Mothballs contain strong chemicals that have a pungent odor. Though they keep mothballs away, the smell can be toxic and it can make your clothes and the surrounding area smell bad. If you use mothballs to keep moths away from patios or other outdoor spaces, the smell will eventually dissipate. Spee

A tub with jets in the home bathroom can feel spa-like, but when they malfunction the tub will need special attention. The powered jets in the tub can be accidentally closed or become stuck. It is important to know the mechanics of the tub's jets for proper maintenance and upkeep. Keeping the jets c

Chemical fertilizers are applied to soils or sprayed directly on plants to provide nutrients needed for growth and development. Fertilizers contain essential elements in a form that can be absorbed and metabolized by plants.

Candle wax stains can be tricky to remove.candle image by goce risteski from Fotolia.comA nice romantic evening or a quiet moment of reflection often seems to require the use of candles. It is easy to forget one is burning, however, leaving it to melt all over the counter or carpet....

If you have a porch that is made from brick, you may be wondering how to spruce it up. You will need to keep in mind the condition of the brick. Crumbling or very old brick can further deteriorate if you use a pressure washer or harsh chemicals on it. You can rent a pressure washer for a day from a

Cleaning your old gas cans of vapors is vital. Unlike in the movies, it's not gasoline as much as the vapors that cause fires or, in extreme cases, explosions. And vapors leaking through plastic gas cans cause thousands of tons of pollution each year. Modern plastic gas cans are resistant to vapors

Antifreeze is the coolant used in cars to prevent liquid freezing in the vehicles. It is very poisonous, so contact should be avoided because it can cause organ malfunction if absorbed through the skin. Do not let pets anywhere near an antifreeze spill; if they drink it, they will get extremely si

Dirt dobber wasps, also known as mud daubers, are known for building nests made from mud. These solitary flying insects do not nest in hives, but rather build their brown, tube-shaped shells to grow and hatch their offspring. Although they may look dangerous, the sting of a dirt dobber is generally

The odor of vomit can linger in areas for several days, especially if the area is small and does not have adequate ventilation. Whether someone is ill with a stomach virus or has overindulged in alcohol, the scent of vomit in the air can make other people in the area nauseous just from smelling the

You may have an old pocket knife that looks unusable and does not open smoothly. With a little bit of love, this knife can become a special item you can treasure for many years to come. You can repair your pocket knife to make it safe and easy to use.

Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on organic materials, including paper, wood and clothing. While fungal particles are constantly floating in the air, mildew does not develop until these particles actually settle onto a surface. Once they settle, they quickly grow and multiply to form a soft, sp

The purpose of windows is to provide light to a room and a view to the outside, but the view and light are obstructed when streaks are left on the windows. Despite the best efforts at cleaning a window, these stubborn streaks -- a combination of water and the cleaning agent -- may persist. Even wind

Kerosene is a hydrocarbon oil that is commonly used as fuel in lamps, cookers and heaters. Kerosene can be safely stored for years in any sealed container that does not leak. For home storage, kerosene is commonly stored in 5- to 55-gallon plastic barrels. The barrels should be blue in color to ind

Rust is an annoying problem that can damage and stain a variety of surfaces. When a rusty object such as a tool or metal can is placed on your blacktop driveway, the rust can transfer to the blacktop and leave a difficult-to-remove stain. Fortunately, there are a few methods that will remove the rus

When you smell sewage outside of your home, do not ignore it. Not only are gases produced by sewage breakdown potentially harmful to humans and animals, the presence of these odorous gases can serve as an indication that your plumbing system is failing and needs to be repaired before more problems a

Smoke can cause just as much damage as flames during a fire.smoke 05 image by Dragan Saponjic from Fotolia.comA fire can be a devastating event, but when the flames have faded, it can be the smoke that causes the most damage. Even with proper cleaning, textiles and fabrics can maintain...

A chip in a sunglass lens might be a tiny imperfection, but it's still one that can bother you a great deal--particularly if you've spent a lot of money on a designer pair of shades. While you can fix a chip on the rim of a drinking glass by sanding it down aggressively, such a technique doesn't wor

Dog-Friendly Spring Cleaninggerman shepherd dog image by Lisa Batty from Fotolia.comSome cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, which may be toxic to dogs and put everyone at risk. Even if not poisoned, dogs can develop allergies to these chemicals. Many owners look for dog-friendly...

Leather and faux fur exposed to humid, wet and dark conditions acquire a musty smell if not cared for. Mold and mildew thrive in moist conditions and leave behind unsightly black or brown mold spores and a musty smell. If you do not remove the mold, the garments continue to smell until the mold is k