Gutter systems can be made from a variety of materials including wood, steel, aluminum, copper and PVC. Aluminum gutters are among the highest-quality gutter systems for a variety of reasons. Rust is a common problem among gutters. However, when properly maintained and used under normal circumstances, aluminum gutters will not rust or corrode like other metal systems.
Versatility of Aluminum Gutters Some would like their gutters to match their home. Aluminum gutters can be painted, which makes it easier to do this. Some other gutters cannot be painted, leaving less room for personalizing. Some might think that with such versatility, aluminum gutters must be costly. Quite the contrary. Because of the lightweight material, as well as other factors, aluminum gutters are very cost-effective compared with other systems. More Customization Options Another way to personalize aluminum gutters is to choose the shape that best matches your home. Aluminum gutters come in rounded shapes as well as those with more line definition. If you'd rather not paint your own gutters but still wish to choose a color, some vendors will offer pre-colored options, too. Ease of Installation Aluminum gutters are simple to install, which leaves you the option of installing them yourself or hiring someone else for the job. Since aluminum gutters are so simple to install, those looking to save money by doing the project themselves may want to choose aluminum gutters. Saving Money & Time The lightweight design also means that a support system is not required, which saves money and time. Aluminum gutters come in a variety of styles. One of those styles is seamless gutters. Seamless aluminum gutters can cut down on leaks since much of the gutter length is a single piece, therefore providing fewer cracks (or seams) for the water to leak through.
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Vinegar is most commonly used in recipes, but were you aware that it has other benefits as well? Here are ten great uses for vinegar that you may not have thought about before. These are tailored toward regular distilled white vinegar.
Use Vinegar as a Bleach-Free Laundry Disinfectant Do you dread using bleach to disinfect your clothes? Maybe you can't stand the smell or it makes you sick. Try using one half cup of vinegar and one fourth cup of baking soda along with your detergent in your load of laundry. It whitens, brightens, cleans, and disinfects your clothes. Plus, it's much safer for the environment. Another bonus is that vinegar can be used on all colors. It's much less expensive than color-safe bleach, totaling about $1.50 per gallon versus 4 or 5 times that for color-safe bleach. Use Vinegar to Clean the Fish Bowl or Tank Do you have a fish tank or bowl with glass that is brown in some areas? When you clean the fish's residence, put a generous amount of vinegar on your cleaning cloth with a dab of liquid dish soap. The vinegar clears away the residue and disinfects the tank. The combination of the vinegar and dish soap makes it easier to slide the cloth around. Your fish will finally be able to see you through his glass and you don't have to be embarrassed at a tank that looks as if its never been cleaned. Vinegar Makes a Great Window Cleaner Are you tired of spending money on expensive window cleaning sprays? Just get yourself a good water bottle. Then, fill it about two-thirds of the way with water. Next, put about 3 drops of liquid dish soap into the water. Finally, fill the remaining area with vinegar. Shake it a little bit. Let it sit for a few minutes and then voila! Now you have a really good window-cleaning solution that costs less than a candy bar to refill and gives you a great streak-free clean for your windows and mirrors. I suggest keeping one in each bathroom, one in the kitchen, and one in each vehicle. With them in reach, you'll never have streaky, dirty windows and mirrors again. Use Vinegar to Clean Moldy Tupperware Does your husband tend to leave moldy storage containers and dishes in his work truck? Or maybe you leave it in the fridge too long. That's okay. Just empty them outside and bring them on in. Place them open in the sink. Put a dab of liquid dish soap in each one. Then, put about 2 tablespoons of vinegar in each. Fill the rest of the way with hot water and let them soak. For the lids, fill the sink only high enough to cover them with a dab of dish soap and about one fourth cup of vinegar and the rest hot water. Once the lids and containers have soaked for at least 20 minutes, wash them as you normally would. I prefer to use the dishwasher as an extra disinfection/sterilization process. Clean Your Countertops With Vinegar Vinegar can replace your chemical-ridden kitchen counter cleaners. Just mix half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray the counters and wipe clean. You can also use hydrogen peroxide for this. If you like to see your cleaners soap up, just add a couple drops of dish soap to the solution. The vinegar disinfects the counters and takes away odors as well. If you have a really tough stain, put a dash of baking soda on top of it. Then, spray with your vinegar solution and wipe clean. If there is white residue, you need to spray and wipe the vinegar solution until it is gone. Vinegar Kills Fish Odors in the Microwave Do you like to steam your fish in the microwave, but hate the smell? Place a cup or bowl of vinegar inside the microwave with your fish. Don't cook the fish in it. It should be beside the container the fish is in. The vinegar absorbs the odor. Use Vinegar as a Deodorizer While Cooking This trick is good if you are cooking something that is particularly pungent in odor, such as chitterlings, fish, or fried foods. Boil a pan of vinegar diluted halfway with water. This will help to absorb the odors. Just remember to start it before you start the "stinky" foods. This also works if you are baking something and don't want the smell to go throughout the house. Vinegar Can Be Used to ease Heartburn If you suffer from gas or heartburn frequently, you'll want to try this one. Drink a tablespoon of vinegar right before each meal. It helps to dissolve the acids, so there won't be as much left for the heartburn to feed off of. Clean Your Refrigerator With Vinegar Cleaning your refrigerator with vinegar frequently helps to kill germs and keep it smelling fresh. Use the same solution used to clean the counters above. Use Vinegar To Ward off Stinky Feet This is the really odd one. Do you know anyone who has smelly feet? Most people know at least one person who suffers from this. The person can soak their feet in a tub that has half water and half vinegar. The vinegar takes away the smell, kills germs, and relaxes sore muscles. So, if you know anyone like this, you may want to hint about it. Try using the muscle relaxer part, though. You don't want to lose a good friend by telling them their feet stink, unless you have the kind of relationship where this conversation would be acceptable. Know of any other awesome uses for vinegar? Comment below! Cottonballs are most often used for makeup removal, facial cleansing, and in removing nail polish, but did you ever think of all the other possible uses there may be? Here are ten excellent uses for cottonballs you may have never thought about.
Use cottonballs as stuffing -- Cottonballs make great stuffing for craft pillows and other stuffed crafts. They are all cotton, so they are washable. Just be sure to use plenty when stuffing and to dry the item well if you ever have to wash it. Hard-to-reach sink cracks are no trouble for cottonballs -- Have you ever tried to get underneath, behind, and between your faucets when washing the sinks? Now you can. Use a cottonball. It flattens easily and can slide where your cloth or sponge cannot. Quick bandages are a snap with cottonballs -- Have you ever needed a bandage when you were out of them or on the run? If you keep cottonballs and medical tape around the house, you can make a quick band-aid that works well on any sized cut. Try keeping a small baggie with cottonballs and medical tape in your purse. You never know when you may think of something else to use them for as well. Need a quick can cover? Try a cottonball -- Have you ever opened a can of pop, only to realize you couldn't finish it? Just stick a cottonball in the hole at the top and put in the refridgerator. It won't go flat as quick it would without the cottonball. The cottonball absorbs the air. Just don't push too hard or you'll have a cottonball in your drink. Then, it won't be fresh at all. Cottonballs keep the tears away -- Have you ever had to deal with a child who is afraid of the water getting in their eyes when shampooing their hair? Chances are you have. If your child is old enough, give the child a cottonball for each eye. Have the child close the eyes and hold a cottonball over each eye whenever you wash the hair. It helps keep the water out. Keep in mind that if you dump a large amount of water over the child's head, the cottonballs will not protect the eyes. You must also be cautious, as always. Use a cottonball, not your fingers -- Are you not particularly fond of having diaper rash cream lingering on your hand or finger? Have no fear, cottonballs are here. Just use the cottonball to spread the cream onto the affected area. Use a cottonball to swipe your data of fingerprints -- Do your DVDs and other CDs have your children's evidence stamped on them in the form of tiny fingerprints? Just dip a cottonball into some rubbing alcohol and wipe away the evidence. Cottonballs make great pencil holder protectors -- Are you a perfectionist who can't stand the little pencil and pen marks at the bottom of the pencil holder? Just place some cottonballs in the bottom of the pencil holder and voila! This also takes away the annoying clinking noise the utensils make when you put them in the holder, also a must for perfectionists. Make a Santa beard from cottonballs -- Does your child need a Santa beard and fast? Just glue some cottonballs together in a triangular shape with white glue (not school glue, just plain white all-purpose glue). You can attach it to your child's face using pipe cleaners. Just attach the pipe cleaners to the cottonball concoction by twisting them around the tips of each side and then bring the pipe cleaners around your child's ears like glasses. Prevent scratches on your computer desk with cottonballs -- Does your computer keyboard, laptop, or monitor make scratches on your nice desk? Just glue cottonballs to the bottom corners or all along the entire bottom edge with E-6000 glue. Hydrogen Peroxide is most commonly used to treat cuts and scrapes, but did you know there were many other uses as well? Even if you knew, aren't you curious to see how many you've tried and how many you haven't? Helpful Hints Before Using Hydrogen Peroxide Before using any of these, you should remember to always keep the peroxide in the dark container it comes in. Once it has been exposed to air and light, it loses some of its efficacy. It is best to use it straight from the bottle and right away after you take it from the bottle with a cloth or tissue. It's also important to remember to be safe with peroxide. If swallowed, it can be harmful and should be kept out of reach of children. Should accidental poisoning occur, you should contact a poison control center and possibly 911 immediately. If a large amount is swallowed, 911 should be called rather than poison control. This goes for adults as well as children. Ten Awesome Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash - Hydrogen Peroxide can be used as an alternative to mouthwash. It disinfects the mouth, freshens the breath, and whitens the teeth all in one step. Of course, you'll still need toothpaste, but you won't need your mouthwash anymore. This costs less and is more effective. Just ask your dentist or doctor about it and they're likely to agree. Use it every day right after each brushing and flossing. All you need is about a capful. Swish it around for 30 seconds, just like mouthwash. Don't rinse your mouth out afterwards. Countertop & Cutting Board Sanitizer - If you need to sanitize your countertops, hydrogen peroxide will do so, killing the germs and even salmonella. Fill a spray bottle with half water and half hydrogen peroxide, spray and wipe clean. Keep in mind that using this solution will discolor or damage some surfaces, so do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first and then wait 24 hours to see what happens. You can also use hydrogen peroxide as an effective means of sanitizing your cutting boards. It will kill salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Use the same solution as you would for sanitizing countertops. Toothbrush Rinse - Rinse your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide before and after each use to keep it sanitary. Bleach Alternative - If you need an alternative to bleach, you can add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to your load of laundry. It even gets out blood. Be careful, though because it really does bleach. Don't use it any dyed clothing, only whites. Fight Mold - Peroxide is effective against some toxic molds, but be aware that it doesn't kill germs from all of them, so it's best to leave it up to the professionals. However, I do recommend applying it in areas of your bathroom that are prone to mold, such as the cracks in the caulking of the bathtub and shower. Computer Keys & Screen - Peroxide is a great cleaner for your computer keys as well. It kills the bacteria and air dries quickly, so the equipment doesn't get damaged. While you're at it, it's also safe for the screen, outside of the computer, outside of speakers, and the outside of any other equipment. Bathroom Mirrors - Peroxide cleans the bathroom mirrors without leaving behind any smears, plus since it kills bacteria, you have the added benefit of knowing it's okay for your kids to kiss the mirror. Oh, come on, you know they love to do it. Treat Acne - You can use peroxide to treat acne as well. It's the main ingredient in most acne medicines and the other ingredients in them aren't necessary. Just apply it to the affected area once or twice a day and watch how quickly the acne disappears. Kill Bathroom Bacteria - You can keep a spray bottle of peroxide in the bathroom. Use it to spray the shower/tub, sink, and toilet area to keep away bacteria and viruses. Spray regularly. Clean Off Fruits & Veggies - You can use it to clean fruits and vegetables. Here's how: Fill your sink with cold water. Then, add 1/4 cup peroxide and some salt. Scrub the vegetables and rinse them. This kills any lingering viruses or bacteria. It also keeps the food fresher longer. If you don't have hydrogen peroxide in your cabinet, get some today! Your home is likely where you'll spend a great deal of your time, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible. Former customers at both the large craft store and the home improvement retailer I once worked for would ask me advice on their homes all the time. Comfort was a popular topic. These five ways will help make your home more comfortable.
Soothing and Warm Colors Help Create Comfort at Home Colors can really enhance a person's mood if done correctly. Choosing soothing and warm colors for the walls and furniture can make a home feel more comfortable. Light and soft hues of blue and green can often be comforting. Some yellows can also have this effect. Avoid extra bright yellows when going for relaxation. Lean more toward goldenrod to give off a happy, yet comforting feel. Mixing the yellows and blues - and even adding some soft green - adds to the effect. Use Feng Shui Techniques to Help Make Your Home More Comfortable Many swear by Feng Shui techniques to enhance comfort and mood in a home. Check out a few books at the library to read up on Feng Shui techniques. A great number of my friends and family members say they've benefited from using these in their home's interior design. I've used this method as well with great results. Try applying some Feng Shui techniques to enhance comfort in your home. A Variety of Seating Options Adds Comfort to the Home One day you might feel like sitting in a chair. Another, you may feel like lounging in a recliner or on the couch with your feet propped up. Choosing a variety of seating options is a great way to make your home more comfortable. If you have a large family like I do, this is an excellent way to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy. Choose Furniture Anyone Can Use for Added Comfort If you have kids or you entertain guests often, choose furniture that everyone can use. Pick darker colors or materials that can be cleaned easily. You don't want to have seating furniture in your home that no one is even going to sit on. Couches with a wider seating area tend to accommodate everyone better and can be more comfortable. Also, be sure to have some throw pillows handy. Throw pillows are a good idea if you're pregnant or have back problems and can help make furniture more comfortable. If you have pets, be sure to choose furniture that's comfortable for you, but that you won’t mind them messing up - or that is easy to clean. Use Soft Lighting to Add a Comforting Feel to Your Home Soft lighting can be very soothing and relaxing to many. Choose light bulbs with a low wattage or use dimmers to create a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Soft lighting should be used throughout the house. Try to avoid bright lights, such as fluorescent lighting fixtures. Whenever customers would ask me about comfort lighting, I would always recommend bulbs with the lowest wattage. Brighter lights can create the opposite effect. |
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