Routine maintenance to keep bugs, varmints out of grill
A backyard grill may be a fun way to cook up dinner during the summer months, but it can also be a tempting home for wildlife and insects. To prevent an infestation in your grill, do a few simple things as routine maintenance. Be sure to scrub clean the grill grates so no lingering burned food pieces attract critters. Close and cover the grill and let it heat up for about 10 minutes; this will burn away anything inside. Finally, use a grill cover with a drawstring on the bottom to create a barrier that will help keep small wild animals out.
H2O’S PH
If you have a backyard swimming pool, it can feel wasteful to not make use of some of the water in the pool (especially when watering the lawn or garden). You can use chlorinated water for watering plants by following these two simple steps: The first is to fill a bucket with pool water and let it sit, untreated, for several days to allow the chemicals and chlorine to dissipate. Then use a simple DIY test (which most pool owners have) to measure the pH balance of the water. Once the pH level reaches a 7 or 8, it’s safe to use.
CLEANING POWER
A lot of people like to add white vinegar to the automatic dishwasher to help boost the
cleaning power inside and leave dishes and cups sparkling clean. The only issue with using vinegar is this: It’s a strong acid that can actually melt the rubber gaskets inside your dishwasher over time. Instead of adding vinegar to the dispensers, consider spraying white vinegar over your dishes, plates and flatware with a spray bottle before hitting the ON button. This will give you all the benefits without any of the acidic damage.
SOLAR LIGHTS
Are your outdoor solar lights not looking so bright? This is usually a very easy fix and may involve just replacing the battery. Solar lights use rechargeable batteries that are charged from the sun’s rays on integrated solar panels. Those batteries can be recharged about 1,000 times before they wear down or die out. To replace, remove the old battery and replace with a new rechargeable battery. Then recycle the old batteries for free in collection boxes at almost any hardware store. Also, wipe down the solar panels, since dust and pollen can make them less effective.
PHONE NAPS
One of the most effective ways to protect the life and battery longevity of your smartphone is to simply regularly power it down. Think of it this way: Would you leave your computer on for weeks or months at a time without ever turning it off? Many of us leave our phones on, charging or on standby for weeks at a time. This can take a toll on your phone’s speed and effectiveness. Think of your phone as a mini-computer, and treat it the same way. Powering down at least once a week can have a big impact.
BIKE HELMETS
It’s always a good idea to wear a safety helmet when you’re riding a bike. But it’s best to own a new one, rather than giving in to the temptation to buy a used helmet or use a very old one. A used helmet does not come with a previous owner’s history; if it’s been part of a crash, it can have cracks and damages inside that make the helmet useless. Old helmets deteriorate over time due to wear and environmental damage, and they often don’t meet current safety standards. While an old helmet is better than wearing nothing at all — a helmet can reduce head injury by as much as 85 percent — do yourself a favor and upgrade to a newer, safer helmet.
HOUSEPLANT BOOST
Have a little leftover club soda or sparkling water? Don’t toss it down the drain; give it to your houseplants instead! Yes, the bubbly water is hydrating for thirsty plants, and the fizzy stuff can help them thrive. The carbon dioxide and minerals in carbonated water are beneficial to plants. When the roots of the plants drink up the water, it helps them grow and repair. Obviously, regular tap water is fine for plants, but a little leftover fizzy water is something they’ll love from time to time, too.