Author: Maria Sabella

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    Unspoken Fence Etiquette Rules You Should Follow to Be a Good Neighbour

    ByMaria Sabella

    If you share a backyard fence with neighbors, you know the rules around them can be a bit murky. Is it OK to paint your side of the fence, even if you aren’t the owner? Do you have to let your neighbors know if you plan to make changes to the fence? And, if the fence gets damaged, does the owner need to fix it within a certain timeframe? To provide you with answers to these questions and more, we turned to Kristi Spencer, an etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. Spencer stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and being respectful and considerate at all times. When it comes to making any changes, getting permission from the fence owner is a must. Even if you are the owner of the fence, giving your neighbors a heads up about any coming changes is a courtesy they will appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Below, Spencer shares six fence etiquette rules you need to follow to be respectful to your neighbors. 1. Keep Lines of Communication Open Being friendly when you see neighbors that you share a fence with can go a long way. “Look for ways to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors, even if it’s just a friendly wave when you see them, ” Spencer says. This maintains pleasant relations and keeps the door open for any future conversations regarding the fence and other neighborhood-related topics. 2. Maintain the Fence and Surrounding Area No matter who the owner of the fence is, Spencer says it’s important to keep both sides well taken care of. This means ensuring it’s in good condition, looks nice and clean, and there is no evident damage to it, whether that’s a hole or a missing plank of wood. Additionally, the etiquette expert says you should take care of the area surrounding the fence, such as the ground underneath it. “Clear away leaves and make sure the weeds are mowed and don’t creep into your neighbor’s property,” she says. Related 3. Inform Neighbors About Any Planned Changes “Even if you are the owner of the fence, always let your neighbors know about any changes you plan to make to it,” Spencer says. Making changes to the fence doesn’t just affect your backyard, it affects your neighbors’ backyard, in both a practical and a visual sense. Make sure you give them a sufficient heads up about any planned changes such as fence repairs, updates, or replacements. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, not doing so can have consequences. For example, if your neighbor has a dog that spends a lot of time in the backyard, you will need to make them aware of any repairs that will be made, as the construction can affect the dog’s safety and ability to be outside. 4. Don’t Paint the Fence Without Permission When it comes to painting the fence, Spencer says any changes should only be made by the owner or with their permission. “I wouldn’t take on any fence improvement projects without the owner’s permission, even if you are stuck looking at an ugly fence,” she says. A fence can be a large investment and if you are not the one who paid for it, painting or staining your side a different color is something you should never do without getting consent first. 5. Have a Conversation About Repairs While ideally, a fence would be repaired as quickly as possible, especially if there is a safety concern with children or pets, Spencer says the owner is not obligated to fix it within a specific timeframe. The only exception is if there is a homeowner’s association or city code violation. If you are waiting for your neighbor to fix the fence, Spencer recommends starting with a friendly conversation. “Offer to help with the repair or a temporary fix if you can, even if it’s just something simple like holding boards or hammering a few nails,” she says. Spencer adds that your neighbor may just be waiting for a contractor or dealing with an insurance issue, so don’t immediately assume they are delaying the repair just to make life difficult for you. 6. Be Considerate and Respectful “No matter what you’ve heard, it’s good neighbors who make good neighbors,” Spencer says. She explains that when we lead with consideration, respect, and honesty, we can build precious relationships that last a lifetime. “When issues arise, approach the situation with an open mind, listen as much, if not more, than you speak, and be willing to compromise,” Spencer adds.

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    5 Warning Signs Your Light Switches Could Be a Fire Hazard

    ByMaria Sabella

    Credit: JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images A flickering overhead light doesn’t necessarily mean your electrical wiring is faulty, but it can be a red flag. Sometimes the flickering simply means you need to replace the bulb, but it could also be a sign that your light switches are a fire hazard. To help you watch for the warning signs of faulty electrical wiring, Johnny Sharif, electrical expert at Frontdoor, shares exactly what you should be on the lookout for. The electrical expert shares that any heat and sounds coming from a light switch should raise concern, as should any change in the switch’s normal operation. If you notice any of the main warning signs that Sharif mentions, have your light switches inspected by a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the severity or the issue and help prevent a potential fire hazard. Top 5 Warning Signs to Watch For These are the main warning signs that your light switches are a fire hazard, according to Sharif. If you notice any of these signs in your home, he says it’s best to have the light switch inspected as soon as possible to prevent a potential fire hazard. Discoloration of the light switch Heat coming from the light switch or the surrounding area Unusual sounds such as crackling or buzzing Flickering Any change in the normal operation of the light switch How to Know When There’s a Problem With Electrical Wiring A flickering light bulb may be a sign that your light switch is a fire hazard, but the flickering may also just be the result of a faulty bulb. So how do you know the difference, and how can you tell if there’s a real problem with electrical wiring that can potentially cause a house fire? Sharif says the first thing you should do when you have a flickering light bulb is to replace it in order to rule out a simple bulb issue. If the flickering continues even after you have replaced the light bulb, he says the issue could be a result of faulty wiring. “Signs of faulty wiring may include black marks or charring by the switch, any heat coming from the area, a burning smell or even hearing sizzling or popping sounds coming from the switch,” Sharif says. He explains these issues can suggest loose connections or issues with the wiring and should immediately be addressed and brought to the attention of a professional in order to prevent a fire. What to Do When You Notice These Warning Signs Knowing the warning signs to look for is the first step to preventing a potential fire hazard. However, what should you do if you hear a crackling noise coming from a light switch or suddenly feel heat coming from the switch and the surrounding area? “If you notice any of these warning signs or anything unusual with your electrical system, it’s best to turn off power to the circuit as soon as you can and consult a professional to assess the severity of the issue,” Sharif says. Keep an Eye on Light Switches Light switches may seem like a small and insignificant part of a room, however just like everything else, they do wear out over time. What’s more, many light switches are used multiple times throughout the day and are a high-touch item. Clean them regularly to prevent dirt buildup and discoloration, and keep an eye on them for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Call in an electrical professional if you notice any of the warning signs Sharif mentions, and replace any chipped, scratched, or dirty light switches to maintain a clean and polished space. When replacing a light switch, make sure it matches the color and style of the other light switches and outlet plates in the room to ensure a cohesive look and prevent it from looking distracting. Aesthetically speaking, replacing light switches and outlet plates is a simple and inexpensive way to update a space.

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    6 Patio Pieces You Didn’t Know You Could and Should Clean with Dish Soap

    ByMaria Sabella

    Outdoor patio furniture and decor is made of weather-resistant materials, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get dirty. Properly storing items is essential, as is regular cleaning. The good news is, you can effectively clean all kinds of patio items with one product that may already be sitting by your kitchen sink: Dawn dish soap. “Patio items accumulate all sorts of grime—from food spills and sticky drink residues to pollen, dust, and even environmental oils,” says Arianna Castro, P&G home care scientist. Whether it’s regular dish soap or one of the brand’s heavy-duty sprays, Castro says they are extremely useful for cleaning a variety of patio items, and remove up to 99% of grease and grime. “These products are designed to lift and break down these oily and greasy soils, allowing them to be easily rinsed away,” the she says. To help you keep your patio ready for lounging and entertaining all season long, here are the outdoor items you can clean with dish soap. 1. Outdoor Chair Cushions and Rugs If you notice a stain on your outdoor chair cushions or a dirty spot on the patio rug, Castro suggests spot-cleaning them with dish soap. “It’s great for treating stains, especially those that are greasy or food-based,” she says. Dawn dish soap is excellent for targeted stain treatment according to the expert, but she does recommend using a dedicated outdoor fabric cleaner for full cleaning. Before you use dish soap to spot-treat outdoor textiles, try it on a hidden spot such as the under-side of a rug to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Related 2. Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces Dawn dish soap products are gentle on finishes but tough on dirt, which makes them ideal for cleaning a variety of patio pieces and backyard fixtures. “You can use them on hard, non-porous surfaces such as plastic or resin furniture, glass tabletops, [and] vinyl siding on sheds,” Castro says. One option is to mix a couple of drops of dish soap with warm water in a large bucket and scrub the items with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Another is to use one of the brand’s sprays and spritz the dirty surface, wipe it down, then rinse with water. 3. Synthetic Wicker Furniture Not all outdoor furniture that looks like wicker is actually made of natural wicker—some is constructed from synthetic materials such as resin or plastic. Castro says you can clean synthetic wicker furniture with dish soap, but does not recommend using dish soap on natural wicker or wood surfaces to avoid damaging their finish. When cleaning synthetic wicker, make sure to use a non-abrasive sponge or brush that doesn’t cause scratches that can leave the material more vulnerable to weather-related damage. 4. Grill Grates Backyard barbecues may be fun, but cleaning sticky grill grates—not so much. Castro recommends using dish soap, which is both safe to use and effectively cuts through stubborn grease on gas and charcoal grills. As a general rule of thumb Dawn dish soap is safe to use on stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain coated grills, but as with every appliance, it is best to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to be on the safe side. 5. Kids’ Plastic Outdoor Toys If your kids have plastic outdoor toys on the patio, Castro suggests giving them a good clean with dish soap. In a large bucket, mix a couple of drops of dish soap with warm water and stir to combine. Use a non-abrasive sponge or bucket to scrub plastic toys clean, making sure you target any extra grimey spots or crevices that collect dirt and pollen. Rinse the toys with a hose and allow them to air dry completely. 6. Outdoor Coolers Between sticky spills and old food residue, outdoor coolers can get pretty gross. And since they hold food and drinks, it’s especially important to clean them properly and regularly in order to prevent mold from growing and potentially contaminating the cooler’s contents. Castro recommends using dish soap to clean outdoor coolers. If you notice that the cooler has an unpleasant smell, pre-treat it before cleaning. Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and generously spritz the inside of the cooler (including the lid) with the mixture. Let it work for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing down the cooler with warm soapy water. Rinse it off the suds with water, wipe it dry with a clean microfiber cloth, and leave it open to fully dry before stocking it again.

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    7 Things in Your Garage You Should Never Throw Away

    ByMaria Sabella

    If decluttering the garage is one of your house projects to tackle this season, there are a few things you should think twice about tossing. The garage often becomes a dumping ground for leftover building materials, old paint, and items that no longer work, but you don’t necessarily want to get rid of. These things can take up valuable storage room, so a seasonal garage declutter is always a good idea. As you take inventory of the space, consider this list of items you shouldn’t throw away. It includes items that need to be disposed of in a specific way because they are considered hazardous waste, as well as things you could need down the road and would regret getting rid of. 1. Leftover Paint If there are half-empty cans of leftover paint sitting on your garage shelves, avoid throwing them in the trash. Oil-based paints are flammable and can pose a serious environmental risk and fire hazard. Any cans of leftover oil-based paint, solvents, and thinners are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of safely. Check your town’s guidelines for hazardous waste disposal—some municipalities have a designated drop-off location for these items while others collect them periodically throughout the year. 2. Materials from Home Improvement Projects It’s tempting to throw out leftover materials once you’re done with a home improvement project, especially if they are cluttering your garage. Whether it’s extra quarter-rounds or leftover floorboards, avoid throwing building materials away as you may need them down the road if something needs to be replaced or repaired. This is especially important if the materials are not standard size and can’t easily be repurchased, if they have been discontinued, or if you had them custom made. 3. Gasoline Cans For maximum safety, gasoline cans should not be stored in a garage that is attached to your home given their flammability. If you have extra containers of gasoline in a detached garage that are old and taking up valuable storage space, don’t just throw them in the garbage can. Because gasoline can easily catch on fire inside your trash can or once it’s in the garbage truck, safe disposal is essential. Drop gasoline cans off at your local hazardous waste collection site, at a recycling center if they accept them, or your local fire station. x 4. Infrequently Used Tools The best solution for a cluttered garage isn’t always to toss everything that’s not used frequently, sometimes it’s just implementing a better organizational system. You may want to throw away tools and garden equipment you don’t use frequently, however chances are you will need to repurchase the tool once you need it again. Instead of throwing these items away, store them on a high shelf or other out-of-the-way location in the garage so they are not taking up prime real estate but remain accessible when needed. 5. Sentimental Items If you have boxes of sentimental items in the garage, don’t throw them out because you may regret it later. Instead, figure out the best way to store the meaningful items so they don’t take up excessive room and are safe from weather-related damage. If your garage is not temperature regulated, transfer sentimental things like photos, old letters, and textiles into plastic tubs or airtight storage bags instead of keeping them in cardboard boxes. This will help prevent moisture-related damage as well as keep pests and odors away. 6. Old Electronics The garage often becomes a dumping ground for old electronics that no longer work. Whether it’s a VCR you haven’t used in decades or a bag of old remote controls, these items waste valuable storage space, but shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage can. Because of their internal mechanisms and batteries that they use, electronics can be flammable and should be disposed of safely. Do a walkthrough of your garage and collect all unused electronics that need to be discarded, then check your local guidelines for safely getting rid of them at a recycling site or other collection center. 7.Light Bulbs Old and extra light bulbs seem to always end up in a box on a garage shelf, wasting storage space that could be used for other items. Before you go ahead and throw them away however, check to see what type of light bulbs they are. If they are fluorescent bulbs or any type of light bulb that contains mercury, they should not be thrown in the garbage can. Not only can they break and the shattered glass cause damage, the mercury content, however small, can be harmful to humans and the environment.

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    5 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Backyard That Could Be Raising Your Energy Bill This Summer

    ByMaria Sabella

    Between watering the lawn, grilling, and spending more time outside overall, the backyard uses a lot of energy during the hot summer months. While much of the energy consumption is necessary, there are five major pitfalls experts say you can avoid to keep energy bills down. Actions as simple as unplugging string lights when you go in for the night or turning off the grill as soon as you’re done cooking decrease energy use and leave more money in your wallet. Read on to discover five hidden backyard issues that could be driving up your utility bills and expert-approved ways to fix them. Tim Heneveld is the country director for PERGOLUX North America, a pergola and other outdoor products company. Mark Feygin is the founder and CEO of PowerSetter, a digital energy comparison platform. Lou Manfredini is the resident home expert at Ace Hardware. Andy Fox is the filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. 1. Lack of Shaded Areas in the Backyard A pretty pergola is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space, but thanks to the shade it provides, the structure can also lower your energy bills if placed near your home. “When your backyard lacks shade, the sun will beat down on your home’s exterior, and this will raise indoor temperatures, especially through South and West-facing windows,” says Tim Heneveld, country director for PERGOLUX North America. This forces your air conditioning unit to work overtime, which causes spikes in your energy bills. Heneveld recommends strategically incorporating shaded areas, including structures and landscaping, into your backyard for one of the smartest and most underrated ways to cut cooling costs. “If you install structures like a pergola or a retractable awning, you can block intense afternoon sun while still letting in airflow,” he says. 2. Plugged-In and Wired Outdoor Lights Whether it’s wall sconces or string lights, plugged-in and wired outdoor lights can kill your energy bills. “With longer daylight hours and more time spent outdoors, many homeowners run these lights more than they realize, which adds up quickly on the electric bill,” says Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter. He explains this is especially true if the lights use older, inefficient light bulbs or stay on for long periods of time every night. To reduce your energy costs, Feygin recommends switching to solar-powered outdoor lights. “They charge throughout the day using sunlight and require no electricity from your home, meaning they provide ambient lighting at night without increasing your utility bill,” he says. The switch is a simple upgrade that can lead to noticeable savings in the summer. 3. Leaving a Grill Plugged In for Too Long If you fire up the grill regularly over the summer, there’s a good chance it’s making your energy bills higher. Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, says that if you are using a gas or electric grill, it should generally take 15 to 20 minutes to get it to the right temperature, after which you should do your grilling, then turn the appliance off. “Allowing too much time for warm-ups and forgetting to shut things down can add to your energy bills,” Manfredini warns. 4. Dirty HVAC Unit Cranking up the air conditioning unit is inevitable during the hot summer months, but a dirty HVAC unit could be contributing to excessively high energy bills. “If the small metal fins on the outdoor unit get clogged with dust, grass clippings, or airborne seeds, the overall cooling efficiency of the HVAC system will deteriorate, and the system will consume more energy to provide the same cooling effect,” says Andy Fox, filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. For this reason, Fox stresses the importance of regularly cleaning your outdoor unit. “Consider using a shop vac to remove large debris (if you have access) and then use a hose to wash the remaining debris away after first turning off the electrical power,” Fox says. Additionally, he advises that you change your HVAC filters at least every 90 days for best performance. 5. Overwatering Your Lawn A lush green lawn is the ultimate way to boost your home’s summer curb appeal, but regulating how much water you use is key to preventing high energy bills. Overwatering your grass can lead to a huge water bill, and forgetting to turn off the irrigation system can waste large amounts of water. To avoid using too much water and seeing your utility bills skyrocket, Manfredini recommends adding a water timer that helps get the right amount of water on the lawn and turns off by itself.

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    Toothpaste Is the Secret to Perfectly-Hung Picture Frames (Yes, Really!)

    ByMaria Sabella

    If you’re always up for learning a new home improvement hack, you may have come across this viral Instagram reel that shows how to use toothpaste to hang pictures. As stunning as a gallery wall can be, the process of hanging pictures is not always quick and easy—and sometimes results in countless nail holes that need to be patched up. The toothpaste picture-hanging hack promises a foolproof method that takes out the guesswork. Best of all, it only requires a cheap item everyone already has at home: a regular ole tube of toothpaste. Keep reading to find out whether the viral hack actually works, what type of toothpaste works best, and how to make sure pictures are level. How the Toothpaste Picture Hanging Hack Works The viral toothpaste picture hanging hack is designed to take the guesswork out of hanging frames on the wall. It starts with a basic tube of white toothpaste that will serve as a the marker for where you need to hammer or drill a hole. To start, take your picture frame and lay it face-down on a flat surface. Locate the hanging hardware first—typically there will be one or two pieces of hanging hardware on the back of a frame, depending on how large and how heavy it is. The most common types of picture frame hardware are sawtooth hooks, D-rings, triangle hooks, and keyholes. Take the toothpaste a squeeze a small amount of it on the hanging hardware. If it’s a sawtooth hook, squeeze a dot of toothpaste in the middle of the sawtooth hook where the nail will go. Pick up the frame with the hanging hardware facing the wall, position it where you want the picture to hang, then gently press against the wall until the toothpaste transfers onto the wall. The toothpaste mark (or multiple marks) now serves as a guide to show you exactly where the nail holes need to be. Install nails or screws, then wipe off the excess toothpaste using a clean cloth or paper towel. Related How to Make Sure the Picture Is Level The hack seems simple enough, right? But if there is more than one piece of hanging hardware on the back of the frame or if you are hanging a pair of frames, how do you make sure the holes are level? Because there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing a picture is hanging crooked or a pair of frames doesn’t quite line up. This is where a level comes in. The viral Instagram reel doesn’t show a level being used, but it’s easy to incorporate into the hanging method. You may just need an extra set of hands to help you out, especially if the picture frame is beveled or not deep enough to prop a level on. Here’s where the tool comes in: Before you press the picture frame with the toothpaste on the wall, place a level on top of the frame. If the frame is deep enough to hold the level, you can do it by yourself. If not, have someone hold the level in place for you. Make any necessary adjustments and once the frame is level, press it against the wall to make toothpaste marks. Alternately, you can use a laser level that shoots a perfectly straight line across the wall to direct where you should position the frame. What Type of Toothpaste to Use For anyone nervous about whether or not toothpaste can hurt painted walls, you don’t have to worry about it causing any permanent damage. Sometimes toothpaste is actually used to clean scuff marks off of walls, so it is safe to use on most walls and it will not strip the paint. As for the type of toothpaste that’s best to use for the hack, a basic white toothpaste is a good choice. There’s no need for any fancy whitening or breath-freshening toothpaste, since all you need it to do is make marks on the wall. The thicker and creamier the consistency of the toothpaste the better it transfers onto the wall, so try to avoid gel-based toothpastes that may be too thin and run down the walls.