How long does a Christmas tree last? How long your Christmas tree lasts depends on how well you take care of it. If it is kept well-watered, a Christmas tree can last around four to five weeks before drying out. You can tell you’re doing it right if the tree doesn’t shed its needles or bow under the weight of your ornaments. The species of tree also contributes to the tree’s lifespan....
From the quiet Midwest suburbs to a big city in the South, these homes range from 3,000 square feet to almost 5,000. They all have at least three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each comes with unique amenities. The first home features a climate-controlled walk-in wine cellar, while the second house has a large game room with a putting green where you can practice your swing at home. If you’re big on entertaining, you might opt for the third home, which has an enormous patio with a stunning view....
John Rowden, senior director of bird-friendly communities at the National Audubon Society, says, “Regular cleaning is important for a bird bath. The water should be changed every few days, but if you have a lot of birds visiting and the bath is visibly dirty, you may have to clean it more frequently.” There’s no question that your bird bath needs the occasional scrubbing—here’s how to do it properly. When, and How Often, to Clean a Bird Bath Cleaning a bird bath is a straightforward job that does not require specialty tools or cleaning solutions, but bird baths do need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that they are safe for and attractive to the birds you hope will stop by for a splash....
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch What You Need Vacuum with upholstery attachmentStiff fabric brush (optional)Microfiber clothBaby wipes (optional) Step 1: Vacuum or Brush the Couch Take care of your microfiber couch as you do your carpet; a good rule to follow is to vacuum the couch every time you vacuum the floor. If possible, try to enlist a “no pets on the couch” rule to help control pet hair....
How to Clean a Tower Fan Before you start cleaning, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Unplug the fan from its power source, so it isn’t accidentally turned on during cleaning. This prevents accidents and stops dust from traveling further into the machine during the cleaning. Some tower fans, like those made by Lasko and Vornado, are not designed to be opened for cleaning, and doing so may void the warranty. Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to determine whether your fan’s make and model is designed to be opened....
Follow our instructions on how to clean a fireplace to clear away harmful buildup and ensure you’re ready for cozy nights around the fire. We’ll also walk you through how to inspect a fireplace for damage, tips for removing creosote buildup, and what to know about cleaning a chimney. A bit of fireplace maintenance can help keep your home safe and tidy all season long. Before Getting Started Wait 24 hours after your last fire before cleaning a fireplace to ensure it’s completely cool....
By dividing your chore list into quick, efficient tasks, you can cover all your bedroom bases, including surfaces, linens, and even your floors. This bedroom cleaning checklist helps you get the job done quickly and efficiently, meaning you can spend more time relaxing and less time stressing about the mess. Use this deep-cleaning checklist to create a schedule that works for you. As a general rule of thumb, aim to complete this list of cleaning tasks about once a week....
Many tropical container plants or bulbs can be brought inside during the winter if you want to save them. To make tropical planters easier to relocate, plant them in lightweight resin containers or pots with casters on the bottom. The tubers of cannas, caladiums, dahlias, and sweet potato vines can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors in a cool, dry place until spring. Tips For Planting Fail-Proof Combos Be sure to choose the right combination of flowers and pair them with a container in an appropriate size....
The holiday begins at midnight on October 31 and painted pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns have become a popular way to display the iconic design. If carving a sugar skull pumpkin stencil seems like a daunting task, you can create part of the design with paint instead. Traditionally, bright colors are used because it’s believed that they symbolize an individual’s vibrant life. Use our free stencil to transform a faux pumpkin into a gorgeous decor piece for your celebration—we’ll show you which basic shapes to carve and show you how to detail the rest with dramatic paint colors....
Editor’s Tip: Always call your local utility companies and get your yard marked before you start digging.
How to Dye Easter Eggs with Food Coloring Supplies Needed WaterVinegarSmall bowlsMetal spoonHard-boiled eggsRubber gloves Step-by-Step Directions Follow these simple how-to instructions to make homemade Easter egg dye. You should be able to color a dozen eggs in under 15 minutes. Step 1: Hard-Boil Eggs Before you can dye Easter eggs, you’ll have to cook them. Learn how to hard-boil eggs in a pan on a stove, or you can steam your eggs instead (it’s faster!...
A 6-foot-wide closet opening is the most common, but you can install closet doors in an opening of just about any width. Sets of bifolds are available in a variety of widths (in multiples of 2 inches) and bypass doors can be cut to any width desired. The standard height is 80 inches (the same as for an entry door). If you have an older home with 9- or 10-foot ceilings, this can leave you with unusable space above the doors....
Select the straightest studs you can find for framing; you will avoid problems later. Check each stud for a crown—a slight curve along its length—and install all the studs with the crowns facing the same direction. Build the wall with a bottom plate running across the doorway. This keeps the entire wall in one plane as you install it. Then you can cut the bottom plate out after the wall is installed....
How to Control Creeping Charlie If you’ve spotted creeping charlie early, repeated hand-weeding is an option, but you must remove and destroy every bit of the roots. Don’t add this plant to the compost bin because it could very well take root there. It’s better to bag it for a yard waste pick up. If creeping charlie has spread throughout a large area, it can be difficult to control through hand weeding alone....
Best Banana Varieties to Grow Indoors You’re probably most familiar with the Cavendish variety, which is the type of banana sold in supermarkets across America. Its classic yellow fruit is what we use as a staple snack or smoothie mix-in. However, not all bananas have yellow skin. Blue Java bananas have a turquoise peel while red bananas have a deep burgundy colored peel. In the wild, a banana tree can easily reach anywhere from 20-40 feet high....
Test Garden Tip: Asparagus is hardy in Zones 3-9, but it’s best to select varieties designed for your climate. For example, ‘Jersey Giant’ is a good bet for northern areas with long, cold winters. In warmer regions, try ‘UC-157’. Test Garden Tip: Good drainage is very important for preventing root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider planting your asparagus crowns in raised beds. Test Garden Tip: Keep weeds at bay with a 4-6 inch layer of mulch applied once the shoots start to appear....
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors It may be tempting to jump in and grow a wide variety of herbs at first. However, you’ll likely have more success if you focus on just a few that you know you will use regularly. Basil, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme are among the easiest herbs to grow indoors. Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors Once you’ve decided which herbs to grow indoors, you’ll need to provide the right amounts of light, water, and care to help your plants thrive....
Installing a dimmer switch couldn’t be easier. All you need is a screwdriver, wire caps, and access to your home’s circuit breaker. We’ll walk you through each step and provide important pointers along the way. More Expert Tips for a Well-Lit Home What You Need ScrewdriverDimmer switch (we used the Lutron Maestro)Wire caps Step 1: Turn Off Power Turn off power at the circuit breaker for the room or outlet where you’ll be installing the dimmer switch....
Editor’s Tip: Some flooring planks come with underlayment padding already installed. If you have this type, you don’t need to install the traditional underlayment.
How to Make a Florist Bow Supplies Needed Wide ribbon of your choiceThin satin ribbon of your choiceScissors Step-by-Step Directions This easy embellishment is the perfect topper for Christmas gifts or holiday wreaths. The steps below explain how to tie a florist bow with ribbon. Step 1: Twist Ribbon When making a florist bow, we find it’s easiest to leave the ribbon on the spool and cut it after the bow is complete....
