Always use a drop cloth when painting with wood stain as wood stain can cause permanent stains on some surfaces. This is true of slate, which is a durable but porous surface that can absorb wood stain. Slate tile usually is sealed and finished to protect it from absorbing too much wood stain. Use ch

Silicone oil, like other lubricants, creates a thin, slippery film on any surface it touches. It is not particularly water soluble and is often used in automotive lubricants. Getting spilled silicone oil out of clothes or off a floor presents a cleanup problem that may take repeated cleanings. Wheth

Using baking soda seems to be one of the results of the frugal living movement, and most of us have tried it and found that there are some great uses for baking soda. Washing laundry is one of the good uses for baking soda.Baking soda is often available at the local drug store for about

Bilco's metal doors afford easy access to your basement. The metal doors provide extra storage alongside your home for outdoor tools and supplies. Although the nonporous surface of metal isn't conducive to mildew growth by itself, organic debris and dirt buildup on your Bilco doors provides an effec

The master bedroom should be a place where you can escape to privacy, a space to relax and rejuvenate. When it comes to decorating the home, oftentimes the master bedroom is the last room to get attention. The main parts of the home and the guest or children's bedrooms take precedence, as they are m

CorningWare cookware dates back to 1958, when it was originally made of glass-ceramic material. World Kitchen acquired CorningWare in the 1990s and changed to ceramic stoneware production to allow more colors and designs. This stoneware is non-porous and can be used in microwaves, conventional ovens

A pegboard filled with gleaming tools is a handyman's dream. As with all dreams, reality intrudes, and the reality of tools is that we use them. Sometimes we lend them to those who leave them outside. Sometimes we buy them at yard sales from people who did not lavish them with care. Don't panic. Cle

Framing a diploma does not only remind you of an accomplishment, but it also protects it from wrinkling, dust and moisture. Choose a proper frame for your diploma. Ready-made frames come in different sizes, including standard sizes for high school or college diplomas. If you want a custom-designed f

Sunscreen, while highly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage, is a greasy substance that is difficult to remove from many fabrics, including leather. Whether you have spilled sunscreen on a leather purse, or your child has accidentally sat on the leather sofa and left a stain behind, you

If your kitchen is as boring as Monday’s leftovers, cook up big changes for $100 or less. Start with a fresh coat of paint on walls, stir in some bright details on the hardware and garnish with some bright accents on the floors and windows for a fresh look that costs little but makes a big imp

Depending on your location and other factors, dust can collect on everything in your home. Dust especially builds on the back of a television and can obstruct air flow, which can lead to unnecessary damage. More importantly, television dust contains harmful flame retardants, according to a 2008 Seat

A beautiful driveway can be tarnished by the slight spill of motor oil. Motor oil can get onto your driveway if you like to fix your car in the driveway or even by accident. Luckily there are many cleaning agents that you can use to clean the oil from a driveway, but it does take some work. Scrubbin

A commercial range is used for cooking hundreds of meals in a single day. The way to keep it functioning properly is with routine cleaning and maintenance. During the day, any spills should be cleaned up as they occur. A commercial range should be cleaned every night before closing down.

The mineral buildup from hard water that can stain and coat your taps and fixtures can also coat your granite stone floors, walls and countertops. Hard water stains can be removed from granite by chemical means or by physical removal, and on occasion a combination of methods may be required dependin

Cleaning your dryer vent is essential for home safety and to prevent fires from starting on the lint that builds up. Cleaning your dryer vent is very easy and should be done once a year for proper maintenance of your dryer system.

Scented candle wax can create a messy, greasy stain when spilled or dripped on laminate flooring. While laminate flooring is sturdy and easy to maintain, it's best for the condition of the laminate flooring to clean the floor with as little moisture as possible. Removing scented candle wax should be

Restoring the spectacular finish to granite involves cleaning the stone first. Granite stone, a natural rock, turns drab over time from food preparation, spills and soap residue that dull the surface, removing the shine. Harsh cleaners containing acid or ammonia may also strip the luster from the su

Swimming pools are an excellent source of fun and relaxation in the hot summer months. However, the costs, money as well as time, of cleaning and maintaining any type of pool are often daunting. Careful preparation, along with supplies found around the house, can prolong the life of one of the most

An effective garnish must enhance, not distract from food's appearance or flavor. A lemon basket garnish adds color and zest to any appropriately matching food dish. Before you commit to making lemon baskets, consider the potential food contents. Lemons work well as garnish baskets for similarly bri

Whiteboards, or dry erase boards, are a handy way to keep track of everything from appointments to grocery lists. Yet one mistaken use of a permanent marker can ruin them, and even the proper dry erase markers may lead to stains after time. Don't toss the whiteboard if this happens. Instead try one