A peek inside a Bissell carpet shampooer reveals a pair of belts. These belts drive the brush roll beneath the vacuum and the pump inside the machine. Both the brush roll and pump provide crucial cleaning power. The brush roll removes stubborn dirt, while the pump dispenses cleaning fluid to the flo

Urine stains happen. Regardless of the culprit, it is very important to effectively and quickly clean up stains from carpet and upholstery to prevent urine odor. Urine odor will linger until the stain is completely clean and neutralized, so it is important for your health and your home to clean up t

Cleaning and maintaining a gravestone keeps the lettering visible and the stone looking clean. Unfortunately, many abrasive products that produce instantly visible results with little effort also damage the stone, resulting in premature weathering and eventually leading to weak points in the stone t

Microwave heat packs are useful first-aid supplies. Just microwave for one to three minutes in 30 seconds and apply directly to skin. Heat packs can be used to stay warm on a frosty night or relieve sore muscles, headaches and arthritis pain. Add essential oils or dried herbs to your heat pack to en

A reed diffuser with a linen scent emits a pleasant laundry-fresh smell into a room without requiring a flame as a scented candle would. This safer scent option eliminates the risk of a potential fire, and the diffuser is also very easy to clean and maintain. For the most part, you simply need to ad

Baseboard heaters produce electric heat and may be used as a source of heat in many homes and businesses. Sometimes, accidents happen such as children leaving a plastic toy on or near the heater or something plastic is left leaning against the heater. Although plastic will not melt instantaneously b

Insulated curtains are made of a heavy material that keeps air from entering or exiting through a drafty window. These curtains are available in a variety of styles, but they are usually backed with blackout fabric that prevents light from shinning in when the curtains are closed. Drying your insula

Products for cleaning a sink vary with the material used to manufacture the sink. For example, ceramic and porcelain sinks can be cleaned safely using a mild abrasive, while it's typically safe to use coarse cleaners, such as Ajax or Comet, on a stainless steel kitchen sink. Degreasers are also usef

The porcelain enamel found on bathtubs and appliances can easily become scratched and stained. Unfortunately, scratches and stains on porcelain are typically very noticeable and can cause the objects to look unsightly. Luckily, there are ways to remove them from your porcelain enamel appliances.

Outback Trading Co. manufactures a large variety of oilskin coats that are designed to repel water instead of absorbing it. However, if the coat is put away while wet or is subjected to moisture over an extended period of time, mold will start growing on the coat's material and will likely cause an

There's something slightly unsettling about the chemical smell that goes along with most commercial window cleaners. Fortunately, you can make your own window cleaner; save some money and avoid breathing in toxic fumes by mixing your own window washing solution.

Terrazzo flooring is a popular type of flooring that uses pieces of glass, marble, and other such components in a concrete base and is polished into a low-maintenance hard flooring. This type of flooring has been used in different forms for centuries, including by historical figures such as Michelan

When moisture from condensation or hot foods collects inside in the refrigerator and is allowed to remain, it can quickly create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It takes only one tiny mold or mildew spore to quickly develop into an entire colony, leaving stains and odor in close proximity wit

It can be frustrating when fabric that hasn't been used or handled for a while smells unpleasant. Moisture, pests and body oils can all wreak havoc on fabric over time. If you're looking to store fabric that you don't plan on using in the near future, there are things to keep in mind and precaution

Mohawk Andora Falls carpet is sold under the company's Aladdin line of carpet products. This material is designed for use in the home, but may also be used in some low-traffic commercial settings. Like all Mohawk products, Andora Falls carpet offers durability and strength, and can be expected to la

Growing plants is a good teaching tool for preschoolers. It is both simple and fun. Planting teaches the children about life cycles and responsibility. It is also a lengthy lesson that incorporates both indoor and outdoor class time. According to Beth Hallett of the University of New Hampshire Ch

A shiny surface or a film on cement is typically caused by mildew. This mildew prevents sealers and paint from adhering to the surface. Applying an acid wash to the concrete removes mildew by etching the top layer of the cement which roughens the surface. Stains in the cement can also be removed by

Mildew is typically green, brown, black and even white in color. It forms on surfaces that are damp, shaded and have high levels of humidity, and, if left untreated, it will spread further. So if you find mildew on your brick walkway, house or even basement walls, clean it away promptly. Use the rig

Baby clothes, if kept in storage for long periods of time, may develop mysterious yellow stains that conventional washing methods fail to remove. These stains are the result of dirt and residue oxidizing over time. For instance, if you place clothing in storage with even faint traces of impurities,

Ice dams may seem innocuous but they are deceptively problematic. Ice dams block the flow of melting snow and ice on your roof. When that meltwater collects behind the ice dam, it can reroute through the roof and cause leaks. To avoid the possibility of potentially costly repairs, melt ice dams from