MonkeyFilter | Everyday Tips. When to Replace Common Household Items : Yahoo! Finance. Nothing lasts forever. That said, many items are less obvious than the spoiled milk in your fridge — there's no expiration date or other obvious signs they have outlived their use. So how long should you let your stuff linger before replacing it? We talked to the experts and nailed down a "best by" date for, well, just about everything: AIR FILTERS Replace after: Six months Why: Filters become clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, says Rozanne Weissman, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy.
COMPUTERSReplace after: Four years Why: Unless you're using your computer for very basic functions (i.e., word processing), technology will have likely advanced enough that you need a significant upgrade, says David Carnoy, executive editor of CNET, a technology review web site. Rather than trying to put a new processor into an old computer, you're typically better off buying new. How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell. While researching this topic, I asked a relative for some practical advice to rid my house of cigarette smoke. Their answer was immediate and to the point: QUIT SMOKING! Who isn’t tired of hearing that one? The truth is that cigarette smoke permeates into our furniture, our carpets, our walls, our windows, and just about every other nook and cranny in our homes. Us smokers are generally unaware of the smell. The same problem exists in our cars. There are large numbers of people who are allergic to cigarette smoke, or suffer some very serious breathing issues when they come into contact with it.
Even the lingering smell of cigarette smoke left in a home or a car by its previous occupants is not just noticeable, but may be close to intolerable to a non-smoker. Get the Smoke Out! Make a Smoker’s Lounge If you have any rooms in your home which are seldom used, consider making one your smoker’s lounge and furnish it accordingly. Purify the Air Mind Your Butts Your Clothing and Your Breath. Cleaning and Stain Removal. Surprising Expiration Dates : RealSimple.com. Heloise. How To Mend It.
House Hacker :: Stuff for Home. The 15 tools every homeowner should own. If you don't have a handyman in your family and don't have a clue where to begin when it comes to assembling a proper home-repair tool kit, there's good news: For $200, you can buy 90% of all the tools you'll ever need to repair and maintain your home. (Bing: Find more great ideas for Father's Day gifts) Good tools purchased early in life can be a smart investment, says David Tenenbaum, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance. " "You can spend a little money on a tool or two with each job," he says.
"That way, you gather the tools you'll need slowly and less painfully. " Of course, the sooner you purchase the basics, the longer you'll use them, hence the more cost-effective they become. The key is to buy only good tools from reputable, name-brand manufacturers. "Quality matters," says Tenenbaum. Not just for menAnd women, listen up: Having the right tool at the right time is equally important for you.
Article continues below THE ESSENTIALS1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12 Simple Ways to Save Money on Utilities (and the Planet) Cleaning that funky, cloudy glassware. Anybody that has hard water can attest that cloudy glassware can be a major pain. I've always used the standard advice to soak them in warm vinegar, and it works, but not for very long and it always comes back worse. Check out my funky glass: Yep, that's pretty heinous. I was thinking of getting rid of those glasses and just buying some new when my mother gave me a great tip. Use white toothpaste to scrub the glasses. First, get some cheap dollar store white toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly and voila! Tagged : glassware, cleaning, cloudy, glassware.
Non-toxic Home Care. Best Cleaning Tips and Tricks | Cleaning : RealSimple.com.