can mean one of two things: you either have too much paint on the cover or you’re rolling too fast. So when it’s time to reload, roll the cover back and forth on the upper half of the paint tray to remove excess paint and equally distribute the color. Make slow, even passes to get splatters under control.
Preparation and patience helps give do-it-yourself paint jobs a professional look. 1. A little prep and planning goes a long way
Painting is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects — it doesn’t require any special training or skill — if you use the right tools. When you’re planning, be sure to add high-quality paint brushes and roller covers to your arsenal of tools. They’ll come in handy for this project and for years to come. It’s always best to read the label closely when choosing a roller cover to determine if it’s the right type for the specific project. To save time and take the guesswork out of the process, try a microfiber roller cover. Not only do they provide superior performance and coverage with all types of paint, the high-quality microfiber holds more paint, allowing you to finish your project faster. Not so fast ... before you pick up that roller or open a paint can, the next task on your list is to prepare the surface. Clear the walls of any artwork or decor and then fill nail holes with a small dab of patching compound. If you have larger holes, dents or cracks, it’s best to use a putty knife to repair them and then gently sand the surface. Be sure your walls are clean before you start painting — grease, dust, residue or cobwebs will negatively affect the look of your finished project. 2. Pick the perfect paint
Spring is a great time to lighten things up. Crisp, light neutrals can make a room feel larger and instantly brighter. Plus, utilizing a neutral color on the wall allows you to quickly change up your space whenever the mood strikes, with new pillows, throws or decorative accents. For a more modern neutral, try “greige” — a gray-beige mix — that’s versatile and
The paint’s on the wall, the tape’s removed and you’re almost ready to sit back, relax and enjoy your newly spruced up space. But first, be sure to clean your tools so they stay in tip-top shape for your next project. If you used latex paint, simply wash brushes and roller covers with soap and water until the water runs clear. A great way to remove excess paint or water is by running the curved edge of a painter’s tool along the roller. Once the water runs clear again, dry the roller or brush by spinning it between your palms quickly inside a garbage bin or deep sink. Painting a room is something that can be accomplished in a weekend — or even a day — so you can easily breathe some freshness into your decor this spring with a little bit of seasonal inspiration.
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5. Clean it up
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Payson Area Habitat for Humanity Kicks Off A Brush with Kindness Housing Repair Program Habitat to offer low-cost home repairs to qualified, low-income homeowners Payson Area Habitat for Humanity will begin repairing homes in partnership with qualified, low-income homeowners. The new housing repair program called A Brush with Kindness is aimed at providing painting, fire-wise landscaping, weatherization, and minor repair services to low-income homeowners in need. Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness has a goal to serve low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. The work is done mainly by volunteers who use donated materials whenever possible. Homeowners must have demonstrated need, an income below 60% of the area median income, willingness to partner with Habitat, and the ability to pay for a portion of the repairs. Projects are approved based on these factors, plus the scope of work and funding availability. “Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness is part of our larger Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. This initiative gives us a great opportunity to help more families in need, as well as have an impact on the entire neighborhood,” said Fred Badger, Board President of Payson Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH). “Helping people repair and maintain their homes fits in seamlessly with Habitat’s core mission of making decent, affordable housing available to low income families.” Since 1995, dedicated PAHH volunteers have worked tirelessly to build 13 single family homes and 14 condominiums in the Payson area with the help of donors, local contractors, government, community groups, and businesses. A Brush with Kindness is underwritten by a grant from Valspar, Habitat’s National Paint Partner. Applications will be available starting Wednesday, April 25, at the Payson Habitat ReStore, 103 E Hwy 260, next to Urgent Care. To volunteer on a project day or at the office, call 928-474-0330.
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Spring into home improvement with weekend wonder projects With a little guidance and the right tools, you can get your place in top shape Sprucing up your home for spring doesn’t have to mean spending huge amounts of time and money. In fact, there are many projects that you can complete in a weekend that will improve the look and feel of your home. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can easily get your home in top shape by Monday morning. Paint refresh
You can also easily transform pieces by renewing the lamp bases; a quick walk down the spray paint aisle will show limitless possibilities of colors and finishes. You can even renew plastic pieces with Krylon Fusion for Plastic, the first paint of its kind. Create a cohesive look by bringing that new finish to your hanging fixtures as well. Accessorize
Commonly recognized as one of the most easy and cost-effective interior updates, painting is a weekend project that can completely transform the aesthetic of your home. When purchasing paint, a quality product will ensure your end results are beautiful. Lowquality, inexpensive paint will likely require a number of coats to get the coverage needed — resulting in more time and money spent. To avoid increased time and cost, use a premium line of paint. When choosing paint for your next weekend project, remember that a quality product will achieve the best end result and save you time and money in the long run.
Adding trendy, fun accessories will give any room a new and more put-together look. Think vases and bowls, wall art and rugs. When adding accessories, look for colors that complement what is already in the room. Plants and flowers can also add energy and color, some with the added bonus of a pleasant aroma. Furniture renewal
Lighting update
Tired of the same old lamps sitting on your end tables but don’t have the funds to revamp your lighting decor? A new lamp shade will completely change the look of any piece.
One easy way to update furniture on a budget is by recovering it or using slip covers. Premade covers are available in a wide variety of fabrics and designs, or you can create a custom cover for your sofa or armchair. More ambitious crafters may actually reupholster furniture to create a completely new-looking seating option. After repadding and covering cushions, sand and stain or paint wood pieces for a completely modern feel. Modern flooring
Has your carpet seen better days? Replace it.
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Paint, slipcovers and minimal accessories create a clean, warm-weather fresh space. Do one weekend project at a time and you will have a “new” space in no time. Hardwood is scuffed and dull? Refinish it. You can also achieve the look of natural wood or stone flooring with luxury vinyl tile. This affordable option is no longer your grandmother’s vinyl, it is now available in a variety of natural finishes that are both durable and modern. If replacing isn’t in your budget, simply give your flooring a good cleaning and use accent rugs to cover blemished areas. Check off a project on your home improvement to-do list this weekend, and enjoy the results through spring and beyond. Courtesy of ARA
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Adding trendy, fun accessories, such as a rug, a vase, bowls or wall art can complement what is already in a room.
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PAYSON ROUNDUP HOME IMPROVEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
Start fresh this spring with renewed home decor As the seasons change, many people commit to starting fresh or making positive changes. As you consider what you will change in your life, think about where you spend the majority of your time. Your surroundings can greatly influence your mood and actions, and a refreshed interior can help you step forward into a new and improved lifestyle. Enjoying life more this spring could start with just a few simple updates to your home. Rearrange
Replacing your current furniture may not be in your budget, but don’t underestimate the effect rearranging your current pieces can have on your space. Simply changing the layout of a room costs nothing and can have a dramatic impact on the functionality and atmosphere of your home. Place larger furniture pieces against the wall to open up floor space and avoid blocking walking paths. Or, you might arrange your sofa or elongated pieces of furniture at an angle in the corner of the room to give the illusion of a longer wall and also instantly create hidden storage opportunities. This update is as temporary as you want it to be, so don’t be afraid to try something new. You might even rearrange every few months to keep things fresh throughout the year. Color
Home decor trends are constantly evolving, and one of the most obvious aspects of changing style is color. An easy, costeffective way to instantly modernize your home is to update your walls to a posh, new hue. With all the brands of paint available in the Rim Country, you should easily be able to find just the new color you are
looking for to renew and freshen up your surroundings.
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Do up your deck or porch 2012 outdoor living trends can easily update your patio or deck
Accents
Whether your taste is classic and elegant, natural and rustic, or clean and modern, accessories have a huge impact on the feel of any room. Mirrors, wall hangings, table art, pillows and floral arrangements are just some examples of accents that can completely change the look and feel of a space. Don’t be afraid to combine materials and styles, either. An ornate brass mirror can work well to complement the clean lines of a modern end table or the intricate fabric of an antique footstool. Avoid clutter as you add visual accessories by using baskets, chests and other storage pieces to conceal magazines, books and other common items. Lighting
To instantly give your space a new look, consider changing the lighting. Whether it’s a large hanging fixture, wall sconces, standing lamps or recessed can lights, adjusting your current lighting will have a significant effect on the ambience of any room. A mixture of light sources works best for most spaces, and a visit to a local lighting store will confirm the options are endless. While many lights will serve functional purposes, others may serve as pure decoration to highlight an aspect of the room, such as a piece of artwork. And, like furniture, remember that simply adjusting the locations of table and floor lamps can have a dramatic impact your room’s feel. By focusing on a few key areas, you can enjoy an improved living space easily and affordably. Courtesy of ARA
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More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind. Consider these tips from design experts to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor home improvement changes, you’ll have the best patio on the block. Mix functional furniture
The line between indoor and outdoor design is blurring. You can coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms, since you and your guests will likely spend time in both. No matter if you have a large outdoor deck or a simple small patio, many affordable, stylish outdoor furniture options are available. Set up furniture with flow in mind, grouping pieces together to encourage comfort, conversation and a view of nature. Add colorful accessories
Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in vivid colors or fun patterns can really make your outdoor space come alive. Pick three to four colors for your scheme and stick with those colors throughout your design choices. Some of the season’s top hues include rich reds, vivid blues, soothing neutrals and garden-inspired greens. Metal accents are popular as well, so look for decor with gold or silver detailing for a design that’s modern with a tropical flare. Incorporate a fire pit
An outdoor bonfire likely evokes pleasant memories of the past, so incorporate a fire pit into your patio space so your whole family can enjoy time together roasting marshmallows, telling stories and gazing at the stars. Today’s modern fire pits are both stylish and useful, adding a cozy ambiance while warding off the chill on cooler nights. Plus when the seasons do change and fall brings with it lower temperatures, you can still enjoy the beautiful outdoor space you’ve created because you’ll be comfortably warm. Remember to look for options that have a removable screen, so you can open when needed for cooking and then close to keep the fire safely contained (and be mindful of fire restrictions, which will likely come down early this year to the area’s limited snow and rain). Create privacy
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean that you don’t want a bit of privacy from neighbors or passersby. The good news is it’s easy to create boundaries to your space by using a pergola or outdoor curtains. These options tie in nicely with other outdoor design trends and can give just the right amount
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Expand your living space into the outdoors this spring. Make your porch or deck more livable by freshening up the lawn chairs and more. of privacy, creating your own outdoor “room” in which to enjoy the long, sunny days. Light the night
Lighting can really make your outdoor space come alive once the sun goes down. Add depth and intrigue by “lightscaping” from different sources. Consider putting up string lights that provide a magical setting that is sure to dazzle guests long after darkness falls. Add an intimate wall lantern next to the patio door or eco-friendly LED garden and path lights to add a soft illumination to outdoor space. Grow an herb garden
There’s nothing that adds the flavors of summer to food like fresh herbs. One of today’s top trends is to have a container garden so you always have your favorite herbs on hand to freshly pick. Popular herbs that are easy to grow include basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel and mint. When planting, use containers that complement your outdoor design. Vintage styles that feature aged patinas are very popular this year. Courtesy of ARA
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PAYSON ROUNDUP HOME IMPROVEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
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Spruce up for spring on a shoestring Even with a bare-bones decorating budget, you can still give your home a fresh look for spring. It just takes a bit of creativity and an open mind, according to Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com. “One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your home is to subtract from what’s in it,” says Bean. Removing clutter is just one of Bean’s low-cost, high-impact tips for giving your home a seasonal lift. Clear the clutter. In the winter, it’s comforting to have stacks of books and magazines on coffee tables, and throws on couches. In the spring, you want open and airy. Put books on shelves, and magazines in a rack or basket. Tuck the throws in the linen closet, and pack away knick-knacks for a few months. Spring for some color. A few touches of bright, saturated color can refresh any decor, and distract the eye from items that might be a bit dated. No one will notice a worn coffee table if it has a bold, oversized vase sitting on it. There’s no need to break the bank. Think about pillows or placemats to incorporate the colors you want. Accessorize. You can change your towels, shower curtain and bath accessories for less than
$100. Jar candles are another inexpensive way to create an inviting room environment. Seasonal scents like honeysuckle, freesia and spring tulip add color, freshness and intoxicating fragrance. Go sheer. Replace heavy draperies with bright, lightweight curtains or sheers. You won’t believe the difference it can make. Just let them hang and blow in the breeze. Remake your bed. Put away that heavy comforter or quilt in favor of a lighter bedspread. Mix and match solid-colored fitted and top sheets with pillowcases in various patterns. Tuck the top sheet tightly all around and fold the edge at the head of the bed over your coverlet or blanket. Fold your bedspread down to rest across the foot of the bed. Add accent pillows to create an inviting, luxurious-looking bed. Assess your art work. Is your wall decor warm and cozy? Switch out a few pieces for something lighter and brighter. Plant an idea. Put at least one house plant in every room. Fill a low planter or kitchen serving dish with potting soil and some grass seed. When the grass is a few inches high, add Easter eggs or seashells for a conversationstarting centerpiece. Courtesy of ARA
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Spruce up for spring by clearing the clutter, adding some fresh color with throw pillows or lightweight rugs, changing out heavy drapes for sheers or changing up the art on the walls.
Tackle the job with these five easy spring cleaning tips Spring is here, which means one thing: it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this spring to prepare for a relaxing summer — and give your home that “spring cleaning” feel without spending the entire spring, well, cleaning. 1. Let there be light Nothing makes the house feel drab like dirty windows. Make any room feel bright and fresh by cleaning the inside glass of your windows. A quick once over with a paper towel and glass cleaner should do the trick. Look for a “streakfree” formula and the insides will be sparkling in no time. Get the outside just as clean — without the hard work — by using a cleaner that attaches directly to your garden hose. All you have to do is point and spray to remove the dirt and grime left behind from winter. It’s safe to use on plastic siding and can help you easily reach second story windows. Plus, while you’re outside, quickly rinse off patio furniture, jungle gyms or your
children’s outdoor toys to make them look good as new. 2. Pick up a paint brush To freshen up any room for springtime, pull out your paint. Don’t try to redo the whole house — pick the room where a fresh coat of paint will make the biggest impact. Choose a fun new color, or add some flare with a unique design like stripes or chevron. And, don’t forget to touch up the trim if you have the time. To make paint touch-ups a simple process, use special painter’s tape that is treated to keep the paint from bleeding by reacting with the water in latex paint to create a barrier that helps ensure clean, sharp lines. Plus, no tedious preparation is needed — just make sure walls are clean, dustfree and dry before applying. To ensure painting is a painless process, be sure to select the right tape for your surface — there are tapes to use with cured paint (paint that has been dry for at least three days), wood, metal, glass and more; there is also tape to use for delicate surfaces, such as surfaces on which the paint that has been dry for at least 24 hours, wallpaper, and decorative painting. With the right tools, your paint project can be quick and easy, making your room look polished and pulled together. 3. Wash away winter grime You know that soft, comfy throw blanket you’ve been snuggling up with all winter? It’s storing more than cozy memories. Since winter is prime cold and flu season, it’s probably become home to lots of germs. Increase the clean factor in your home by tossing throw blankets, pillows, window treatments, even couch covers in the washing machine to get rid of germs. Then, hang them outside to dry in the sun and soak up that springtime scent. 4. Say “sayonara” to your sweaters Scarves, hats, gloves, wool sweaters and other heavy items of clothing won’t be much use to you once spring is in full swing. Save room in your closets by getting them out of the way — put clothing items you won’t need in warm weather in plastic storage bins. Keep them in an attic or basement, clearing space for your warmer-weather wear. As you’re packing things up, pull aside
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anything you haven’t worn all winter and donate these items to your local charity. It’s an easy way to de-clutter, make your home feel more organized and give back to your community. The same methodology goes for kitchen cabinets, desk drawers and playrooms. Store away items you’re not using and give what you don’t need to charity — if you’re not using it, someone else might. 5. Dust your digs Spring brings more than just sunshine — it’s also the bearer of seasonal allergies. Help fight the sniffles by shaking out rugs and giving rooms a good onceover with a feather duster. If wiping down the entire house seems too tedious, focus on areas that aren’t in plain sight. Throughout the year, you probably wipe down surfaces that are clearly visible — tables, shelves, countertops. But, when was the last time the top of the refrigerator or the ceiling fan saw a duster? Use spring cleaning as a chance to focus on those areas that don’t often get cleaned. Your home, and your nose, will thank you. Follow these simple tips to make every moment count this spring. Your home will be sparkly and clean before you know it — giving you plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun.
Modernizing your home can simplify your life Do you ever leave the house feeling like you forgot something? Life is full of little details, and if you are running an entire household, you may find it overwhelming to keep everything in order. Luckily, modern technologies that can help you organize those details are becoming more affordable. “When it comes to managing your home, it’s all about modernization and simplicity,” says Jamie Elgie, senior director of product management at Belkin, a maker of connectivity devices and accessories. “Where it’s possible, let new technologies do some of the thinking and heavy lifting for you.” Here are some easy tips to update your home for a more simplified life: Go paperless
If your paperwork is a mess, consider transferring your documents to an electronic filing system. Not only will the system be implicitly organized for you, you will also be eliminating those stacks of paper that threaten to clutter every room of the
house. Organizing your financial statements, bills and health care documents will help you remember appointments, payments and other deadlines. Modernize appliances
Take an inventory of your home’s appliances and eliminate the avoidable headache caused by out-of-date appliances no longer performing optimally. If you’ve ever taken your dishes out of the dishwasher only to discover you still needed to wash certain items by hand, it’s time to invest in a new one that will get it right the first time. You may also be doing certain tasks more slowly than necessary. Induction stovetops, electric pressure cookers and hand blenders are all examples of modern kitchen tools designed to save you time on cooking, so you have more time to eat. It’s easy to bring order to your home with modern technology. The future is now. Courtesy of StatePoint
PAYSON ROUNDUP HOME IMPROVEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
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Tips for making spring cleaning easy for the entire family As the flowers finally start blooming, spring is in the air. After being cooped up in the house for those long winter months, most families are undoubtedly ready for it. So when it comes to spring cleaning, it’s understandable you and your family want to clear all of the past year’s clutter and mess, without taking too much time away from enjoying fun springtime activities. And thankfully it’s possible to maintain a deep spring cleaning without spending more than a day’s time, as long as you stay organized. “Cleaning smart is the key to making your spring cleanup quick and efficient, not long and painstaking,” says expert Alison Gutterman. “Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors this time of year, so getting the whole family involved, making a plan and using the right tools will help your cleanup get done fast and your home will look great.” When your clan is able to carve out one day to hold your spring cleaning initiative be sure to go in prepared to ensure total participation and maximize success.
Make clean-up time easy on your kids with big sortable toy bins, and shelves for board games and books. If they “forget” to put something away, it will be easy for you to pick up after them. Create a mail center and deal with mail as soon as you get home. A nearby recycling bin will encourage immediate disposal of junk mail. Consider reducing your pile by receiving bills and bank statements electronically, and requesting a stop to catalogs. Don’t be a hoarder: Periodically assess your closet. If you have clothing that doesn’t fit, is fraying, or out of date, get rid of it. You don’t need to take up valuable closet space with unusable garments. No more stains
Art projects gone awry, muddy dog paws, party fouls. Anyone with a pet, kids, or a love of red wine knows that fabric stains on furniture, pillows and blankets can happen all too easily. And once items are stained, they’ll never look clean again. But you don’t need to constantly flip those cushions or turn your children into little adults to keep your home looking great. “All it takes is a staple gun and some special fabric to turn your bar stool or dining room chair into a new piece of furniture that will repel stains and moisture,” says expert Randy Rubin. Consider outfitting your home with the stain-proof fabrics that are now on the market. You won’t need to sacrifice style either. The fabrics come in a variety of colors, patterns and designer styles.
Spring cleaning tips
Delegate: The entire family contributes to the mess over the year, which means the entire family should also help clean it up. Don’t try to take on a deep spring cleaning alone, enlist the troops and assign age-appropriate chores to everyone. Make a list: Before everyone commits to several hours of spring cleaning, do a quick walk-through of the house and take notes on exactly what needs cleaning up or needs to be tossed out. This makes prioritizing work a bit easier, and you’re sure to get everything that needs to be cleaned done. Supply suitably: Everyone has their ever-growing stash of cleaners in a closet or under the sink, but having a multitude of products just drags out your projects, not to mention creates more clutter. Try some effective multi-purpose cleaners that can take care of a few different rooms and several tasks for easy and quick cleanup. Use one heavy-duty cleaner to tackle caked-on grime from ceramic tile, shower doors, toilet bowls, kitchen counter tops and more without any of the elbow grease. Keep your perspective: There’s noth-
No more mold
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Before you start your spring cleaning project, inventory your cleaning supplies and make use of the heavy-duty, multitask products first — they may be all you really need. ing better than a freshly cleaned home, but life is messy. Things are going to get dirty along the way, so while a good spring cleaning is definitely necessary each year, there are always going to be things to tidy up. Taking the steps to making your spring cleaning efforts as efficient and
effective as possible is the best way to get your home looking its best, and your family back to enjoying their post-winter fun. Make spring cleaning last longer
Maintaining a clean home can seem like an exercise in futility, especially for
parents and pet owners. If the constant struggle has you down, it’s time to explore ways to save time and effort in your cleaning routines. Combat clutter: Clutter can spread faster than wildfire. Avoid the details of your life from taking over every surface by giving everything a proper place.
Mold is not only an eyesore; it poses a number of health risks. And cleaning it is a big job that can be expensive. Avoid mold build-up by following some simple steps. Test the humidity level of each room, including closets. If your Relative Humidity (RH) is 55 percent or higher, invest in a dehumidifier. Fix leaky faucets immediately, and use a fan or open a window when taking a shower. Inspect your roof twice yearly, keep your chimney free of cracks and clean your gutters regularly. The key to cleanliness is prevention. Take steps this spring to eliminate extra work in the future. Courtesy ARA and StatePoint
Y Replace spot-prone fixtures with those made with spot-resistant finishes.
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Cleaning hints for beautiful baths As the warmer weather approaches, so does the time for spring cleaning. While a head-to-toe, thorough cleaning of the entire house can be a major task for you and your family, don’t get overwhelmed just yet. Like any project, start with the expectation that it doesn’t need to be completed in a day, or even a weekend. Instead, start with a smaller room that can accumulate dirt and clutter — like the bathroom — and work your way to other areas of the home. Here are some tips that can make spring cleaning your bathroom less of a hassle. Give cleaning a ‘twist’
Ever notice those unsightly water spots or fingerprints on your brushed nickel faucets? No matter how many times they’re wiped clean, pesky spots keep showing up. One way to put an end to the cycle is to avoid spots from the start. This spring, refresh your bathroom with new faucets featuring a spot resistant finish. The unique finish maintains the brilliance of your faucet or showerhead to help you spend more time enjoying your home ... and less time cleaning it. Create a breeze
Hot showers lasting more than 12 minutes are part of most daily routines, according to research. The warm moisture from that relaxing shower, however, can cause serious mildew problems. Scrubbing a bathroom is hard enough — add mildew to the mix and it’s a nightmare. One of the best techniques for tackling mildew is to use white vinegar. This simple kitchen product is completely natural and won’t harm your bathroom surfaces. It’s even family and pet-safe. Simply pour a few cups of white vinegar into a spray bottle with equal parts water and apply directly to the mildew
area. Scrub the vinegar around, and you’ve got a mildew and mold-free bathroom in no time. Once you rid your bathroom of mildew, stop the build-up from coming back by increasing the air circulation. Turn the fan on during a shower and keep it running up to 30 minutes after. Additionally, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and an open window can help decrease the moisture that can lead to mildew. De-clutter and reorganize
Vanities and sink countertops often become a catch-all for clutter. Everything, from towels to toiletries, curling irons to cotton balls, can take over and wreak havoc on your space and your cleaning time frame. Chances are you don’t use the multiple bottles of sample and travel size shampoos, soaps or lotions you’ve accumulated. A few bottles on hand are helpful for trips, but acquiring a drawer filled with the miniatures is only taking up valuable space in a bathroom. Luckily, your clutter can help others. Instead of throwing the bottles away, donate them to organizations like the Payson Supply Line, the food banks, etc. Once you’ve purged your bathroom of unnecessary items, find a home for the true necessities by adding bath accessories. Items, such as shelves, towel bars or towel rings can keep items off the floor and countertop and add a stylish look to complement your new faucets and showerhead. Additionally, baskets or covered jars keep bathroom necessities neatly stored, yet within reach — and can be easily moved for quick cleaning. With these useful tips and products, you’ll have one room checked off your spring cleaning to-do list, while also creating a more enjoyable place to start your day. Courtesy ARA
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103 E. Highway 260 w Behind McDonalds w (928) 474-4247 rs: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm New Hours: FREE PICKUPS of your gently used furniture, appliances, flooring,, lighting and more!
PAYSON ROUNDUP HOME IMPROVEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
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Online organizational software can consolidate all your household information in one place. You can store important records about your possessions for insurance purposes, or program reminders and alerts for replacing smoke detector batteries.
Better home organization can save you money Did you know that a disorganized household can cost your family money? From failing to make necessary repairs before it’s too late, to mismanaging the household budget, there can be a high price to disorganization. Don’t accrue unnecessary expenses that could be avoided by simply streamlining your household. “The key to running a happy home is having a system to keep everything neat and orderly,” says Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of HomeZada, a revolutionary home organization online software application. There’s no better time than spring to do some house cleaning and get your home life in order. Here are some tips to get you started: Maintain
Each year, 15,600 dryer fires occur, resulting in property damage exceeding $75 million. And the leading cause is lack of maintenance. Preserve the overall value of your largest asset, your home, with regular maintenance of your house and appliances. An online program can secure documentation and help you keep details straight, such as when you last tested your smoke detectors or replaced your air filters. Track
In this digital day and age, make paper tracking of your families’ schedule and to-do lists a thing of
the past. By going digital, it will be harder to make costly mistakes like missed appointments, and overdue bills. Online organizational tools are replacing the chore wheel, the calendar and the message board, consolidating all this information in one place. Opt for a safe and secure service that sends alerts and reminders to users about what tasks needs to get done. Look for a program that makes it easy for a family to create a plan, assign chores and get on the same page.
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Plan ahead
Nobody likes to think about challenges like burglaries, fires and floods. But these things can and do happen, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Unfortunately, most people have incomplete records about their home and possessions, and often, this information is scattered in multiple boxes, filing cabinets, drawers and spreadsheets. An online tracking tool can help you maximize your insurance benefits in the event of emergency, by storing the important details of your possessions in one place. Look for a service that even will let you track upcoming warranty expiration dates, sending you reminders to your phone or e-mail. When it comes to running an organized household, there are a lot of moving parts. But by getting them together today, you can save your family money and headaches tomorrow. Courtesy of StatePoint
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507 N. Beeline Hwy. (928 928) 474-5238 928 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
A history of environmentally-friendly performance.
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812 N. Beeline Highway • Payson, AZ 85541 928-474-3386 www.chitwoodscabinets.com
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Come see for yourself! 420 S. Beeline Hwy • (928) 474-8443