The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1102906
The Press-Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 10, 2019 D-21 GUDORF CONTRACTI NG I NC . PLU MBING, HEATI NG, AIR-COND & ELECTRICAL OWNER: MARK GUDORF 812-482-1081 812-309-0661 Jasper, IN 47546 • Home • Farm • auto • Business • HealtH • liFe Working Together Since 1864 1405 Main Street • Ferdinand, Indiana www.ferdinandfarmersinsurance.com 812.367.1413 • 888.440.1413 For your complete insurance needs, contact the Ferdinand Farmers Insurance Group. Tackle those embarrassing carpet stains Most carpet has stain and soil protection prop- erties on the fiber, making spot and stain removal much easier. Different fibers handle stains differ- ently so it's always wise to consult a manufacturer's warranty and specific care instructions. KNOW THE BASICS ✦ Pick up anything you can with a spoon ✦ Blot liquids with a wet towel. Use another dry cloth to blot up moisture. at's blot, don't scrub. ✦ Vacuum dried messes ✦ If the stain doesn't clear, use a small amount of cleaner on soiled area ✦ Rinse your carpet with water after stain treat- ment REMOVE COMMON FOOD AND DRINK STAINS ✦ To clean most common stains such as cof- fee, soda pop or juice, use ¼ teaspoon of clear dish- washing liquid and one cup of warm water ✦ Acidic stains like tomato sauce respond well to one tablespoon of ammonia and one cup of wa- ter ✦ Alkaline stains respond to one part vinegar and two parts water Eliminate pet messes – Use a detergent solu- tion followed by either the same vinegar or am- monia solution described above if necessary. Do not use steam! Clean up oily or waxy messes – Use a dry-clean- ing solvent that can break up the bond between oil or wax and your carpet's fibers. Take on stubborn stains – Substances like blood, mustard and chocolate are particularly tough and may require several rounds of cleaning by blending ammonia and water. Prevent dirt and grime buildup – Everyday dirt and dust that get ground into carpet fibers are com- mon, but regular cleaning can help. It is recom- mended to vacuum three to four times per week, depending on the traffic in your home. Have your carpets deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months. While your walls can suffer from everyday living, repairing drywall can be an easy fix if you have a lit- tle patience and the proper tools. ✦ NICKS, DINGS AND DENTS – Cut off any raised debris with a razor blade so it's complete- ly smooth. Using a drywall knife, smooth a pre-mixed spackling compound over the dent or hole and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Lightly sand the area, apply anoth- er thin coat and sand again until the spot is totally smooth. en, apply paint for a completed look. ✦ CRACKS – Long, skinny cracks aren't as scary as they look, usually the result of the house flex- ing or settling and forming around windows and doors that were in- stalled too tightly. To fix, get all of the loose debris out of the crack with a utility knife or flathead screwdriver. Next, apply a dry- wall compound into the crack to hold it together and prevent it from cracking again. Let it dry and apply a second coat. After the area is dry, it's ready to be sanded and painted. ✦ SMALL TO MEDIUM HOLES – If the hole is more than a few inches wide,you'll need a drywall patch. Cut a square of repair drywall two inches larger than the hole. With a utility knife, score the front of the drywall,then snap it back and cut the back for a perfectly smooth-edged piece. Next, outline the piece over the hole in the wall with a pencil and then cut the existing drywall along the lines with a drywall saw. Screw two pieces of thin wood in- side the hole at the top and bot- tom. Place the patch over the hole and screw it in, making sure the heads of each screw are below the surface for an even finish. Apply a square of drywall mesh, which is sticky on one side, over the patch. is will help bond the patch to the wall. You're now ready to spackle, using a pre-mixed wet drywall applied in three thin coats. Let it dry, sand it down and apply another two coats to make it nice and smooth. ✦ LARGE HOLES – Repairing large patches due to water damage or another issue is just a bigger, longer process of fixing a small- er hole. Instead of using nailer boards, cut out a square or rectan- gle from one stud to the next stud, and then screw the large patch into the studs. Use joint tape instead of drywall mesh, then just apply two to three coats of compound and lightly sand in between each one. Fix that unsightly hole in the wall Bedrooms are an extension of daily life. With stacks of magazines, bills to pay, too many electronics, it's no wonder so many people have trouble sleeping. Now it's time to reclaim your space and turn your bedroom into a relaxing place to escape chaos. Here's how: DOUBLE UP WINDOW TREATMENTS – Shades and thick drapes are the perfect combination to block light and insulate. Blackout curtains will re- duce noise from the outdoors. PICK PEACEFUL COLORS – Along with paint, choose linens, pillows and throws in restful shades such as grays, pale blues, aquas and greens. PERSONALIZE YOUR BED – Choose a mattress that feels most comfortable to you. For sheets, the higher the thread count the silkier they feel, but also the more wrinkled they can get. PERFECT YOUR PILLOWS – It's all about what you like what will improve your sleep such as cool- ing, memory foam, anti-allergy, down body pillows or others. If you have sleep apnea, look for pillows that keep your head elevated. DECORATE TO INSPIRE – Hang items on walls that inspire and bring you to a calm place. Try a col- lage frame of family photos or a piece of framed art, something that will help you feel at ease and content. DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE – When everything is in its proper place, a room feels more restful. Invest in organizing baskets and other space-saving tools. Tidy up and you'll find it easier to relax later. EVICT TECH TOYS – Noise and light are the big- gest sleep disrupters. Keep electronics like TVs, tab- lets, laptops and smartphones out of the bedroom. 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