Earl Proulx – New England https://newengland.com New England from the editors at Yankee Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:43:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://newengland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ne-favicon-86x86.png Earl Proulx – New England https://newengland.com 32 32 Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Garbage Cans https://newengland.com/living/how-to/raccoon-disco-2/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/raccoon-disco-2/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/raccoons-disco/ Sometimes a practical raccoon deterrent can yield surprising results. Learn four ways to keep raccoons out of your garbage cans for good.

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]]> raccoons had raided his garbage cans three nights in a row. He wondered whether I had a solution for a raccoon deterrent short of staying up all night with a gun or keeping the garbage cans indoors. My initial advice was to place a small radio near the cans and leave it playing all night.
Raccoon Deterrent
Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons out of Garbage Cans
Photo Credit : Brenda Darroch
I got a letter from him later saying that my recommendation had worked. The raccoons left his garbage alone, but there had been some complications. It seems that the radio had not been well anchored, and the raccoons had walked off with it. “Somehow in the process of transporting the radio, the raccoons turned it up very loud, and the whole woods radiated with music,” he wrote. “The coons placed the radio on the hollow of a high tree, so all we could do was let the batteries wear out — which took two days and two nights. The raccoons seem to like disco music best, but we don’t.” I wrote back to suggest that if he liked country music better, he should try leaving a banjo out by the trash. Still looking for ways to deter raccoons from your garbage? Here are 3 more raccoon deterrent ideas to try.

3 More Raccoon Deterrent Ideas

  1. To keep raccoons out of your garbage, stretch a rubber bungee cord tight from one handle over the top of the lid to the other handle.
  2. Hang a string of blinking Christmas lights around trash cans and leave them on all night to act as a raccoon deterrent.
  3. To keep persistent and clever raccoons out of your trash, sprinkle a little ammonia on each trash bag you put in the can. This will keep dogs out, too.
We love hearing your raccoon deterrent and raccoon trash prevention tips. Be sure to leave them in the comments below! This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated. 

LEARN MORE: Fun Facts about Raccoons & Common Raccoon Diseases How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders | Simple Solutions How to Get Rid of Skunk Odor

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/raccoon-disco-2/feed/ 48 How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders | Simple Solutions https://newengland.com/living/how-to/squirrels-bird-feeders/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/squirrels-bird-feeders/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/squirrels-bird-feeders/ Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing bird food. Here are three ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.

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Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing food that’s been put out for the birds. Here are some helpful ways to keep squirrels out of bird feeders.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

1. Slip the feeder onto a long wire and hang it between two trees, but away from any low branches. Also, string empty thread spools on the wire to act as a further deterrent.

2. If your bird feeder sits on a pole and you’re pestered by squirrels stealing the seeds, go to the pet store and buy a squirrel baffle. This is a plastic dome that you attach under the feeder. It curves downward and away from the feeder, providing a barrier against upwardly mobile squirrels. Make sure the baffle is high enough that the squirrels can’t jump past it.

3. If you’re truly desperate to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, set up a small squirrel feeding area on the ground a good distance away from your feeders. Though you will have to sacrifice some bird seed occasionally, it should keep the pests occupied and let the birds feed in peace.

More Squirrel Solutions

  • Squirrels sometimes like to chew on outdoor redwood furniture. To discourage this, try rubbing the legs with chili sauce, then buffing.
  • To keep squirrels out of the attic, check the space for holes. Use wire mesh to close all openings under the roof edge where it joins the sidewall. Also get rid of any branches that hang over your house and outbuildings so squirrels can’t use them as ladders.
  • It’s worth trying an ultra-high-frequency sound devices to repel squirrels and other small animals.

Do you have any good tips for how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders? Let us know in the comments!

This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated. 

Learn More:
How to Keep Squirrels Away From Fall Bulbs
How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic | Ask the Expert
How to Get Rid of Skunk Odor
Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons out of Garbage Cans

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/squirrels-bird-feeders/feed/ 166 Stop Rocking Chairs from Sliding | Rocking Chair Repair Tips https://newengland.com/living/how-to/stop-rocking-chairs/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/stop-rocking-chairs/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/home-repair-diy/stop-rocking-chairs/ When your rocking chair turns into a walking chair, it's time to take action. Here are a few rocking chair repair tips to stop rocking chairs from sliding.

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]]> Stop Rocking Chairs from Sliding | Rocking Chair Repair Tips The best and most permanent way to stop rocking chairs from moving across the floor is to fix the chair’s defective rocker. Turn the chair over and plane the bottom of the larger rocker to match the size of the smaller one. This way, the rockers will be even and should therefore stay in place. A more temporary fix for the walking problem is to fasten one screw eye to the back of the chair’s bottom rung and another to the baseboard directly behind the rocker. Then tie a piece of stout cord between the screws to hold the chair in place and keep it from moving forward. If you lack the tools necessary to do the above, another simple solution is to glue a strip of material such as rug padding or felt onto the bottoms of the rockers. This should stop rocking chairs from sliding around on smooth surfaces, as it creates more friction between the rockers and the floor. Make sure the material you use is evenly spread out over each rocker and that there are no bubbles, otherwise your rocking chair might give you a bumpy ride. Following these rocking chair repair tips should help to stop rocking chairs from walking and instead let them rock on. Do you have any rocking chair repair tips? Let us know in the comments! This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: Get Scratches Out of Wood | DIY Reupholster a Dining Room Chair | DIY Fix Sticky Drawers | DIY How to Repair Torn Upholstery | DIY

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/stop-rocking-chairs/feed/ 3 Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Garbage Cans https://newengland.com/living/gardening/raccoon-disco/ https://newengland.com/living/gardening/raccoon-disco/#comments Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/raccoons-disco/ Sometimes a practical raccoon deterrent can yield surprising results. Learn four ways to keep raccoons out of your garbage cans for good.

The post Raccoon Deterrent | 4 Ways to Keep Raccoons Out of Garbage Cans appeared first on New England.

]]> raccoons had raided his garbage cans three nights in a row. He wondered whether I had a solution for a raccoon deterrent short of staying up all night with a gun or keeping the garbage cans indoors. My initial advice was to place a small radio near the cans and leave it playing all night. I got a letter from him later saying that my recommendation had worked. The raccoons left his garbage alone, but there had been some complications. It seems that the radio had not been well anchored, and the raccoons had walked off with it. “Somehow in the process of transporting the radio, the raccoons turned it up very loud, and the whole woods radiated with music,” he wrote. “The coons placed the radio on the hollow of a high tree, so all we could do was let the batteries wear out — which took two days and two nights. The raccoons seem to like disco music best, but we don’t.” I wrote back to suggest that if he liked country music better, he should try leaving a banjo out by the trash. Still looking for ways to deter raccoons from your garbage? Here are 3 more raccoon deterrent ideas to try.

3 More Raccoon Deterrent Ideas

  1. To keep raccoons out of your garbage, stretch a rubber bungee cord tight from one handle over the top of the lid to the other handle.
  2. Hang a string of blinking Christmas lights around trash cans and leave them on all night to act as a raccoon deterrent.
  3. To keep persistent and clever raccoons out of your trash, sprinkle a little ammonia on each trash bag you put in the can. This will keep dogs out, too.
We love hearing your raccoon deterrent and raccoon trash prevention tips. Be sure to leave them in the comments below! This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated. 

LEARN MORE: Fun Facts about Raccoons & Common Raccoon Diseases How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders | Simple Solutions How to Get Rid of Skunk Odor

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/gardening/raccoon-disco/feed/ 46 Remove Candle Wax from Fabric https://newengland.com/living/how-to/remove-candle-wax-stains/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/remove-candle-wax-stains/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/cleaning/remove-candle-wax-stains/ Did a candle drip onto your favorite tablecloth? Read on for our expert tips on how to remove candle wax from clothes and fabric.

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Need to know how to get candle wax out of clothing or how to remove candle wax from fabric like a tablecloth? Read on for our expert tips on how to remove candle wax.

It happens. You’re having a dinner party and fail to notice the wax from your taper candles dripping onto your tablecloth. It can be upsetting when you realize the wax has seeped into the fabric and solidified. You could try removing candle wax by scraping it off, but that can be time-consuming and may even damage the fabric. You could have it professionally cleaned, but that’s unnecessary. Save yourself the cost of laundering bills with these tips on how to remove candle wax from fabric.

Note: These tips don’t only work on tablecloths. You can also use them to remove wax from clothing.

Remove Small Candle Wax Stains

Small spots of hardened candle wax can be removed from fabric by rubbing with a generous dollop of vegetable oil. Wipe off any excess oil with paper towels, then launder as usual.

Another way to remove small amounts of wax from a tablecloth is to put the linen in the freezer. When the wax turns brittle, remove the tablecloth and snap most of the wax right off. To remove the remaining wax from the tablecloth, spread the affected area over a large bowl and secure it with rubber bands, then pour boiling water over the wax to melt it. Follow up by washing the tablecloth as usual.

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Remove Large Candle Wax Stains

Need to know how to get candle wax out of clothes? To remove large candle wax stains from clothing, first scrape off the excess with a dull knife, then place the stained area between two paper towels or brown paper bags and press with an iron on a low setting. If the fabric is one you would normally iron at a very low temperature, be careful to avoid burning it while you remove the wax. In that case, simply hold the iron just above the paper and move it back and forth. It doesn’t take much heat to soften the wax and transfer it to the paper. Replace the paper towels or bags as the wax is absorbed into them, then launder when the paper no longer absorbs wax. Remove any remaining stain with a spot lifter.

This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:
How To Clean China | Polishing and Coffee Stain Removal Tips
How to Get Scratches Out Of Wood | Practical DIY Advice
How to Remove White Rings From Wood Furniture
Homemade Silver Cleaner | Polish Silver Without Harsh Chemicals

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/remove-candle-wax-stains/feed/ 22 How to Clean Brass | Old-Fashioned Methods https://newengland.com/living/how-to/clean-brass/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/clean-brass/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/cleaning/clean-brass/ Have your brass objects become tarnished or dull? Learn what cleans brass and how to clean brass using these old-fashioned methods.

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]]> Yankee Magazine about cleaning a dishwasher with powdered fruit juice mix — some supporting the idea and others opposing it. One letter was from a man in the Navy. He cleaned with powdered juice mix all the time. In fact, he wrote, they didn’t use anything fancy to clean brass aboard his ship. Instead they cleaned all their brass with powdered or canned fruit juice. Actually, the answer to “What cleans brass?” might as well be anything.

How to Clean Brass | Old-Fashioned Methods

How to clean brass with ketchup:

Cleaning brass with ketchup only sounds strange. You can clean brass by rubbing ketchup or Worcestershire sauce on with a damp cloth.

How to clean brass with onions:

Another alternative for shining brass is to boil onions in water and use the cooled water to polish these metals.

How to clean brass with vinegar:

To make an inexpensive homemade brass cleaner, mix equal parts salt and flour with enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Rub on vigorously with a damp cloth. Then wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Mix 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 pint of water. Heat until warm, then apply as above.

How to clean brass with toothpaste:

Small brass objects can be cleaned with a little toothpaste (not the gel type). Apply it with a soft, damp cloth or toothbrush, then rinse and dry.

How to clean tarnished brass:

To remove tarnish from brass, dip a lemon slice or rind in a little salt and rub it on the object. Then clean and dry with paper towels. Add a little ammonia to a soap-and-water solution to clean these metals. Apply with a soft paintbrush or rag, then rinse and wipe dry. Do you have any tips for how to clean brass? Let us know in the comments! Editor’s Note: Using old-fashioned methods or homemade brass cleaner can sometimes dull the brass finish. If this happens, polish with water in which onions have been boiled, or with Worcestershire sauce (a pungent sauce made of soy, vinegar, and garlic) and then rub with olive oil to protect the shine. Always consult an expert when trying to clean valuable pieces. This post was first published in 2011 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: How to Clean Wood Furniture How to Clean China Dishes the Old-Fashioned Way Homemade Silver Cleaner | Polish Silver without Harsh Chemicals How to Remove Candle Wax from Fabric 

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/clean-brass/feed/ 9 How to Get Rid of Ants in the House https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-ants-kitchen/ https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-ants-kitchen/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/rid-ants-kitchen/ Ants are one of the most common and annoying pests. Learn how to get rid of ants for good using these very simple methods.

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How to Get Rid of Ants in the House
Photo Credit : Pixabay

How to Get Rid of Ants in the House

Make an Anti-Ant Syrup

This simple recipe combines Borax or boric acid powder, confectioners’ sugar, and water to create a syrup-like substance that is poisonous to ants. Since ants are cannibalistic, one ant will eat the mixture and die, another will eat the dead ant and die, and with luck, you’ll get the whole nest.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup of Borax/boric acid (available at your local hardware or gardening store)
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar with Borax/boric acid and add enough water to give the mixture a syrup-like consistency.
  2. Put this mixture in shallow pans or jar lids and place them under counters and behind appliances, and out of reach of children and pets.
  3. Ants will be attracted to the sugar, but will also ingest the toxic Borax or boric acid.
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Knock Some Scents into ’em

Use one of any number of fragrant liquids, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to discourage ants from entering your abode. If you know where your ants are coming in, spray their entry point with a diluted mixture of water and one of the following substances: lemon juice, vinegar, dish soap, or cayenne pepper. The strong and noxious smells of these substances will give the ants second thoughts about trespassing.

General Advice on How to Get Rid of Ants in the House

In general, it’s a good idea to keep your kitchen as clean as possible, so that invading ants have nothing to bring back to their nests. If they keep going home empty-handed, they’ll eventually realize that their efforts are in vain. Additionally, try to seal any possible ant entry points with caulking or another tough sealant.

On our Facebook page, we asked readers to give us their advice on how to get rid of ants in the house. Here’s what they said:

Joe B: “At camp, I dip cotton balls in the syrup mixture, insert it into mason jars, and poke holes in the lid that are big enough for ants to crawl through. That way dogs can’t get it. Sort of like the Roach Motel. Any old jar with holes in the lid will do. Safe for pets. Well, unless your dog eats glass jars.” Geraldine R: “I have pets and won’t use Borax, but found last year that cinnamon sticks in the windows by the screens and cinnamon sprinkles around the doors [and] porch keep them out also… Much safer for all animals!” This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches How to Get Rid of Silverfish How to Get Rid of Rodents and Other Pests

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-ants-kitchen/feed/ 4 How to Get Rid of Musty Smells https://newengland.com/living/how-to/rid-musty-odors/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/rid-musty-odors/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/cleaning/rid-musty-odors/ Here's how to get rid of musty smells using common household items, like cat litter, newspapers, and charcoal briquettes.

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How to Get Rid of Musty Smells

HOW TO GET RID OF MUSTY SMELLS

Get Rid of Musty Smells with Cat Litter

  • Get rid of musty smells in drawers, closets, and rooms by placing a small container of scented cat litter in the affected area. Replace the litter every few days until the odor is gone.
  • Relatively small items with musty odors should be placed in plastic bags with cat litter. Seal the bags tightly and with tape or clothespins and let them sit for a few days. Then dump out the litter and repeat if necessary.
  • To get rid of a musty smell in upholstered furniture, spray a deodorant or sprinkle cat litter over the piece. Let it sit for a while, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

Get Rid of Musty Smells with Newspaper

  • Get rid of musty smells in books by filling a large brown bag with crumpled newspaper, putting the books in the bag, and sealing it tight. Leave the books in the bag for a day or so, then repeat the treatment daily until the odor is gone.
  • One way to rid a suitcase of a musty smell is to fill it with crumpled newspaper, then close it up. Change the paper every 2 or 3 days until the odor is gone.

Get Rid of Musty Smells with Charcoal Briquettes

  • To prevent a musty smell from developing in a closed cottage, place pans of charcoal briquettes in several rooms. The charcoal will absorb moisture. You can burn the briquettes in your barbecue later.
  • To reduce mustiness and moisture in closets, place a few charcoal briquettes in a shallow pan on the floor. Replace the charcoal every few months to keep the closet fresh.
Do you know how to get rid of musty smells using other methods? Let us know in the comments! This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: 16 Fall Cleaning Tips Get Scratches Out of Wood | DIY Advice How to Clean Wood Furniture

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/rid-musty-odors/feed/ 3 How to Get Rid of Cockroaches | Tips & Tricks https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-cockroaches/ https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-cockroaches/#comments Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:28:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/rid-cockroaches/ Cockroaches can contaminate food and living spaces, and can pose a risk to our health. Here are four tips on how to get rid of cockroaches.

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How to Get Rid of Cockroaches │Tips & Tricks

HOW TO GET RID OF COCKROACHES │TIPS & TRICKS

Use Boric Acid Powder

Boric acid powder is fatal to cockroaches when ingested, making it a popular method of cockroach extermination. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder under appliances, behind the refrigerator, under counters, and in any other places that are out of reach of children and pets. Place the powder in areas where the cockroaches are likely to walk, so that the roaches will step in the powder and ingest it when they later groom themselves.

Seal Cracks & Tighten Pipes

If you have cracks or holes in your floor, walls, or kitchen cabinets, cockroaches could be using these areas as points of entry. Seal them with caulking or another tough sealant to cut off access. Another common passageway for cockroaches is through the plumbing underneath the kitchen or bathroom sink. Plug these tightly with rags and make sure there are no leaks, as these can be a roach’s main source of water.

Keep Things Clean

Roaches love the area under the refrigerator — especially the drip pan. Any area that is warm and dark or that is the least bit damp will be considered a five-star hotel by roaches. Vacuum up all dirt and dust from around these areas and wash out the drip pan often. Don’t leave open food or crumbs on your countertops either, as roaches (and other pests) will be sure to take advantage of a free meal.

Trap & Toss

Another way to get rid of cockroaches is to make a trap with a glass jar that’s about 4″ high. Put some bacon grease and a small chunk of banana in the bottom of the jar. Then smear a band of petroleum jelly about 3/4″ wide around the inside of the jar, about 1/2″ from the top. Stand the jar in an area where roaches are a problem. The bugs can crawl in but won’t be able to get out. Alternatively, cut the top third off of a plastic 2-liter soda bottle, fill the bottom with a couple inches of water (sweeten it with some sugar to make it extra alluring), and put the top third back on upside-down. Again, the roaches will be able to crawl into the trap, but won’t be able to get out and will eventually drown. Once you figure out how to get rid of cockroaches, you’ll be unstoppable! For the most effective cockroach extermination, use all of the above methods concurrently. This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated.

SEE MORE: How to Get Rid of Ants in the House How to Get Rid of Silverfish How to Get Rid of Rodents and Other Pests

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-cockroaches/feed/ 3 How to Get Rid of Silverfish │Tips & Tricks https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-silverfish-home/ https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-silverfish-home/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:24:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/pests/rid-silverfish-home/ Silverfish are an annoying and destructive pest. Here's how to get rid of silverfish in your home.

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How to Get Rid of Silverfish │Tips & Tricks

HOW TO GET RID OF SILVERFISH │TIPS & TRICKS

Lure Silverfish with Sugar

You can eliminate silverfish by sprinkling a mix of boric acid and sugar in areas where you know they’ll be. The silverfish will be attracted to the sugar, but will also consume the boric acid, which is poisonous. Only small amounts are needed. Never use boric acid in places that children or pets can get to.

Protect Clothing from Pests

Add packets of cloves, cinnamon, or other strong spices to bags and bins of stored clothing. The pungent aroma will keep out moths and silverfish.

Deter with Cedar & Moth Balls

Place cedar chips or moth balls in silverfish-infested areas to discourage them from living there. The strong chemicals within the substances are irritating to the pests and will keep them away. [text_ad]

Build Silverfish Traps

To get rid of a silverfish infestation, put about a quarter of an inch of flour in a small, straight-sided glass. Run a strip of adhesive tape from bottom to top on the outside. Silverfish will travel up the tape and drop into the glass, but they won’t be able to get back out. Place a glass or two in each room where you’ve seen silverfish. For the best chance of getting rid of a silverfish infestation, use all four methods concurrently.

SEE MORE How to Get Rid of Ants in the House How to Get Rid of Cockroaches How to Get Rid of Rodents and Other Pests

This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated.

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/gardening/rid-silverfish-home/feed/ 0 Prevent Tiled Shower Leaks https://newengland.com/living/how-to/prevent-tiled-shower-leaks/ https://newengland.com/living/how-to/prevent-tiled-shower-leaks/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:38:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/home-repair-diy/prevent-tiled-shower-leaks/ Tiled showers are beautiful but prone to grout cracks and leaks. Find out the simple way to prevent tiled shower leaks. A tiled shower can significantly upgrade the look of a bathroom, but hairline cracks in the tile grout can be a troublesome source of water leaks. Learn how to prevent tiled shower leaks by […]

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]]> Tiled showers are beautiful but prone to grout cracks and leaks. Find out the simple way to prevent tiled shower leaks.
Prevent Tiled Shower Leaks
Prevent Tiled Shower Leaks
A tiled shower can significantly upgrade the look of a bathroom, but hairline cracks in the tile grout can be a troublesome source of water leaks. Learn how to prevent tiled shower leaks by sealing the grout. You’ll also prevent the growth of mold and mildew – keeping your shower cleaner, longer. To get more years out of your tiled wall, seal all of your grout with clear silicone (available at hardware stores in spray- or brush-on formulas). It will not only add luster and shine to the finish, but it will also seal the grout’s pores against bleach. Bleach, because it kills mildew and unwanted germs, is a common ingredient in bathroom and household cleaners. Unfortunately, it eats into porous materials like grout, causing them to deteriorate. Remember that with a tiled wall, it’s rarely the tile that goes bad or wears out—it’s the grout. If you are re-grouting, consider using a silicone-based grout additive that contains mildewcide (available at hardware stores). Mildewcide is a chemical found in many products that destroys and prevents mold and mildew. Without those unwelcome fungi growing in your bathroom walls, your grout will last longer, and you’ll have less cleanup work in the long run. Who knew those old tiled bathroom walls could be completely mold and mildew free?   Check out our other tips for keeping your bathroom in tip-top shape. Here are some easy ways to clean your shower curtains,  find a leak under the sink, or clean just about anything the natural way with mayonnaise, baking soda, and vinegar.   What are your favorite tips for how to prevent tiled shower leaks? Let us know in the comments!

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]]> https://newengland.com/living/how-to/prevent-tiled-shower-leaks/feed/ 1 Age Unfinished Wood | DIY https://newengland.com/living/homes/age-unfinished-wood/ https://newengland.com/living/homes/age-unfinished-wood/#respond Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:37:00 +0000 https://newengland.com/today/living/home-decor/age-unfinished-wood/ When workers remodeled the kitchen of our town hall several years ago, they tossed out an old unfinished kitchen chair with one missing leg. I brought it home, thinking I might fix it. The chair sat untouched for so long that I finally decided to throw it away. But an auctioneer friend said that he’d […]

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]]> When workers remodeled the kitchen of our town hall several years ago, they tossed out an old unfinished kitchen chair with one missing leg. I brought it home, thinking I might fix it. The chair sat untouched for so long that I finally decided to throw it away. But an auctioneer friend said that he’d buy the chair if I fixed the leg. Naturally, I couldn’t resist the offer. It was not difficult to turn a new pine leg on my lathe. The challenge came when I tried to figure out how to age unfinished wood to match that of the chair. “Aging” new wood is the hardest finishing job there is, so instead of working with commercial stains, I tried an old trick.

Materials to Age Unfinished Wood

  • Wood Ashes
  • Water
  • Can
  • Paint Brush

Directions to Age Unfinished Wood

  1. Mix some wood ashes into a small can of water to make a stain—just enough ashes to give the water some thickness, but not enough to make a paste.
  2. Apply the stain to the the unfinished wood with a paint brush.
  3. After stain dries completely, add another coat in areas where the color was still too light.
  4. Where the stain is too dark, sand lightly.
  5. Repeat steps four and five until your wood has a uniform, aged look.
The new wood absorbed my homemade stain the way it would any other. In the end, you couldn’t tell the new leg from the old ones. This works on all types of furniture, and you might find this trick useful if you ever have to stain new wood to match aged, unfinished wood. And it’s not just for repairs — it also a great way to add vintage charm to new furniture.

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