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  • How to Get Wrinkles Out Of Carpet without a Stretcher?

    Wall-to-wall carpets have a tendency to get wrinkles. These wrinkles not only affect the outlook but also cause wear and tear. Carpet fitters have to fold and crease carpets in order to fit them but wrinkles can appear 1-2 days after installation.

    This article explains how to get rid of the carpet wrinkles without using a stretcher. But first, look at why carpets get wrinkles. Knowing the causes will help you avoid wrinkles on your carpet.

    What Causes a Carpet to Wrinkle?

    There are various reasons for it.

    1. Poor or improper installation of the carpet
    2. Excessive heat or humidity
    3. Movement of heavy furniture
    4. Poor quality of the carpet or pad
    5. Moisture underneath the carpet
    6. Cold weather  (latex carpets)

    4 Ways to Get Rid of Carpet Wrinkles without a Carpet Stretcher

    If you don’t have a carpet stretcher, there is no need to worry because there are other ways of getting wrinkles out of the carpet.

    Fixing carpet wrinkles using a knee kicker

    • Remove all the items from the room so you spot all the wrinkles and work easily.
    • Inspect the carpet to determine the ripples and loose ends or edges.
    • Detach your carpet from the tack strips, holding your carpet in place. Make sure you are doing it carefully and properly.
    • Take a knee kicker and place it on the carpet. Always begin from one end of the carpet. Push it along the carpet area and use your knee to push the cushion of the knee kicker.
    • Fully stretch your carpet to make it look better and smoother. Trim the excessive part of the carpet that is touching the wall.
    • Reattach the carpet with the tack strip once you are satisfied with how it looks. Replace the tack strips if they are old or broken.

    Fixing carpet wrinkles using a weigh down method

    This method is useful if your carpet has little bumps. You can use different heavy objects and put them on the wrinkles to make the carpet flat.

    Also, you can fold the carpet back in the opposite direction to get rid of wrinkles and bumps. It works best for loose carpets, center pieces or rugs. It wont make any noticeable difference to fitted carpets.https://www.youtube.com/embed/CRif7MEKDAo

    Fixing carpet wrinkles using a steam iron

    get the wrinkles out of the carpet

    This is a risky method but gives good results if you know how to work with it.

    • Vacuum the wrinkled areas on the carpet.
    • Take a white wet towel towel and place it on the wrinkled area. Don’t use colored towel as it can leak colors.
    • Ready your steam iron to the highest setting. Place the iron on the towel and move it rapidly to avoid burning the towel and carpet. It will remove all the wrinkles from the carpet.
    • Vary the pressure if the wrinkles are stubborn.
    • Use a hairdryer to dry the carpet or let it dry naturally.

    Fixing carpet dents using an ice cube method

    make carpet wrinkle-free with ice cubes
    • Place ice cubes on the wrinkles and let them melt completely. Your carpet will absorb all the melting water and get back into its original shape.
    • Vacuum the carpet to dry it.
    • Use a comb or fork to get the carpet fibers back into their original shape.

    Tips to Get Wrinkles out of Carpet

    • Stretch the padding if it appears wrinkled.
    • Shine a sharp light at low angles to locate the wrinkles.
    • Wear thick gloves while working with tack strips as they are extremely sharp.
    • Use a high-quality dust mask.
    • Rent tools instead of buying them.

    Why is it important to get wrinkles out of the carpet?

    • Tripping Hazard: Wrinkled carpets are a tripping hazard. Adults may somehow avoid it, but little ones will fall badly.
    • Bad Appearance: Wrinkles destroy the overall smooth and flat look carpet gives to the area.
    • Door Problems: Most wrinkles appear near doors, making it difficult to open/close/lock the door.
    • Wear and Tear: Wrinkles cause wear and tear to your carpets. Wrinkled areas are more exposed to traffic and get damaged quickly.

    Why do you need a carpet stretcher?

    The best tool to get wrinkles out of the carpet is to use a carpet stretcher. Techniques like steaming, ironing, icing, and heavy objects get wrinkles out but may damage the carpet. Using carpet knee kicking tools or using your hands and legs to remove wrinkles can be discomforting, especially if you have a large room to clear.

    But stretchers are expensive and require practice before you can work with them correctly.

  • How to Get Rid of Coffee Stains that Keep Coming Back?

    Coffee stains look awful and they keep coming back from time to time. This article discusses the best solution to deal with coffee stains on your carpet.

    washing detergents

    What You Will Need

    • Two spray bottles filled with warm water
    • Shop-Vac
    • Cleaning detergent
    • White towel or cloth

    Instructions

    • Add the cleaning detergent into one of the warm water spray bottles and give it a mix. You can increase the detergent’s quantity if you want a strong cleaning solution.
    • Spray some of the soap-water cleaner on the carpet and rub it with a cloth or towel. Do not rub too hard; you just have to blot the area.
    • Spray more detergent-water mixture and keep blotting your carpet for a while with the cloth.
    coffee stains on the shirt
    • Vacuum the area with a Shop-Vac for 1-2 minutes.
    • Repeat the process of spraying the soapy water and vacuuming it. When you feel like it’s done, pour simple warm water to get the soap out of your carpet.

    Also See: How to Clean Bacon Grease from Pan?

    From Cups

    The coffee residue left in cups can dry after some time and leave stains at the bottom. A stained coffee mug looks awful, and you think it is washed or not.

    Here’s how you can remove coffee stains from mugs!

    • Add some baking soda to the cup’s bottom and pour some white vinegar; it starts to bubble up.
    • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
    • Add some more baking soda to make its paste with water.
    • Scrub with a soft brush to remove the leftover stains. Be careful; it may scratch the surface.

    From Car’s Seat

    Coffee is an on-the-go drink. Stains on car seats are common with coffee lovers. Try dealing with the stain as soon as you can after the spill. It is difficult to remove dried stains.

    • Use a paper towel or a rag to soak as much coffee as possible. You must blot the surface and not wipe it. Old stains will probably be dried and may not have any moisture.
    • Use a cold-water wet paper towel to blot the stain. It helps remove more coffee from the seat.
    • Blot again using a dry and fresh paper towel to remove the excess liquid.
    • You can use dish soap/baking soda with water to remove the remaining stains. Give the cleaning liquid at least 30 minutes to work its way into the stain.
    • Rinse with a fresh paper towel. Repeat the process as necessary.
    • Use dish soaps with low pH for leather and light-colored seats.

    Can I remove the coffee stain from my carpet using home ingredients other than kitchen items?

    Yes, you can. You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove coffee stains from carpet and clothes. Vinegar can be harsh on some surfaces.https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6OZ_GR0sh4

  • How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Shower Caulk?

    Shower caulk is a hotspot for mold growth because it stays damp and wet. A moldy shower caulk looks awful and is a health hazard if you inhale the mold spores.

    6 Methods to Remove Black Mold from Shower Caulk

    1. Ammonia

    Wear a face mask, safety goggles, and gloves while working with ammonia. Ensure the doors and windows are open and the exhaust fan is running while cleaning. DO NOT use ammonia to clean silicone caulks.

    scrubbing off ammonia spray

    Add 1 part ammonia and 1 part water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on black mold and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the sprayed parts until you see mold coming off. Dry the spots and repeat the process if you see some leftover mold.

    Read: How to Treat Mold on Walls before Painting?

    2. Use Bleach

    You can also use bleach to remove black mold in shower caulk. Bleach is recommended for removing mild mold growth. Bleach has a pungent smell; wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves, and ventilate the room before cleaning.

    Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing 1 parts bleach and 3 parts water. You can use bleach in following 3 ways.

    By Sponge: Take a sponge and soak it into the solution. Squeeze the sponge and scrub it over caulk gently. This method is best for smaller mold growths in the bathroom.

    By Spray Bottle: Pour the solution of bleach and water into a spray bottle. Now, spray this solution over the caulk and wait for at least 20 minutes. Rinse the area with water. You can also wipe it with a sponge if you want.

    By Cotton Coils: It works best for stubborn mold growth. Soak the cotton coils in the solution and squeeze them. Place these cotton coils in line along the caulk. Use a pointed object to push them along the caulk and let them sit overnight. Remove the mold with a scrub brush or sponge in the morning.

    Before and after cleaning

    3. Use Vinegar

    Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it to the shower caulk having moldy growth. Let it set for 40-60 minutes and then scrub to remove the mold from the caulk. Rinse the treated area with water.

    black mold in shower caulk

    4. Apply Baking Soda

    You can also use baking soda to remove mold and prevent its growth. Make a cleaning solution by adding a quarter spoonful of baking soda to water. Shake it well before applying. You can also make a thick paste of baking soda and water.

    Spray the solution/apply the paste on the moldy areas and let it sit for 30 minutes; scrub and rinse. Now spray again but let it dry so its coating can prevent future mold growth.

    Apply baking soda

    5. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide

    Spray 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide to on the moldy parts and let it soak for 10 minutes. Scrub to remove the mold. Rinse with clean water and dry the area with a clean cloth.

    Similar Topic: 4 Working Solutions to Remove Black Mold from Shower Curtain

    6. Use Borax Spray

    Make a solution by adding ten parts of water and one part of borax. Mix it well and spray the solution wherever you see mold on your shower caulk.

    Let it dry for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a clean scrub brush or a sponge.

    Tips to Prevent Mold Growth on Shower Caulk

    • Keep your showers ventilated.
    • Clean shower caulk 4-5 times per month.
    • Use vinegar or a commercial mold cleaner for regular cleaning.
    • You can also use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area.
    • Install a humidity meter and ensure that humidity stays below 60%.
    • Remove wet towels, mats, and clothes from your toilet.
    • Dry shower walls, caulk, and tiles after every shower.

    Replace the Badly Damaged Caulk

    Sometimes mold causes irreplaceable damage to shower caulk. The only solution is to remove the caulk. Remove the old caulk using a caulk removing gel and install the new caulk. Make sure you cut its tip as per the required application size.

    Is black mold dangerous?

    Black mold isn’t dangerous unless you inhale the spores. It is far more of a concern for people with weak immunity, respiratory problems, and asthma.

    Why does mold grow on shower caulk?

    Shower caulk usually remains wet and moist. Homeowners usually don’t clean caulk after every shower, which is why mold loves to grow on caulk. Black mold can also grow on shower curtains, walls, and in the toilet tank.

    What are the black stains present on my shower caulk?

    The black stains in your shower caulk are actually spores for black mold. It’s common for a black mold to attack shower caulk because of the increased moisture content of your bathroom. Black mold is dangerous for human health, so you must remove it from your shower caulk as soon as possible.

    How to remove black mold from silicon shower caulks?

    The best way to remove black mold from silicone caulk is to use bleach. Take wads of toilet tissue and place them on moldy areas of caulk. Now damp them with bleach and wait for 20-30 minutes. You can use a soft toothbrush and dip it in bleach to dampen the wads. Collect the wads after half an hour and rinse the entire affected area.

    Vinegar or bleach, which is more effective in killing mold?

    Both vinegar and bleach are effective in killing molds. But compared with bleach, vinegar is more effective in removing bleach from caulks. It can penetrate the porous materials to kill mold from its roots. You can use any one of them as per your requisites.

  • How to get Motor Oil out of Trunk Carpet?

    Motor oil stored in the trunk can spill due to various reasons. It is a tough stain, but you can remove it using common household items.

    Things Required

    • Baking soda/corn starch
    • White vinegar
    • Vacuum cleaner
    • Dry cleaning fluid
    • Warm water
    • Liquid detergent

    Cleaning Process

    Cleaning Process

    Follow the steps mentioned below to remove motor oil from the trunk carpet. You can use these steps on other carpets as well.

    • Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain. You can also use corn starch if you don’t have baking soda.
    • Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and vacuum the carpet.
    • Pour a few drops of dry cleaning fluid on a clean cloth and apply the cloth directly over the motor oil stain.
    • Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Slightly stained carpets will be cleaned till now.

    Follow the steps below for tough stains.

    • Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent in 2 cups of warm water.
    • Soak a sponge with this solution and scrub the stained area until the remaining oil residue disappears.
    • Rinse the area with cold water and let dry.

    That’s it. This is the simplest way to get motor oil out of the trunk carpet.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1AV3Y-d3Lw

    Some other Methods to Clean Trunk Carpet

    Oil Based Solvents

    You can also use oil-based solvents to remove motor oil from the trunk carpet. Scrub the stain with oil-based solvent and then remove the carpet and wash it in your washing machine.

    Dawn Dishwasher

    Soak the carpet in hot water and add some dishwasher to it. Scrub the stains using a medium-hard brush for scrubbing. Get ready for some elbow grease, as this will not be an easy task.

    Washing the Carpet

    Wash the carpet with a carpet-cleaner as soon as you see the stains. Follow the instructions on the packing for better results.

    How to remove oil stains from the driveway or garage?

    • Cover wet stains with baking soda or cornstarch to absorb the oil before it dries up.
    • Once the oil dries up, remove the sprayed material and wet it with water.
    • If the stain dried some time ago, skip the two steps above and start the cleaning process by wetting it with water.
    • Pick a scrubbing brush as per the floor material. Scrub the area with a thick paste of baking soda and water.
    • Use a high-pressure water stream to clean the area.

  • 6 Steps to Easily Remove Brush from Hoover Carpet Cleaner

    You must remove the brush from Hoover carpet cleaner to clean it properly. This article discusses how you can remove the brush from a Hoover carpet cleaner in 6 easy steps. It is recommended to keep your cleaner’s user manual with you while removing the brush from Hoover.

    Step 1: Turn of the power and remove the power cord.

    Step 2: Remove the tanks on your Hoover carpet cleaner and set them aside. Do not set the tanks on furniture.

    Set the Machine

    Step 3: Make sure the handle is in the upright position. Tilt the cleaner back until the handle rests on the floor. This will expose the brush underneath the carpet cleaner.

    Remove the Brush

    Step 4: Reach in and behind both ends of the brush assembly. Pull it out gently. If the brush is stuck, apply some force at this step.

    Step 5: Clean the brush in the sink with tap water. Remove lint, hair, and other debris with your hands. Do not use any tools or abrasive cloths as they can damage the hair on the brush.

    Step 6: To replace the brush, align the plastic posts on the brush with the slots on the machine. Push firmly to lock the brush assembly in its place.https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Vxvt9Wadk8

    How to Remove Brush from Hoover SpinScrub Carpet Cleaner?

    Step 1: Turn off the machine and remove the power cord. Remove both the tanks and set them aside. Make sure you don’t place them on furniture.

    Step 2: Lift the bottom of the cleaner to expose the brush. Hold the inner portion of the brush assembly and pull it out slightly. This will reveal four release tabs. You need to press all four tabs at one time to free the brush.

    Remove the Brushes

    Step 3: You can wash the brush with tap water and remove any debris, hair, or lint. Air-dry the brush. Place it on a towel to avoid water leakage.

    Putting the Brush Back

    Step 4: To put the brush back, align the posts on the brush with the slots on the housing as shown in the image above. Make sure that square posts align with the square holes. Turn the brush rollers slightly to check that it has fitted correctly. Once the brush is aligned, press firmly on the brush assembly until it snaps into its place.https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jkf1Qrpq4I

  • How to Prevent Maggots in Kitchen Compost Bin?

    So you’ve found maggots (larvae of flies; whitish to transparent worm-like organisms) in your kitchen compost bins and wondering how they got there. You are at the right place. The more important part is how to deal with them.

    Maggots can enter kitchen compost bins for various reasons, like food waste in the bin, too many greens, or wrong temperature. Maggots break down organic matter in the compost, but if the temperature is too cold, they can’t function but keep multiplying.

    Let’s check out the most effective solutions to deal with maggots in the kitchen compost bin!

    maggots-in-compost-768x432

    Solutions to Deal with Maggots in Compost Bin

    A maggot attack on kitchen compost can escalate to a serious problem if they fly out of the bin. Hence, dealing with excessive maggots as soon as possible is important.

    Keep your Bucket in a Cool Location

    Maggots multiply when kept at warmer temperatures. Move your bucket to a cooler location, like under the sink, counter, or a cool spot in your kitchen where sunlight doesn’t directly shine on the bin. This method may reduce the decomposition rate due to lower temperatures.

    Freeze Compost Scraps

    This one’s particularly useful for people who get scraps picked up periodically. Maggots don’t grow in frozen food waste. You can use small plastic bags to freeze organic waste. However, this is a time taking process, and your freezer won’t have much space all the time.

    Increase Brown Content

    Maggots grow in a warm and moist environment. Increasing the brown content ratio in the bin can limit maggot growth. Things like ripped-up cardboard, paper, toilet paper tubes, or used paper towels absorb the moisture and stop maggot breeding.

    Use Compostable Bags to Collect Food Scrapes

    Maggots love food waste as it provides them with food. Reduce the food waste in your compost bin, or you can also put it in compostable bags. The bags limit the oxygen needed by maggots to grow and multiply.

    However, it will increase the composting time by slowing the decomposition rate. It makes it tough for flies to lay eggs in compost bins.

    Keep the Compost Bins Clean

    Flies and maggots love dirty places. Most people don’t clean the compost bin regularly, making it smell awful. You must clean the bins once you empty them. A simple wipe with a paper towel or wash it with clean water helps keep the bins clean and germ-free.

    Don’t open your Bin too much

    Limit your compost bins’ opening and closing frequency to keep flies away. Maggots are fly larvae; if you don’t let flies enter the bin, they won’t lay eggs.

    What to do for Compost Bins with holes? Many compost bins, especially DIY bins, have numerous holes for airflow. You can install a mesh screen around the bins to keep maggots away. Select a mesh that doesn’t allow flies to pass through.

    Use Electric Composters

    Electric or smart composters are in vogue. They compost quickly because they maintain a constant internal environment required for composting. However, you must remove the contents once the waste has been transformed. Moreover, organic waste in electric composters must not stay there for more than 24 hours.

    organic waste in electric composters must not stay there for more than 24 hours

    Avoid Composting Fat/Meat/Dairy

    Meat, dairy, and fat take a long time to break down. Hence, they stay longer in compost bins and attract flies, ultimately turning your compost bin into a maggot breeding ground. It is better not to add such things in compost bins; instead, you can send them to municipality bins.

    Add some Vinegar/Citrus Fruit

    Vinegar is acidic and keeps flies and maggots away by creating an acidic environment. However, you must only add ¼ teaspoon of vinegar for every 5 pounds of material in the bin.

    Adding some citrus fruits or peels has the same impact. You can also add pine needles, but they take too much time to decompose.

    Agricultural Lime

    Add lime in a measured amount to speed up the composting process; it leaves less food for maggots. Please be careful; too much lime will increase the pile’s pH and slow composting.https://web.archive.org/web/20240229074317if_/https://www.youtube.com/embed/msN54tto-zw

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are maggots good for composting?

    Yes. Maggots are more than good for compositing. Maggots increase the decomposition rate and speed up the compositing process.

    You must not remove maggots from composting if you are okay with their appearance, smell, and sound.

    You may be surprised that many composting facilities intentionally use black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in a process known as grub composting. Moreover, the black soldier doesn’t carry disease.

    How to get rid of maggots in outdoor compost tumblers?

    Compost tumblers are typically enclosed composting systems, but they have holes for airflow. Moreover, flies can find their way through pretty much anything. You can use a mesh screen to cover these holes. The above methods also work for compost tumblers.

    However, if your tumbler has hundreds of maggots, it is a good idea to remove the compost, clean it, and start compositing from scratch.

    However, if your tumbler has hundreds of maggots, it is a good idea to remove the compost, clean it, and start compositing from scratch.

    Will maggots fill my house with flies?

    It takes 3-4 weeks for maggots to become an adult fly. Hence, it is unlikely that flies will enter your house from compost bins even if you have biweekly pickups. Flies may get to your house if you leave the compost bin open and go somewhere for 1-2 months.

  • How to Make Roomba Googly Eyes at Home?

    Roomba with googly eyes

    Googly eyes, or jiggly eyes, are small craft objects resembling human eyes. Putting Googly eyes on your Roomba makes it friendly to kids and keeps pets away.

    Googly eyes are commonly available in stores and online. However, you can also make them at home and do something enjoyable with your kids and loved ones.

    Googly eyes

    Making Roomba Googly Eyes at Home

    Making Googly eyes at home is easy. You don’t need any fancy stuff. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make them for your Roomba.

    Googly eyes on Roomba

    Things Required:

    • Glue
    • Pencil
    • Plastic medicine wrappers
    • Scissor
    • Black paper
    • White paper

    Steps to Follow:

    1. Prepare Plastic Caps from the Medicine Wrapper

    Take a medicine wrapper. Use a scissor to cut the plastic cap from the wrapper. Now, gently remove the aluminum foil from the cap. You need two of them to make a pair of Googly eyes.

    2. Make Iris and Sclera

    Take white paper and place these caps over the paper. By following the cap edges, draw a line carefully with a pencil. Cut two circles for the sclera.

    Now, cut two circles out of the black paper to make an iris. These circles should be smaller than the white circles you cut for the sclera.

    3. Place Iris

    The final step is to place the iris part in the middle of the sclera. Now use glue to stick the cap to the sclera. Let it dry for a few minutes.

    That’s it! You have a pair of Googly eyes for your Roomba now. Paste them over Roomba and give it a new life.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vg3kqzs55eQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why should one put Googly eyes on Roomba?

    The Googly or jiggly eyes on Roomba make it presentable and cute to look at. These eyes realize the Roomba owners that it can be their friend, more than just a robot. You can consider your Roomba as your pet with cartoonish big eyes, helping in your home cleaning.

    What should be the size of the Googly eyes for Roomba?

    The size of the Googly eyes usually varies between 4.8mm and 610mm. You should select their Googly eyes according to your Roomba model and its size. You can also make them at your home just like you want.

    Can I add a nose, mustache, or tongue to my Roomba?

    Yes. You can modify your Roomba in any way you like. It is completely fine to paste whatever you like as long as it doesn’t interfere with the robot’s working. Ensure you don’t put something near its wheels, rollers, or sensors.

  • How to Make Organic Compost from Kitchen Waste?

    Kitchen composting is making organic compost from kitchen waste like food scraps. The compost (final product), when added to soil, enriches it and helps grow better plants and crops.

    This guide explains how you can organic compost from kitchen waste!

    kitchen composting

    Different Ways to Make Organic Compost from Kitchen Waste

    Composting is easy once you get ahold of it. The most important thing for composting is knowing the brown to the green ratio, temperature, moisture, pH, what to add, and what not to add to the compost pile.

    There are a few methods you can use to compost your kitchen waste. Let’s check them out.

    DIY Compost Bin

    The simplest way for beginners to compost kitchen waste is to make a DIY bin. You would need a plastic bin that you may already have around your home. You can also buy from a nearby store for around $10. Other things required a drill machine or hammer & nails, dry leaves or newspaper, clean dirt, and kitchen scraps.

    • Start by making a few holes in the bottom and lid of the bin with a drill machine or nail & hammer. There is no requirement for the number of holes, but each hole must be 1-3 inches apart. You can also make some holes on the sides for increased aeration.
    You can also make some holes on the sides for increased aeration.
    • Fill up to a quarter of the bin with dry leaves or shredded newspaper and add relatively clean dirt or soil until the container is half full.
    • Add your kitchen scraps. Don’t forget to maintain a 30:1 brown-to-green ratio and avoid things that take longer to compost.
    • Give the pile a gentle stir with a shovel. You can also do it with your hand but don’t forget to wear gloves.
    • Wet the compost slightly but not too much, as too much moisture can lead to odors.
    • Close the lid and place the bin in a shady area.
    • Stir the contents whenever you add compost or at least 1-2 times every week. Add another bin if you are planning to get more compost next season.

    Backyard Composting

    Most homeowners with yards prefer outdoor composting. They gather organic kitchen waste for 2-3 days and then transfer it to an outdoor tumbler or bin.

    The bins and tumblers are available in different sizes and features. The commercial designs make it easy to stir the contents and collect compost tea. Moreover, they also help maintain the constant internal temperature required to speed up the composting process.

    Make sure you have ample space under a shade to keep the composter or bin. Don’t forget to maintain the brown-to-green ratio and turn your pile every 3-4 days to ensure oxygen supply.

    Backyard Composting

    Indoor Compost Bin

    Indoor compositing is an excellent option for small homes, apartments, or condos. Moreover, it is also great for individuals or small families.

    However, indoor composting may not be your thing if you have a lot of waste. Indoor compost bins are available in different shapes and sizes. Select the one that meets your composting needs.

    Indoor Compost Bin

    Electric Composters

    The most convenient way to compost organic kitchen waste is to use indoor electric composters. These smart composters are available in different sizes, shapes, and features.

    Electric composters decompose food quicker than traditional composting because they maintain constant internal temperature and airflow.

    Vermicomposting

    Vermicomposting is also known as worm composting. It involves using worms to speed up the decomposition process. Vermicomposting can be carried out in either DIY or commercial composters.

    It is a slightly complex method and must be used by experienced composters.

    Vermicomposting

    Trench Composting

    Trench composting is the simplest method of all. It is also the easiest as you only have to dig a 1-2 foot deep trench in your backyard. Bury the food scrapes and cover them in about 6-8 inches of soil. The moisture and oxygen in the soil will automatically convert organic waste into compost. Make sure you bury the compost at least 6-8 inches away from your plants.

    Trench Composting

    Kitchen Waste you can Compost

    • Egg shells
    • Fruit and vegetable scraps
    • Coffee grounds & tea bags
    • Stale bread & corn husks
    • Expired spices
    • Nutshells
    • Juicer pulp

    Kitchen Waste you shouldn’t Compost

    • Meat and fish waste/products
    • Bones
    • Dairy products
    • Oily foods & products
    • Baked goods
    • Cooked food waste
    • Black walnut products
    • Onion & garlic scraps
    • Citrus fruit scraps

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I temporarily store organic waste in the kitchen if I compost outdoors?

    You can use a temporary compost bin to store the waste for 3-4 days and then empty it in the composter.

    What can I do to avoid landfills if I don’t want to compost?

    You can hire a compost collecting service or drop the compost in municipality composting tanks. You can also give organic waste to your neighbors if they compost.

  • How to Remove Dead Algae from Pool’s Bottom?

    It is better to treat algae growth in a swimming pool as soon as possible. Any delays can make it difficult to remove algae from the pool. This article discusses everything you need to know about removing algae from swimming pools.

    How to Get Rid of the Algae from the Pool’s Bottom without a Vacuum?

    1. Clear the Pool Filter

    Make sure you regularly clean your pool’s water filter when you notice algae growth. Algae particles often clog the water filter and make it useless.

    It is also a preventive measure to stop algae growth in your pool.

    cleaning of pool

    2. Clear the Pool Pump

    Algae grow rapidly in stagnant and dirty water. One way to stop its growth without using a vacuum cleaner is to run your pool pump regularly. You can use a skimmer or a pump strainer to clean the pool pump.

    How to Remove Algae from Pool’s Bottom with Algaecide?

    Algaecides kill algae and bacteria in swimming pools but don’t prevent future growth. Here’s how you can use algaecides to kill algae in your swimming pool.

    • Turn on the pump let it run for a few minutes and add 16 ounce of algaecide for every 10,000 gallons of water in the pool.
    • Run the pump filter after adding algaecide and wait for at least 12-24 hours so algaecide kills all the algae.
    • Remove dead algae from the pool and vacuum in the end.
    add algaecide to the pool

    How to Remove Algae from Pool’s Bottom with Shock Products?

    Calcium hypochlorite is commonly used to kill algae in swimming pools. Dont forget to wear safety gloves and face mask while working with calcium hypochlorite.

    • Add 5 gallons of clean water in a clean bucket.
    • Use 1 pound of calcium hypochlorite in 5 gallons to prepare the cleaner. Stir well to make a uniform solution.
    • Follow the instructions on the packing to add the required amount of shock product according to the volume of water in the pool.
    calcium hypochlorite
    • Apply the mixture directly to the algae-affected areas.
    • Let the shock sit for 12-24 hours and then run the pool filter for 6-8 hours.
    • You can remove the dead algae using a vacuum cleaner.

    How to Remove Dead Algae from Pool?

    Dead algae accumulate at the pool’s bottom. You can use a garden hose and a telescopic pole to remove dead algae from the swimming pool.

    Attach one end of the telescopic pole to a garden hose and one end to a vacuuming port. The tube works as a siphon and reaches the bottom of the pool to remove dead algae and debris from the pool. You can also outsource the work to a pool cleaning service.https://web.archive.org/web/20240229090519if_/https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqFQOzNMtB8

    Signs of Algae Growth in Pool’s Bottoms

    • Discoloration of pool water; water turns murky and dull.
    • Bluish and greenish colors on the stairs and walls of the pool.
    alage growth in pool

    How to Prevent Algae in Pool?

    Water Balance: Create a good water balance in your pool. Your pool water chemistry will be pH 7.2, Alk 100 ppm, Cal 200 ppm, and Cya 30-50 to prevent algae buildup.

    Water Circulation: Maintain good water circulation. Eyeball fittings, brushing, and pool cleaners will help.

    Water Sanitation: Add chlorine to the pool as instructed by your pool contractor.

    Water Filtration: Turn water filtration twice a day. The total run time should be 18 hours a day. Filtration will not allow algae to grow in the pool.

    Pool Algaecides: Use algaecides to kill and prevent algae growth.

    How do you remove green algae from the bottom of the pool?

    First, use a pool brush to scrub algae growth from the surface, walls, steps, and bottom of the pool. Then take green algaecide and add it into the pool by following the directions mentioned on the label. Let it sit for 24 hours. Now brush the pool’s surface again. In the end, use a vacuum to remove dead algae from the pool.

    Can adding chlorine to the pool turn its water green?

    Chlorine is added to the pool to kill algae. The optimum and recommended amount of chlorine should be added to the pool. Adding an overdose of chlorine will cause metals in the pool to oxidize, and the pool will turn green in color due to oxidization.

    What are the common algae types that can grow in a pool?

    Algae that grow in pools are primarily green, yellowish-green, dark green, and bluish-green. You can kill them with a multipurpose algaecide or use a specific algaecide.

  • How to Remove Candle Wax from Any Surface?

    Candle wax spills look bad. The major concern while removing the candle wax is not to damage the surface. This guide explains how to remove candle wax from various surfaces.

    Walls 

    Things You Will Need

    • Hairdryer
    • Plastic ruler
    • A clean cloth
    • Water
    • Vinegar

    Procedure 

    Use a low-medium setting on your hairdryer to melt the wax. Extra heat can damage wall paint or texture.

    • Heat the wax with a hair dryer to soften it.
    • Wipe the softened wax as much as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. 
    melt wax with hair dryer
    • Prepare a cleaning solution by adding 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Spray the solution on the walls to remove the wax.
    • Wipe the wax with a clean cloth. Do not use any abrasive or pointed object to scrape wax because it can damage the walls.  

    Unpainted Wood Wall

    • Harden the wax using an ice pack or ice cubes (in a sealable plastic bag) for 1 minute.
    • Scrape solid wax using an old credit card or blunt plastic scrapper.
    • For finished wood walls: add 1 part hot water and 2 parts distilled white vinegar in a bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth and squeeze it until damp. Wipe the residual wax and clean it with a clean, dry cloth.
    • For unfinished wood walls: Scrub the wax with water and baking soda paste with an old toothbrush while applying gentle pressure. Work with the grain of the wood and finish the cleaning process by wiping the spot with vinegar and water solution. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

    Wallpaper

    It can be tricky based on the type of wallpaper you have. We recommend you work gently to avoid fading/discoloration and test the cleaner on a hidden spot.

    • Harden the wax using an ice pack and scrape it with an old credit card or a blunt plastic scraper. This method is effective in removing wax from vinyl-washable wallpapers.
    • Only perform this step if all the wax doesn’t come off. Place 4-5 paper towels over the wax stain. Press the towels for 15-20 seconds with an iron on medium settings to transfer the wax to paper towels. Replace the paper towels and repeat the process until all the wax comes off.

    Wooden Floors

    Things Required

    • Ice pack
    • Credit card/plastic ruler
    • Wood floor cleaner
    • Wooden floor wax

    Procedure

    • Harden the wax with a hair dryer. Avoid using a hair dryer to remove melt on wooden floors.
    • Scrape off frozen wax with a plastic ruler or credit card; don’t use anything that can damage the floor.
    • Use your floor cleaner to remove any leftover wax.
    • Polish the floor with your regular wooden wax to restore the shine.

    Carpet

    Check the cleaner on a hidden spot before cleaning the stain; we don’t want you to discolor your carpet. Always use mild cleaners to clean a carpet.

    Things You Will Need

    • Iron/hairdryer
    • Paper towel/brown paper bag
    • Ice pack
    • Any dull knife/butter knife
    • Carpet cleaner/rubbing alcohol
    • Vacuum cleaner
    candle wax on the carpet

    Procedure

    • Freeze the wax using an ice pack. You can also place ice cubes in a plastic bag over the wax. Skip this step if the wax is dry.
    • Scrape the wax using a butter knife or any dull object that can remove the wax. Skip the next step if all wax is removed in this step.
    • Place a paper towel or brown paper bag over the wax and heat it using medium settings on a hairdryer or an iron. This melts the remaining ice and transfers the wax to the paper towel. Repeat this step if needed.
    • Clean the waxed area with rubbing alcohol or a commercial cleaner to remove the remaining wax and stains. See the instructions on the product to see how it is used.
    • Vacuum the carpet once it is dry.

    Upholstery 

    Removing candle wax from upholstery is similar to removing wax from carpets. 

    • Place an ice pack on the candle wax to harden it. 
    • Use a butter knife to remove the frozen wax from your upholstery. 
    • Place a paper towel or brown bag on the wax stain.
    • Iron the stain to melt the wax over the paper towel. 
    • When wax transfers to the paper, change it. 
    • Blot the stained area with rubbing alcohol or with any good commercial cleaner. 
    • Vacuum in the end to remove any leftover residues. 
    candle wax on upholstery

    Fabric

    • Remove large wax pieces using a butter knife or a blunt object that won’t damage the fabric.
    • Place paper bags above and below the waxed spot.
    • Iron with medium settings to transfer the wax to paper bags. Replace the bags and repeat if needed.

    Glass

    • Scrape wax from glass using a butter knife or a plastic scrapper that won’t scratch glass.
    • Use a hair dryer to soften the wax; remove the softened wax with paper towels.

    Candle Wax Spills Protection

    • Keep candles at least 15-20 centimeters away from the walls.
    • Always use a drip tray with candles. Drip trays are much easier to clean than walls, floors, carpets, or upholstery.
    • Cup the flame before blowing it to prevent splattering.
    • Check that candle is in a solid state before moving it.