Learn how to disinfect laundry and remove yucky stains like vomit, urine, spilled liquid medicines, and blood that can come along with illness. Handling Sick Bed Linens When someone is ill, opt for one hundred percent white cotton sheets. Why? They may be boring but are easy to disinfect with hot water. Sheets that are bright colors and/or a synthetic blend cannot stand up to the rigors of disinfecting chemicals....

Jute has also become a popular feature in rustic-style wedding decorations. It’s often used to create table runners, chair sashes, favor bags, and bouquet wraps. Furniture Jute can bring a natural, textured feel to the bedroom when used to cover bed frames and headboards. Its rough, coarsely-woven look, paired with smooth linens and fluffy pillows, can create a pleasing juxtaposition. Many retailers offer jute beds and headboards for purchase, but you can also try making your own bohemian headboard out of jute placemats....

When it comes to duvet covers, you’ll likely want to choose one that’s as comfortable and cozy as it is attractive. With so many styles and materials on the market, it might be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re a fan of flannel bedding, the L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comforter Cover is ideal for year-round use. Made in Portugal from 100% double-brushed cotton, L.L.Bean says it’s soft, breathable, and resistant to shrinking, fading, and pilling....

The Chi Lin is said to be virtuous, kind, and even a vegetarian! The sacred animal is light and swift, never even touching its hoofs down on the earth so as to not inadvertently kill an insect. The solitary Chi Lin is said to materialize as a positive omen when a great ruler or wise sage appears. The Chi Lin is also thought to carry with it the writings of great wisdoms....

Some tile manufacturers and retailers combat this problem by offering free ceramic tile samples. It’s not a perfect solution because often you’re receiving only tile slices, not entire tiles. But it’s a start and we like it. To that end, we are listing tile companies that offer tile samples with no catch. These are perfectly free tile samples, including shipping and handling (“S&H”). Additionally, we list the most expensive free sample*, a cautionary note, and a surprising bonus....

Humus is organic matter partly or wholly decomposed. When the decomposition is hastened by human intervention in order to use it as a soil amendment, it is virtually synonymous with compost. A generous addition of humus or compost will help make soil more friable. What’s the Big Deal About Loam? Why are gardeners and landscapers so in love with loam? The answer is easy to understand if you consider the alternatives....

What Is Microfiber? Whether you see the term microfiber or microfibre (European spelling), it is a reference to the thickness of the fibers used to create the threads that are then woven into cloth. A microfiber is no more than one denier (a standard unit of weight) thick—about one-fifth of a human hair. All microfiber currently on the market is man-made. Most are made of polyester but may also be mixed with nylon to add strength and water repellency....

Cordless stick vacuums have some advantages over full-sized ones—they are often more versatile than their bulkier counterparts. Since they run on batteries, you can freely move from room to room without the inconvenience of a cord. Cordless stick vacuums tend to have a little less suction power, making them ideal for spot cleanings and quick spruce ups. The MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum is one of the most lightweight models on the market....

This mystic knot is a symbol that is said to swallow its own tail, and symbolizes the eternal nature of wisdom and compassion. Many other ancient cultures have mystic knots. For example, you can look at Celtic or Islamic sacred geometry patterns. In Buddhism, the mystic knot is the sixth of the eight auspicious symbols. The eight together symbolize offerings that are said to have been presented to the Buddha when he attained enlightenment....

A type of interior and exterior paint called one-coat paint promises to end the time and labor commitment of applying two or three coats of paint. But does one-coat paint work? If so, is it guaranteed to work under all conditions? One-Coat Paint Basics One-coat paint is a term used by paint manufacturers for heavy, thick acrylic-latex interior and exterior paint that builds up high. Contains up to 20-percent more paint solids that give the paint more body than conventional paints....

When I saw that Parachute had a wool mattress topper, my first thought was, “that must be a sweat fest.” And when I told my boyfriend (who practically turns into a heat-blaring furnace when he’s sleeping) that we were testing one, he said, “Oh, I’m going to overheat.” But we were intrigued. The highly-rated mattress topper is a customer favorite, and Parachute says you can keep it on your bed all year long, no matter the weather....

Additionally, the piggyback plant is also notable for its lush foliage and the fact that it’s native to North America (specifically, the redwoods of the Pacific coast), which is not exactly a hotbed of native houseplants. It boasts a medium-fast growth rate and can be grown indoors throughout the year, or planted outdoors in early spring if you reside in USDA hardiness zones seven through nine. When it comes to displaying all your hard work, piggyback plants are an excellent hanging option for baskets....

Nervous? No need! With a few helpful tips, you can easily master this beautiful—if notoriously difficult—nursery color. Need a no-fail solution? Whether you’re hoping for light and airy, or rich and moody, these 10 perfectly balanced shades or purple will not let you down. When it comes to purple, a little goes a long way. Even the lightest of pastel shades can have a dramatic effect once they hit the wall, so it’s usually better to opt for a color that’s a shade or two lighter than you think you want....

As a mother of curious children (and a playful puppy) who seem to get into everything, I try to avoid cleaning products with toxic chemicals. When it comes to pests, I am very enthusiastic about using natural products as well. However, I also want the critters gone, so I’m open to the stronger stuff when needed. Thus, when a newly discovered moth invasion dovetailed with the opportunity to test moth-repelling products, I said, “Sign me up!...

Not long ago, the only alternative to cabinet replacement was to paint the cabinets—an adequate substitute but difficult when you are confronted with largely unpaintable thermofoil cabinets. Now, cabinet refacing and cabinet replacement are both equally viable options when your cabinets are looking the worse for wear. Cabinet refacing has been around for a long time—essentially it is wood-veneering taken to the next level—but cabinet refacing as a cottage industry is new....

The Pelargonium species most often go by the common name annual geraniums or zonal geraniums. These tropical perennials from South Africa are usually grown as annuals, though it is possible to overwinter them in very warm climates. Regal geraniums are favorites for container plantings and hanging baskets, and they also work well as bedding plants. Plant them in full sun after the danger of frost has passed for springtime blooms....