HAPPY HOLI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May God paint the canvas of your life with the most

 beautiful colors sprinkles, Peace, Luck, Success n 

joy at every step.....Wish you A Very Colorful and 

Happy Holi

Caring for Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring gives your own ground which overall look associated with wooden that can be enjoyed for years to come. An important feature about laminate flooring may be the ease in treatment you have if you have this in your home. Laminate flooring is one which will look like wooden, which will feel like wood but often times is really a bisexual item associated with wood. Real wooden will require waxing as well as cleansing each year to keep the floor gleaming. Real wood flooring is going to be sanded lower as well as varnished again since the sparkle is worn out the flooring. Laminate floors is going to need no waxing, absolutely no sanding and the deterioration of the actual floors is something that is not going to happen in the manner how the coating on other wooden flooring may have.

Laminate flooring can be cared for by using a dry dust mop on the floor for every day cleaning. During those times whenever you feel that you need a good deeper clean, use a moist cleaner, one that is not necessarily all that wet, to cleanup tacky interferes in order to clean up mud through the ground. A person don’t require to use much drinking water on the ground therefore you don’t have the water leaking into the actual laminate floors after which the laminate flooring will warp with time.

Laminate floors ground care will probably be much like wooden or other kind of flooring when it comes to shifting furniture over the flooring. Laminate flooring can be damaged, dinged up and can be marked upward when you are not careful in shifting those heaviest associated with furniture pieces in your house. To avoid and take care of your flooring, you want to pick up the furniture and move it from location to area.

Do not drag the furniture over the flooring. Your laminate flooring which has marks and cuts within it’ll need some extra treatment to get that mark out, as well as sometimes if the cut is all that heavy you can’t get it away regardless of how much buffing you had been to do about this region. The same goes with regard to wooden flooring, when the cut is simply too deep or the the begining is too deep, a person will not be able to cover it up.

Laminate flooring is easy to look after since the seams within the floors are in fact really tight. You will not discover all types of splits within the floors for food, for drinking water, or grime to get trapped within. Laminate flooring is really a type that won’t allow points lower between your series, when you take care of it every day. Sweeping as well as dusting your flooring with a broom, the swiffer or a vacuum cleaner that is not hard on the ground is what you ought to care for the laminate floors. You simply wish to cleaner your floors when it is really tacky, whenever you spill some thing on the ground, however, you have no idea need to polish laminate flooring that is what makes this very popular!

Carpet Cleaning Tips And Secrets

You should use all of the carpet cleaning tips on the planet, as well as guess what? You’ll still most likely cannot get your carpet because thoroughly clean by yourself like a professional carpeting cleaner can. However, who needs excellence? The ideas here will help you obtain that carpet thoroughly clean enough.

Heat assists! Above 118 degrees Fahrenheit  each and every 18 levels greater changes chemical reactivity through 100%. Hot water extraction cleansing is done in between a hundred and fifty as well as 200 degrees. Is that too technical? The point is not just that warm water extraction, or even “steam cleaning” is actually much superior to “dry cleansing,” however that if you do it your self, make use of warmth!

Actually, you will find 3 inter-related elements at the office whenever you clean carpet. Warmth, Dwell Time, as well as Disappointment. To some extent, if you can’t increase one of them, you can make upward for this using the other people. In other words, if you cannot obtain the cleansing answer hot enough, let it “dwell” a little lengthier within the carpet, as well as wash tougher.

Secret Carpet cleaning Tips

Detergent draws in dirt. For this reason it’s important to wash out any cleansing solution thoroughly. This really is one more reason the reason why warm water extraction will get carpet cleaner compared to “dry” methods. All sorts of things that you need to wash well whenever you thoroughly clean carpeting.

One way to thoroughly clean unsightly stains is by using a shop-vac. Absolutely no, you can’t simply pull the stain, but you can frequently wash as well as rinse the region, as well as pull out the solution every time. This is a far better technique compared to blotting up the water with fabric, mostly because you won’t have the patience to wash, rinse and extract enough times utilizing sponges or cloth.

Another small solution of the carpet cleaning is putting rugs outdoors and inside the front door. They are able to catch much from the dirt that individuals generate on the feet. This isn’t just about less vaccuuming, although. Grime is like a large number of small blades which cut carpet materials. The actual damaged carpet stains more easily then, and it is harder to remove the unsightly stains. An even better practice would be to take off your shoes in the home.

Ready to thoroughly clean? Vacuum very first. Then, if you are using one of those portable machines, at least get the water because warm as you can. Dry carpeting rapidly, using enthusiasts to move the air around. A person can at least lengthen the time between expensive professional cleanings, by utilizing these rug cleaning ideas.

10 ways to cut your electric bill

One of the leading concerns in the world today is exhaustion of one’s. As worried people most of us must create a concerted effort to become mindful citizens as well as save electrical power. Electricity has become essential to life however picture needing to live without energy.

Conservation associated with electricity advantages you personally as you can pay reduce bills. Think about:

1. Doing an energy review. This particular will explain how as well as if you use energy and in which the waste lies. It is possible to make a good “energy cost savings plan” through pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on power usage. Ideas might be as easy as don’t leave the actual coffee machine upon all the time.

2. Consider resetting the thermostat ten levels lower during the night. If you can do this with regard to state approximately eight several hours each day you will lay aside 10% upon electrical power without sacrificing comfort and ease. Insulate the house within winter by sketching close the curtains.

3. Check all padding in the home. Should you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the actual electrical power usage may decrease by 20 percent.

4. Plant much more trees and shrubs throughout the house these may awesome the house within summer time as well as insulate the house within winter. Research has shown that a green cover advantages in many ways.

5. Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Examine just about all fuses and appliances.

6. Fluorescent light bulbs tend to be energy-efficient. They use 75% much less energy than regular bulbs. These types of possess a longer life as well as contribute to excellent cost savings.

7. Make use of energy efficient home appliances. These types of be more energy efficient and surprisingly a higher efficiency fridge uses less electricity than a lamp.

8. When you’re aside actually for some several hours or even times you should turn off as well as unplug just about all electric appliances as well as turn settings about the thermostat, hot water heater, as well as fridge to the cheapest setting.

9. Make sure that you make use of a water-saving bath mind. Water heating expenses for a loved ones can be decreased by at least US$ 250 annually.

10. Weatherize your home. This can help reduce heating expenses by 20% and air conditioning by a minimum of 10 %. Even when building a home or designing it use climate friendly materials—those that are not great conductors of heat and chilly. Install windows and cup panes in the roof such away that you employ sunshine to illuminate the areas during day time gentle several hours. Make an effort to switch off lights as well as fans whenever leaving an area. Ensure that the filters within air conditioners as well as heating units are always cleaned out as well as free of clog as well as dust.

If you live a good energy efficient lifestyle you will notice the amounts about the power bill actually reducing. The ability to cut power costs is well within your manage. It is by just washing complete lots and that in order to within cold water. Make use of the warm wash option just for very filthy clothes. Cook meals only just before you are prepared to consume that method for you to save heating costs as well as refrigerating costs associated with keeping the meals. Change the thermostat from the refrigerator to minimum within chilly or even awesome weather. Turn off freezers when they are not being used. Little contributions can just about all add up to quite a lot of energy preserved. As well as, power preserved indicates money in the financial institution.

7 Fast And Easy Summer Decorating Ideas For Any Budget!

Summer time decorating should add quality to your house, not really bog a person lower with more projects during an already hectic season. Listed here are 11 from the Spending budget Decorator’s top simple, quick as well as cheap summer decorating ideas.

1. If you want to include color to a room quick, paint is a good choice. To save money and time however, try simply piece of art the focal wall in a space. In many average areas, you are able to fresh paint only one walls in less than an hour!

2. Instead of sewing up brand new pillow covers as well as tablecloths, try using absolutely no stitch methods rather. Pillows could be wrapped in a piece of incomplete fabric about the diagonal just like a present, as well as covered with ornamental ribbon in order to secure it. Use duct tape to put a short-term hem in flat sheets or even older table linens to ensure they are fit your last furniture as well as breakfast every day nooks. After you have individuals furniture covered, use cardboard boxes pressed underneath the furniture to hide the children playthings as well as publications and flip flops, but have them useful. The ground duration table linens may conceal the actual storage area.

3. Take a container around the room and get all your knick knacks as well as memorabilia. Now substitute simply 3 of the favorite items or even collections. You will appreciate the actual less cluttered look, and the decrease in dusting chores as well!

4. If you value fresh blossoms in your house, but hate time and expense of changing the plans, find a sunny place in your yard and throw out some sunflower seed products! Many varieties leave absolutely no plant pollen in your furniture, are foolproof to develop, help to make your yard look wonderful, and may final as much as ten days inside a vase…all with regard to the price of a packet associated with seedling!

5. Take down your layered draperies and pick up your neighborhood rugs for any awesome, thoroughly clean look for summer time. Be sure to leave window shades or sheers on your windows with regard to privateness and lightweight control.

6. Thoroughly clean the actual cup in all places for your home! The shiny surfaces in your house reveal light as well as twinkle, each contribute to a fresh summer time appear. Remember your television displays, appliances, as well as picture body glass. Do this 1 technique, and find out in case your areas do not look better and cheerier, for no more cost that the little work several cents associated with glass solution or vinegar!

7. Lastly, mix up your decorations a little for a fresh undertake the areas you’ve spent so much amount of time in these types of winter season! Move around some furniture, be lent and lend pieces through additional rooms. Use clear strings of holiday gentle over the top of cupboards for twinkle. Enhance your good china and suspend this on the walls because art. Place your own toaster or bread device under the cupboards for a cleaner look. Twenty-four hours a day take down a few walls artwork and store this for next fall. Paint your getting older dining set a bright white.

Whatever you do to provide summer time period into your own houses, ensure that you choose a few suggestions out of this list, and give them a try. They’re fast, simple and easy , cheap, what would you lose?

10 Neat Ideas To Consider When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Most of them . home improvement initiatives, very few provides the advantages of a bath room home improvement venture. Renovating the toilet is an excellent way to increase serious importance to your property. Within the plus area of your, it’ll increase the satisfaction volume of your self you.

There are many with considerations previous to commencing a real significant job. They may be:

1. Keep an eye on your tennis ball. You will need to be aware of the bathroom renovation job overall job. Although there are various compact challenges in order to take on, you will need to view the challenge all together.

2. Couple of Zero home improvement task may be successful without having a sensible spending plan. Take time to write up a reputable price range, and try your very best self to stick to it.

3. Get yourself a efficient professional. For most of us, home improvement the bathroom seriously isn’t a build-it-yourself undertaking. You have to look for a company who have exposure to plumbing related and also redecorating bathing rooms.

4. Have a in depth inspection of this bathroom executed when you start. Wise should be to use a plumbing service scrutinize your bathroom with regard to leaking and various challenges before you start out.

5. Various Now could be out to become much more energy-efficient. You are able to save money in the long run by simply installing low flow bogs, waters keeping shower heads along with energy efficient fixtures.

6. Stay sorted. Right business is critical to the flourishing bathroom remodeling venture. Employ a appointments and keep on top of significant output deadlines, as well as remain sorted just like you move forward.

7. Lure the suggested toilet design and style. Lover more substantial bath, or possibly a jettub, be sure to bring against each other and ensure you could have more than enough place. There’s also software package for you to suggestions a person’s pattern which include lighting fixtures, home furniture, floor and many more. Either way is effective.

8. Storage space reaches reduced in several contemporary bath rooms. Determine if you may remodel to gain a lot more cupboard plus space.

9. On the lookout for Be sure to shop around for what you require to obtain the best price. The values for a passing fancy features can vary a reasonable amount involving stores.

10. The latest coating involving colour can make a massive difference if redecorating the lavatory, but a majority of people today fail to get that crucial along with low-priced move.

Furthermore claim that you go out finally , enjoy yourself looking at the bathing rooms throughout exhibit houses. They have every one of the latest styles in the marketplace and definitely will help save much time and energy with attempting to put together concepts yourself. This might be a fantastic help the keeping of fixtures and you may see, for instance how crucial units in addition to storage area are. The biggest thing to consider is usually have fun and enjoy the project whilst your innovative rest room!

Choose The Right Furniture

If you are lucky enough to possess a club in or near your own kitchen, you already know such a helpful location a bar could be. People who live without a bar do not understand how that it adds space as well as with capacity of choices and exactly how this enables households to gather with regard to long or short times inside a environment more casual compared to at the dining room desk. My kitchen bar is becoming the collecting place for my kids both pre and post school. All of us make use of which spot a lot that my wife and i understood all of us needed to be intentional regarding deciding on the best club furnishings.

As an interior designer, I’m usually giving people advice about creating their perfect houses. The actual lengthier I have been in the commercial, the more I have learned that there are certain areas of the house which need to be focused on more. The bar nook is just one of those locations that i always encourage people to invest a little more time, energy and cash being deliberate about. I say this due to the frequency with that many people use their bar nooks. My advice to individuals is they uses their bar nooks much more when they remember to do it nicely. I tell all of them that a bar space can become one of the biggest collecting places with regard to households. Bar furniture is a necessary step to creating this excellent atmosphere.

Obviously, you would like your own bar furniture to match the actual design as well as feel associated with the rest of your kitchen area and dining region, therefore you shouldn’t be as well quick to rush off in to programs which will make your own bar nook stick out too much. My personal guidance to individuals is the fact that they should possess a distinctive component or even 2 to their bar furnishings without which makes them completely other than the decor of the encircling region. A person would like it to stick out and blend in simultaneously.

Among the crucial features of any kind of bar furniture ought to be comfort and ease. Nobody will stay within an region lengthy if it is not comfortable, so think about durability and comfort and ease whenever you are searching for an ideal club furniture. Get several magazines and get suggestions through additional individuals homes. Observe what functions as well as exactly what appears like too much in the bar space area. Magazines are among the greatest causes of creativity, so make use of this source as well as gradually gather ideas for your bar furniture. For those who have an interior designer working with you, she or he will be able to really help you produce this space effective too.

5 Things to Do Before Starting A Kitchen Design Project

Within choosing how to proceed within hiring a kitchen designer a well thought out plan’s necessary for any kind of kitchen area style project to achieve success.

A good kitchen custom will be able to use you to create the look which will each fit your desires and requires which piazzas together with your budget.

1. Just how much Are you willing to Spend?

Degree using the custom just how much you’ll be prepared to invest in your own kitchen design task.

Allow designer understand simply what you will feel at ease spending. This particular way you can insure how the designer and service provider may have a clear path upon where to go using the project and not go overboard. They will have a good idea from the limitations whenever creating programs as well as selecting materials.

2. How much Period Are you willing to Commit?

You have to think about exactly what your individual requirements are and if you are in a position to deal with the required building inside your kitchen area. Through consulting with a skilled kitchen custom you can aquire a wise decision associated with just how long your own kitchen style task will require by supplying a timeline that the family can strategy close to.

three. What Style Are you Planning For the Kitchen Design Task?

You want to provide the kitchen designer as much information as you possibly can. You need to do just as much research as you possibly can before your own meeting with the kitchen custom.

Firstly you should talk to design magazines and catalogues to obtain an idea of what design and style elements you would like to observe for your kitchen. To compile more ideas visit kitchen design showrooms, take a look at products as well as style on the web as well as take notes. What are your own likes and dislikes regarding color and designs. Make a scrapbook with clips in the magazines and catalogues, as well as examples of materials as well as design elements you would like to see with the cooking. Begin using these to exhibit the kitchen designer what how well you see is for the brand new kitchen. Additionally bring a summary of questions for your kitchen area designer.

3. How do you Make use of Kitchen area?

You need to be ready for queries that the kitchen area designer asks a person when you initially meet with him. One of the questions you’ll want to think about prior to talking to your own kitchen designer are:

Are you performing a lot of enjoyable with family and friends? Is your family hectic during the week with a lot of activities? You should also good out what members of the family possess in the way of ideas.

4. How to Prepare For the Kitchen area Style Project?

You will have to prepare for the actual disruption that will be brought on by your kitchen design project. But using the right planning you may make the actual task run because smoothly and a rapidly as possible.

You need to make sure how the kitchen area design task region and the living area are individual for both safety reasons and also to avoid the way of the service provider and his team. You might have to setup the temporary kitchen within another space of the house. What period from the year you schedule a kitchen area design task can make it easier upon everyone since in the hotter months you’ll be able to consume and prepare outside.

HOW TO REMOVE A POPCORN CEILING

These detailed instructions demonstrate how to remove a popcorn ceiling by using a texture scraper to remove the popcorn texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Room

Remove furniture and items in the room.

Seal off the entire room by hanging two millimeter plastic sheets from the crown molding all the way to the floor (as shown in the image).

Put a window fan in the window for added ventilation.

Add a drop cloth with a waterproof backing to the floor (as shown in the image).

If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos by either wetting down a small area with a sponge and scraping off a little to place in a small bag, or by having a professional come out and test it. 

Step 2: Spray the Ceiling

Use a basic garden sprayer to wet down the ceiling. This will soften the ceiling texture and help to break down the adhesive bond making scraping easier.

Work in an area about 5 feet square. It’s better to make several passes than allow the popcorn ceiling to absorb too much water which could damage the paper surface and the wallboards underneath.

Step 3: Scrape the Ceiling

Wait 10-15 minutes for the water to soak in and then start scraping it off (as shown in the image) with a ceiling texture scraper (as shown in the image).

Use a smaller putty knife to scrape the corners and the crown molding.

* Source - DIY Network

Make use of that awkward space

We all crave the large, airy, light-filled rooms featured in interior magazines that promise relaxation and sophistication without the real life tangles of TV wires and cluttered surfaces, and unsuitable furniture.

In reality, most houses and flats include at least one awkward space, maybe a narrow hallway, or a tiny study struggling to double as a spare bedroom, or an oddly-shaped lounge.

Surprisingly, these can prove to be assets. Problem rooms can be transformed into charming and original spaces with just a bit of knowledge, confidence and the ability to highlight the positive points and minimise the negative. We all have a room that we wish we could fix. Either it's too small, too dark, too narrow, has a low ceiling, or other undesirable features. Here are some tips:

Go smaller 

Is your room too big? Divide it into more intimate areas. Grouping a couple of chairs with a love-seat  two chairs and a small table, a sofa and chair, or other similar arrangements will make the room seem cosy. Warm colours advance visually, so painting the room a warm colour will make the room seem more intimate.

Small spaces 

Internal windows are a clever way of increasing light, and giving small rooms a welcome outlook into adjoining areas.

Narrow spaces 

Distract attention from a room's narrowness by adding a dramatic colour or painting to one of the shorter walls. Place a sofa covered in a horizontal stripe fabric on a short wall, which tricks the eye into seeing the wall as wider.

Awkward shaped rooms 

Be bold when decorating an oddly-shaped room a half-hearted attempt makes the whole thing look like a mistake. Choose a soft colour or subtle print -anything too dark will make the walls close in. Soften angles and strong lines by painting walls and ceiling white or a pale receding colour. Create symmetrical displays on shelves and tables to offset angles.

Go taller 

Is your ceiling too low? Add height to your room with tall, vertical elements, such as bookcases. Long curtains which drape on the floor can also add visual height, as will tall lamps or torches. Painting the ceiling a light, cool colour (which appears to recede) will make the room seem brighter and more open. Stretch a room's height by using full-length curtains on windows regardless of their size. Use up-lighters to direct soft light towards the ceiling making it appear further away. Accentuate the vertical with floor-to-ceiling stripes on walls.

Go shorter 

Is your room too tall? Lower the ceiling by incorporating more horizontal lines in the room. Shelves, art and crown moldings are just a few of the elements that can lower the height of the room. Another way to lower the room is to install molding or chair rails one half to three quarters of the way up the walls. This trick visually shortens the room. Painting the ceiling a dark, warm colour will also shorten the visual space.

Go brighter 

Uncover windows by opting for shutters instead of curtains, or sweep drapes clear of the frame back onto walls. Paint garden fences and walls white or a pale colour to bounce light into the interior. Lay pale-coloured paving stones below doors and windows for a lightening effect. Use sparkly, shiny surfaces to bounce light around a room — mirrors, kitchen units in stainless steel, or mirrored splash backs.

Makeover Magic for Small Spaces

We have a lot of questions about how to decorate small rooms and spaces. Homes of all sizes and shapes often have small rooms that can pose decorating questions like these...

How can I make this space the most functional? Or how can I make this small space stylish and inviting?

And, the most frequent question of all... Is there any way to make this room look bigger?

Here are some design tips:

1. Limit the furniture in the room. Keep the furniture pieces small in scale...in other words, use a love seat instead of a sofa, and consider a slipper chair instead of an over sized easy chair. Large, bulky furniture pieces will only make the room look smaller.
2. Make sure that the major furniture pieces are upholstered in either a solid colour, or a very subtle pattern. If your sofa has a bold pattern, consider slip covering it in a solid colour, if you don't want to pay for reupholstering.
3. Use patterns sparingly, and in small areas. Good choices for pattern usage are throw pillows, floor rugs and throws/blankets. As a general rule, any patterns in the room - upholstery, window treatments, rugs, wallpaper - should be small in scale. That is to say, think of a small, delicate floral print rather than a pattern with large, dramatic flowers.
4. Hang mirrors of any size on the walls. Mirrors are probably the easiest way to instantly expand a space.
5. Paint walls in a solid colour, or use a very subtle faux finish with two very similar colours combined. If you opt for wallpaper, go with either a solid colour or an extremely subtle pattern.
6. Use cool colours (blues, violets, greens) on the walls to give the impression of expansion. But if you like warm colours don't worry - you can paint the walls in a neutral colour with a slight cool overcast. For example, you can use a white with a slight tint of blue (rather than a slight tint of red), or a cream with a slight tint of green (rather than a slight tint of orange).
7. If there are few or no windows in the room, hang paintings in attractive frames to create the feeling of a window-clad room.
8. Be sure to keep clutter to a minimum. To make this very easy, ensure that the room has adequate hidden storage spaces. Take advantage of tables or armoires with drawers, window seats with storage space underneath, and coffee tables that open up for storage.
9. Think vertical! Use tall furniture pieces (bookshelves, armoires) to extend the perceived height of the ceiling. Place decorative accents at the top of tall furniture pieces, such as real or artificial greenery, to draw the eye upward. Hang long drapes from the ceiling that reach to the floor. Line the top of the wall, where it meets the ceiling, with shelving or a wallpaper border. 

The Colour Needs of Your Home

Always wondered whether the sofa complements your wall colour? Or the curtains go with the cushion?

Here are a few home styling ideas from our very own styling expert @home that will answer all the queries you always had when styling your home.

• Placing a rug in your living room can give a different emphasis of colour to your room.
• By changing the rug you can change the whole character of the room.
• Keep your sofa a few inches away from the wall. This will make your room look more spacious.
• Wall shelves are a great way to display decorative items.
• It is easy to install and adds a great decorative element to any room.
• Smaller pieces of furniture like nest of tables and cabinets which also complement your main piece of furniture can make all the difference.
• Now that you are all equipped with new home styling ideas, take time out from your maddening schedule and go ahead, style your world.

Tips to Renovate Your Home

Renovating your home has never been an easy task. Here gives some tips that you should keep in mind while renovating your home.

It always starts with a small change in the house and then it's just a cascading effect. While getting your kitchen painted, it might just strike you that why not renovate the whole house? But it's easier said than done. It might take good three to four months for your whole house to be re-done. Here are some important points you should take care of.

Do your homework

As rightly said, grass is always greener on the other side. You may want the same wall colour as what you saw in one of those magazines, but do you actually think you can stay with it for a considerable amount of time? Mark the key zones in the house you want to work on. If its the door and cabinet knobs you want to change, choose one from a store or order them before you start off with renovating.

Hire professionals or 'Self-help' yourself?

It is always advisable that you decide whether you want professionals helping you or are you competent enough to handle the whole change on your own. You can always combine the two as well.

Where's the moolah?

Renovating your den is not a joke. If you've decided to go ahead with your plans, then why not put in some decent amount of money and get the desired results, rather than being unhappy about the outcome for years to come. And for this you need to check your liquid cash. Moreover, do have a rough calculation for the amount you want to spend. This regardless of the fact that you will overspend from what you have decided.

One of the most important thing to keep in mind while renovating is the electrical wiring and the switch boards. Preferably you should have them behind furniture or cabinets so that it does not look bad. Do not forget to ask the workers to leave behind a can or two of the same paint just in case you have to do some touch ups.

Comfort zone with the workers

With so many people coming in and out of your place, you might just lose your cool for some reason. Try not to. They are there to work for what you have wanted, so be patient.

Stop Running Toilets from Wasting Your Water

Running toilets are not only noisy and annoying, they are wasteful, too. Fixing a running toilet is usually a simple, inexpensive fix any homeowner can do.

A running toilet is usually the result of one of two things: a poorly functioning ball-cock valve or flush-valve assembly. To find the source of your running toilet problem, take a look inside. Remove the top cover from the toilet, then flush and see what happens.

If the water runs but does not fill up the tank, the flush-valve (stopper ball) at the bottom of the tank is the problem. 

1. To replace the stopper ball, turn off the water to the toilet tank. The shut-off is usually located behind and below the toilet tank. Flush the toilet.
2. Unhook the guide wires or chains that attach the stopper ball to the handle assembly. Remove the old, faulty stopper ball.
3. Set the new stopper into place on the valve seat. Slide the collar back down the overflow tube and center over the ball. Secure the collar to the ball.
4. Attach the ball chain to the handle arm, leaving half an inch of slack on the chain. Test the assembly and replace the toilet cover.

A running toilet can also be the result of a toilet tank that is overfilling, pouring water down the overflow tube. In a properly functioning toilet, the tank will stop filling about three-quarters of an inch below the top of the overflow tube. When you watch the internal mechanism of your toilet work, if water fills to the top and over the over-flow tube, the ball-cock assembly (float and arm) are the likely culprit. To test this, lift up on the float arm. If the overflow stops, the float assembly needs to be adjusted or replaced.

A float may malfunction if it is cracked and filling with water. The heavy ball does not rise high enough to lift the lever and stop the filling action. To fix a cracked ball-float, simply unscrew the ball (counterclockwise) from the end of the float arm and screw on a new float.

If the ball-float is intact, bend the float arm slightly and flush the toilet. If the tank fills properly, the problem is solved. If the tank continues to overfill after these measures, the washers on the ball-cock assembly are probably worn and need to be replaced. Turn off the water to the tank. Disassemble the ball-cock from the lever. Remove and replace the washers. Put the assembly back together and flush.

A toilet that is still overflowing after these measures needs a new fill valve. Purchase one and install according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Most problems with running toilets are quickly fixed by troubleshooting and following these steps, or replacing inexpensive, internal mechanisms improperly functioning from wear after repeated use. Persistent problems that cannot be remedied may require consulting a licensed plumber.

How to Repair a Running Toilet

A running toilet can be a simple thing to fix, and the water savings add up quickly. Start with the simplest solutions first. If those don’t work, move on to the more serious repairs.

what you'll need

• Pliers
• Flapper
• Toilet float ball
• Tank to bowl bolts and gasket
• Flush valve

Step 1 – Fix the Rod or Chain

First, check the guide rod or chain on the tank flapper. If the rod is bent or the chain links are twisted, simply straighten them.

Step 2 – Adjust or Replace the Float

Next, check the float mechanism. If lifting the ball stops the water from running, try to bend the float arm down to get the right buoyancy. If the ball has water in it, it needs to be replaced. Replace it by unscrewing it from the arm and putting a new one in its place.

Step 3 – Clear, Clean or Replace the Flapper

If the toilet is still running, the valve seat and flapper may have corrosion or build-up, preventing the flapper from closing. Lift the flapper up and check for any objects in the way. Gently scour the seat and the rim. If there is a great deal of damage, replace the flapper.

Step 4 – Replace the Flush Valve

The flush valve assembly may have to be replaced if the toilet is still running. Take the old parts with you when purchasing the new inside gaskets and assembly to ensure a perfect match. If the shaft of the assembly is cracked, the whole shaft and assembly need to be replaced.

Replacing the flush valve involves removing the tank from the bowl. After removing the tank, turn it over and remove that large plastic nut in the middle of the tank. Remove the flush valve from the tank, take it to the hardware store and buy a new one. Install it and put the tank back on the bowl.

TIP: Get It Fixed’s plumbing consultant Kumar suggests, “You may want to get a new tank to bowl gasket and replace that, as well as new tank to bowl bolts. As long as you have the tank off, I recommend doing it all at once to avoid future problems. When installing the tank on the bowl, tighten the bolts one side at a time… slowly with the same tension on each side. If you tighten one side too tight, when you tighten the other side it may crack the tank.

Cleaning Burned Milk off a Cooktop

When boiling milk, it only takes a second for the milk to boiled over and burn fast to the cooktop. There are several cleaning tips, depending on the type of cooktop you have, that will remove the burned milk without damaging the surface.

Glass and Ceramic Cooktops

When milk boils over and burns fast, it's imperative to clean it as soon as possible because it can interfere with heating and can cause smoke.

Step 1 - Making the Paste

First, pour as much baking soda into a bowl as you like because the paste can be stored in an airtight container. Next, add small amounts of warm water to the baking soda and stir until you form a paste.

What you'll need

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Razor scraper
• Lint free towel
• Paper towel
• White vinegar
• Mild dish detergent
• Scouring pad
• Dish detergent
• Paper towels

Step 2 - Cleaning the Cooktop

Mix a small amount of detergent with water until soapy, then clean the cooktop with a paper towel. Dry the cooktop off with a lint free towel and then rub the baking soda paste over the burned milk on the cooktop. Wait up to an hour, then use the razor scraper to remove the paste like you're shaving. Make sure the razor is as flat as you can get it. If the burned milk is still hanging around you can repeat this step.

Step 3 - Buffing and Finishing

Now that the burned milk is gone, you can make the cooktop good as new. Mix white vinegar to warm water at a 2:4 ratio. Dip the paper towel into the solution and scrub the cooktop down. This is a slow process but important if you want that shine back. Finally, dampen the lint free towel and wipe down the cooktop to remove the vinegar and any residue. Do not use the cooktop until it's completely dry.

Metal and Standard Cooktops

Milk and other things that are spilled and burned onto standard cooktops are much easier to clean, but there are more parts and areas to consider as well.

Step 1 - Burners

Fill your sink with warm water and add a cup of baking soda, stirring until the baking soda has dissolved. Place the metal risers into the water and allow them to soak. In about an hour remove them and set them on top of a towel and let them air dry. Rinse off with normal water then wipe down with paper towels.

Step 2 - Cooktop and Underneath

Mix water to dish detergent at a ratio of 2:1 and fill a spray bottle with it. Add a drop of vinegar for those tougher spills. Spray the solution onto the cooktop and let it sit for ten minutes. Use the scouring pad to scrub the sprayed area and remove the burned milk. Next, use a damp lint free towel to wipe off any residue. Lift the top of the oven up to reveal the burners and reservoir area, then repeat what you did on the cooktop. Lower it and replace the metal risers.

GIF Cleaning Methods: Cleaning Your Kitchen

More and more of us are becoming more active in doing the things that our grandparents did without a thought, like maintaining our own yards and cleaning our own homes.

This guide is designed to help you clean your home thoroughly, easily, and quickly, using tried and true techniques that have been proven effective for generations, along with a few tricks your grandmother never knew about. After reading this guide, you’ll be better prepared to:

• Clean your kitchen
• Remove food stains
• Remove pet stains
• Clean your carpet
• Clean your furniture

Clean Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the one room in the home where cleanliness is a must, for the obvious reasons. But, it’s also the one room that doesn’t get the cleaning it deserves on a routine basis. If you do it right, it really won’t take that long.

The Cooktop

Grease and other types of grime can easily accumulate on cooktops over the course of preparing a meal. These surfaces typically range from modern ceramic/glass cooktops, to traditional baked enamel finishes on electric or gas ovens. Special attention is necessary for each type.

Cleaning a Ceramic/Glass Cooktop – Wait until the cooktop is completely cool and then sprinkle baking soda (or another non-abrasive cleaner) on the surface. Use a damp synthetic scouring pad or sponge to rub the surface. Rinse with clean water, making sure you get all of the debris up and then buff the surface with a clean cloth until it is finished. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or steel wool scouring pads, as they will permanently mar the surface.

Cleaning a Baked Enamel Cooktop – Washing the surface of a baked enamel oven or stove with warm soapy water after each use will help maintain a pristine cooktop. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents and steel wool pads, as they will damage the surface finish. Reflector bowls, grids and drip pans should be washed in soapy water whenever anything is spilled on them. If you have a gas oven, use a thin metal wire (avoid using toothpicks as they can break off) to clear the holes on the burners. To make cleaning the cooktop easier, remove all of the plastic knobs and soak them in warm soapy water while you clean the surface. After washing the knobs, dry them with a clean towel and reinstall them.

The Countertops

For routine countertop cleaning, a mild dish detergent works wonderfully. Before you begin, remove all of the appliances and cutting boards. Wash the entire counter with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Allow it to sit on one section of the countertop while you move on to the next section. Use clean hot water to thoroughly rinse the countertops and buff them dry with a clean towel. When replacing the appliances you removed earlier, be sure to wipe down the bottoms prior to setting them back on your clean counter.

The Sink

If your sink has dried food sticking to the sides, fill up the sink with hot water prior to cleaning it. This will help make it easier to get the food particles off the stainless steel or porcelain. Next, sprinkle baking soda or your choice of non-abrasive cleaner and scrub everything down with a non-abrasive scouring pad. Baking soda offers a double benefit, as it not only cleans well but it also helps to control odors after it’s rinsed down the drain. After rinsing the sink, wipe it down with a clean dry towel. This will help prevent water spots from forming on your stainless steel sink.

The Appliances

Baking soda can not only get your kitchen appliances looking and smelling their best, but in the right solution it can even bring back the brightness of their white exteriors. For general cleaning, mix ¼-cup of baking soda with ½-cup of white vinegar in a gallon of clean hot water. Scrub the appliances with a non-abrasive scouring pad or sponge and then rinse it with clean water and dry. For improving the white exterior of appliances, mix ¼-cup of baking soda with 2 cups of warm water and wipe the exterior down with the solution. Allowing it to stand on the appliance for about 15 minutes. Rinse the solution off with clean warm water and you should notice an improvement in the whiteness of the appliance’s exterior.

The Cabinets

Cabinets can easily become smudged with dirty fingerprints, food and grease, and the longer you let them go between cleanings, the harder it is to get them clean again. For routine cleaning, a simple solution of warm water and liquid dish soap will do the trick. But, for heavy duty cleaning, a commercial cleanser will work better. When using stronger agents, always test the solution out on an inconspicuous part of the cabinet first, to make sure it doesn’t ruin the finish.