With five slots for larger items and six hooks for smaller items like dustpans and cleaning rags, this shelf offers plenty of space for all your essentials, and the wall-mounting option makes accessing it a breeze
Promising review: "Regular customer! I bought one to organize the garden tools (rake, hoe, cultivator, shovel, etc.) in our garage, and by moving the top of the tools up and down alternately, I was able to store them neatly inside. "—Rob C
Get it on Amazon for $16.97 (available in four colors and in a pack of two).
My essay on firewood in the November issue elicited more comments and questions from readers than any other topic this logger has written about. Several people have written to me to tell me about their favorite types of firewood and methods for stacking it. Others asked me about several species that I had not mentioned. Two readers admitted to being firewood fans, so now Lara and my neighbors know I'm not the only one. A caller asked if black poplar was good fuel. In my opinion it is, but some firewood enthusiasts disagree. Compared to Douglas fir, the local standard for firewood, poplar produces less than two-thirds the heat: 26.5 million British Thermal Units (BTU) per cord for Doug fir versus 16.8 million BTU per cord for poplar. Many people don't care about poplar trees and some of their owners can't even give them away. I happily cut half a poplar rope (for free!) from trees a kind neighbor felled two summers ago. This fall was very dry and the trunks were significantly lighter than those of Doug firs and other species. On the cool early fall days, the dried poplar wood made a nice fire in my wood stove and outdoor fireplace and served as firewood at all times. However, for the colder days and nights of winter, I prefer Doug fir, red alder, lodgepole pine, and other species. No matter what fuel you burn, all firewood leaves creosote in chimneys. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that occurs in smoke and sticks to the inside of chimneys and their caps. In some cases, the creosote deposit can become so thick that it reduces chimney draft and makes the wood stove less efficient. If large clouds of smoke come out of your wood stove when you open the oven door, you probably have a creosote problem. Worse still, creosote is highly flammable and, when ignited in a chimney, can burn so hot that it damages the chimney lining or even spreads the flames to the home itself. There are approximately 25,000 chimney fires each year in the United States; These fires cause over $120 million in property damage each year. To prevent such fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends inspecting chimneys annually and cleaning them when necessary. The nonprofit Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org) offers a wealth of information for homeowners, including a list of nine signs that you've had a chimney fire, such as (obviously) large flames erupting from the chimney. Chimney. Chimney. However, according to the CSIA, most chimney fires go unnoticed. "Slow-burning chimney fires do not receive enough air or fuel to be dramatic or visible and often go unnoticed until a later chimney inspection, but the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause extensive damage to the chimney structure." – and flammable parts near the house – like their more spectacular cousins." Since my wood stove burns day and night for at least six to eight months of the year, I clean the chimney and chimney cap every two to three months. Every time I notice a clear accumulation of substantia nigra. I have a large ladder and a chimney broom as well as other tools to get the job done. The Hoodland Fire District will loan you, as a resident or homeowner, a chimney brush free of charge. There are several chimney sweeps in our area. The Mt. Hood Business Directory from Active Media Publishing (publisher of The Mountain Times) lists two: A+ Fireplace Service of Sandy (503-607-8538); and Which Dutch Chimney Cleaning and Repair (503-961-5015). Google can help you find other chimney sweeps serving our area, such as Sandy Chimney Sweep and Masonry (503-317-5154, Sandychimneysweepandmasonry.com) or Clean Sweep – Chimney Sweep (503-622-1197). I have never used these services so I cannot recommend them, but you can check with your neighbors. Also check out the Oregon Chimney Sweeps Association (oregonchimneysweeps.com). If you have a pellet stove, you should also sweep your chimney, but less often as pellets burn much cleaner than wood. Creosote, which can be obtained from wood or coal, is an excellent wood preservative and has been applied to wooden utility poles, railroad ties, docks, docks, and similar marine structures since the mid-19th century. helped these forests last for decades in many cases, but creosote also makes utility poles vulnerable to wildfires. Other preservatives used in recent years, as well as metal or metal-clad posts, are much more resistant to wildfires. Take it from a wood lover: Clean your fireplace regularly before a damaging fire occurs. Would you like to learn more about firewood? Creosote? Do you want to know which is the best firewood in the world? Contact: SWilent@gmail.com.
We can bet that cleaning the bathroom is probably everyone's least favorite household chore. Especially if there is mold present. Unfortunately, due to the humidity in your bathroom, mold can form on the bottom of your toilet .
Below, we asked some experts for their best tips on how to remove mold from the bottom of your toilet so you have a clean, hygienic place to relax.
Meet the expert
Ryan Knoll is the founder of Tidy Casa, a home cleaning service.
Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, environmental advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse.
Before it starts
Mold on the toilet floor not only looks unpleasant, but - more importantly - it is also not good for your health. "Long-term exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in many people," says Ryan Knoll, founder of Tidy Casa , a home cleaning service. "Mold also spreads, so ignoring the problem will only make it worse."
When mold grows, it releases microscopic particles called spores into the air. "Some types of mold also release microscopic toxins called mycotoxins, which are toxic to the human body," says Michael Rubino , mold and air quality expert, environmental advocate and founder of HomeCleanse . "The longer the mold is present, the more particles it releases into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled by the body, triggering an immune response and a long list of possible chronic symptoms.
To prevent this exposure, mold must be properly removed. "Not to mention, the more mold spores there are in the air, the greater the chance that problems will develop in other parts of the house," says Rubino. "Mold also breaks down organic material. So when it gets into the ground, it breaks down."
When it comes to the toilet floor, the interior is always an ideal breeding ground for mold as there is a continuous source of moisture. "This is where cleaning and purifying the air comes into play," says Rubino. "The cleaner the air, the fewer mold spores can multiply in that place." The cleaner the toilet floor is, the fewer nutrients mold can use to grow, such as accumulations of minerals and other organic matter.
If mold forms on the outside of the base, it can have various causes. The first and easiest option is to determine whether the humidity in the room is too high. According to Rubino, it's best to keep it between 35% and 50% because mold can form at humidity levels of 60% or higher. "High humidity can also cause condensation to form along the foundation," he explains. "If this moisture buildup is not dried within 24 to 48 hours, there is a risk of microbial growth."
Before cleaning the inside and outside of the toilet base, it is always recommended to test a small area. Toilet floors are made of different materials such as ceramic or porcelain and each material reacts differently to certain solutions. "Hard chemicals, especially on surfaces like porcelain, are prone to corrosion, discoloration or other undesirable reactions," says Rubino. "You can avoid this problem by testing a small area out of sight. An even better alternative is to check the manufacturer's recommendations, as every toilet is different.
what you will need
Vinegar
baking powder
bleaching
Hydrogen peroxide
spray bottle
scrub brush
Protective gloves
Protective mask
clean cloth
Method 1: How to clean mold on toilet floor with vinegar and baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda around the floor, focusing on the areas where mold is forming.
Spray distilled vinegar into the container using a spray bottle.
Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Start by scrubbing with a brush to remove mold.
Dry the area with a clean cloth.
Method 2: How to remove mold from toilet floor with hydrogen peroxide
Prepare a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture onto the toilet floor and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rub the area and then dry it with a clean cloth.
warning
Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Clean with one or the other. Also remember that it is important to dry the area after cleaning as mold grows with moisture and dry rooms are not exposed to it.
Method 3: How to remove mold from toilet floor with bleach
Follow the instructions on the bleach label to mix a solution of bleach and water. If you don't have label instructions, the CDC recommends four teaspoons of bleach per gallon of room temperature water.
Pour the bleach and water solution over the moldy areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Scrub gently with a scrub brush.
Rub the mold.
Dry the area with a clean cloth.
warning
Do not apply too much bleach to the toilet floor as it creates fumes and is corrosive to the skin and the toilet. Keep a fan on and all doors and windows open, and always wear gloves and a mask, recommends Knoll.
It's important to note that while Knoll recommends cleaning the toilet floor with bleach, Rubino does not. "I don't recommend using bleach on the toilet floor because not only can it damage the surface, but it also doesn't adequately remove mold and other surface contaminants," he explains. "Using bleach on the toilet floor only leaves behind particles such as dead mold and mycotoxins, resulting in ongoing exposure. Bleach also does not attack the roots of mold colonies that grow on porous surfaces. You need a product that contains a surfactant that will loosen, scrub and clean the particles from the surface to which they are attached.
How to eliminate and prevent odors at the bottom of the toilet
Cleaning the toilet regularly with water and vinegar keeps odors away, but also kills germs that rot in and around the toilet and make the area smell unpleasant, according to Knoll.
It's also important to reduce bathroom humidity as much as possible to prevent mold and the telltale musty, dirty, and cigarette smells that accompany active growth. The best way to achieve this is to focus on airflow. "When showering, turn on the exhaust fan and open a door to replace all the moisture-rich air with air from outside the room," suggests Rubino. "Leave it on for 30 minutes after you finish using the bathroom to make sure everything is gone." If there is no exhaust fan, open a door and window to create airflow. If that doesn't work, a dehumidifier can help keep the humidity down.
Seasonal maintenance of the toilet base
Make sure you repair any leaks in your bathroom immediately. Removing accumulated water helps keep the outside smelling fresh and free of microbial growth. "Cleaning frequently with a plant-based cleaner that contains surfactants is the best way to prevent mold and prevent odors," says Rubino. "Again, focusing on air purification will help keep the bathroom smelling fresh by removing particles and gases from the air."
Frequently asked questions
What causes mold to form on the bottom of the toilet?
Moisture and bacteria cause mold to form around the toilet floor. "Moisture from leaky toilets or wet showers in a poorly ventilated bathroom settles on bacteria around the toilet floor and forms mold," says Knoll.
How often should I clean the toilet floor to prevent mold?
Ideally, clean the toilet every week. Mold doesn't grow on clean toilets. Therefore, keep them clean every week. If you're busy and can't manage it every week, Knoll recommends cleaning it at least every two weeks.
Can I use natural cleaning products instead of bleach?
"Absolutely, and you should," Rubino says. "I suggest a plant-based cleanser like Benefect Decon 30. It uses natural ingredients and surfactants to combat mold and other surface contaminants such as bacteria. Always choose plants as harsh chemicals are harmful to you and air quality.
What should I do if mold keeps appearing after cleaning?
If the mold continues to appear, there is likely a problem elsewhere in the bathroom or home that is allowing this growth. "For example, there is a hidden source of moisture under the toilet, especially if you actively maintain the right humidity in the bathroom," says Rubino. "Hiring a qualified inspector can help determine if there is a hidden moisture or mold problem. You can also do a dust test at home first, e.g. B. the dust test to determine whether mold is likely present in your home.
BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Maitland Quitmeyer says, " I bought a few of these and love dusting them!" All the dust sticks right away, so you don't end up inhaling all the dust you were trying to remove. It's also great for baseboards!
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Get it on Amazon for $8.49 (available in packs of five colors).
When you need to prepare a meal or want to grab a snack but aren't sure what you want, you can simply go to your pantry or open your refrigerator to see what's in there.
Click on the dots for more information.
Illustration: Chris Philpot
Refrigerator clips for storage
Some items stay fresh for a long time in the fridge and are therefore practical to have on hand. Think fruits like apples and oranges, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and parmesan.
Editor's note: A version of this article also appeared in the October 2024 issue of Consumer Reports On Health .
Catherine Roberts is a health and science reporter at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2016, covering infectious diseases, insect and mosquito repellents, consumer medical devices such as hearing aids and blood pressure monitors, health protection and more. His civilian passions include cycling, watching horror and feature films, and examining rabbit enclosures. Follow her on Twitter @catharob .
A DRIVER has shared a tip for keeping windscreens clear of snow and ice this winter.
The TikToker called it "the absolute best hack" for the cold winter months.
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The trick is to keep the windshield free of ice and snow.Photo credit: TikTok/ceithgriffith
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A simple Amazon find for $8 will do the trick.Photo credit: TikTok/ceithgriffith
Ceith Griffith, who posts on TikTok under the handle @ceithgriffith , recently shared a video with her 1.4 million followers.
She held up a bottle of Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash dishwashing spray, a common household item that costs about $8 on Amazon .
Then he sprayed it all over the windshield and wipers.
Using a paper towel, Ceith rubbed the dishwashing spray thoroughly into the glass.
READ MORE ENGINE TRICKS
The key, Ceith says, is to push it all the way in "until you can't see anything and it's clear."
Ceith said this automotive tip , which lasts for months, should keep snow and ice off your windshield and wipers all winter long.
And it should also help drive away the fog.
"It's a great way to make sure you can get up in the morning and achieve your goal," Ceith said.
His video has been viewed more than 232,000 times.
"Thanks for the information, I'll try," one person commented.
The mechanic recommends keeping a $2 item in the glove compartment; This can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
Someone else asked for advice in the comments section on how to clean the inside of a windshield.
Luckily, another TikToker has managed her own hack .
"In an empty gallon jug: 16 ounces isopropyl alcohol, 1 teaspoon ammonia (I use lemon scent), top with water. In a spray bottle: fill with ammonia mixture," TikToker @marleys commented.
"Add a few drops of Blue Dawn dish soap. Mix it gently.
"Part 2: This is a great all-purpose cleaner for surfaces, glass, mirrors, counters, etc.
"I also use it on the inside and outside of my car windows."
More winter car tips from AAA
The American Automobile Association has shared tips on how to prepare your car for the winter months.
AAA offered the following tips to drivers preparing for cold weather:
Have your brakes checked
Check tire pressure
Test your car battery
Apply a water-repellent product to your windshield
Check the antifreeze level
Clean your headlights
Have emergency tools such as jumper cables, salt, and an ice scraper on hand.
