Get Rid of Rust
When it comes to the bathroom, there's nothing we want to see in there except anything that's brightly-colored. Yellows, greens, rusts, and especially browns are often strictly forbidden in many peoples' bathrooms. So when a rust color starts appearing in your toilet and you can't simply clean it off with a quick swipe of the toilet brush, you know you've got a rust problem - and it needs to go away quickly. So how exactly do you do that? Well, luckily, you've come to the right place: here you'll find out how to get rid of those pesky stains once and for all.
First, you'll have to check your own home for rust remover. If you live by yourself and don't remember buying any, you'll probably want to head to the local hardware store or appropriate retail outlet to buy a rust remover. Don't assume that your ordinary, around-the-kitchen cleaners will work in removing this rust. Instead, make sure that you know you have something that works.
What works? Well, you can start with a dedicated product like Shaw's Pads. What are these pads? They're simple cleaning devices made specifically for eliminating the kinds of stains you're facing in your toilet or bathtub. The web site may not look like much, but hey - if it works, it works.
There are other products available that can help remove the stains in your toilet. Look for a "Pumice stick" at your hardware store. All you do is take the stick and rub it against the stain, working up a "paste" that will help you clean off the stain, which you can then simply flush down the toilet.
Perhaps what's important in addressing toilet stains is what you don't do. The solutions to a toilet stain are relatively simple once you know them; but if you don't know how to fix them, you'll want to do your research first! Since this article has started you off in the right direction, you should have a better idea of how to eliminate those pesky toilet rust stains. Feel free to eliminate rust stains on similar bathroom fixtures like sinks and bath tubs, as well.
Remember, home improvement doesn't necessarily start with the tools; it starts with your knowledge. The more you know about what works and what doesn't, the quicker and safer your repairs will be.
Photo Credits: Fermion
Originally posted 2009-10-02 03:45:03.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 15, 2010 in
Bathroom, home repair, toilet
Fixing your deck stain?
The overall stain of your deck is part of what gives it its charm. The more you use your deck, the happier you are with your deck, but the more you can expect to wear away at the original stain of the wood. If your deck has been in need of a new deck stain for a while now, it's time to actually get around to it and update it with a fresh new look. You don't have to be a deck expert to get this done; you just need the right instructions.
First, you'll want to apply a deck stripper to the deck. This won't solve everything for you, but it will prepare the deck for what will happen in the next steps. Make sure that you choose the appropriate stripper for the kind of wood you have; if you have any questions about this, try asking someone at the local hardware store for some advice, or at least do an internet search on the type of wood you're using.
After this part of the job is finished, you'll want to rent a pressure washer. When you bring it home, be sure that your deck is clear of the big stuff (tables, chairs) and the small stuff (stones, debris). Why? You're going to be spraying down your deck with a high-intensity spray, and you don't want to send anything flying!
In conjunction with the deck stripper you've already applied, your pressure washer should be able to peel off the old stain to your deck, or at least give your deck a new, uniform color. You might also be able to incorporate deck cleaners that remove old stains; once again, questions should be directed to your local hardware or home improvement store. Once you've stripped the stain, wash it out and let the deck dry over the period of a few days.
Now that you've removed the old stain, it's time to select a new stain. You might have had something in mind already, but if you simply wanted to fix the old stain, you've got some thinking to do. Choose a stain that works well for your wood, and if you can, make sure to test the stain on an idle piece of wood to see that it has the color you like.
Once this is ready, you should be good to apply the new stain to your wood. You'll want to let it dry and set in before using your deck; after a period of a few to several days, your deck should be looking brand-new and properly stained. Congratulations! You've fixed a deck stain. Now if you could just get that wine stain out of your shirt...
Photo Credits: Jeff_Werner
Originally posted 2009-09-03 03:20:33.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on July 30, 2010 in
Backyard, Deck, Handyman, How to Fix
Car Floor Mat
Cleaning Stains on Car Rugs
There are some disasters that seem to happen in slow motion. You see the car in front of you stop suddenly so you hit the brakes and watch out of the corner of your eye as your still pleasantly warm tall latte cup titters for a few seconds and then with the grace of an Olympic swimmer divers out of the holder onto your carpet. While vanilla isn’t a bad smell in the coffee shop it will start wearing on your nerves very shortly as you wonder how on earth you can ever get that stain out of your carpet.
Finding cleaning supplies
The great thing about your car’s carpet is that most are made expecting some abuse. With any luck at least some of the damage was taken by the floor mat. Take out the mat and exam it. Don’t make the mistake so many make by washing the mat with the lawn hose. To clean the mat you will need a good size sponge and some strong cleaner. Any automotive store will have the type of cleaning supplies you need for both the mat and the carpet. For the really horrible stains such as the coffee, you might consider a small portable deep cleaner like the Bissell Spotbot.
Getting to the scene of the crime
Take off the mat and clean it thoroughly using the sponge and cleaner. You will want it not only to look clean, but try to eliminate as much of the odor as possible. Left locked up in the car any lingering smells from the mat will saturate the car if you spilled coffee, milk, or if someone was ill while in the car. In cases of strong odors make sure nothing is left un-cleaned and understand everything has to pass the smell taste before you close and lock up the vehicle. Leave the mat someplace where it can dry out for at least 12 hours.
Carpet cleaning
Here you can use paper towels to soak up any remaining moisture from the spill. Use the paper towels until you do not see any moisture spots on them when you pick them up. If you are using the Spotbot you will need to go over the entire carpet on the side of the stain with the nozzle very slow to draw out the last of the liquid or other staining material. Don’t panic if the area still seems darker in places the first time you go over it. You might need to use a brush to gently loosen any stubborn stains or sticky spots. Keep up the back and forth motion over all of the carpet until no sign of the stain remains. If you're using a regular cleaner and a scrub brush you will need to do the same cleaning of all the carpet in the area of the stain.
Here too let the smell test be your guide and don’t stop expending elbow grease until no lingering odor remains.
Photo Credits: engnr_chik
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Posted by Fix Handyman on May 8, 2010 in
Car, Carpet, Floors, Guest Blogger, How to Fix
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