Top Loaders vs Front Loaders: Why I Prefer Front Loading Washing Machines

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If you're thinking about buying a new washing machine, then you're probably wondering what kind you should get -- front-loader or top-loader. Most people are interested in the biggest differences between top load washing machines and front load washing machines. The truth is, each has advantages and disadvantages:   Now see, point-by-point, why I (and lots of other people) prefer front loading washing machines...   … [Read more...]

Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Can With 2 Compartments Makes Recycling Even Easier

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We have a stainless steel 13-gallon touchless trash can that I absolutely love. (So much so that I got one for 2 different relatives that year for Christmas and I talked my in-laws into buying one as well!) But I spotted this 16-gallon touchless trash can the other day, and I think it may be even better... because it's got 2 bins! The 2 separate buckets could be used for: sorting 2 types of recyclables (paper vs plastic), or for using one side as a standard garbage can and the other … [Read more...]

Bona Spray Mop vs Shark Steam Mop – Which Is Best For Hardwood Floors?

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When we moved into our new house recently, I was faced with the challenge of finding a way to keep all of these hardwood floors as beautiful and clean as they were the day we moved in. I have to be honest. We had hardwood floor in the kitchen and dining room of our old house, and we did not do a good job with those floors. We used harsh floor cleaners and waxy polishes, without thinking twice. After the first year, they never looked good again. They were also a softer oak floor (not laminate … [Read more...]

Leaf Blowers vs Leaf Rakes – Which Is Best & Why?

Wow, if this isn't a hot topic! No matter where you live, or how much you like your neighbors, the minute a neighbor fires up a noisy leaf blower, you're at their mercy and have to deal with the loud noise & air pollution.  Still, leaf blowers are commonly seen as the simpler, faster option when it comes to gathering leaves. But are they really more efficient than raking?...     … [Read more...]

Yard Aeration: How & When To Aerate Your Lawn

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If your lawn has brittle little blades of grass rather than a thick plush surface, it may be suffering from compacted soil. This prevents the root system of your grass from penetrating and growing to its fullest potential. It also prevents water from penetrating through to the roots when the rains fall. The end result? Moisture runs off into the drainage ditch and your lawn misses out on the nourishment it needs to thrive and grow into a lush green lawn. Compressed soil makes it difficult … [Read more...]

14 Unique Rakes With A Purpose – From Leaf Rakes To Garden Rakes And Everything In Between

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Odds are, if you head to the garage for a rake, you will probably grab one of these: A standard leaf rake. Lawn rakes or leaf rakes have 2 designs: straight edge or sweep (broom). Straight edge rakes pull leaves and debris toward the user, gathering up heavier trash such as sticks and stones. Sweep rakes are used like a broom. They pull or sweep the leaves and debris past the user. Sweep rakes are fan shaped, better ones with spring-steel teeth of graduated lengths for a straight leading … [Read more...]

12 Lawn, Garden & Home Projects That Should Be On Your Fall To-Do List

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Before you know it, cooler winds will start blowing in and winter will be here to stay. There are so many things that need to get done around the house before the snow starts falling.     Following are 12 household projects that should probably be at the top of your fall chores checklist...   #1  Attend to your garden harvest. The last few tomatoes and squash are waiting to be picked. You don't want to leave any to go to waste. Work now to prepare your … [Read more...]

Bounty Paper Towels: How Much Mess Will One Roll Really Pick Up?

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Inquiring minds want to know! Thankfully, Rob at Cockeyed put a roll of Bounty paper towels to the test -- like no one else can. You see, Rob likes to measure things... and count things... and figure out how things work. His little household experiment with a roll of paper towels reveals just how many spills one roll of Bounty paper towels can really absorb! See the results.   Rob is my hero. I've been a fan of his website for a long time. He's part prankster, part … [Read more...]

Dust Cleaners: My Favorite Dusting Brush For Ceiling Fans & Mini-Blinds

Every time hubby goes out of town, I use that time to dive into some serious spring cleaning -- no matter what time of year it is. This time, it was easier because I have added 2 new dusting tools to my arsenal of housecleaning gear. They are: a ceiling fan duster   a mini-blind duster See how I found the best dusters for cleaning ceiling fans and mini-blinds, and why I think these are 2 of the best dusting tools around. (Especially the ceiling fan duster!)... … [Read more...]

Husqvarna Automower Pros & Cons

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Wouldn't it be wonderful to have your lawn mowed with no time or effort on your part? The Husqvarna Automower might be just that labor-saving device you're looking for! The Automower is an autonomous robot that mows your yard for you, on a pre-determined schedule. Husqvarna also makes a solar-powered hybrid model. It's the world's first solar-powered robot lawnmower. Q: What effect does Automower have on the environment? A: Since Automower runs on batteries, there are no emissions … [Read more...]