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## How to Clean a Shower?

Cleaning a shower is not difficult, but it is one of the most neglected and seldom cleaned areas in the home. The bathroom gets a lot of traffic in most homes and the typical shower can get multiple uses a day. While it would seem as though the shower should be fairly clean due to the amount of hot water and soap that gets used, it actually is a breeding ground for soap scum, mildew and residue. With a good top to bottom cleaning and maintenance cleaning thereafter, a clean shower is yours.

#### What’s the Best Way to Start?

The first thing to tackle is the soap scum and residue that tends to build up. Begin by mixing equal parts of dish washing soap and white vinegar in a clean and empty spray bottle. The vinegar works as a catalyst to break down the scum while the soap serves as the solution to clean and remove the build-up. Spray the entire interior of your shower with the solution and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to penetrate the grime. Arm yourself with a scrub brush or sponge with a scrubbing surface and begin scrubbing in a circular motion, working from top to bottom. Be sure to scrub the handles and drain as well. After thoroughly scrubbing the entire interior of the shower, rinse well with warm water to remove all the suds and residue.

#### How Do I Clean the Glass Door?

After you have cleaned the surround, the next job is the glass door. This task uses the same two cleaning agents, white vinegar and dish washing soap, as well as a dish wand. Dish wands are readily available in the cleaning aisle at supermarkets and big box stores. Mix an equal amount of vinegar and soap in the wand, secure the cap and squeeze the handle to release the solution. Scrub in a circular motion from top to bottom. Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear and no soap or residue remains.

#### What If I Have a Shower Curtain?

If you have a shower curtain and liner rather than a glass door to enclose your shower, begin by removing the shower curtain liner and shower curtain. These can be easily washed in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent. Be sure to run the cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking the curtain or damaging the liner. Avoid putting it in the dryer and either line dry the liner and curtain or allow it to hang in your shower until dry.

#### How Can I Keep My Shower Clean?

To maintain a clean shower, simply use a shower squeegee daily on the shower walls and doors. This is best done after showering and it removes excess water and prevents soap scum build up.

Use this simple method to deep clean your shower. The trick is to keep it clean in between cleanings to prevent the soap scum and grime from building up in the first place.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In House keeping

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## Replacing Exterior Faucets

Plumbing can be an intimidating subject for some homeowners. But others have learned through the years that they can take care of more plumbing issues than thought. Putting in or repairing exterior faucets may seem like one of the more easier home maintenance tasks, but the key to any home repair task is knowledge. Do your research before tackling exterior faucet replacement or repair.

### Overview

Exterior faucets are the faucets on the outside of a building. When you are searching for information about installing or repairing exterior faucets, an interchangeable term is outdoor faucets. Though exterior faucets are the most likely faucets to freeze in very cold weather, they are also easiest to protect. This article will mention a couple different solutions to protect faucets placed in such a vulnerable area.
Homeowners may also face the task of repairing or replacing exterior faucets for reasons other than cold weather at some point in the life of their house. These tasks can be taken care of by a careful, knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer with the help of useful exterior faucet products.

### Review

There are frost-proof faucets that can be bought from venues like hardware stores and departments, plumbing specialty stores, big-box home improvement centers, and even online. These frost-proof faucets can go by several names, including freezeless or frost-proof hose bib, sill cock or faucet.
When you have to replace an exterior faucet for whatever reason, you might want to look into getting a frost-proof model. Ask before you buy if you are unsure whether the faucet is frost-proof. One brand of exterior faucet is Moen, which has several styles available. The Moen Cold Outdoor 8 in. Sill Faucet at Home Depot has a frost-free design even though there is no mention of it in the name. Arrowhead Brass and Plumbing manufactures the 450 series frost-free standard lawn faucets. Simmons Manufacturing makes a no-lead frost-proof yard hydrant. This is a free-standing hydrant and provides water access year-round.

### Pros

Frost-proof exterior faucets will protect from the freezing conditions that could lead to burst pipes in wintertime. Regular outdoor faucets are susceptible to extreme cold temperatures because the connection between the supply pipe and the faucet is outdoors where the water traveling through the connection can easily freeze. Most frost-proof faucets are sold at a reasonable price, usually in the range of $25$35.

### Cons

Regular exterior faucets cost less than half the cost of frost-proof exterior faucets. You may find you have invested in a frost-free faucet when you could have simply bought a faucet covered specifically designed to insulate outdoor faucets in cold weather for a few dollars. Another con is you will need to take time to gather do-it-yourself information before you install an exterior faucet. You should call your local plumber to be sure of the plumbing regulations relating to exterior faucets in your area. Your supply pipes may need to be a certain diameter in size and you may need an approved shut-off valve and vacuum breaker. You should know plumbing regulations before buying a faucet because you may need special materials.

Replacing and maintaining exterior faucets are two of the many obligations of home ownership. Do-it-yourselfers should feel confident fulfilling these obligations themselves after they have learned all they need to know about exterior faucet plumbing. Don’t hesitate to use the advice of local plumbers and experts at the home improvement or hardware store of your choice. You will find exterior faucets and related parts at these stores so you can go home with the knowledge and the materials necessary to complete the task.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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## Replacing Your Leaking Cartridge Faucet

One of the most common repairs in the home is having to replace a leaking cartridge faucet. Despite what many people think, it is not difficult to do a cartridge faucet repair yourself, saving you an expensive plumber’s bill. It does not require any specialized tools. This guide shows you the tools required, and the process to follow in order to replace a leaking cartridge faucet.

### What is a Cartridge Faucet?

The cartridge faucet regulates the water flow that comes out of the tap. It can also control the temperature of the water. If you have a leak in your cartridge faucet, it is usually caused by a small rubber ring wearing out or the faucet itself becoming worn.

### What Tools are Required to Replace a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

There are only a few main tools that are required when replacing a leaking cartridge faucet. You will need a screwdriver, a utility knife, and a pair of needlepoint pliers. You will also require some water pump pliers and a new cartridge.

### Do You Need to Turn Off the Water Before Replacing a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

You will definitely need to turn off the water supply before replacing a cartridge faucet. You can choose to either turn the water off under the sink or cut it off at the main water supply.

### How do You Repair a Leaking Cartridge Faucet?

The first step is to remove the handle of the faucet by unscrewing the screws on the handle. The plastic retaining nut is exposed; this needs removing using water pump pliers. The faucet spout is then removed by lifting it straight up. You will see the cartridge faucet with a rubber O-ring around it. If you have not already purchased a replacement cartridge faucet, take the old one with you to the hardware store. This way you can make sure you get the correct one. The O-ring must be removed before you are able to use the pliers to remove the cartridge faucet. Put the new cartridge faucet in place and place the O-ring on the faucet cylinder. You may need to coat the O-ring with grease before you can place it back on. Place the faucet spout back on, put the plastic retaining nut on, and replace the handle. Turn your water back on to check that the leaking has stopped.

Do not be afraid of trying to repair or replace a cartridge faucet yourself. As long as you remember to turn the water off at the mains, you do not need to worry about your kitchen becoming flooded. Make sure you get the correct cartridge faucet as the one you previously had. Otherwise, you may find that it does not fit correctly and you may still have a leak.

- Posted on 28 Jul 2014
- By admin
- In Home repair

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