Oak Creek

Household Tips for Lawn & Garden – Protect Plants from Frost

JC Gatlin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:37:15 +0000

Use burlap, linen or newspaper as a covering to protect plants and shrubs from frost.
- Do not use plastic garbage bags. Plastic and vinyl materials trap moisture and can actually do more harm to your plants than no protection at all.
- When there is a threat of frost, cover your plants before sunset.
Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:13:38 +0000

Clean your bathroom after a steamy shower or bath. The walls, fixtures, etc. will be much easier to clean, because the steam will have loosened the dirt.
If you suffer from back problems, use a child’s toy mop to clean your bathtub – you won’t have to stoop over to clean.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:08:25 +0000

Saturate paper towels with household bleach and lay in the bottom of your porcelain sink for 30 minutes to remove stains.
Remove spots on stainless steel sinks with white vinegar. Use carbonated water to add shine.
Soak sponges overnight in salt water or baking soda added to water.
Run a cup of white vinegar through the entire cycle in an empty dishwasher to remove all soap film.

Looking for more tips? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:17:35 +0000

Let new grass grow to at least 2 ½ inches high before mowing. Never mow any grass to less than 1 ½ inches.
Aerate your entire lawn every two to three years, and high traffic areas yearly. Aeration is simply poking small holes in the dirt to loosen compacted soil and improve moisture penetration.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:44:47 +0000

Loosen dirt before cleaning the bathroom by filling the tub with the hottest water possible. The steam will loosen the dirt faster.
A solution of white vinegar and water, used sparingly, will cut through stubborn soap scum residue, but always wear gloves and rinse completely afterward.
To clean fixtures, dip a cloth in kerosene or rubbing alcohol to remove sum and spots from your bathroom fixtures
Vacuum the bathroom floor with your vacuum cleaner to pick up all the hair and dust bunnies that are scattered about. If you don’t, your floor will be a nightmare to clean with a mop or sponge.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:35:42 +0000

Always heat the frying pan before adding oil or butter. This will keep things from sticking to the pan. Boil vinegar in a brand-new frying pan to keep things from sticking to it. Splattering can be prevented by sprinkling a little salt into the the pan.
Stop boil overs: Spaghetti will not boil over or stick together if you add a small piece of butter or a few table spoons of oil to the water. The same holds true for rice.
Scalded Milk: Add a bit of sugar (without stirring) to milk to prevent it from scorching. Rinse the pan in cold water before scalding milk, and it will be much easier to clean.

Want more information? Watch this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:54:49 +0000

Looking for a natural insecticide? Add onions and garlic to a jar of water, let it stand for a week, and spray plants with it.
Got ants? Line flowerbeds and suspected entryways into your hmoe with deterrent substances. Salt actually works quite well, and you can spread it under doors, near windows and walls with a clean conscience.
Prevent ants and other bugs from coming inside by regularly checking the exterior of your home for any cracks or openings that bugs can crawl through. Seal windows, doors, and any cracks with caulk. An additional benefit with this is better temperature control and lower energy bills.

More ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:11:12 +0000

Before hanging shower curtains, soak them in a salt water solution to prevent mildew.
Wash mildewed shower curtains in hot soapy water, rub with lemon juice, and then let them dry in the sun.
Keep the shower door open after a shower to allow air to circulate. This won’t prevent mildew growth, but will help keep it down.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video:

JC Gatlin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:41:30 +0000

Wash the inside and out with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water.
A cotton ball soaked with vanilla or an opened box of baking soda set on the lower shelf of the refrigerator will eliminate odor.
You should give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning at least every 3 months or more frequently if needed.

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JC Gatlin — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:23:01 +0000

Use a rain gauge to keep track of weekly rainfall amounts. If it rains an inch or more, don’t water that week.
- Even coverage over the entire area is important to maintain a healthy lawn. To determine how well your sprinkler system is working, place several shallow containers–empty tuna fish cans, etc–about the area being watered and note the differences, then adjust accordingly.
Looking for more ideas? Check out this cool video: