Household Hints

Curtains act as your windows insulation, maintaining a buffer between the heat contained in your house, and an outside colder temperature, that can easily seep into your home via weak spots that promote a draft. Not only are window spaces essentially, a hole in the wall to the outside, but that hole has been filled by a relatively thin hard surface in comparison to the thickness, and insulation the wall around it provides. A curtain is a wonderful way to keep your space warmer, especially if you have a large window.

A common household item made of sticks of limestone or gypsum is a chalk stick used for writing on chalkboards.

Fungicides, sanitation, and ultraviolet light are ways to control zygomycota. The fungi in question respond positively to blue light whereas growth can be controlled by exposure to ultraviolet lights. They will be found in soil or on decaying animal or plant matter so proper ground-level cultivation and sanitation will be important.

Line is the left hole of an outlet. Neutral is the right, and ground is the upside-down semicircle. A live wire is a wire with current flowing through it. Because neutral doesn't have any current in it, but line does, you could say that line is live. This explains why that you can be shocked from touching just the line. You can't be by touching just the neutral or ground. Line to neutral is the most deadliest if it travels across you. Line to ground will tingle a lot, but it won't necessarily kill you because the current draw isn't nearly as much as line to neutral. But basically line is the most dangerous part of an outlet, so line or live, both are dangerous. :P Female Electricity Geeks will rule the world. Does this question matter? We will all die anyways XD but yeah. That's the gist of it.

P=VI P=power V=voltage I=current therefore current drawn is 5000/400=50/4=12.5 amperes

To calculate the fuse rating needed, use the formula: Fuse rating = (Power of appliance / Voltage of appliance) + 0.25. For the 2.5kW heater at 120V, the calculation is (2500W / 120V) + 0.25 = 20.83A. Therefore, you would use a 20A fuse for the 2.5kW heater at 120V.

Vinyl is considered a non-porous surface, which means that liquids typically cannot penetrate or be absorbed by it. This property makes vinyl easy to clean and maintain as well.

To melt ice in PVC pipes, first try using a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm the pipe. Be cautious not to overheat the PVC as it can melt or become damaged. You can also wrap the frozen area with warm towels or pour hot water over it to help melt the ice gradually.

240V is much more effecient, and you can put more heaters on a 20 amp circuit than you can a 120V.

Baking soda and water paste is an effective and gentle solution for cleaning silver. Simply mix baking soda with water to make a paste, apply it to the silver, gently scrub, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

To prevent rust in a cast iron fire pit, you can season it with cooking oil to create a protective layer. Make sure to keep it dry when not in use and store it in a covered area to protect it from moisture. Regularly clean and re-season the fire pit to maintain its rust-resistant properties.

To reduce the smell of camphor, you can try airing out the space by opening windows and using fans to increase ventilation. Additionally, using scented candles, essential oils, or air fresheners can help mask the smell of camphor. Lastly, storing camphor in a sealed container when not in use can help contain its strong odor.

One option is to try using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton swab to dab at the marker stain. Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric. Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and dish soap to help break down the marker stain before washing the garment.

Sharkbite fittings are designed to withstand high temperatures, including those from a propane torch. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can potentially damage the fittings. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation and avoid excessive heat exposure.

Yes, vinegar can be used to clean and remove oxidation from galvanized metal. You can dilute vinegar with water and use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the metal surface. However, prolonged exposure to vinegar can cause further corrosion on galvanized metal, so it's important to rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning.

A standard water line PVC pipe typically has a width (diameter) of either 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, or 1.5 inches.

There are many cleaning agents on grocery store shelves that take care of this problem. One home remedy is to use a mild bleach solution by mixing a small amount of common household bleach in a gallon of water. (The proportion of bleach to water is on the label.) Another is to use a rather strong mix of white vinegar and water. Apply to affected areas, scrub, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.

Note: Some molds can be extremely harmful to breathe. When cleaning mold or using cleaning solutions it is best to wear protective gloves and/or a respirator mask, and ventilate the area for your safety.

I was curious as to the exact definition of these porous and nonporous because every time I picked up a cleaning supply it would always mention something about whether the product could be used on one or how to treat the area differently depending on whether it was one versus the other.

Interestingly enough, a simple google search proved to be much more mystifying and arduous than I would have ever imagine because there was no straightforward answer and all the links characterizing porous v nonporous surfaces were mostly from scientific journals or .edu sites.

But to be as concise and brief as possible, from what I gathered, there are a wide array of factors and characteristics to consider for any given material to determine porosity but the main gist is:

Porous surfaces are anything that can be penetrated into beyond its outer surface due to either small or narrow spaces which allows absorption, low density, etc. It is porous, or not impermiable. Water, or any other liquid can pass through, for example.

Nonporous surfaces on the other hand tend to be thick, dense, and solid do that nothing can permeate it beyond its outer-most surface.

Examples of porous and nonporous materials:

Porous:

fabrics, unvarnished (unfinished) woods, cotton, carpeting, and unsealed tiles (depends on tile type but most need laminate)

Nonporous:

solid plastics, metal objects (stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, etc), glass of all forms, ceramic surfaces like dishes etc, varnished wood, laminate counters, granite, and vinyl

The cost of utilities for an average size house can vary greatly depending on location, energy consumption habits, and the season. On average, households in the US spend around $200-$300 per month on utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and trash removal. However, this amount can be higher or lower based on individual circumstances.

Some natural water softeners include vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. These substances can help reduce mineral buildup in water, making it feel softer and less harsh on skin and hair. Additionally, certain types of plants like peat moss and alum can also be used as natural water softening agents.

If the metal does not touch the filament, it should be safe to use in an electric kettle without causing any damage. However, if the metal comes into contact with the filament, it can create a short circuit, potentially causing damage to the kettle or even a safety hazard like an electric shock or a fire. It's best to avoid putting any metal objects in an electric kettle to prevent any risks.

No, you typically need less laundry detergent in soft water compared to hard water. Soft water allows the detergent to lather more easily and be more effective, whereas hard water may require higher amounts of detergent to achieve the same level of cleanliness.

People apply grease to hinges that creak to reduce friction between the metal parts, which is causing the noise. The grease helps to lubricate the hinge, allowing it to move more smoothly without making noise.

Create incisions in the wax. Then heat it up slightly so the wax becomes soft enough that it can be pull off in pieces. But, be sure not to use too much heat so as not to catch the rug on fire.

To convert a single switch to control both a fan and a light, you will need to install a double switch. Make sure to turn off the power supply, remove the existing single switch, connect the wires to the new double switch (one wire for the fan and one for the light), and then install the new double switch into the electrical box. It's important to follow proper wiring techniques and consider hiring a professional if you are unsure.