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How do you root gardenias in water?

Choose the right cuttingsGardenia stems for rooting should be 5 to 6 inches long and taken from the tip of a branch. Strip the stem of leaves except for a few leaves on top. Prepare the bottlesPrepare the appropriate number of small-necked bottles, such as soda bottles, by cleaning them thoroughly. Fill them with lukewarm water to within an inch of the top.Prepare and insert the stemsFold paper towels into eighths, and wrap the stems at about the halfway point with the paper towels, then insert the stems into the bottles, leaves up, using the paper towels as corks. The stems should be about 1 ..

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What is the best way to sharpen meat-cutting knives?

A medium grit stone is require to sharpen meat-cutting knives, and either wet or dry varieties can be used. Be sure not to wet a stone designed to be used dry and vice versa. There are two specific angles that must be kept in mind when sharpening the knife. First, the knife must be laid at a 45-degree angle to the direction it is dragged over the stone. Second, the blade of the knife must be lifted 20-degrees from the surface of the stone while it is being sharpened.\nKnives that have not been sharpened often may require a more heavy hand when sharpening, while a knife with a good edge may not..

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What are some good gutter guards?

Gutter guards come in several styles. Metal and plastic mesh guards fit over the gutters and prevent debris from falling inside. Another type of gutter guard, the foam insert, sits inside the gutter channel. The foam allows water to pass through the gutter but filters out most seeds, insects and other small debris. Foam inserts work well but require treatment with a fire retardant. The best foam guards consist of insect-repellent materials.

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How do you polish plastic?

Prepare the plastic before polishing it. If it has been in a harsh environment, it may have a greasy coating that can interfere in the polishing process. This coating can usually be removed by wiping the plastic with a mild detergent solution and a microfiber or cotton cloth. Vinegar also works well to smooth the surface of plastic to ready it for polishing.\nBoth baking soda and toothpaste are mild abrasives that can be used to polish plastic. If the plastic is discolored or deeply etched, squeeze non-gel toothpaste onto the surface, and rub it in a circular motion with the microfiber or cott..

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What should I keep in mind while shopping for new carpet?

The price of carpet doesn't just include the carpet itself. Other materials, installation, padding and stain guards may or may not be included in the quoted price. Ask for a breakdown of the price to know exactly what each element costs. Remember that it may be worth paying more for certain features in some rooms but not in others. For example, stain guards in the family room make sense, but they do not in rooms that are seldom used, such as guest rooms.\nPadding makes a difference in the look and feel of the carpet. Some carpet styles require different padding than others. Padding can ad..

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What are the parts of a door lock called?

The outside of the knob includes the keyhole, and this is also related to the lock. Sometimes, the dead latch is also known as the cylindrical dead latch. This piece connects into the door itself in order to connect the two door knobs on either side of the door through the latch. The strike plate connects to the door frame, and it is lined up with the dead latch. When the door is closed, the two are connected. The rose insert connects between the inside knob and the door. The key is also an important part of the lock since it is required for the lock to function.\nThere are many different type..

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Where can you find pictures of different front porch styles?

HGTV.com contains multiple collections of porch design concepts, including porches for houses with beach or ocean property, homes in suburban areas and homes with limited space available. It also contains planning guides to help users prepare for a porch renovation project and pictures of actual porch makeovers from its various home improvement programs. Front-Porch-Ideas-And-More.com offers categories for different porch designs, such as enclosures, three-season porches and porches with various types of columns. The site also offers separate sections for porch decoration pictures in addition ..

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What are some ways to remove mold from an attic?

The first step in removing mold is to thoroughly dry it. Active mold spores are spread when disturbed, which increases the fungus' coverage area. Sealing all windows and vents and then employing heaters, fans and a dehumidifier speeds the drying process. Always wear protective clothing, gloves, eye protection and a breathing mask.\nRemove every item possible from the attic to access as much of the surface area as possible. Some sources say to remove and replace any plywood, sheetrock or other materials that are contaminated with mold. If this is not feasible, sanding the surfaces is an op..

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What are some good window brands?

New windows may help to improve the look of a home. Additionally, they can provide better insulation and aid in noise control. Cleaning may also be easier when old screens and worn storm windows get replaced. Consumer Reports offers a buying guide on its website to help determine the best manufacturer choices before making a final decision on getting new windows.\nBuying a full set of new windows involves replacing the window jambs, sill, frame and in most cases the nailing flange. The flange is what is used to attach the window to the outside wall around the opening, explains Consumer Reports..

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What are wainscoting panels?

Wainscoting panels consist of the actual panel and the frame that surrounds it. The frame consists of the two side pieces, or stiles, as well as the top and bottom rails. Some common types of wainscoting include raised-panel wainscoting, board-and-batten wainscoting, flat-panel wainscoting and beadboard wainscoting. The type of panel used often determines the type of wainscoting.

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