These nasty little bugs can get into grain products, such as flour and other food items in your cupboard, without you realizing that they are there. So every so often check the boxes/containers in your pantry. When you discover weevils, here’s what to do.
When you see them, remove the package out ASAP. Put it in a sealed garbage can—outside. Wash down the area with hot soapy water. Examine all adjacent food packages. Be aware that weevils also eat products that have been stored for a long time. Check them too.
It can be so overwhelming and such a big project. To make it easier, create many to-do lists. Also set up a time line for how the move will unfold. You can then check out each item when you accomplish it. Here’s one essential call you must make.
Experts say to phone your insurance agent to make sure your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance will cover your items while in transit. Also, read the contract with your moving company BEFORE to see what the mover’s insurance covers.
Keeping a driveway clean and looking nice takes a little effort. Sweep and hose down often. Try to check it for stains regularly, so they don’t become permanent. When you find stains, here’s how to treat them.
* If the stains are fresh and wet sprinkle a good amount over the stain, one of the following: clay-type cat litter or sand. This will help to absorb the oil.
* If the stains are dry, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Scrub with a stiff brush, let set until dry and rinse.
* You may have to repeat this cleaning several times.
Our homes are filled with cords of all kinds for appliances, lights and now with all the computers we have. It’s important to check extension cords and appliance cords. You want to make sure they are in good condition. Take these steps too.
* Look at the cords closely to be sure that they are frayed or damaged in any way.
* Examine all cords around your computers too. Don’t let them get bent or twisted. Try to organize them and use power protectors. Dust the areas around all your computer equipment, and the computer.
* Never run extension cords under rugs because they can become damaged or short out and cause a fire.
When you bring frozen food home from the supermarket, make sure your freezer is working properly to keep frozen food—frozen. Keep your freezer at 0 degrees F. If the temperature is fluctuating, it will cause frozen foods to lose moisture, dry out and go bad. Also, take the following steps.
* Keep the freezer full to maintain the temperature.
* Don’t add too many non-frozen items to the freezer at one time because the heat given could cause the freezer temperature to rise.
* Place food in moisture-proof containers with airtight seals to preserve nutritional value and taste.
Sometimes there are stains that just won’t come out. This is a remover that you would try only if nothing else has worked. Use this on whites, washable clothing or items that can be bleached. If you are desperate, give this Heloise recipe a try.
HELOISE’S LAST DITCH STAIN REMOVER
Add 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent and 1/2 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of hot water in the sink, or plastic bucket. Stir to dissolve totally. Let the garment soak for just 30 minutes. In this case, longer is not better. If the stain doesn’t disappear, chances are it probably won’t.
If you have candles in your favorite rooms, it just seems inevitable that wax will drip onto the carpet at some point. To prevent or minimize this, place candles in holders or on approved candle plates. But if wax does, remove it ASAP.
Here’s how.
Fill a metal pan with ice. Place it right on top of the candle wax and leave on until the wax is frozen solid. Grab a small hammer and tap on the frozen wax to break it up. Pick up the wax pieces. If there’s a residue on the carpet, use dry-cleaning solvent or a carpet stain remover to remove it.
Take your time and do research. Become knowledgeable about what you should have to protect your home. Surf the Internet for information and talk to your agent. When ready, take these steps.
Shop around. Then get estimates from three or more different insurance companies, so you have a basis of comparison. If you still need extra help or have questions, go to the Insurance Information Institute: www.iii.org.
These indispensable and effective household cleaning tools do get grimy and dirty. So they need to be cleaned and here’s how to do it to ensure they last longer.
Machine wash in warm soapy water, but wash the cloths separate from towels, because the microfiber will attach to lint in the water, and it will stay on the cloth. Do not add fabric softener or chlorine bleach because they will make the microfiber loose its effectiveness. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
Note: Microfiber can melt at high heats, so never iron it.
It seems that sometimes spiders just love to hang out in our houses. The key is to not attract these creepy crawlers. The cleaner you keep your home, the less spiders will want to there because there won’t be things to munch on. Here are hints on getting rid of them.
First, find the spider webs, vacuum them up or brush away with a broom and wrap in a paper towel. Be sure to scoop up egg cases and toss into the trash. Dust especially well in corners, behind furniture and anywhere else you have seen webs.
These nasty little bugs can get into grain products, such as flour and other food items in your cupboard, without you realizing that they are there. So every so often check the boxes/containers in your pantry. When you discover weevils, here’s what to do.
