Hard Water Deposits One of the most common causes of cloudy dishes and glassware is hard water or water with high mineral content. If you live in a hard water region, you might want to consider upgrading your dishwasher to a model with a built-in water softener. Bosche, Miele, and Whirlpool all make models with built-in softeners where you just add dishwashing salts to the special chamber in the machine and it releases the salts during the rinse cycle to keep the water from creating spots on the glasses as they dry....

Condensation occurs when moisture-laden warm air strikes a cold, dry surface, such as a basement wall or window. A similar thing happens with cold water passing through copper pipes, as the metal pipe is usually much colder than the surrounding air. The solution for most basement condensation problems is to reduce the humidity, which can come from a variety of sources. Wrap the Pipes You may already have foam insulation covering the hot-water pipes in your basement, to conserve energy....

Causes of the Efflorescence in Concrete The efflorescence can be happening when moisture starts to react with concrete causing some white stains in the concrete. Some surfaces and mostly stained concrete will be more susceptible to the reaction than others. These surfaces allow water to travel within the surface. You will also notice it when the salt concentration is higher in material batches. Other factors that can cause the efflorescence effect are:...

The culprit is crabgrass, a group of weedy grasses that belong to the species Digitaria. The most common forms of crabgrass that are problematic in North America are large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum). These are vigorous annual weed grasses that can overwhelm lawns that are under watered, under fertilized, and badly drained—which explains why we come to associate them with neglected lawns. But even well-tended lawns will have occasional problems with crabgrass, especially during periods of drought or difficult weather conditions....

However, you can’t simply grab a pressure washer and start spraying without risking damage to the surface you are trying to clean. Keep reading to learn about the various parts of a pressure washer, the dangers of using a pressure washer, and how to use a pressure washer properly. Parts of a Pressure Washer There are five main parts of a pressure washer that are important to know and be able to identify before you start working with one of these tools....

One of the ways we can do this is by bringing in meaningful symbols. Feng shui has a lot to do with nature and the cycles of the natural world, so plants and animals are frequently used as symbols. The chrysanthemum is one of these botanical symbols that is rich in meaning and symbolism. Chrysanthemum Symbolism and Meaning in Feng Shui The chrysanthemum is considered the “gentleman of flowers”. It’s been cultivated for generations in China and other parts of Asia, and there are many different varieties and shapes, from small button-like blooms to larger flowers with long, spindly petals that look almost other-worldly....

Pomegranate is an especially auspicious feng shui symbol because of its color and its many seeds. It is often found in Asian and Chinese art motifs, sometimes alongside other meaningful symbols from the natural world. Read on to learn about the feng shui meaning of pomegranate and how you can work with this symbol in your home. Pomegranate Symbolism and Meaning in Feng Shui Pomegranates are red, globe-shaped fruits, and if you have ever cut open a pomegranate, you’ll know that they overflow with hundreds of vibrant, jewel-like seeds....

These compression garments are often prescribed after surgery to support muscles and increase circulation. Travelers have long worn compression hosiery to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and reduce swelling. Now compression garments have made their way into the world of sports from football to baseball to cheer. Many athletes and trainers claim that they help improve performance. While some of the findings have been debated, almost all trainers agree that compression garments can help muscles heal after strenuous exercise by improving flexion and extension....