Author: Ken Moon Special to The Gazette
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Around the house: How to clean smelly garbage disposal
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: I have a disposer with a strong moldy smell I can’t get out. Any suggestions? — Joanne Answer: Grab an old toothbrush, dip it in full-strength ammonia and scrub the underside of that rubber splash guard and as much of the inside top…
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Around the house: How to repair brittle concrete cracks
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save If your house is more than a few years old, chances are the concrete has moved, settled or cracked. Here are answers to the most common problems: Exterior: Concrete is very brittle, so the slightest…
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Around the house: Three materials best to build decks, depending on budget
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: Which do you prefer for decks? Real wood or composite materials? – Mitch Answer: It depends on your budget. Composite (plastic) decking is fairly expensive, but definite advantages accrue over the years to…
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Around the house: Sour-smelling drains need mechanical fix
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: The sink drains in our master bedroom emit a sour odor every summer. I have tried mixtures of bleach and powered detergent with no success. Do we just have to live with it? Kirsten Answer: Not necessarily. Sometimes, ordinary drain cleaners aren’t enough.…
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Around the house: Save water – and money – when setting up your sprinkler system for spring
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: How do you recommend I set my sprinkler system for this upcoming watering season? – Will Answer: Less is better. Water is not only expensive here in the West, but also is a…
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Eradicate grease, oil stains from concrete
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: What can I do about floors that are starting to squeak? Trouble is, the area underneath is finished. – Bill Answer: That makes it a lot harder. Of course, if the area is…
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Around the house: Smart solution for stinky basement
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: This last snowstorm piled up some snow in our attic. We had several inches for a stretch of about 6 feet from the north gable vent. How can we prevent this from happening…
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Around the house: Tips for maintaining a healthy lawn
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: Several years ago, you highlighted steps toward a healthy lawn. Could you repeat those? – Mary Answer: Sure. It’s important to sprinkle at least twice on a given watering day. That allows water…
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Around the house: Triple-pane windows not cost-efficient in Colorado Springs climate
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Ken: We are shopping for new windows. The triple- pane people say that’s the only way to go. The double-pane folks say the opposite – that triple panes are overkill. Please give us your…
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Around the house: Cold can be an issue for garage fridge
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear readers: If you have a garage refrigerator, you might have noticed that it won’t keep frozen food hard enough this time of year. Most manufacturers say refrigerators should be in environments no cooler than…