Owens Corning
January Maintenance
January Just Do It!

Kitchen Clean Up

Many faucets have an aerator screwed on to the end of its spout that mixes air into the water to prevent splashing. The aerator has a screen with very small holes that can easily clog with dirt particles or mineral deposits. To clean, unscrew it from the end of the spout. If you can't get it off by hand, wrap masking tape around its body to protect the finish and remove it with a channel lock pliers. Clean it by flushing water through in the opposite direction, then remove any particles lodged in the small holes with a straight pin. Be careful as you screw it back on the faucet so you don't damage the fine threads. The unit should twist on easily, don't force it.

Freshen the inside of the garbage disposer by grinding up small pieces of lemons or oranges while running warm water into the unit. Sharpen the shredding blades by filling the disposer with ice cubes, then run the unit until the noisy racket stops.

Clean the interior sides of a dishwasher with a paste made of baking soda and water. Check to see that the holes in the rotating spray arm are not clogged with food particles. Poke a thin stiff wire through any clogged holes to open them.

Remove the filter of the range hood fan and clean it in soapy water. Use a grease cutting cleaner to wash the inside of the blower or fan housing. (Make sure the power is turned "Off.")

Clean the interior and components of the refrigerator with soapy water. If the unit has an accessible drain pan at the bottom clean it with warm soapy water. If it's not accessible use a meat baster to squirt a mixture of warm water and baking soda into the tray which will help kill any foul odors. For most efficient operation, clean the condenser coil on the bottom or back of the unit. Use the crevice tool of the vacuum or the snow brush from your car to dust the coil.

Damaged Wallboard

Survey walls looking for cracks and holes and repair them. Use a handy kit that comes with everything you need. Use the premixed compound or mix water and patching compound to fill all small holes, dents, cracks and popped nails with the compound smoothing it with the spreader in the kit or a wide bladed spreader. When the compound is hard, sand it and paint.

For larger holes or cracks bridge the opening with strips of the self-adhesive, fiberglass drywall tape and then apply the patching compound. When hard, apply a second coat of compound and then sand and paint.

For water-damaged wallboard or holes over 2 inches in diameter cut away the damaged area with a utility knife or a keyhole saw. Measure opening and cut a piece of new drywall to fit. Use the handy repair clips and screws included in the kit to hold the drywall patch in place. Then apply compound and tape the joints. When dry, apply a second and then a third coat of compound. Allow to dry between each coat. Then sand the patch smooth feathering the edges. Prime and paint the wall.

Think Spring!

Plan your garden by ordering seed and plant catalogs which are filled with information and tips. Fire up your personal computer and use one of the many landscape and garden planning programs. Since planning garden and vegetable beds is half the fun, do it during the cold months when you can only think about be outdoors.


written by Gene and Katie Hamilton
copyright HouseNet, Inc. 1996

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