On the Wire - Home Save Home
If you plan on staying right where you are for the rest of your life, you’re not alone. In fact, according to a survey by AARP, most older Americans want to stay in the house they have known as home for most of their lives. There are very easy and inexpensive things you can do right now. You’ll wonder how you lived without them, and later on… you’ll need them to live comfortably.
- Install rocker switches. You’ll be able to turn lights on with your hands full now, and anyone with arthritis will find these switches much easier to use.
- Install C or D shaped pulls. This will be much easier than grabbing a knob to open drawers and cabinets.
- Install mid-level outlets. Plug in things you use all the time (lights, appliances) down low. But you will save your back with anything that has to be repeatedly plugged and unplugged if you have outlets that are not at ground level
- Move the laundry room upstairs. Don’t trek up and downstairs with an armful of laundry. Have a plumber move the hookups closer to the living spaces.
- Raise your dishwasher a few inches off the floor and you won’t have to bend and stretch to load and unload the dishes.
- Install a single-handle faucet. You’ll be able to turn on both the hot and cold water with one hand. Ask the plumber to put a lever handle on the faucet so it is easier to grasp. Put an extra long handle on that faucet and you can turn on the tap with an elbow or an arm.
For dozens and dozens more great tips, visit www.aarp.org/homedesign.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Scratch Test
This week’s question comes to us from Jim in New Bern, North Carolina. Jim says, “I have a Corian counter with sink molded with it. The sink has some scratches. Is there a method to remove these scratches? They are not very deep, but food stains get into them and they are noticeable.
Jim, the benefit of solid-surface material, like Corian, is that the finish material goes all the way through... they are much more than just a thin veneer. With solid-surface counters you can simply sand down the scratches, starting with a 60 grit sandpaper, then after all the original scratches are gone you can progress to 100 grit sandpaper, then 150, 220, and finally 400 grit. This sounds like
a hassle, but what you're doing is polishing the surface. Once you are done, use a rubbing compound to finish out the surface. You can do this with scratches, burns or stains.
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
- Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.
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On the Air - Popular Podcast
Great news! The Money Pit is the #1 home improvement Podcast on iTunes! Don’t miss out on what iPodders everywhere are discovering is the best home improvement show out there! The best part about our Podcast is that it’s FREE! Plus, you can search our archives to find the shows that address YOUR home improvement problem or concern. To get current podcasts, simply click here and follow the instructions.
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Dot Common Sense - Power Garden Tools
By now, you’ve heard us talking about our favorite 18-volt power tool system: Ryobi One System. This system allows you to interchange more than 25 different tools and accessories with just ONE batter and charger. Less clutter, less space to waste. Plus some of the tools are really cool… imagine what you could do with a power caulking gun! There are also neat extras like radios, flashlights and fans. And brand new for spring, Ryobi is introducing power garden tools like pruners and trimmers to the One line. Or how about a home chemical sprayer with 18-volt power? This is a great tool you could use for anything from pest control to pre-treating your deck before washing! Check out the One line of tools at www.oneplustools.com.
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Fun Fact - Snow Business
Snow loads can cause roofs to collapse. It’s best to clear snow right after it falls so it doesn’t get wet, heavy and icy. Pick up a long handled roof rake at your local hardware store and gently rake the snow off the roof. For icy spots like around gutters and downspouts, use a de-icing agent like calcium chloride to soften the ice. For more great tips like this one – visit www.moneypit.com
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Short Cuts - Counter Care
Do you love the look of natural stone countertops but hate the maintenance? Using the wrong cleaners won't only set your stain in deeper, they can actually shorten the life of the top. Here are some great tips about caring for your natural stone counters:
- Wipe up wet spills immediately, especially acidic liquids like citrus juices, alcohol or soft drinks.
- Use recommended cleaning products that are pH neutral. Never wipe your table or countertop with an acidic cleanser (like vinegar or lemon) or harsh chemical and/or abrasive cleansers.
- Use soft cloths to wipe the surface instead of scratchy or abrasive pads such as steel wool.
- Some types of natural stone can be damaged if a hot dish is placed directly on it. Use trivets and placemats under dishes or hot pots.
- Some natural stone countertops need or benefit from a protective sealant. Your countertop supplier or installer will apply the correct sealant based on the type of stone you choose what you will be using it for.
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Copyright 2006 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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