DIY Life

Vinegar is one of those all-time best-in-show sort of kitchen items to have around, because it can perform so many different life-saving duties. In fact, here's one that I recently learned -- perfect to add to my ongoing list of Why Vinegar is Awesome:

If you have an electric tea kettle with a bit of calcium build-up on the heating element, don't fret. Simply boil a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, then empty. The calcium will flush out along with the vinegar mix, leaving your tea kettle fresh, new and smelling cleaner than ever.

For more incredible vinegar uses, check out these DIY Life articles:
-Place white vinegar in your washer at the beginning of a laundry load; it will both freshen and soften the clothes being washed.
-Half-fill an open travel mug with vinegar and leave it in your car's cup holder for a day to eliminate any vehicle odors.

It seems there is a cleaning solvent for every material in the world, but how do you tackle your lackluster aluminum and stainless? Without frequent maintenance, both metals can become dull and grimey. Here's a breakdown of aluminum and stainless steel products in your home to keep an eye out for, and how you can make them top-notch again!:

Aluminum Screens
DAILY DUTY: For frequent and light cleaning, wipe down with vinegar and water.
HEAVY DUTY: If your screen is badly soiled, try an automotive cleaner intended for wheels. Don't forget your rubber gloves and a soft brush, as aluminum is easily scratched!

Stainless Steel Sink & Countertops
DAILY DUTY: Wipe down with white vinegar and water using a soft terrycloth or microfiber rag.
HEAVY DUTY: Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and scrub with microfiber to avoid scratching your stainless steel. Rinse well, dry and repeat if necessary.

Stainless Steel Appliances
DAILY DUTY: For fingerprints or light cleaning, use a mild window cleaner.
HEAVY DUTY: Try white vinegar with a damp terrycloth. If the stain is more resistant, I'd recommend Method's stainless steel cleaner (it smells divine!).


Aluminum Cookware
DAILY DUTY: Let dirty cookware soak in warm, soapy water and rinse.
HEAVY DUTY: For more soiled cookware, try a boiled solution of 2-3 Tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar) and 1 qt water. Let solution rest in cookware for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Softly scrub the soiled areas with a gentle washcloth and rinse again. Towel dry and repeat if necessary.

Aluminum Patio Furniture
DAILY DUTY: For regular cleaning, wipe a damp, soapy cloth over the patio surfaces and rinse clean. Be sure to dry thoroughly!
HEAVY DUTY: For a more soiled patio set, start with a mildly abrasive cleaner (I like SoftScrub), and scrub softly with a washcloth or soft brush until stain is lifted. Rinse clean with a garden hose and dry with a soft towel. For an extra boost, dab a bit of baby oil on the set to maintain its shine and protect the aluminum surface.

Remember, steer clean from any cleaning agent that seems moderately abrasive, and always rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid spotting and/or soap residue. Avoid cleaners containing chlorine, and never approach your metal materials wit a steel wool soap pad, as this will lead to scratching and eventual rusting of your decor and/or appliances.

Last tip? Like wood, clean with the grain of stainless. The shine will speak for itself! Happy cleaning!

I usually forgo the iron in favor of a few extra minutes in the dryer. When I actually do haul out the ironing board and iron, you can bet that we're needing to press our clothes for a wedding or some other event.

Bringing out the iron only a couple of times each year, and typically only an hour before rushing out the door, means that if it ever did break down, I'd need an immediate fix -- one that I could do myself.

Fix-it Club offers this iron repair tutorial. The comprehensive tutorial reviews how the iron works, what could go wrong, diagnosing the problem, and finally the tools and methods for repair. Given that irons are simple appliances, well-made ones won't need regular repair, and when they do, you'll often find that the problem lies in the cord, handle, or steaming vents.

I don't imagine that I use my iron often enough for it to fail, but if it did, Fix-it Club would be my first stop. Better yet, I think I'll take their maintenance advice and prevent a problem before it starts.

[via:Dumb Little Man]

Stoves ranges, both gas and electric, are reliable appliances generally. But like everything else, every now and then something goes amiss. If yours suddenly won't fire up, here's a few DIY things to try before calling the expensive service guy.

Gas burner DIY
If your gas range won't "flame on," (sorry, Fantastic Four, I couldn't resist), the first obvious step is to make sure it's getting gas. Turn it up and you should hear it hissing. If there's no gas, make sure it's getting electricity. Yes, gas stoves do have power.

Still no go? Use a small brush to clean the igniter and the pilot light hole.

Electric stove DIY

Make sure the electric stove is getting power. Next ask yourself, "Did I recently clean it?" If you reply in the affirmative, you might not have seated the element terminals properly when you reinstalled it. Check it out by lifting the stove top. Also, ensure that you didn't knock the terminal block out of the holder.

If you have an "aha" moment, set everything in order and you're good to go. Bon appetit!

A few months back, the control knob on my clothes dryer broke. Since it involved only a minor DIY repair job, I thought this a fab opportunity to try shopping for spare parts online. Result? A 10 out of 10 experience. I used PartSelect and was really happy. Other likely-looking choices include PartStore and big box store sites like SearsPartsDirect, to name just two of the many sites out there.

I was thrilled with how easy it was to locate such a tiny and obscure plastic doo-dad via the Web. Thrilled because ordering it online was possible in the first place. Also thrilled because such sites make simple appliance repairs easier for the beginner DIY'er. Interested? After the break, I'll share what you should know before cracking out that credit card:

The Speed Factor. Buying spare parts online saves you lots of valuable time. In the olden days, you would have to flip through the phone book to find likely parts suppliers. Then you would have to make some phone calls. Next, you would waste at least an hour driving to and from the supplier.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Intermatic Inc. of Spring Grove IL. have announced a voluntary recall of 8,500 Intermatic DT-27 digital self-adjusting timers. The timers may have been wired incorrectly, which could lead to a consumer receiving an electric shock. No injuries have been reported.

The lamp and appliance timers were manufactured in China and sold by retailers throughout the nation, including Home Depot and Lowe's. The timers were sold from February 2007 through December 2007 and cost $15 to $25. Check out the CPSC press release to see the pictures of the recalled digital timers to see if you may have the recalled timer.

Stop using the timers immediately and unplug before checking the date code and model number. For more information you may contact Intermatic anytime at (800) 704-3595, or visit their website at www.intermatic.com to request a prepaid shipping label and receive a free replacement.