If you’re a fellow science nerd, you’ll surely remember that day in class where you made a volcano using baking soda and vinegar. But what you probably didn’t realize at the time was that those chemical reactions are also handy to know about for cleaning around the house.

“Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid,” says Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Plumbing. “The bubbling action cause by combining them can help loosen debris, grease and grime inside the drain, which is why it is such an easy and commonly used solution.”

This is also a great method for avoiding synthetic drain cleaning and clearing chemicals, which are harsh and can cause health problems. Plus, you can get multiple cleans out of just a few dollars in materials.

Whether your drain is partly clogged or you want a preempt a funky odor, here’s how to clean a drain with baking soda and vinegar.

Prepare the area

To clean a drain with baking soda and vinegar, first clear the sink and drain area of any water and debris.

“I will always pour boiling water into the drain before starting, to loosen any stuck material,” says Caccia. “It is also important to avoid using this method on rubber or plastic drain components, as repeated exposure to hot water could cause damage.”

The post Clean a Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar appeared first on Family Handyman.

Baseboards are easy to overlook when you’re vacuuming. In fact, most of us don’t really notice just how dirty they are until you start moving the furniture around and see the dust and drity that’s built up over time. To avoid the mess, I recommend folding them into your regular cleaning routine to keep them from getting really grimy and making them harder to clean.

Fortunately, cleaning baseboards is relatively easy, if you stay on top of it. Below, I’ll show you how to clean baseboards quickly and efficiently.

How Often Should You Clean Baseboards?

I would do it every two weeks or at least once a month. That will prevent dust from building up. If you have pets, you should probably clean them more regularly. At a minimum, you can vacuum them when you’re vacuuming the floor and break out the soap and water for a more thorough cleaning every month.

Prep the area

• To begin, move all furniture away from the walls to give you easy access. This will make the baseboard cleaning process go much quicker.

The post How To Clean Baseboards the Easy Way appeared first on Family Handyman.

How Often Should You Wash Your Towels?

If your towels smell, you’ve definitely waited too long. Your weekly reset list might include washing your towels, which is good! A week is the maximum amount of time you should go between washings. However, according to the American Cleaning Institute, you should wash them after 3-5 uses.

Should I wash towels in cold or hot water?

Defer to the fabric care tag on your towels to decide what temperature water to use to wash them. The symbols there will tell you the water temperature and dryer temperature to dry them at so that you can clean them while also prolonging their lives. Often, if you’re washing with bleach, you should use a hotter water temperature.

Should I wash towels with vinegar?

Vinegar is a great cleaning agent, but it’s not the same as bleach. Towels come into contact with your bare skin, so it’s a good idea to clean them with a strong disinfectant, especially if you’re sick or are currently reckoning with a fungal infection.

Can you wash towels with clothes?

It depends. Ideally, you want to wash your clothes with a gentle detergent, while you should opt for something focused on disinfection for your towels. If you’re in a pinch, you can wash them together. But to get all of your items as clean as possible while still following the care instructions on their tags, you should separate out your towels.

Can I wash towels with sheets?

Just like with clothes, it depends. Your sheets may be labeled with different care instructions than your towels. If you’re able, it’s best to keep them separate so that you can focus on extending the life of all your items. Plus, depending on how big your laundry machines are, you may be unable to fit all your bedding and towels in the same load.

How Often Should You Replace Towels?

While it may be tempting to get colorful towels for each season or an assortment of neutral ones to match your bathroom decor every time you redo it, that’s actually not necessary. If your towels show major signs of wear or don’t seem to dry you off thoroughly, it’s time to replace them. Otherwise, as long as you’re cleaning them properly, they’re still good to remain in rotation.

Source

Laundry Basics, American Cleaning Institute

The post How Often Do You Really Need To Wash Your Towels? appeared first on Family Handyman.

We found that the Bear mattress actually lived up to its claims of keeping you cool and supported while you sleep. So without further ado, here is our full Bear mattress review.

What is the Bear Mattress?

The Bear Pro Hybrid mattress is a cooling mattress. Its 10-inch profile is made up of four layers: a breathable quilted cover, cooling gel memory foam, Bear Dynamic foam and a six-inch base of individually encased coils. The combination of foam and coils is what makes it a true hybrid mattress.

The Bear mattress comes in seven sizes and you have the option to upgrade to a comfy, temperature-regulating pillow-top cover. This mattress is designed to be placed on any flat surface including the Bear foundation, adjustable base or platform bed. It can even be placed on the floor. However, the brand does not recommend placing this mattress on a traditional coil box spring because it does not provide an evenly distributed surface area for foam-based mattresses.

On the website, Bear lists the firmness as medium-firm, giving it a seven out of 10 firmness rating. And while it’s not an organic mattress, the mattress itself is Greenguard Gold Certified,Certi-PUR US Certified and fiberglass-free.

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We Tried It

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

This affordable mattress features a cooling gel layer and air-infused coils to move heat away from the body.

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Bear Mattress Features

Breathable Quilted Cover

The mattress is wrapped in a soft, breathable cover. You also have the option to upgrade to a Celliant pillow top cover which helps regulate body temperature as well as enhance your overall wellness.

Cooling Gel Memory Foam

The cooling gel layer is directly under the quilted cover and draws heat away from your body. It also helps keep your spine properly aligned, reducing your chances of waking up with aches and pains.

Bear Dynamic Foam

This foam allows the mattress to contour to your body’s shape while keeping pressure off of your back, hips and shoulders.

Individually Encased Coils

The 6-inch layer of encased coils also helps keep you cool at night. That’s because it allows for more airflow than solid memory foam mattresses.

Non-Toxic

The Bear mattress is not organic, but it is non-toxic. As mentioned above, it is Greenguard Gold Certified,Certi-PUR US Certified and fiberglass-free. This means it’s made without harmful chemicals including formaldehyde, ozone depleters, phthalates, mercury, lead and other heavy metals.

How We Tested It

We sent this mattress to our tester Emily Way, a stomach and side sleeper who describes herself as a living furnace. “I sweat through my pajamas. I sweat through my sheets. My body pumps out so much heat during my REM cycle that Im sure everyone within a three-mile radius can feel it,” she writes in her Bear mattress review. Since she runs so hot, she was skeptical of this mattress’s ability to really keep her from sweating through her linens. But after 30 nights, she was shocked to discover that she never once woke up drenched in sweat.

The mattress arrived on Way’s doorstep shrink-wrapped and packed in a surprisingly compact box. The box was too heavy for her to lift on her own, so she and her husband carried it up to the bedroom together. Once they got it upstairs, they opened it up and watched as it inflated. Way points out that while you can sleep on it immediately, Bear recommends waiting 24 to 48 hours for it to fully inflate. She and her husband slept on it after about 24 hours since it seemed mostly expanded by then.

“Initially, I was a little surprised by the feel of this mattress. While it touts itself as ‘medium-firm, Id say its much closer to the ‘firm’ side of thingssomething I wasnt thrilled with at first,” writes Way. “However, my first night on the Bear Pro hybrid mattress completely changed my tune.”

Prior to the Bear mattress, Way and her husband often found themselves waking up with back and hip pain. Once they began sleeping on the Bear, that pain disappeared. “Its supportive, thanks to the coils and firmness, yet also offers enough ‘give’ to cradle the body,” explains Way. “Its actually much, much more comfortable than any other ‘firm’ mattress Ive tried in the past. Now, Im a true believer in the importance of a little firmness on a mattress for side sleepers!”

But what really impressed Way was the fact that she didn’t wake up drenched in sweat. Though she opted not to upgrade to the cooling pillow top, she found that the cooling gel layer and air-infused coils did a great job of moving heat out and away from her body at night. “Even on sweltering nights, I have yet to wake up drenched in sweata big win for me, especially for abudget mattress,” she raves.

Pros

• Prevented our tester from overheating
• Supports a variety of sleeping positions
• Strong edge support
• Non-toxic
• Pillow top upgrade available
• More affordable than other mattresses we’ve tried
• Free shipping
• 120-night trial
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Only one firmness level

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, we know how important it is to get quality sleep. Whether youre a hot sleeper, asleeper who suffers from back pain or someone who has their sleep interrupted by children, pets or restless partners, you deserve a good nights rest. We have years of experience testing the best sleep products, from popular mattresses like the Saatva, Naturepedic and Zinus, to the best mattress toppers.

Our editors spend months sleeping with these products in their own homes. In many cases, theyre also sharing these products with their partners who add their own unbiased opinions into the mix. For this review, our editor and her husband spent a month sleeping on the Bear Pro Hybrid mattress to see if it actually kept them cool and comfortable. Our goal is to recommend only the very best products using honest and fair testing practices, and we will never recommend a product we dont love.

FAQ

Does a Bear mattress contain fiberglass?

No. According to the brand’s website, all Bear mattresses are 100% fiberglass free.

What are Bear mattresses made of?

Instead of fiberglass, Bear uses WhisperShield. This is an environmentally friendly, inherently flame-proof rayon. Its chemical-free, safe and effective.

Is a Bear mattress good for side sleepers?

Yes. The Bear mattress is designed to support all sleeping positions.

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress vs. Purple Restore Mattress

We tested both the Bear Pro Hybrid mattress and the Purple Restore Cool Touch Hybrid mattress. Both are hybrid mattresses made up of foam and coils. They both have cooling properties to help you stay dry at night and are designed to accommodate a variety of sleep positions. But there are a few key differences.

The Bear mattress has a 10-inch profile and is available at a variety of retailers. The Purple mattress has an 11-1/2 inch profile and is a Mattress Firm exclusive. Additionally, the Purple mattress retails between $2,245 and $3,295, depending on the size whereas the Bear mattress retails between $1,135 and $2,396.

If you’re shopping for a mattress on a budget, then Bear is the better choice.

Final Verdict

After 30 days, both Way and her husband agreed that the Bear Pro hybrid mattress offered more support than their old memory foam mattress. Overall, it helped Way sleep more soundly and alleviated her husband’s aches and pains. “No more tossing and turning every single night, andeven betterno more night sweats. Overall, I find it amazing that two very different types of sleepers enjoy the same mattress equally. Its like the Goldilocks of mattresses: just right,” she raves.

Where to Buy the Bear Mattress

The Bear Pro Hybrid mattress is available directly on the Bear website and prices start at $1,395. It’s also available at Walmart andWayfair.You’ll also want to be on the lookout for sales, as Bear regularly hosts discounts or sales. At the time of publication, Bear is offering a 30% discount plus two free pillows with any mattress purchase, so now is the time to snag your new cooling mattress!

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We Tried It

Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

This mattress is designed to support a variety of sleep positions, making it ideal for back, stomach and side sleepers.

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The post Here’s Why the Bear Mattress is the Goldilocks of Mattresses appeared first on Family Handyman.

According to this law, the product of pressure (P) and volume (V) of a gas is equal to the product of the amount of gas present (n), the ambient temperature (T) and a fixed number known as the universal gas constant (R). In mathematic terms, that’s written as PV=nRT. Since a gas container has a fixed volume, the equation can be rearranged to read P=kT, where k is a constant (nR/V). This tells us that when temperature goes up, vapor pressure goes up, and vice versa.

If science and math aren’t your specialty, you can take the word of HVAC pro Sergey Nikolin, who deals with vapor pressure as part of his job: “Gas cans swell and collapse due to temperature changes, as gasoline vapors expand when heated and contract when cooled.”

Unfortunately, a swollen or collapsed gas can be potentially dangerous, given the flammability of gasoline, but you can avoid accidents by using the right container and following some simple guidelines. We’ll tell you all about it.

Why Do Gas Cans Swell?

A gas container swells when the ambient temperature goes up, and if you’ve been paying attention, you already know why: It’s because the vapor pressure in the container has also increased. The pressure inside the container was the same as atmospheric pressure when you filled it and closed the cap, but when the pressure inside the container increases and exceeds atmospheric pressure, it pushes the sides out. “It’s completely normal for a sealed container, but honestly, it can be a little surprising if you’re not used to it,” says Chris Turner, a designer of luxury fire pits.

Is a swollen gas can dangerous?

It can be, warns Nikola especially if you’re using an old gas container. “Excessive swelling can weaken the can over time or even cause it to rupture if it’s old or damaged. Over time, the flexing can cause invisible micro-cracks, potentially leading to undetected vapor leaks.”

If your can conforms to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifications, there’s less danger of an accident than if it isn’t. That’s because OSHA-approved containers:

• Hold a maximum of five gallons;
• have a flame-arresting screen under the cap;
• have a spring-closing lid and spout cover;
• have a valve that safely relieves pressure when the container is exposed to fire.

Not all containers on the market are OSHA compliant, so if safety is a priority, choose one that bears the OSHA label.

How to open a swollen gas can

Slowly and carefully. Some of the vapor will escape, so to prevent inhaling it and/or creating a fire hazard, you should always be in a well-ventilated areapreferably outside. You should never be near an open source of heat because if the vapor ignites, it can flash back to the can and ignite the liquid gasoline. Such accidents are rare, but they do happen. NBC News reported 11 deaths and 1,200 emergency room visits between 1998 and 2013 because of this phenomenon.

On hot days, the sun can potentially provide enough heat for flashbacks, so you should always be in the shade. One more thing: Don’t open the can while it’s resting on a metal surface because metal generates static electricity that can produce sparks.

Should I use the gas in a swollen gas can?

If the container is still intact and the swelling is moderate, the gas should be safe to use. However, an old container and/or extreme swelling can cause small ruptures and possible contamination. If this occurs, it’s a good idea to discard the fuel.

Why Do Gas Cans Collapse?

When the vapor pressure in a gas container decreases due to low ambient temperatures, it can’t resist the force of atmospheric pressure pushing on the sides, and the container collapses.

Is a collapsed gas can dangerous?

A swollen or collapsed gas can is never a good thing if it is old. Old cans “don’t always handle pressure changes well,” says Turner. Cracks or leaks can develop, and that’s where the fire hazard comes in.”

If an old can collapses and ruptures, it won’t release fumes while the temperature is low and the can is collapsed, but it very well might when the temperature rises, the vapor pressure increases and the can regains its normal shape and begins to swell. That’s a time bomb you want to avoid.

How to fix a collapsed gas can

It may seem strange, but a gas can is supposed to collapse, at least as far as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is concerned. Unlike OSHA, the EPA prohibits pressure-relief vents because they allow gas fumes to escape into the atmosphere. With no way to equalize vapor pressure inside and outside of it, the container has no choice but to collapse.

Restoring an EPA-approved can without a pressure-relief vent it to its normal shape is easy. Simply remove the lid to equalize pressure, then replace the lid tightly and set the container in the sun. It should regain its normal shape in an hour or two.

How to prevent gas cans from collapsing

“Use modern gas cans with pressure-relief mechanisms and store them on raised platforms to avoid ground heat transfer,” advises Nikolin. “And periodically inspect for cracks or warping and replace every 57 years for safety.” Turner concurs and adds: “Don’t overfill them, this can make the whole situation worse. It’s one of those things that seems fine until it’s not.”

About the Experts

• Sergey Nikolin is the President of Product Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, which he established in 2019 with his brother.
• Chris Turner is the owner and designer at Studio Nisho, a brand renowned for luxury fire pits.

Sources

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Letter to Dennis Vance; (2004)
• NBC News: Warning: Scientists say gas cans carry risk of explosion; (2013)
• Sure Can: Collapsing Gas Cans, EPA Regulations; (2019)

The post What It Means If A Gas Can Is Swollen or Collapsed appeared first on Family Handyman.

What are Window Belly Bars

Theyre a unique architectural feature, usually made of metal. They curve out from the window, creating a “potbelly” shape. Their primary purpose is extra security. Theyre often seen in older buildings with a bit of vintage charm, adding to the overall character of the structure.

Where Are They Most Common?

Youll typically spot window belly bars in older, historic buildings. Cities with a lot of Victorian, Georgian, or Art Deco architecturelike New York, London, or Parisare prime locations for these charming bars. They add some character to buildings, whether its an old apartment building, a townhouse, or even a commercial property.

Are They Hard to Install?

If youre considering adding window belly bars to your space, theyre not too difficult to install. Most kits come with pre-cut bars and brackets, so its mostly about measuring your windows and attaching them securely.

However, if youre dealing with an older building, hiring a professional is a good idea to ensure the bars fit correctly and dont damage the structure. Especially in historic buildings, you want to ensure the installation doesnt interfere with the overall integrity or aesthetic of the space or go against any city codes or HOA rules.

Make sure the window frame or surrounding structure can handle the weight of the bars, and youll have a fun, charming addition to your home.

The post Here’s What Those Window Bars With a Potbelly Are Actually For appeared first on Family Handyman.

But what if I told you a simple product most people have lying around the house could simplify this whole process? If you have dryer sheets in your laundry room, they’re about to change how you clean your toilet forever.

How To Use Dryer Sheets To Clean a Toilet

Dryer sheets are made of polyester or other cellulose fibers, which happen to pick up hair and dust on the surface of a toilet than a wet sponge. Instead of going right in with something wet, put on a pair of gloves and run a dryer sheet over all the toilet surfaces. It will act like a lint roller, picking up all the dry muck on your seat and leaving it prepped for you to go in with your wet cleaning products for a perfect clean.

Check out TikTok user @The MatureCleaner using the method:

@theamateurcleaner Makes it easy to clean#cleantok #fyp #cleaninghacks #viral #housekeeper #houskeeepingtip #hack #home #trending midnight rain x daylight – kait .

If you’re concerned about wasting precious dryer sheets using this method, know you needn’t use a brand-new sheet to take advantage of it. The sheet’s fabric picks up the dust, not the softeners and fragrances it’s coated with.

Save your dryer sheets after drying your clothes. You can then use them again while cleaning your bathroom.

Alternatives To Dryer Sheets

As an alternative to using dryer sheets to dust your toilet, you can use dry pads for dry mops, like the Swiffer Sweeper, to achieve the same effect. However, this method eliminates the benefit of reusing the pads like you can with a dryer sheet (you wouldn’t want to clean your toilet with a dry pad you just used on your dirty floors).

The post A Used Dryer Sheet Can Make Cleaning Your Toilet So Much Easier appeared first on Family Handyman.

Improve Garden Soil

Ashes contain nutrients like potassium, magnesium and calcium that improve garden soil naturally. “I use a lot of ashes in my garden,” says Wilczek, as it can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. But test the soil’s pH levels before adding. “Wood ash is very alkaline with a pH level around 10 to 12 and can easily neutralize acidic soil,” Corbett says. “If added to soil with a pH level 6.5 or above, this can harm the plants.”

The post 18 Ways To Use Fireplace Ash appeared first on Family Handyman.

How Does This Hack Work?

There are plenty of theories on why this hack might work, and most of them have something to do with how house flies see. According to pest control service Orkin, house flies have compound eyes that “can recognize even the slightest movements in a wide field” and “detect and react to movement at a quicker pace than species with simple eyes.” So if a house fly sees something moving, it will react to the potential danger much faster than a human could.

So, how does this relate to pennies and a bag of water? It has to do with reflections. Putting pennies in a bag of water creates a lot of reflective surfaces. When sunlight hits the water, it refracts. Adding pennies into the mix means that light has many more surfaces available to bounce off. So, the theory goes, having all that light interacting with a house fly’s sensitive compound eyes probably either overwhelms the fly or leaves it thinking there’s a lot of movement and that the area isn’t safe.

Does the Penny Bag Hack Actually Work?

Snopes has fact-checked this theory but came back with inconclusive results. Some folks swear it works, but others see no difference in the results. For example, this hack has been tested multiple times, including on Mythbusters, where it didn’t work. Still, Snopes pointed out that testing it in a controlled studio setting differs from testing it in natural light.

While it isn’t a proven pest control hack, there’s no harm in trying it yourself. It’s relatively cheap to set up, and if you have kids it can even be a fun science project for them to try with you. There’s even a few variations of this hack that you could try if you’re so inclined. You could compare just a plain bag of water, a bag with one penny, a bag with several coins, and others with other shiny inclusions such as foil.

Source

• Snopes: “Do Water-Filled Baggies Repel Flies?” (2009)
• Orkin: House Fly Eyes

The post Why People Hang Pennies in a Bag of Water Outside Their House appeared first on Family Handyman.

This loft bed design maximizes the area between the mattress and floor, offering customizable bedroom storage solutions like drawers, shelves, and, in our case, a retractable desk.

Built in collaboration with cabinet maker Ethan O’Donnell, the headboard, footboard, mattress frame, dresser, and cubbies were all constructed separately and then assembled at the end to form the final product. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process.

Before we begin

There are a few common themes throughout this build. Instead of reviewing them every time, I laid them out beforehand.

• Everything was finished beforehand. You may have noticed that I always pre-finish my materials to make touch-ups and finishing touches easier. The components were all primed, painted, and polyurethaned prior to assembly.
• The plywood edges were edge banded with iron-on edgebanding. We cleaned up the edges of the edge-banded plywood with a file, chisel, and sandpaper and painted them throughout the process.
• Filling nail and screw holes and touching up paint are also procedures that were completed throughout the building process rather than waiting until the end.
• The joining method was the same. Except where otherwise noted, all parts were set using wood glue and 1-1/2-in. brad nails and secured with pre-drilled and countersunk 1-1/2-in. screws.

Mattress Frame

Cutting List

* – 45 angled cuts at each end. Cut to fit.

The post Elevate Your Space: Building the Perfect DIY Loft Bed appeared first on Family Handyman.

So, are you a Grinch or a Griswold? Everyone’s favorite lovable loser, Clark Griswold of Christmas Vacation fame, shut down the electric grid with his outlandish display. Ahead, I’ll walk you through the steps to figure out just how much your holiday decorations’ electricity cost will set you back.

How Much Electricity Will My Inflatables Use and Cost?

It depends on the size of the inflatables and what you pay for electricity, but it’s not much, and you can use a standard formula to find out. You’ll need to know the following:

• The input watts (W) of the motor. Watts are a unit of electrical power.
• How long you keep the motor running per day, in hours (h).
• The price of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

To find the watts, look on the power adapter or motor nameplate of your inflatable. You’ll see both input and output information. To determine the cost of electricity, use the input numbers. If watts aren’t listed, find the amperes (amps), which measure electrical current flow, and multiply by 120 volts to get the watts.

As an example, a 6-foot-tall inflatable Santa on sale right now at Target draws 0.6 amps (A) at 120 volts (V). So, just multiply the numbers together to get watts (0.6A X 120V = 72W). For comparison, my friend’s 3-foot-tall pink pig inflatable draws a puny 0.3 amps and 36 watts, while a giant abominable snowman will draw more.

How much does it cost to keep Santa inflated eight hours a day? Look at your electric bill and find what you’re charged we’ll use the November 2024 national average of $0.176 per kilowatt-hour. Divide Santa’s 72 watts by 1000 to convert to kilowatts (0.072 kW). Then, multiply the power in kilowatts, the time in hours and the price of electricity together: 0.072kW X 8h X $0.176/kWh = $0.1014. That’s about ten cents a day, or three dollars a month.

Pretty cheap, right? Of course, if you have ten Santas rather than one, and they’re inflated from Thanksgiving to January 6 (when you’re supposed to take them down), you’re looking at about $45.

How Much Electricity Will My Holiday Lights Use and Cost?

Again, it depends on how Griswold-y you get around the holidays, what kind of lights you use (incandescent or light-emitting diodes, aka LED) and your electricity price. But you can break it down the same way you did for the inflatables.

LED

Light-emitting diodes are extremely energy efficient, as much as 90% more efficient than incandescents. Check the tag on one end to find the watts or amps, then convert to kilowatts and plug in the numbers.

My tiny Charlie Brown Christmas tree holds exactly one 25-foot, 100-bulb mini LED light string, which uses a paltry 6.48 watts (0.00648 kW). Using the same formula as above power X time X price my tree costs less than a penny per day to light for 8 hours. Even if you have a normal-sized, 6-foot tree with six strings of lights, it’s still barely a nickel a day.

Incandescent

Incandescent holiday lights are still around, and they’re much cheaper to buy than LED. But they use more energy, and you can’t string as many of them together before you hit the limit listed on the package. (The listing organization UL, which certifies lights and thousands of other products, restricts end-to-end connections of holiday lights.)

A 25-foot, 100-light mini light string uses about 41 watts, which works out to $0.06 of electricity per 8-hour day or $1.73 per month. Larger C7 and C9 strings, at 5 to 7 watts per bulb, drive up the cost: A 25-light string of 5-watt C7 bulbs (125 watts total) costs $0.18 per day for electricity or $5.28 for the month.

How Much Would Covering My Whole House in Lights Cost?

If you use LED lights, and I suggest that you do, it will be much cheaper, but it’s still going to set you back. As a rough example, and because it sounds fun, let’s break down Clark Griswold’s famous Christmas Vacation house.

In the movie, Clark says he put up “two hundred and fifty strands of lights, one hundred individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of twenty-five thousand individual miniature imported Italian twinkle lights.” (Yes, I do watch this movie often.)

So, how much would 25,000 lights cost to run? In 1989, the year the movie came out, every single light would have been incandescent, so we’ll calculate that first.

Incandescent

Clark says he uses 250 strands of mini lights, and we know mini incandescent lights use about 41 watts per strand.

At today’s electricity price, running 6 hours per night, the cost would be $10.82 per day 250 x 0.041kW x 6h x $0.176/kWh = $10.82. That’s nearly $325 per month. For mini lights! If you use C7 strands at 5 watts per bulb, the cost skyrockets to $132 per day and $4000 per month.

And that’s not considering all the extra circuits you’d have to put in to make this a safe installation. (Please don’t plug them all into the same receptacle outlet like Clark did.)

LED

Your electricity costs will be dramatically lower if you decide to recreate the Griswold home with LEDs. But LEDs are pricier to buy, so you’ll be out a lot more upfront.

As for the electricity? My 100-light mini string from earlier uses 6.48 watts, so plugging 250 of them into the formula works out to $1.71 per day, or $51.32 per month.

For larger C7 lights (at approximately 2.5 watts per 25-light strand), Clark would have needed a thousand strands. Using these lights will set you back $2.64 a day and $79 a month.

Safety Considerations

The electricity cost of your holiday decorations is only half the story. Before you start stapling thousands of lights to your roof, think about safetynot just electrical safety, but ladder safety as well.

Follow manufacturer instructions about how many light strands you can string together on one circuit, which must be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Overloading circuits with too many lights can trip your breaker, damage your lights or even start a fire. This is more of a problem with incandescents because the watts add up quickly. Even with LEDs, you may need extra circuits if you’re planning a holiday light show with music and dancing reindeer.

Examine your lights before putting them up. Replace broken bulbs, and discard strings that have exposed wiring. If half or all of the string doesn’t work, try fixing them with a Christmas light tester or changing the fuse. Clark stapled his lights with metal staples a bad idea. Use plastic holders to avoid short circuits, and if you have any questions about circuit capacity or other safety issues, call a licensed electrician.

Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Average Energy Prices for the United States, Regions, Census Divisions, and Selected Metropolitan Areas”
• Energy.gov: “Lighting Choices to Save You Money”
• Script Slug: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”

The post Will Your Holiday Decorations Make for a Big Electric Bill? A Cost Breakdown appeared first on Family Handyman.

Closed Supply Valve

There are one or two water supply shut-off valves in the cabinet under your sink (usually one each for hot and cold water). Most of them open and close with just a quarter turn. “Homeowners often close these valves accidentally when moving items under the sink or during cleaning, so this is the first thing to check,” says Adams.

Solution: To check if they’re open, look at the handle. If it’s parallel to the water pipe, it’s open, and water should be flowing. If it’s perpendicular, the valve is closed, cutting off the supply. Turn them counterclockwise to make sure they’re fully open.

The post Why Did My Sink Suddenly Stop Working? appeared first on Family Handyman.

The size of your bed is more important than you might think. Research suggests adults should get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Despite this, over one-third of us get less than this. I sleep longer and sounder with a weighted blanket, the right bed sheets, a firm mattress, and a healthy nighttime routine. However, as a sprawling sleeper with a dog that curls up beside me, the right size of bed also plays a part.

I spoke to two mattress experts to understand when a king vs California king bed is better.

Why Is It Called a California King Bed?

The exact reason the California king bed got its name is up for debate. Some say it was invented in LA by a long-legged entrepreneur. Others say it’s related to the demand for bigger beds in sprawling California homes. These West Coast roots mean it’s also known as the Western bed.

Whatever the reason, super-sized mattresses grew in popularity among the Hollywood celebrities of the 1930s, and by the 1960s, research showed adults were growing taller and bedroom sizes were getting larger. However, it was the king size (or Eastern) bed that really took off in popularity when mattress sizes were standardized.

King vs. California King Bed: What Size Are They?

“A California king mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while a standard king mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long,” says mattress industry expert Byron Golub.

Contrary to popular belief, California kings aren’t bigger than king size beds. A king size bed actually has a slightly larger square footage. Basically, you’re getting slightly more length when you select California king vs king size beds, but they’re narrower.

King vs. California King Bed: How Much Do They Cost?

Arin Schultz, another industry expert working for organic mattress manufacturer Naturepedic, explains there’s no difference in cost between their king vs. California king bed sizes. “However, prices can vary based on the brand,” he says. “Some manufacturers charge a little more for a California king because it’s a specialized size and not in as high demand.”

King Bed Pros and Cons

Still weighing whether a king vs. California king bed is best for your room and nighttime rituals? Here are some benefits and drawbacks of selecting a king size bed to help you decide.

Pros of king size beds

• More space to sprawl: “A king size bed offers ample space for couples, providing approximately 38 inches of personal space for each sleeper,” Golub says. “It’s an excellent option if one partner tends to be a restless or active sleeper, as it allows you to move around comfortably without disturbing the other.”
• Perfect for pets and kids: If your kids or pets like to snuggle with you, a wider bed saves you from perching on the edge of the mattress to make room.
• Wide selection of bedding: Because king size beds are more readily available than California king sizes, there are more options for bed sheets, and they can be more reasonably priced.

Cons of king size beds

• Space constraints: If you have a narrow bedroom, a wider king size bed could be a tight fit and make the space feel more cramped.
• Not ideal for long legs: “King size mattresses may not be long enough for taller-than-average sleepers,” Golub says. There’s nothing worse than feet hanging over the bottom of the bed.

California King Bed Pros and Cons

Considering trading in your king size bed for a California king? Check out these advantages and disadvantages before taking the plunge.

Pros of California king beds

• A better fit for tight spaces: The longer-than-wide shape makes it a good bed for a small room when you still want space for night stands.
• Offers more legroom: “A California king mattress is a good choice for 6 ft or taller people,” Golub says.
• Can still work for pets: If your pet lies at the foot of your bed, the longer shape saves you from sleeping at an awkward angle.

Cons of California king beds

• Cost: Expect to pay more for California king frames and mattresses compared to more widely-available king size versions.
• Crowded with kids: The narrow width makes it a tighter squeeze when kids want to cuddle in.
• Less bedding options: “Accessories like sheets and frames are more challenging to findand more expensive,” Golub says.

King vs. California King Bed: Which Is Right for Me?

Picking a California king bed could be the smart choice if you have a narrow bedroom, long legs, or a pet that loves to snuggle at your feet.

Schultz suggests a standard king-size bed for couples or individuals prioritizing width over length. It means you’re less likely to steal the covers from your partner, and the kids, kitties or canines can curl up beside you. Plus, you have more budget-friendly mattresses and matching accessories to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do king sheets fit a California king bed?

Even if you see a dream bedding set that’s only available in king size, don’t buy it with a view to squeezing it onto a California king bed. “King sheets typically do not fit a California king bed due to the 4 inches of additional length,” Schultz says.

Are any beds bigger than a California king?

There are beds bigger than the California king, but think carefully about whether you need one before buying. “Super King and Alaskan king mattresses [coming in at a whopping 108 inches by 108 inches] are much less common and are typically custom made,” Schultz says. It might be a luxurious bedroom idea, but the frame, mattress and bed sheet costs will be steep. Plus, the extra floor space it takes up might be cramped or even impossible in smaller bedrooms.

What size rug should I put under a California king?

The best California king bed rug size depends on the look you want to achieve. However, ensuring it extends at least 18 inches beyond the frame on either side of the bed while maintaining at least a foot of rug-free space around the wall edges helps the room look balanced and spacious.

About the Experts

• Byron Golub is the Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva. Saatva’s handcrafted, eco-friendly mattresses are made to order in the USA; email interview, Dec. 3, 2024.

• Arin Schultz is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic, a leading manufacturer of certified organic mattresses. He has been involved in the industry for over a decade; email interview, Nov. 26, 2024.

Sources

• “MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep: Prevalence of healthy sleep duration among adults” (2016)

The post King vs. California King: Which Bed Size Is Best for You? appeared first on Family Handyman.

A gallery wall transforms a blank wall into a personal narrative, far more sophisticated than randomly hanging pictures here and there. This artistic display requires careful curation, thoughtful selection, and intentional arrangement. “A gallery wall isn’t about just throwing a screw up on the wall and haphazardly placing items,” explains Melissa Franco, senior set designer and stylist at Trusted Media Brands.

The art of creating a gallery wall involves understanding how various elements work together to create a cohesive visual story. Colors, sizes, textures, and themes must harmonize to produce a statement that reflects your unique style and personality. In this project, we will walk you through the detailed process of designing and installing a stunning gallery wall, from the initial concept to the final installation.

Choosing gallery wall components

When selecting items for your gallery wall, Franco recommends an intuitive approach: “I like to pick items that speak to me and will choose more items than I think I will need.” This strategy allows maximum creative flexibility and ensures you have options during the design process.

Begin with a focal point typically the largest or most meaningful picture or piece. This anchor will guide the composition of surrounding elements. Your gallery can encompass a diverse range of items: framed photographs, original artwork, vintage posters, sculptural pieces, mirrors, or decorative objects. Use matching picture frames and similar subject matter for a uniform, organized look or try mixing varied pieces unified by a color palette or overall aesthetic.

The key is creating a collection that tells your story. “The beauty of a gallery wall is that you can choose whatever is most important to you!” Franco notes. Whether you’re showcasing family memories, travel experiences, or artistic collections, your gallery wall should feel personal and meaningful.

The post A Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting a Stunning Gallery Wall appeared first on Family Handyman.

HVAC pro Simon Bernath explains it like this: “In the summer, you mainly want to feel the breeze and so you should set the fan to ‘push’ air down. In the winter months, you’re mainly trying to create gentle air circulation but without feeling a breeze.” There’s a catch, however, as contractor Ryan Meagher points out: The fan has to have angled blades.

Most ceiling fans do have angled blades, so if you’re wondering how to get the most out of yours, here’s what you need to know.

Does the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan Matter?

Ceiling fan direction can make a big difference. “You can think about this similarly to how an airplane creates lift to fly,” explains Meagher. “If the fan is moving in one direction it will create a lifting effect for the air that is passing through the blades. If you switch the direction it will create a downward flow of air.”

The cooling effect of a ceiling fan during the hot summer months is obvious, but not everyone appreciates the warming effect it can have in the winter. In each season, the boost in air circulation can help keep a room comfortable while saving on energy costs. In our house, we run the ceiling fan while burning wood in the stove, and the fan circulates the warm air throughout the house (in fact, sometimes it gets too hot). In summer, the cool breeze the fan creates is a welcome respite from the sometimes oppressive heat.

• Remember: Ceiling fan direction only matters if the fan has angled blades.

What Direction Should Your Ceiling Fan Spin in the Summer?

“In the summer,” says Bernath, “you mainly want to feel the breeze, so you should set the fan to ‘push’ air down, usually with the blades spinning counterclockwise.” The counterclockwise direction is standard but doesn’t necessarily apply to every fan because it depends on which direction the blades are angled.

To be more general, you want the fan to spin with the leading edges of the blades higher than the trailing edges. This way, air will flow from the tops of the blades down toward the floor.

What Direction Should Your Ceiling Fan Spin in the Winter?

Conversely, a ceiling fan needs to spin in a “reverse direction” during the winter months, which in most cases is clockwise. Because warm air rises, the air near the ceiling can be three to four degrees warmer than air near the floor. A ceiling fan that spins with the leading edges of the blades lower than the trailing edges will draw cooler air up and force warmer air near the ceiling down and out toward walls.

Does It Matter Which Room?

A ceiling fan works most efficiently if you use it in a central room because some of the warm or cool air it generates can circulate from there to other parts of the house. However, you can install a ceiling fan in any room, and you can adjust the ceiling fan direction to derive the most benefit, depending on the room’s characteristics and your heat source.

HVAC pro John Jordan explains: “In large open spaces with high ceilings, the clockwise winter setting is particularly effective because it prevents heat from being trapped too high above living areas. Conversely, in smaller rooms or spaces without strong central heating, you might find that keeping the fan on low in counterclockwise mode even in winter can help distribute localized heat from space heaters or sunlight more efficiently. Additionally, in humid climates, running the fan counterclockwise year-round can enhance evaporation and cooling without the need for constant A/C adjustments.”

How to Change the Direction of a Ceiling Fan

Most types of ceiling fans have a switch or chain on the motor that lets you change the direction from summer mode to winter mode and back again. You will most likely need a ladder to reach it. Always make sure your fan is turned off and completely still before getting on the ladder.

More upscale models come with remote controls that have buttons that let you change the spin direction and speed of the fan. It’s also possible that the wall switch that controls the fan is directional with three settings: one for forward, one for reverse and one for off.

If you have an older fan that doesn’t run in reverse, you’re not necessarily out of options. You may be able to reverse the pitch of the fan blades, using a wrench or screwdriver, but that depends on whether your fan design allows for this adjustment.

About the Experts

• Simon Bernath is the founder of FurnacePrices.ca, which has been providing information about HVAC systems and home energy use to homeowners and small businesses across North America for over 10 years.
• Ryan Meagher is the Business Development Manager for BVM Contracting, a Toronto-based company founded by his father.
• John Jordan is the President of Integrity Heating & Cooling Inc., which has been serving the Chicago area for over 25 years.

The post Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Spin? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Popcorn ceilings were a hot ticket in the 1960s and 70s. Applying texture to drywall and plaster ceilings was a quick and easy way to hide imperfections without painting. However, the rough texture attracts dust and cobwebs and makes patching cracks and holes a headache. It’s also not very stylish, especially if you’re looking to sell your home.

One of the most asked-about DIY projects is how to remove popcorn texture from a ceiling. It’s also fairly easy to do, but it is a messy chore. Here’s how to bring your 70s ceilings into the 21st Century.

Test for asbestos

If you have a popcorn ceiling installed before 1980, it could contain asbestos, a known cause of lung cancer. Before removing any popcorn ceiling texture, contact your local health department and ask about getting a sample tested. If the test comes back positive, you’ll need to hire pros to remove or cover the asbestos ceiling.

Do not remove the asbestos ceiling yourself. Doing so will contaminate your home and expose you and your family to potentially hazardous levels of asbestos fibers.

Don’t forget the mask!

This stuff kicks up a lot of dust and debris, so it’s important to wear a mask and safety glasses when removing popcorn ceilings.

The post How To Remove a Popcorn Ceiling appeared first on Family Handyman.

@warped.yt Gopro Inside a Dishwasher P.2 #fyp #dishwasher #how #howitworks #whatsinside original sound – Warped

Initial Rinse

The cycle starts with filling and rinsing. The dishwasher has several spigots that shoot water up. These spigots are on multiple arms that rotate to ensure that the water doesn’t miss any portion of the dishwasher. This initial rinse helps spray the dishes from multiple angles, ensuring no food gets left behind. The first rinse is similar to what you might do if you were handwashing. It scrapes off the large chunks of food and gives a quick first rinse so that the soap can reach down to the sauce and oils and break them down properly.

Soap Dispenser

Once the dishes are decently rinsed, the dishwasher dispenses the soap. Then, it continues to rinse with water, but with much more water and more intense water pressure. The footage looks similar to what you might see during a heavy rainstorm. As you watch the video, this is perhaps the most satisfying part: you can see the bulk of the mess come off the plates. Everything that the first rinse loosened but didn’t remove is fair game for the soap rinse.

Draining

The dishwasher drains a few times during the cycle. Doing this at multiple points instead of just at the end ensures that miscellaneous food bits and oils aren’t spread to other dishes. It also does a final drain at the end of the cycle. This way, you don’t flood your kitchen when you go to put the clean dishes away.

Final Takeaways

Watching footage of the inside of a dishwasher during its cycle also illuminates why there is a correct way to load the appliance. If you’ve packed your dishes too close together, the water can’t get to them, and food will stay caked on instead. So, if you’ve been noticing that your silverware is coming out dirty or your bowls still have residue on them, reconsider how you load them in and how tightly you cram dishes in.

The post Watch What Happens Inside Your Dishwasher When You Run It appeared first on Family Handyman.

Our tester used the Avocado mattress topper on his 16-year-old mattress and was seriously impressed by the comfort and support it provided. Read on for everything you need to know about the Avocado mattress topper.

What is the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper?

The Avocado mattress topper is a latex mattress topper available in a two-inch, medium-comfort option and 3-inch plush option. The medium topper is made of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex, and the plush topper is made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified Pure Talalay latex. It has a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton cover with a hidden underside zipper for easy removal. The topper and cover are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made Safe certified. This Avocado mattress topper is also vegan-certified, as its made without wool. And if you happen to prefer wool, Avocado also makes a luxurious Alpaca wool mattress topper.

VIA MERCHANT

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We Tried It

Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper

The Avocado mattress topper is made with organic latex and cotton and is offered in medium and plush feels.

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Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper Features

Eco-Friendly

Depending on the model you choose, the Avocado mattress topper is made with either GOLS and FSC-certified organic Dunlop latex or FSC-certified Pure Talalay latex. Unlike polyurethane foam or memory foam toppers, which are made from fossil fuels, the latex is natural and renewable. This means it’s better for the planet and, most importantly, better for you.

Non-Toxic

The Avocado mattress topper has been granted multiple certifications. It’s Made Safe Certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, Greenguard Gold Certified and Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment. This means that every topper has undergone rigorous testing and isproven to be free from toxic ingredients and pollutants. You can sleep soundly knowing that your topper is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, phthalates and other harmful chemicals.

Removable Cover

This topper has a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover with a hidden underside zipper. It can be removed, though the brand recommends spot cleaning only. If your cover starts looking shabby, you can purchase a replacement.

Flippable

Avocado recommends rotating and fluffing the mattress topper on a regular basis to help retain its loft. It can also be flipped.

How We Tested It

Our tester,Spencer Kildare, is a side sleeper who appreciates extra support and pressure relief. Especially since he’s been sleeping on the same spring mattress for 16 years. My mattress is very old and worn in. Its probably not the best to sleep on, but I have gotten accustomed to it, he explains. My sleep quality isnt the best, and I sometimes feel like Im 60% to 90% rested.

In hopes of improving his sleep quality, Spencer ordered the 3-inch Talalay latex topper. It costs between $45 and $72 more depending on the size, but it is softer and more plush than the Dunlop latex used in the 2-inch topper. The plush Talalay topper is designed to contour and alleviate shoulder and hip pain, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers like Spencer.

TheAvocado mattress topper arrived in a single box that Kildare could lift and move on his own. The topper itself was folded and wrapped in plastic. According to Kildare, it took a grand total of three minutes to get this mattress topper out of the box and centered on his bed. He did notice a factory smell, which he said was reminiscent of vanilla cake. He notes that the smell isnt bad, but the topper needs a week or more to completely off-gas.

Spencer tested a handful of mattress toppers over the course of several weeks. The Avocado mattress topper was the final topper he tested and it stood out among the rest. “It was the most different, in terms of construction, that I slept on,” he says. “It really has a cakey sort of feel and it mushes when pressure is applied. It provided excellent support to my sides without applying excess pressure.”

After sleeping on this mattress topper for five nights and a handful of mid-day naps, Spencer found that he loved the overall quality and spongey nature of the foam filling. His sleep quality drastically improved and he found himself waking up fully rested more often than not.

Though Spencer gave this topper five stars for comfort and support, he wishes it had corner straps to keep it from moving around on his bed. Straps! Somebody get this mattress topper some straps, he quips. This is a great topper, but those straps are important. Rather than corner straps, this topper relies on well-fitted sheets to keep it in place. Treat yourself to a set of Boll & Branch sheets to keep this topper in place.

Overall, Kildare recommends the Avocado mattress topper to anyone who tends to wake up feeling stiff or sore. It starts at just $199, and given its comfort and quality, your only regret will be that you didn’t buy it sooner.

Pros

• Comfortable and supportive
• Made of more than 95% certified organic material
• Oeko-Tex standard 100 and Made Safe certified
• Available in medium and plush
• Available in six sizes and two heights
• Organic cotton cover can be removed and replaced
• Vegan certified

Cons

• Doesnt have corner straps to hold it in place
• Seems to run slightly large for the stated mattress size

Why You Should Trust Us

AtFamily Handyman, we especially value products that enhance the quality of our sleep. We’ve spent countless hours testing some of the best mattresses on the market from brands like Helix, Saatva and Purple. We’ve also tested the best mattress protectors, sheets and toppers. After thoroughly researching the best mattress toppers, we sent the Avocado mattress topper to Spencer Kildare for testing. He put this topper on his 16-year-old mattress and slept on it for five consecutive nights along with a handful of afternoon naps.

During that time, he focused on its overall comfort and performance. He also considered how easy it was to unpack and place on the bed, whether or not it had any odors and its overall value. This is a mattress topper of excellent quality, he concludes. The soft cover of the topper adds to the spongey nature of the foam filling, and the covering is the most cloth-like of the bunch.

FAQ

Which side up should I put my Avocado Mattress topper?

You can sleep on either side of the Avocado mattress topper.

How do I clean my Avocado Mattress topper?

The Avocado mattress topper and cover are spot clean only. The organic cotton cover is removable but must be spot cleaned and laid flat or hung to dry. If it becomes too soiled, you can purchase a replacement cover.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The majority of reviewers give the Avocado mattress topper five stars. Most say its incredibly supportive yet soft and comfortable. Several reviewers were pleased to find that this topper instantly improved the feeling of their existing mattress, and others give high marks for the products overall quality and effectiveness. Moreover, many reviewers say they did not notice any off-gassing scents whatsoever.

Negative reviews tended to focus on personal preferences. Several users found the topper to be too firm while a few deemed it too soft.

Avocado Mattress Topper vs. Silk and Snow Organic Mattress Topper

If you’re looking for the best organic mattress topper, Avocado and Silk and Snow are your top two contenders. We know because we tested both of them. Both toppers are made with Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex and have a GOTS certified organic cotton cover. Neither mattress topper has corner straps to keep it in place, and we found that both of them tend to slide around on the bed.

The Silk and Snow mattress topper starts at $175 and is machine washable. It comes in one thickness and two firmness levels. The Avocado mattress topper, on the other hand, starts at $199 and must be spot cleaned. You can also choose from a 2- or 3-inch thickness in addition to two firmness levels.

Final Verdict

The Avocado mattress topper is an excellent value. It’s well-constructed using non-toxic, eco-friendly materials and offers plenty of support while you sleep. It even improved the overall feel of a 16-year-old spring mattress. If this sounds like heaven, consider pairing this topper with the Avocado Green mattress.

Where to Buy the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

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We Tried It

Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper

Our tester noticed improved sleep quality and support while sleeping on the Avocado mattress topper despite using it on top of an old, broken-in mattress.

Shop on Avocado

You can shop theAvocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper ($199-$629) directly fromAvocado, where all toppers ship free and come with a 1-year limited warranty against workmanship defects.

The post The Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper Is the Non-Toxic Stuff Dreams Are Made Of appeared first on Family Handyman.

WENDY ROSE GOULD FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$149 at The Company Store

If you love the feel of your bed but wish it was a smidge cooler at night, The Company Store’s cooling gel memory foam mattress pad is the cooling mattress topper you’ve been dreaming of. That’s because it keeps you cool without completely changing the feel of your bed.

This topper is made of pressure-relieving memory foam that molds to the shape of your body for ultimate comfort and support. It features a breathable knit top that’s infused with cooling gel to regulate your body temperature all night long. It also has panels that cover the entire mattress and tuck under the corners easily so you can rest assured that it won’t move during the night.

“This mattress topper had a nice cooling effect but it is quite thin,” says our tester Wendy Rose Gould. “It feels more like light pad that you’re sleeping on versus a dense topper. That said, I personally love my mattress so I appreciated that this one didn’t add a lot of excess.”

Gould also appreciated how easy it was to unpack this cooling mattress topper and put it on her bed. The whole process took her about five minutes. She also noted that there were no odors or off-gassing. All she had to do was put it on her bed, add her linen sheets and she was ready to hop in.“You can tell that a lot of technology and thought went into the design,” raves Gould. “It’s comfortable and it effectively cools you at night while providing a thin layer over your mattress.”

The post 5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Might Cause a Fireplace to Burn Low?

Fire needs ample fuel and oxygen to thrive. So if your fireplace is burning low, it’s not receiving enough of at least one of those. Common factors causing that are wet wood, a clogged chimney or vents that are closed too far.

“If a fireplace burns low occasionally and you didn’t experiment with woods, the cause is most likely a clogged chimney or flue that restricts airflow,” says Jon Gilbertson, president of Chris Heating & Cooling. “If your fireplace started burning low after you switched to another wood, then the new wood is likely wet or unseasoned, and too much moisture doesn’t allow the fire to reach optimal heat levels.”

The post Ways To Increase the Heat From Your Wood-Burning Fireplace appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is a Space Heater?

A space heater is a portable heating device commonly used to warm smaller, otherwise unheated spaces in a home. Most are electric, but fuel-burning models that use kerosene, propane or natural gas are also available. Space heaters can also serve as supplementary heat sources to warm a specific room without raising the entire home’s temperature.

Are Space Heaters Safe?

Space heaters are a great option for that stubborn corner of your home that just won’t get warm, and “as long as they’re properly used, shouldn’t pose a safety issue,” Moore says. However, space heater safety is a serious business, and if not used correctly, space heaters can be very dangerous.

Dangers Associated With Space Heaters

• Fire hazard: Space heaters placed near flammable materials like curtains or bedding can easily ignite and cause a fire. If a space heater is unattended and tips over, it can also quickly lead to a fire.
• Electric shock risk: Damaged or exposed wires can cause electric shock.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Fuel-burning heaters release carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous gas and must be used in well-ventilated spaces.
• Burn risk: Space heater surfaces can become extremely hot and cause serious burns if not handled properly.

Tips for Using Space Heaters Safely

Always practice these tips for optimum space heater safety.

Follow the instructions

Your space heater should have a label that shows it was tested in a recognized laboratory. Before using the heater, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.

Use for supplemental heat only

A space heater is meant to provide supplemental heat only. They should never be used to warm linens, cook food or dry clothing. While they may work to warm up smaller rooms in your home, they are not very energy-efficient appliances.

Make sure your smoke alarms work

“Always check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating,” Moore says. This is essential whether you’re using a space heater or not, but given the risk of fire associated with portable, plug-in heaters, it’s an especially critical task.

Check the cord

Check the space heater’s cord for cracks and make sure the plug isn’t broken. When plugging in, make sure the connection is secure. Loose connections are inherently dangerous and can be a fire hazard.

Don’t leave a space heater unattended

When leaving a room, turn the space heater off. Also, turn the heater off when sleeping. “Running a space heater while you’re asleep is the same as leaving it unattended,” Moore says, “I don’t recommend it.” Never let pets or children play too close to the heater to avoid burns and prevent them from accidentally tipping it over.

Keep it out of the way

Keep your space heater in a corner or an area of the room where people aren’t walking so that nobody trips on it. Not only is it dangerous for the person walking, it could result in the heater getting too close to flammable materials.

Plug directly into an outlet

Space heaters draw considerable electric current, which can shock you and overheat extension cords and power strips. “Always plug your space heater directly into an outlet, never an extension cord,” Moore says.

Keep space heaters away from flammable material

Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including rugs, clothing, bedding and paper. They’re best used on a flat, uncovered floor without carpeting. Don’t run the cord under a rug, either.

Look for safety features

An easy way to increase space heater safety is to look for a space heater with built-in safety features like a tip-over switch, overheat sensor and touch sensor. These features can help prevent overheating, which can result in a fire.

FAQ

Can you run a space heater all night?

Unless you are awake all night and in the same room as the space heater, you cannot run it all night. “Nothing happens when you’re watching the heater; it’s always when it’s unattended that bad things happen,” Moore says.

How long can you run a space heater?

Moore recommends reading the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how long you can run a particular space heater, as each one is different.

What is the safest spot for a space heater?

The safest spot for a space heater is at least three feet away from any flammable materials in any direction, preferably on an uncarpeted floor in the corner of a room.

About the Expert

• Ryan Moore is Fire Chief for the District No. 2 Fire Department in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where he has served for 18 years.

The post A Guide to Space Heater Safety appeared first on Family Handyman.

Overall Desires

According to the NAHB survey,there are two overarching trends regarding the features that new home buyers look for most. First, buyers are opting for smaller homes than in previous years. Smaller doesn’t necessarily mean small, however. The survey reports that “home buyers are looking for homes around 2,070 square feet.”

The second thing buyers are looking for is “personalization and authenticity.” Gone are the days of cookie-cutter homes being the big draw. People want to be able to put their own stamp on their home rather than living in a pre-set template.

The post These Features Are What New Home Buyers Wants Most In a House appeared first on Family Handyman.

It appears to be an affordable solution that’s easy to install. One commenter on the post wrote, “This is what they do in Korea. It doesn’t look great (and it’s not fun not having a window to look through), but it definitely keeps some heat in!”

On its face, it seems like a pretty good, frugal solution. But does bubble wrap as insulation actually work? Here’s what we found out.

Bubble Wrap as Insulation Hack

This hack is pretty simple: just cut a piece of bubble wrap to the size of your window and place the bubble side toward the glass. The person in the above post sprayed it with water, which caused it to stick to the window. You could also use tape to hold it there.

The Glass Doctor recommends using bubble wrap with large bubbles and little space between them.

Beyond insulation, the bubble wrap creates a pleasant soft light and obscures the windows for better privacy. On the downside, it makes it so you can’t see clearly from the window.

Will Bubble Wrap Work as Insulation on Windows?

In theory, yes, bubble wrap works as insulation. Adding airspace should help insulate. According to How To Go Solar, using bubble wrap as insulation improves their efficiency by 50% or more on single-glazed windows and up to 20% on double-glazed ones. Build It Solar also had promising results.

But Randy Huckstadt, an HVAC Expert with JustAnswer.com disagrees. “The problem with this whole concept is that it is not an airtight seal. Therefore, any air or any temperature making it through the window makes it right around the bubble wrap,” he says.

Another potential problem he sees with it is that if it’s freezing outside, spraying water on glass comes with the risk of cracking it, especially “because folks are typically doing this because they have poorly rated or single-pane windows,” he says.

However, others say that they have used this trick, and it does help. It’s a common practice in Korea, for example, where it’s called ‘air cap.’ The Institute for Basic Science in Korea states on its website: “If you want to make your home warmer in winter, you can cover panes of glass with bubble wrap [which] can be applied to glass if you first make the glass moist with water. They go on to recommend repurposing bubble wrap from a move, or from delivery packages.

Others in the Reddit post thread supported this method, too. One wrote, “We do this on some of our windows every year. They are single pane. It definitely helps. You can feel the difference one they’re up. If we’re having guests over we could easily take it down for the day.”

Window Insulation Alternatives

Another relatively affordable option as an alternative to bubble wrap is an insulation kit with an R-value rating for windows. These can typically be found at hardware stores and building centers. Here’s how to install them.

First, make sure your weather stripping is in good shape and check the caulk around the exterior and interior your windows for leaks. For a more permanent solution, try interior storm windows, which are more expensive but should last for decades.

Whatever you choose, remember that it will be far more effective if it makes a seal around the window.

About the Expert

• Randy Huckstadt is an HVAC expert with JustAnswer.com and is an authorized mechanic for Haward Service and Warranty Center.

Sources

• The Korean Institute for Basic Science, “Living in Korea.”
• The Glass Doctor, “DIY Project Insulate Your Windows with Bubble Wrap.”
• How to Go Solar, “The Truth about Bubble Wrap Window Insulation,” October 13, 202.
• Build it Solar, blog from Oct. 24, 2005.

The post Does Bubble Wrap Actually Work as Window Insulation? Here’s the Deal appeared first on Family Handyman.

Of course, the electrician in me now understands, and cares, about energy usage and the effects of humidity on building materials. But does that mean I can’t leave a window open in winter on occasion? Can it ever be a good idea? And does the weather play a role? Ahead, I talked to experts in indoor air quality and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as a scientist from the National Weather Service, to find out.

Benefits of Leaving a Window Open in the Winter

Let’s start with the pros. If you’re a little claustrophobic like me, you’ll like this section.

According to Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council, today’s houses are much more airtight due to higher energy efficiency standards than they were in past decades. That means less air exchange between inside and outside, so opening a window in the winter can offer several benefits.

• Improved air quality: Opening a window can reduce stale air, plus indoor air pollutants like carbon dioxide, vapors from cleaning products and cooking fuel byproducts.
• Humidity control: Dry winter air can do a number on your skin and lungs. “Fresh air can help regulate indoor humidity levels, preventing excessive dryness,” says Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv heating and air conditioning.
• Odor removal: Even with a range hood or exhaust fan, cooking smells permeate every nook and cranny of your home. If you’ve ever lived over a restaurant, you know what I’m talking about.
• Mental well-being: Darkness at 5 p.m. can be a downer, but opening a window may help. “Some people find fresh air invigorating,” Roberson says, “and it can help improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.”

Cons of Leaving a Window Open in the Winter

The biggest con of leaving a window open in the winter is the loss of heat. When you open a window, your HVAC unit eventually kicks on to replace the conditioned air that escapes. That could reduce the energy efficiency of your unit and raise your energy bill, Roberson says, especially if you leave a window open near the thermostat.

Leaving a window open during the winter also wastes energy, even if you’re not so concerned with your utility bills. Unless your home is completely powered by solar and wind, your HVAC is consuming a dwindling supply of fossil fuels.

Should You Leave a Window Open Year-Round?

“Leaving a window open year-round is generally not advisable,” Roberson says. “In the winter, it’s usually more energy-efficient to keep windows closed to conserve heat, while in the summer, you might want to open windows to ventilate your home.”

But, “if you’re trying to improve indoor air quality, control humidity, or simply enjoy the benefits of fresh air, opening a window occasionally may be helpful,” Roberson says. “The key is to strike a balance, ensuring that it doesn’t lead to excessive heat loss or discomfort. Using a window briefly during milder winter days can help achieve the benefits without causing your HVAC system to work excessively hard.”

Should I Leave My Window Open in the Winter?

It’s up to you, though experts generally advise being judicious. “There is no ‘one-size fits all’ when it comes to our indoor spaces,” Rathey says. Roberson adds: “You can leave a window open in the winter, but it’s important to be selective about when and where.”

Here are some situations that might warrant cracking a window:

• In stuffy or humid rooms: It’s best to keep indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50% to keep mold at bay. “An inexpensive temperature and relative humidity meter can help show impacts from a slightly opened window, and flag you to close it when too much damp/cold air enters,” Rathey says.
• When outdoor air quality is good: Air pollution contains harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dilution of which “may reduce impacts to those with chemical sensitivities, unless the outdoor air is more polluted than inside,” Rathey says. Check your local air quality index at AirNow.gov to make sure.
• On sunny and warm(er) days: Give your HVAC a break by taking advantage of good weather and natural heat from the sun. If you’re sensitive to airborne allergens and dust, ventilating may reduce these contaminants, Rathey says.
• If your windows have locks: “An open window can be an entry point for intruders,” Roberson says, “especially when you’re asleep or not at home.” Rathey says putting sash locks on your windows, allowing them to open just a few inches, can mitigate security concerns.

FAQ

Should you leave windows open during extreme weather?

No. It’s a myth that you should open windows during tornadoes, and Kate Abshire with the National Weather Service (NWS) says that wind and hail from thunderstorms can cause glass to shatter, so it’s best to stay away from windows entirely instead of wasting time trying to open them. In rare cases, lightning can enter older homes through cracks around windows.

Can you leave the window open with a dehumidifier?

It’s not a good idea. Dehumidifiers are intended to remove moisture from confined spaces. Bringing in a continuous supply of fresh air from outside, especially if you live in a humid climate, will cause the dehumidifier to constantly run.

How much does it cost to leave a window open?

It depends on your climate, the size of your home, and the type, size and efficiency of your HVAC system. But, the cost can be significant. As a rough example, let’s say you have a 3-ton unit that uses 3,000 watts (3 kilowatts) per hour. Using the October 2024 national average cost for electricity ($0.177 per kilowatt-hour), if your HVAC kicked on just one extra hour a day, your electricity bill would rise approximately $200 per year.

About the Experts

• Kate Abshire is the acting NWS Severe Weather Program Manager in the Severe, Fire, Public, and Winter Weather Services Branch of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric (NOAA)/National Weather Service.
• Allen Rathey is the director of the Indoor Health Council, a consortium of cleaning professionals and health experts dedicated to healthy indoor spaces. Rathey was previously the president of the Housekeeping Channel, The Healthy House Institute and the Healthy Facilities Institute.
• Brad Roberson is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning expert and the president of Aire Serv, a trusted name in the field of heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance, and repair with more than 200 locations across the United States and Canada.

Sources

• AirNow.gov: “U.S. Air Quality Index”
• Energy.gov: “Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use”
• Environmental Protection Agency: “Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality”
• U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Average Energy Prices for the United States, Regions, Census Divisions, and Selected Metropolitan Areas”

The post Should You Leave a Window Open in the Winter? All the Pros and Cons appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is ‘Brown Friday’?

Brown Friday is the day after Turkey Day, but it’s really an entire week of heightened activity for plumbers. And while the name sounds like a euphemism for clogged toilets, that’s only part of the story. Houses full of guests and a day of cooking and eating put a hefty strain on your pipes, leading to clogged sinks, broken disposals and, of course, clogged toilets.

According to data compiled by Yelp, searches for “emergency plumbing” skyrocketed by 65 percent in 2023. Searches for “24-hour plumbers” were higher on Thanksgiving Day than any other day during November 2023.

Most Common Causes of Plumbing Problems On Brown Friday

Fat and grease

You should never, ever dump any kinds of fats, oils or grease down the drain because it will lead to major clogs in your pipes. That’s Plumbing 101. When warmed grease hits a cold pipe, it solidifies and sticks. Over time, the grease builds up, plugs up the works and becomes incredibly difficult to remove. Some people arent aware of this, so unclogging the resulting mess tends to be a common problem plumbers encounter the day after.

Potato peels

Thanksgiving is certainly the day for mashed potatoes, but don’t be tempted to stuff the potato peels into your garbage disposal while you’re making everyone’s favorite side dish. It’s easy to assume that the blades of a garbage disposal will shred everything to ribbons to be safely washed down the drain. But the starchy skins tend to get clumpy in your pipes, which can cause further blockages.

Though carrots aren’t quite as popular for Thanksgiving cooking as potatoes, you shouldn’t flush carrot peelings down the disposal either. Trust me on that one; I’m speaking from personal experience. Rice and pasta can also gum up your drains.

There’s a reason potato peels are one of these 15 things that you should never put down your garbage disposal, so be aware of that when you start cooking.

Another easy solution is to compost your food waste. Composting is an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of those food scraps, and its easy to do. It’s great for the garden or your flower beds. And if you don’t have a garden or flowers, you can likely find a composting service in your community that works with local farmers.

Turkey

The skin and bones from Ben Franklin’s favorite bird do not mix well with your drains and garbage disposals either. They can cause blockages.

Clogged toilets

Remember, don’t try to flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper and the natural waste it was made for. Don’t assume your guests are wise to that, either. You can find ways to gently remind visitors that things like paper towels, hygiene products, etc., should not be flushed.

How To Prevent Plumbing Problems

The good news is that you can take a few simple preventative steps to avoid having to frantically search for an emergency plumber at 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

1. Use the disposal correctly. These things are handy, but they’re not made for bones, potato peels, cornhusks, carrots, onion skins, coffee grounds, pasta, etc.
2. Run cold water. Whenever you do use the disposal, make sure to run cold water while you feed stuff into it.
3. Avoid using the dishwasher. If your garbage disposal is clogged, avoid using the dishwasher.
4. Properly dispose of grease and oils. Use a container instead of pouring them down the drain, and throw them in the trash once they havesolidified.
5. Wipe off dirty dishes and greasy pans before putting them into the dishwasher or washing them by hand in the sink.
6. Get a mesh strainer for your showers, tubs and bathroom sinks, especially if you’re hosting guests this year. That will help catch hair before it turns into a clog.
7. Think before you flush! Avoid flushing wipes, feminine products and other non-dissolvable products down the toilet.
8. Have a plunger on hand. Plunging a toilet is the easiest way to unclog it. If the clog is too stubborn for a plunger, you may need to snake the toilet or dial up a plumber to take of the problem.

The post Why the Day After Thanksgiving Is an Annual Plumbing Crisis appeared first on Family Handyman.

After testing this set for the past three months, I’ve seen how it performs with dark clothing, hairy pet beds, extra-large comforters, and smelly workout clothes. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Maytag washer and dryer?

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Maytag

$878 at The Home Depot

$879.99 at Best Buy

Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hr Fresh Hold

Shop on Maytag

$878 at The Home Depot

$879.99 at Best Buy

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Maytag

$748 at The Home Depot

$649.99 at Best Buy

Maytag Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry cycle

Shop on Maytag

$748 at The Home Depot

$649.99 at Best Buy

The Maytag Front Load Electric Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hr Fresh Hold and Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry Cycle are complementary stackable models with large capacity, an Energy Star certification and a variety of settings and features. The washer can connect to Wi-Fi through a Maytag app.

The direct drive motor and stainless steel wash basket are covered by a 10-year limited parts warranty. Similarly, the dryer has a 10-year limited parts warranty on the drive motor and drum. Both the washer and dryer are available in three colors: volcano black, white and metallic slate.

Maytag Washer and Dryer Features

The front-load, 4.8-cubic foot capacity washing machine offers 14 cycles for your load of laundry. These include an assortment of settings, including specialty options for towels and bulky items. Use the ‘Quick Wash’ cycle for small-scale loads that are slightly dirty. Thanks to extra-high spin speeds, they will be clean in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the ‘Sanitize’ cycle uses ultra-hot water temperatures to remove 99.9% of household bacteria.

Extra Cleaning Power at the Push of a Button

An ‘Extra Power’ button in the middle of the cycle display provides increased cleaning power. It boosts stain-fighting capability on any wash cycle with a unique dual-temperature wash. Press the ‘Wash Cycle’ Knob to activate the ‘Extra Power’ option, which activates a cold prewash cycle before the main cycle starts. When ‘Extra Power’ is started, the ‘Wash Cycle’ Knob will illuminate, and the run time remaining on the display will increase.

Unique Washer Options

With just a touch, you can activate additional wash options and features. These include:

• A Fresh Hold setting keeps clothes from getting musty by periodically tumbling them while circulating air from an internal fan. Clothes will stay fresh for up to 16 hours after the original wash cycle ends.
• A Steam option adds additional soak and wash time with a steam boost to many cycles, providing added cleaning power to remove tough stains. A built-in heater helps maintain perfect wash temperatures.

The Wi-Fi Connect option allows you to use the Maytag app to connect your washer to your home WiFi network. Features include remote start/stop from anywhere, cycle notifications and the ability to schedule wash cycles. There are also smart tips, a stain guide and more.

Sturdy and Built to Last

The 4.8-cubic foot capacity provides enough space to clean 30 towels at once. The direct-drive motor has the power to handle large loads, and the stainless steel basket is designed for many years of washes and built with rugged materials to last.

A Dozen Cycles

The front loading 7.3-cubic foot capacity dryer has 12 cycles covering everything from delicates to bulky items. Like the washer, a sanitizing cycle uses extra-hot drying temperatures to remove up to 99.9% of common household bacteria. Theres also a steam refresh cycle that can spruce up your tired clothes without having to wash them. Meanwhile, the Quick Dry cycle allows you to dry a small load fast. When you combine it with the Quick Wash cycle on the washer, you are able to get some clothes ready to wear in quick order.

Get Extra Power to Dry Faster

The Extra Power option can be used with both Timed Dry and Sensor Cycles. Press the Cycle Control knob to activate the Extra Power option, which provides an additional 10 minutes of cycle time. When Extra Power is activated, the Cycle Control knob will illuminate, and the estimated time remaining on the display will show 10 additional minutes.

More Drying Options

The Wrinkle Prevent option is useful if you are not able to immediately remove a load. By touching the Wrinkle Prevent button, you get up to 150 minutes of periodic tumbling to help reduce wrinkling.

The Reduce Static option tells the dryer to automatically tumble, pause and introduce a small amount of moisture into the load to help reduce static and cut down on cling. This option adds approximately three minutes to the total cycle time.

The Steam option adds steam to the end of certain Sensor Cycles to help smooth wrinkles. It can be used with high or medium heat settings and adds approximately 15 minutes to the total cycle time.

Stackable

To accommodate tight spaces, a washer-dryer stacking kit can be used to place the dryer on top of the washing machine, freeing up extra room in your laundry area. To stack the machines, you need to purchase a stacking kit (approximately $50-60) that corresponds with your exact models. Whirlpool makes specific kits for its Maytag line of appliances.

The kit includes all the parts needed to safely support the washer and dryer, as well as detailed installation instructions. Maytag says installing the kit will require basic hand tools and novice repair experience, but having them installed by a professional might be worthwhile if you think youd be unable to lift the bulky dryer onto the washer.

How We Tested It

I washed two small dog beds, which used to cause trouble in my old machine. The beds would never come out fully clean, and I would have to use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe out the washer and dryer afterward because they would be filled with dirt or fur. That was not the case this time. There wasnt a bunch of gook left in the washing machine., and I didnt have to use a lint roller to get the fur from our long-haired dog off.

When I put the dog beds in the dryer, I once again used the Bulky Items setting and let it rip. At the end of the cycle, the dog beds were dry and free of dirt and dog hair. Any stray dog hair landed in the lint collector, which was easy to remove. I was highly pleased that I did not have to clean out the inside of the washer or dryer, as Ive had to do with previous machines!

Cleaning a Comforter

I also wanted to wash a new king-sized comforter before using it because it was smelly. It fits with ease inside both the washing machine and dryer, and it couldnt have been easier. Previously, when I washed comforters or heavy blankets, the washing machine would tilt and stop working — requiring a reset. And with the dryer, multiple cycles were needed to get the comforters or blankets dry. This time, the comforter handled the wash cycle flawlessly. I think the lack of an agitator on the front loading machine allowed a better washing function.

Things did not get off-kilter, and the comforter came out fresh and clean. It took one cycle to dry it in the dryer, and it turned out perfectly warm and dry. I was so gleeful about it!

Washing Dark Clothing

For the next load, I washed a variety of dark clothing, including black leggings and black dress clothes. With our old machine, when I would wash dark clothes, they would come out covered in lint and/or dog hair. There was nothing that frustrated me more when that would happen. I cant tell you how many things were ruined. With the new machine, I set the clothes to the normal setting. At the end of the cycle, when I pulled everything out, I was so thrilled not to have anything stuck to my clothes. The washing machine delivered with flying colors.

Workout Gear

Next, I wanted to do a load of workout gear that had been sitting in the laundry basket all week. Everything was dirty and smelly when it went in, and it came out clean and fresh. The extra power buttons are fantastic: I honestly wasnt sure if they were necessary, but its a great feature. Be sure to add extra detergent to the extra power compartment.

Front-Loading Washer vs Top-Loading Washer

Lets talk about what its like to have a front-loading wash machine versus a top loader. Ourprevious washer was a traditional top-load machine with an extra-large capacity. The size was nice, and you could select a pre-soak button that would fill up the machine halfway and then let your stained clothes sit in the water and detergent to get some extra attention. But, as I mentioned earlier, our old machine would tend to freeze up with bulky loads. It would also make a lot of noise. And when the load was finished, I usually had to stand on my tip toes to get things out of the bottom of the drum.

With the front load machine, there is no pre-soak setting. I suppose you could stick everything in the bin, start a wash and hit pause to create the same effect. But maybe its not necessary with all of the great settings on this machine. Plus, Ive seen a number of comments from experts online that suggest your laundry will touch the laundry soap and water more often on a front-loading machine than it would on a top-loader that uses an agitator.

After using the front-loading washer for a while, I feel that its hard to tell when the machine is full. Maytag says the washer can handle 30 towels at once, but well before you get to that number, you start to feel like youre piling up pancakes on the breakfast plate and wonder if the syrup will make it to the bottom of the stack. But theyre right. Ive overstuffed the machine multiple times with two weeks of clothes, and everything is getting clean!

Pros

• Stackable or side-by-side
• Steam setting
• Comes in multiple colors
• Extra power feature gets clothing very clean
• 16-hour fresh hold
• 10-year warranty
• Available in electric or gas

Cons

• Hard to hear end-of-load alerts
• Some buttons are similar or duplicative, which is confusing

FAQ

What is the advantage of leaving the door open on the washer when its not in use?

You need to leave the door open all of the time when not in use so it doesnt develop mold or mildew.

Can I do a full load on a quick wash and quick dry?

No. The settings are not meant for that. Quick Wash and Quick Dry should be used for small loads.

The dryer has both a ‘Regular’ and a ‘Normal’ setting. Whats the difference?

Though they sound similar, they are slightly different. The Regular setting lasts for 57 minutes on the second temperature setting out of four. The Normal setting uses hotter temperatures and lasts longer. It goes for 1:27 and uses the third temperature setting out of four.

Is Maytag made in China?

Though the various parts for the machines might be sourced from around the globe, these washers are assembled in Clyde, Ohio, and the dryers are assembled in Marion, Ohio.

Who owns Maytag now?

Maytag was a standalone company for more than 100 years before it was acquired by Whirlpool in 2006. In addition to washers and dryers, the Maytag brand makes refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and microwave ovens. Other Whirlpool-owned brands include KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana.

What other reviewers/experts had to say

The dryer is as nice as the matching washer, said a verified Best Buy reviewer. It auto senses dampness and dries accordingly. It is also quiet, perhaps even more so than the washer.

Steam is nice, as is the wrinkle guard, said a verified Best Buy reviewer. The dryer seems to actively adjust the time remaining based on sensors and usually ends up drying faster than anticipated.

We have had this washing machine and the matching dryer, both on pedestals for the last month, said a Maytag reviewer. They are FANTASTIC.

Final Verdict

This Maytag washer/dryer combo delivers everything you would want for a large or small household. These machines can easily handle bigger jobs like comforters, dog beds and jumbo loads of towels. They can also pivot to smaller loads, delicates, or a quick wash of clothes if needed on short notice. This dynamic duo does an amazing job at everything I throw at them.

You will not be disappointed in the washing machine’s cleaning power or the dryer’s drying power. These good-looking machines are also stackable, so they can fit into a smaller space. I highly recommend them.

Where to Buy the Maytag Washer and Dryer

This Maytag washer and dryer set is available at Maytag, The Home Depot, and Best Buy. The washer is just under $900, and the dryer is around $800.

The post Maytag Washer and Dryer Review: Made Like They Used to Be appeared first on Family Handyman.

With a national average of $3,500 to install a new water heater, taking the time to maintain yours is well worth the effort. Keep reading to learn why flushing your water heater is so important and what happens if you don’t with tips from Michelle Law of Blue Frog Plumbing and Drain.

What Does Flushing Your Water Heater Do?

The primary purpose of flushing your water heater is to remove any sediment or mineral buildup that has accumulated over time. Most of the impurities in the water are collected by the anode rod, a metal rod inside the tank, to spare the water heater from corrosion. However, “some sediment still makes its way to the bottom of the tank, and flushing it clears the rest out,” Law says.

What Happens If You Don’t Flush Your Water Heater?

Neglecting to flush your water heater regularly can lead to sediment and sludge buildup at the bottom of the tank. This TikTok video by @plumbersplunger shows just how much debris can accumulate in an unflushed water heater, which can cause the tank to corrode, leak and fail prematurely. “The debris will actually begin to eat away at the tank,” Law says.

@theplumbersplunger Cutting open a water heater tank to see what is on the inside. Talking about water filtration and how to find out what is in your water. #plumbing #water #fyp original sound – The Plumbers Plunger

Sediment can also coat the heating element, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing it to overheat. Law notes that this issue may not occur with all water heaters and will depend on how the heating element is designed.

Law also points out that if you’ve never flushed your water heateror haven’t done so in the last two yearsnow may not be the best time to start.

“The sediment has been sitting at the bottom of the tank, helping to seal any corrosion or small holes,” she explains. “Disturbing it can dislodge that buildup, potentially causing leaks.”

Can Not Flushing Your Water Heater Be Dangerous?

While neglecting to flush your water heater can cause problems, it’s not dangerous. Law points out that if it were, most of us would be in trouble. “The reality is, most people don’t flush their water heater. It’s just one of those maintenance tasks that doesn’t get done,” she says.

Other Important Water Heater Maintenance

Perform these tasks annually:

• Check the temperature setting: It should be between 120 and 130 degrees to prevent scalding and improve efficiency.
• Look for leaks: Check the floor around the water heater for any wet areas or puddles.

Consider having these maintenance tasks performed by a pro:

• Inspect the anode rod: “The anode rod is the sacrificial element in a water heater,” Law says, “It will corrode and needs to be replaced periodically.”
• Check the venting system: Gas water heaters produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that must be properly vented to the outside. Regularly inspect that the vent pipe remains clear and unobstructed.
• Test the pressure valve: This pressure relief valve can become clogged or stuck over time. Check it regularly to ensure it opens when needed.

About the Expert

• Michelle Law is an apprentice plumber at Blue Frog Plumbing and Drain, a full-service residential and commercial plumbing company in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Source

USA Today: How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost? 2024 Guide. (2024)

The post The Gross Truth About What Builds Up in Your Neglected Water Heater appeared first on Family Handyman.

Inside the workshop

Woodhouses very first project when she, her husband, Adam, and kids, Evie and Liam, moved into their Louisville-area Colonial in 2017, was building a workshop adjacent to their new home. It needed to be more than 9 feet tall, so I could fit a full sheet of plywood and have a ton of electrical to run a table saw and shop vac at once and not flip a breaker, she says. It has more power than our house! In the workshop, she builds the new additions for her home on her own, with the camera rolling.

Stair runner solution

The Woodhouse family always found their staircase to be awkward. It was two-thirds carpeted and one-third hardwood floors. And it looked datedan orange honey-tone oak with beige carpet and balusters from the 90s.

But it was their Rhodesian ridgeback dog who really sealed the deal on getting them to do something about it. At 100 pounds, Watson is a big guy who in his old age started having mobility issues, and going up and down stairs was a challenge made even more complicated by the slippery hardwood. Woodhouse took the problem into her own hands and overhauled the stairwell, replacing the wood with white oak, adding new railings, newels and balusters, and adding a runner to provide better footing for Watson and her family.

The three-day project started with heavy sandpapering to get down to raw wood, followed by an oil refinish and paint job, and rug pad and runner installation. She added brass stair rods as a finishing touch, which she says was purely decorative and a bit pricey.

Check out Woodhouse’s step-by-step guide to installing a stair runner.

Basement home theater

As a huge movie lover, Woodhouse saw instant potential in the basement. She combined her love of history and cinema to refashion a space into an Art -Decostyle home theater. To create the effect, she installed sconces and heightened the drama with gold trim.

My saw didnt cut that steep of an angle so I had to make a jig, she says.

Of course, the main attraction here is the drop ceiling. Previously, the ceiling was covered with everyday white tiles. Woodhouse knew a gilded look would recall the glory days of theater, so she scoured samples from Home Depot and chose a thin plastic, but incredibly ornate-looking, option. The material is so thin I actually cut it with scissors, she says.

The basement fireplace had a typical beam mantel, which she jazzed up by installing a custom build around it, highlighted by beveled edges. She kept the original wall paint and amplified some walls with a different strength of paint for a subtle tone-on-tone look.

Home office with DIY built-in filing cabinets

While the office came fully loaded with built-in bookshelves and didnt need much TLC, Woodhouse was sold on the room for a different reason: the south- and east-facing windows with hand cranks. She added French doors a transom above them.

To give the shelving an even more functional twist, she built cabinets underneath. I want filing cabinets that didnt look like filing cabinets, she said, giving the entire piece a paint job using Roycroft Bottle Green from Sherwin-Williams. I pulled the color from the wallpaper, which I decided on after asking for dozens of samples online. The floral print looks Asian-inspired, and considering Im Filipino, it felt perfect.

Today, Woodhouse continues to share her love of DIY not only on her website (jenwoodhouse.com) but on her online marketplace, Sprucd Market, where vetted builders can upload and sell their project plans.

The post Carving Her Niche: Inside Jen Woodhouse’s DIY Dream Home appeared first on Family Handyman.

This is the case with a recent recall of tens of thousands of New Cosmos USA’s alarms. Heres everything you need to know about the recall, its implications, and what to do if you own one of the affected units.

What DeNova Alarms Are Being Recalled?

This recall involves DeNova Detect Brand Combination Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms sold between December 2023 and July 2024. The specific model impacted is model number DD622NCV (the number can be found on the top of the alarm). In total, about 26,360 alarms are being recalled.

Why Are These DeNova Alarms Being Recalled?

The alarms in question pose a safety risk because they can go into sleep mode after alerting users to the presence of natural gas or carbon monoxide if the alert lasts less than four minutes. During this sleep period, the alarms will fail to detect and alert users to new instances of gas or CO, potentially leaving households vulnerable to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Despite the serious potential danger, New Cosmos USA says no incidents or injuries have been reported so far.

What To Do If My DeNova Alarm Is Part of the Recall

If you own a recalled alarm, you need to act quickly to ensure your households safety. Begin by verifying if your alarm is part of the recall. Check the model and serial numbers; the affected units are model DD622NCV. If your alarm matches this description, visit the DeNova Detect safety notice page to register for a replacement.

Once registered, you will receive a prepaid shipping package and a replacement alarm. After installing the new unit, return the recalled alarm using the prepaid package.

Keep in mind: You should continue to use the recalled alarm until your replacement arrives, as it still offers some protection against natural gas and carbon monoxide.

If you have any questions regarding this recall, you can contact New Cosmos USA’s customer service by phone (888-447-6016) or by email (safety@DeNovaDetect.com).

Sources

Consumer Product Safety Commission: New Cosmos USA Recalls Combination Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Due to Failure to Alert Consumers to the Presence of Natural Gas and to the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning” (2024)

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Damaged Plumbing Vent Boots

Plumbing vents help regulate air pressure to the plumbing fixtures in your home and help gases escape. The plumbing vent bootsare the piece that fits around the vent; its job is to keep water out, preventing leaks and protecting your roof. Vent boots can be all plastic, plastic and metal, or even two-piece metal units. These boots should last around 15 years, maybe as long as 30 years, but you should regularly inspect them for damage.

Check plastic bases for cracks and metal bases for broken seams. Then examine the rubber boot surrounding the pipe. That can be rotted away or torn, allowing water to work its way into the house along the pipe. With any of these problems, you should buy a new vent boot to replace the old one. But if the nails at the base are missing or pulled free and the boot is in good shape, replace them with the rubber-washered screws used for metal roofing systems.

The post 26 Silent Signs That Your House Has a Serious Problem appeared first on Family Handyman.