House & Garden 2024, November

Mercury is an element - present in everyday objects - among the most toxic and dangerous for the environment. The disposal of this liquid metal is subject to local and national laws because of the risk of environmental damage that it entails.

Living in the woods, surrounded by nature, is a fantasy of many city dwellers. The daily grind, having to deal with traffic, crime, pollution … it is easy to romantically imagine a more peaceful life. Through careful planning and not without sacrifice, living in the woods can be an achievable dream.

Moths are a common problem in many homes, in pantries, where they eat cereals and flour, and in closets, where they are attracted to wool, silk and other fabrics. Getting rid of moths altogether requires a two-pronged approach: you will first need to fix the immediate moth problem and clear the infested areas, then use preventative measures to make sure the moths don't return.

Using plants to keep mosquitoes away is a natural and completely safe alternative to chemicals on the market. There are tons of plants to add to your garden that can act as a natural repellent for mosquitoes and, in some cases, can even be rubbed into the skin for a prolonged effect.

Increasing the water pressure often seems like a challenging task. There are many causes for which water flows with little force, but there are just as many simple remedies that, surprisingly, allow you to remedy the problem on your own. Here are some instructions to guide you through the work as you learn how to increase the water pressure.

Washing towels once a week is important to always keep them fresh and disinfected. Towels that have been washed and dried thoroughly stay free of mold for longer, saving you money and time. The instructions in this article apply to both small and bath towels, with or without a washer and dryer.

Nobody likes to clean a toilet, but it is an indispensable operation for home hygiene. A dirty toilet is disgusting to the eye, smells bad and is a germ factory. Cleaning it immediately saves you a lot of hassle later on. If you want to make sure your toilet is thoroughly cleaned, follow these professional tips Steps Method 1 of 3:

Glasses are often expensive, so it's important to keep them in top condition. Fortunately, cleaning them is a quick and easy task. The best way is to use warm water and dish soap, then go to the sink and lather them up! When in a hurry, apply spray cleaner or wet wipes to your lenses.

Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes are truly wonderful for oral hygiene. Unfortunately, however, they get dirty easily, especially on the inside between head and handle, which requires frequent maintenance. This article suggests how to avoid that annoying buildup of dirt and mold residue.

For each pillow, there comes a time when a good wash is needed. Let's see how to proceed in a simple and practical way. Steps Step 1. Remove it from the pillowcase Step 2. Fill the tub or basin with warm water Add the soap and shake to dissolve it.

Poison ivy is a somewhat unwelcome guest in any garden. The plant produces a highly poisonous oil that causes severe allergic reactions, dermatitis and even lung problems if it is burned. Here are some tips for ridding your garden of this unwanted guest.

Are you bothered by little crawling insects popping up all over your house? Well, there are several ways to exterminate them. Steps Step 1. You can hang a fly strip or hide a small sticky bug catcher box under or behind furniture, in a closet or similar place Step 2.

Man-made cataclysms or disasters can result in the evacuation of entire buildings. In a big city, a catastrophic event can also compromise public transport and force you to take an alternative route to get home or away from the place where the accident occurred.

Nettles are robust herbaceous plants famous for the fine stinging hairs that line their leaves and stems. They are found all over the world and also prove to be useful. From a botanical point of view, nettles are excellent companions for garden plants and in nature.

Although mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases, most of them actually do nothing but bite, suck blood and leave a red, itchy mark on the skin. This, however, is bad enough in itself, especially for particularly unfortunate people who attract these annoying insects more than others.

Ticks in the garden and around your home can be a problem not just for pets, but for the whole family. Ticks carry numerous serious blood diseases, such as Lyme disease and others that can kill animals. This guide will tell you how to get rid of ticks that hang around the house.

Not having that invasive smell and bad taste typical of many products available on the market to freshen the air, the stick diffusers have become an increasingly popular way to perfume and gently freshen the air present in closed environments.

Nobody likes having a filthy bathtub, however cleaning it is no fun at all. As much as you fear this job, there are many ways to simplify the process. In fact, you can use natural products, such as grapefruit and salt, or industrial detergents to thoroughly clean the tub.

It is the curse of anyone who buys a nice set of towels: after repeated use they become rough and stiff like the most cheap bathroom linen. Although it is difficult to restore them to their original state, there are several tricks that allow you to regain some softness even when they are worn and worn.

Knowing how to wash a bra properly is important. Not only will it keep you from damaging it, it will also last you longer. Hand washing is the safest method, but sometimes this is not possible and you have to put it in the washing machine. This article will explain how to wash it by hand, but also how to use the washing machine safely.

Fiberglass is a synthetic fiber made up of a plastic resin and glass fibers. A wide variety of household and non-domestic products are made from this material, including sinks, shower stalls, bathtubs, lighting fixtures and boats. To always have them clean and free of stains, specific cleaning methods must be followed.

White shoes are very beautiful to look at, but unfortunately they get stained very easily. Traces of dirt, stains and scratches seem to particularly appreciate a new pair of white Vans. Thankfully, these shoes are easy to clean and there are several ways to restore them to their former glory.

Shoes and feet that stink can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and can draw people away from you. Think of a plan of attack to freshen up smelly shoes, so as to avoid having to change shoes (and friends) too often. Here are three different ways to solve the problem.

Converse shoes tend to accumulate dirt and scuff under the laces, but are also easy to clean. A manual cleaning will be able to remove most of the dirt and stains on the surface. If your shoes need a thorough washing, you can use the washing machine.

Keeping white leather items clean and in good condition is difficult, but with the proper knowledge it's much easier and less time-consuming than you think. Like anything white, varnished leather gets dirty easier and faster, so follow these tips to treat it when it gets dirty, stained or worn.

Red wine is a staple of every dinner and party, it can be sipped at practically any special occasion or during relaxing evenings. Although it is considered one of the most popular drinks, it is nevertheless capable of forming the most feared stains.

While many paints these days are environmentally friendly and safer than ever, the smell can be toxic and unpleasant and even cause headaches. Fortunately, you can eliminate it in your home or office by using some household products. Steps Method 1 of 4:

Has your polyester garment become soiled with ink? Do not worry. Using the right tools you can remove the stain effectively, restoring the dress to its original condition. Remember to always clean the stain as soon as it forms, wiping it with a cloth or paper towel, so that it does not penetrate too much into the fibers.

Garden barbecues should be cleaned at the beginning and end of the grilling season, as well as before and after each use. A barbecue that is constantly kept clean will continue to function perfectly for a long time and will always guarantee well-cooked and tasty food.

You have just collected the clothes you have put out to dry and you find yourself in front of a huge pile of old socks, with holes in them and unmatched. You are thinking of throwing them away, but this would be a real waste. In this article, you can find some great ways to recycle those socks - you may never have considered how useful they can be after wearing them for a lifetime!

Duvets are warm and welcoming accessories that always adapt to any type of bed; however, over time they get dirty and need to be washed. The label of most of these "blankets" recommends professional washing, but you can also try washing your own duvet at home.

Pearls are very precious; it is even said that once the Roman emperor Vitellius sold his mother's pearls to finance a military campaign. Even today, pearls are considered fascinating jewels, especially as necklaces and chokers. To keep pearls in top condition, it is essential to know how to properly care for them.

The grease on leather fabrics is the worst. Stains on your favorite jacket, bag or leather accessories seem like an insurmountable problem, but there are some effective remedies, if you act in time and with the right products. You can restore your leather items to their former glory with some home remedies.

When you close your vacation home and don't come back for several months or years, you may want to prepare it to prevent it from deteriorating. This means that you will need to take targeted measures to keep your property safe when you are not there.

If you need to fix a leaking pipe you can do it yourself, saving money, and as long as you have everything you need. Learn to solder copper pipes using things you can easily buy in specialty stores or large shopping centers like Brico. Steps Part 1 of 2:

Preparing a room to paint is the most important step when you want to whitewash or paint at home. Only incomplete or improper preparation can lead to premature failure. Proper preparation will save you time, money, and long-term mental stability.

When ink falls on your beautiful wooden floor, trying to get rid of the stains as soon as possible is the first thing to think about. Wooden floors are not all the same, as they can have different finishes; this should not be forgotten when considering the various methods of removing ink stains.

By mounting a corner shower shelf you will get a space where you can store your soap and shampoo bottles without having to store them on the floor or on the edge of the tub. Different steps are listed below depending on the type of shower enclosure and shelves you have.

Whether you're thinking of remodeling your bathroom or kitchen by installing new appliances, or you just need to replace an old leaking faucet, learning how to install a faucet can save you some money. If you have decided not to call a professional plumber, and if you feel like learning something new, read the following.

A leaking pipe could result in a costly increase in your bill in a short time. You will need to know the way to fix the problem quickly until you can replace the hose or contact a plumber. With just a few steps, you will be able to temporarily stop the leak while still having running water.