Cleaning Hacks for Busy Parents | Money-Saving Dishwashers | Sneaky Wall Drafts | Ep #2278

SHOW NOTES:

• House Cleaning: Keeping things clean with a house full of kids is a challenge. We’ve got helpful tips for busy parents.
• Dishwashers: Are ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers worth it? Find out how to save money and energy by installing the right dishwasher.
• Wall Drafts: Where is that draft coming from? Besides windows, sneaky openings in walls can be letting cold air through.

 Plus, answers to your home improvement questions.

• Crawlspace Vents: Are crawlspace vents really necessary and should you close them? They’re mandated by building code and Chris gets tips on when to keep crawlspace vents open or closed to control moisture.
• Kitchen Renovation: Elaine wants to renovate her mid-century kitchen. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of opening up some walls and updating the cabinets.
• Attic Ventilation: Should a flat roof have more ventilation? It can be harder to circulate air with a flat roof, but the vents Ken already has should be enough.
• Windows: Amy gets condensation inside the windows every winter. She can start by taking steps to reduce the humidity inside her house, but she’ll eventually need to install better-insulated windows.
• Bathroom Subfloor: Large tiles on the bathroom floor are starting to crack and crumble because they’re less flexible over the uneven subfloor. George has to tear out the tiles and install a new subfloor or mud underlayment before adding new tiles.
• Cleaning Old Walls: Susan wants to know how to clean, restore, and maintain her unfinished hardwood pine walls. We suggest sanding them by hand to even out the color, then adding an oil-based stain before sealing the surface.
• Basement Flooring: What kind of basement flooring should be used to replace the moldy carpet? Richard’s best options are to install laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring over a vapor barrier.
• Wallpaper Removal: Sue is tired of the wallpaper in every room of her house. We’ve got hints on using fabric softener or laundry starch to loosen the wallpaper glue before pulling it off and scraping the walls.

 

Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here.

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