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What is a solvent-based cleaner?

Solvent-based cleaners can be toxic and flammable. They contain chemicals in order to clean a variety of surfaces, including upholstery, metal and other furniture. They can also be used to remove grease stains from fabrics as well as appliances.It is recommended that these type of cleaners be stored in lock cabinets so they cannot be accessed by small children or pets. As an alternative, water-based cleaners can provide the same benefit as solvent-based cleaners but are less abrasive and tend to be less toxic.

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How do you unclog a drain without using chemicals?

A slow-acting or clogged drain is usually caused by a build-up of hair or soap scum that is caught on the stopper or pivot rod. Sometimes the stopper pops out easily, but not always. If it doesn't, it is likely held in place by a pivot rod, which must be unscrewed and removed. To do so, remove the pivot rod nut, and simply pull out the pivot rod. In some cases, pliers may be necessary to unscrew the nut.\nOnce the stopper is removed, the clog is ready to be fished out. Bend a wire, clothes hanger or electrical wire in a tight hook, and remove the clogged hair and scum. Once finished, repl..

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What is WD-40 made of?

The name WD-40 stands for "water displacement 40th attempt." The name for the product came straight from the lab book that chemist Norm Larsen used when he created WD-40 in 1953. Larsen came up with this product while trying to create a formula that could prevent corrosion. To do this, he needed a product that could displace water. After 39 unsuccessful attempts, he got it right on his 40th try.\nWD-40 was invented by the founders of the Rocket Chemical Company, one of whom was Norm Larsen. It was first used on the outer shell of the Atlas missile to help prevent corrosion. In 1958, WD-40 was ..

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How should you fertilize blueberries?

Fertilizers that contain nitrates such as calcium nitrate or chloride are lethal to some blueberry plants. Use high-nitrogen fertilizers instead.\nRhododendron and azalea fertilizer formulations work well with blueberries. Use 2 tablespoons of fertilizer for new plants. After the first year, calculate the amount of fertilizer based on the years planted. Use 1 ounce for each year planted, but never go over 8 ounces per plant.\nOrganic fertilizers are also effective. Blood meal or fish meal provide nitrogen. Bone meal and powdered seaweed provide phosphorus and potassium. Sphagnum peat or coffee..

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How do you create decorative mosaic tile patterns?

Draw a design on the desired surface, and lay several of the tiles on the surface to ensure they are the proper size and color. Use smaller tiles for intricate designs and larger tiles for simpler designs. For simple designs, apply adhesive to each tile, and place the tile in the appropriate place.\nWhen creating an intricate mosaic, lay the tiles out on a flat surface, and place a sheet of clear contact paper over the design after all the tiles are in place. Flip the sheet of contact paper, and the tiles, over, and apply adhesive to the back of the tiles. Place the tiles on the surface, and p..

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Is it bad to use a cleaner in a microwave?

Microwave oven cleaning has many pitfalls. Chemical cleaners leave residues that can leach into the next meal. Water superheats, causing dangerous splashes. Sponges dry out and catch fire, and pre-soaped cleaning pads leave particles that explode. The key to safe cleaning is following manufacturer instructions and rinsing thoroughly to remove any residual detergent or solution.\nTo avoid damage, never use oven cleaners, abrasive cleaners or sharp utensils to clean a microwave. Never turn the microwave on while cleaning.

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How thick should a concrete footing be?

Load-bearing value is given in pounds per square foot and is a soil's capacity to support a load built on it. Soil with a LBV rating of 1,500, for example, requires a 12-inch footing to support a one-story brick-veneered house. Reed Construction Data is a resource for finding codes specific to each state. The proper footing is crucial to the stability of a building, so its design is best left to qualified architects and engineers.

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Where can you find a Whirlpool manual for fridge repair?

From the navigation bar near the top of the Whirlpool main page, select the Service & Support link. Scroll down to the Manuals & Literature section and click the title. Type the model number into the search box and press Search. If the model number was not found, select "Where is my model number?" below the search box to view a photo of its location.\nOwner manuals, installation instructions and parts lists are available to download in PDF format.

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What are some tips for bee swarm removal?

Swarming bees can leave behind a small amount of wax, which can attract new swarms. If a swarm does not leave and the number of bees appears to dwindle, they may be nesting inside a wall. Exterminating bees inside a wall is done by placing mesh over the hole, so they cannot leave to forage for food; however, being enclosed might cause them to chew a hole into an interior room. Bees that enter a room typically attempt to fly toward windows, and they often die trying to escape.\nBeehives established inside a wall can be enormous and can contain large amounts of honey. While getting an exterminat..

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What are some tips for an attic remodel?

Most attics are accessible by a set of pull-down stairs; homeowners should determine if they have at least 60 square feet of main-level floor space to build a permanent staircase for attic entry. Attic ceiling height is often limited by the sloping rafters; most opt to vault the ceiling to achieve more headroom. Besides height needs, room should also be left for insulation and venting when making ceiling adjustments. If the attic is too dim, additional windows to the outside wall on a gable roof are a cost-efficient alternative to dormers to add more lighting and ventilation. Floor joists need..

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