Home & Garden

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The best way to clean windows is not with a commercially prepared window cleaning solution, but with dish soap and water. You also need a single-edge razor, a window scrubber, a squeegee, a chamois, a bucket and old rags.

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    • What can you get at a church rummage sale?

      Q: What can you get at a church rummage sale?

      A: Church rummage sales offer a wide variety of items. Household goods, designer clothing, antiques, collectibles, toys, books, athletic equipment and tools are often found at rummage sales, according to numerous websites of churches such as St. Vincent de Paul Church in Brooklyn, Minnesota, and Christ Church of Winnetka, Illinois.
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    • Are old National Geographic magazines worth money?

      Q: Are old National Geographic magazines worth money?

      A: According to XYZ Collectibles, there are many old National Geographic magazines that are worth money. For example, as of 2014, the January 1902 issue of National Geographic is valued at $816.50.
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    • How much is antique silverware worth?

      Q: How much is antique silverware worth?

      A: Several factors are involved in determining the value of antique silverware. LoveToKnow Antiques states that the first consideration is finding out whether or not the silverware is sterling silver, which is valued at a significantly higher rate than silverplate.
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    • How can you tell if a vase is antique?

      Q: How can you tell if a vase is antique?

      A: The most reliable way to tell if a vase is antique is to get an appraisal on it. A qualified appraiser is trained to look for signs that other people miss and will give the best estimate of its age and fair market value. A written appraisal from a professional appraiser is required to insure an antique for its fair market value, and it is the only way to tell the difference between an authentic item and a professionally made replica or forgery. If an appraisal cannot be obtained or is not wanted, thoroughly research the specific item to learn specific signs of its age and condition.
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    • What is my cuckoo clock worth?

      Q: What is my cuckoo clock worth?

      A: The price of a cuckoo clock varies depending on the style, maker and age of the clock as well as other factors. Old and rare clocks can be worth several thousand dollars, but most cuckoo clocks will not fetch this much money at auction.
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    • Are old newspapers worth anything?

      Q: Are old newspapers worth anything?

      A: Old newspapers that cover events of national or worldwide importance may be worth money to collectors. For example, major events that increase the value of an old newspaper may include the bombing of Pearl Harbor, D-Day coverage, reports on the Battle of Gettysburg, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
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    • How does water conditioning work?

      Q: How does water conditioning work?

      A: Water conditioning works when water runs through a conditioning system that contains sodium ions. These sodium ions replace excess ions of magnesium and calcium to improve the quality of the water.
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    • What can I use instead of a double boiler?

      Q: What can I use instead of a double boiler?

      A: If you don't have a double boiler and need to gently heat a substance, Taste of Home Magazine suggests making your own double boiler using a saucepan and a metal bowl. A double boiler is a cooking apparatus that consists of two pans, one of which fits inside the other. The bottom saucepan is filled with water, which is boiled and used to gently heat food in the upper pan.
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    • Why does my air conditioner keep blowing fuses?

      Q: Why does my air conditioner keep blowing fuses?

      A: According to About.com, if your air conditioner keeps blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, it is because the appliance is trying to draw more current than the fuse or breaker will allow. This can result from a window-mounted air conditioner being plugged into a circuit that is insufficient for its needs, or it could indicate that the air conditioner needs servicing.
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    • How does a humidifier work?

      Q: How does a humidifier work?

      A: A humidifier releases water vapor into the air from an internal reservoir, dispersing it through various means. Warm mist humidifiers boil water to produce steam, while cool mist humidifiers rely on physical means to spray tiny droplets into the air. Ultrasonic models use vibrations to vaporize water into the home.
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    • What do you do when the garbage disposal does not drain?

      Q: What do you do when the garbage disposal does not drain?

      A: To restore flow to a drain with a garbage disposal, empty the sink, remove the trap, and clean it. Use a drain auger to clear any obstructions beyond the trap. Most homeowners can complete the process in less than an hour.
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    • How do you calibrate a digital scale?

      Q: How do you calibrate a digital scale?

      A: Since different brands and models of digital scales require different calibration methods, the only way to perform a completely accurate calibration is to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Exact calibration procedures are located in the scale's instruction manual or on the manufacturer's website.
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    • How do you prevent slippery floors?

      Q: How do you prevent slippery floors?

      A: A person prevents slippery floors within the home by cleaning regularly, establishing house rules or using different products to encourage proper traction. When every person in the environment helps to maintain floors properly, the risks of slipping and falling are greatly minimized. Wet floors must be taken care of quickly to avoid accidents.
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    • What are some tips for buffing wood floors?

      Q: What are some tips for buffing wood floors?

      A: Buffing wood floors successfully involves using the proper equipment, removing old wax before buffing, blending scratch patterns and avoiding swirls. Proper preparation of the floors and buffing with the grain of the wood are also vital to successful buffing.
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    • How do you clean a baseboard heater?

      Q: How do you clean a baseboard heater?

      A: Cleaning baseboard heaters is a fairly straightforward process, and it's one that should be undertaken at least twice each year — in the spring and in the fall. Keeping baseboard heaters clean is part of the maintenance required to ensure efficiency and performance of the heating element and other parts of the heater.
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    • What are some cleaning phrases?

      Q: What are some cleaning phrases?

      A: Cleaning phrases include "spic and span," "clean as a whistle, "spruce up" and "clean enough to eat off the floor." The origins of some of these terms date back hundreds of years, and their usages have evolved since that time.
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    • How do you clean grease from kitchen cabinets?

      Q: How do you clean grease from kitchen cabinets?

      A: Over time, the fats from the food you cook settle on the face of your cabinets. This grease buildup is often difficult to remove. Work through the process beginning with the steps least likely to cause damage to the finish.
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    • How do you clean an LED TV screen?

      Q: How do you clean an LED TV screen?

      A: Clean an LED TV screen by turning it off, dusting it gently with a dry microfiber cloth, rubbing it clean using a vinegar-water solution, and buffing the television dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or rough materials, like paper towels or tissues.
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