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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-04-13, Page 38PAGE 20 -HOME & GARDEN GUIDE '94 A I1 parammed HEALTH SERVICES Me Sensible Sioar)✓ FeAwing such services as: • Homemaking • Nursing • Physiotherapy • Protective Alert Emergency Response System Help is as close as your telephone with Para-med, 24 -Hours a Day -- 7 Days a Week! FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 524-5346 OR 1-800-463-3158 } OWEN OUSE PLANT GROWERS STECKLE'S since 1973 Where you can shop for all your planting needs • Bedding plants • Perennials • Shrubs •Trees • Peat Moss • Soils • Fertilizers The QUALITY AND VARIETY You expect when you Buy Direct from the Grower SEE US AT THE GODERICH HOME & GARDEN SHOW HURON RIDGE ACRES The Steckle Family R.R. 2 Zurich, Ont. Phone 565-2122 L_ -c• Participant Fri., Sat. & Sun. April 15, 16 & 17 BE INDEPENDENT Travel easily and confidently through Malls, Hotels, through Parks, go shopping. Our electric scooters will give you the independence. Come out to the Home & Garden Show and see our selection of SCOOTERS 8E LIFT CHAIRS ONo,..m E fRM D•E-OX HOME CARE SERVICE 282 Suncoast Drive, Goderich 524-2020 1-800-265-5500 1...._! 1 U ! Even a thorough cleaning won't get rid of odors You've just finished your spring cleaning — you've scrubbed, polished and vacuumed, and yet, your home or car still doesn't smell fresh. That's because you can't "clean" invisible odors the way you can "dean" visible dirt. Offensive smells can remain in your home, car or camper, even if you've thoroughly cleaned. Particularly sensitive areas include the kitchen, bathroom and basement, with the worst - offending smells from cooking, tobacco, pets and litter boxes, garbage cans and diaper pails. Many of these odors can linger in carpets, drapes, upholstery and even clothing. In addition, musty smells can saturate outdoor furniture, garages, closets, attics and basements. To keep your home its fresher, here are a few tips on how to identify and zap lurking odors: In the kitchen: Spray microwave, refrigerator, range hood and counter tops to remove food and cooking smells. Pour a little of the solution in your garbage disposal and other drains to remove foul smells. In the bathroom: Spray your shower, shower curtain, tub, tiles and drains to help keep them fresh and mildew -free. In the air. When cleaning air - conditioner, furnace, dehumidifier and other filters, add a little solution to the water for continuous fresh -smelling air. On fabrics: Curtains, upholstery and carpets can be sprayed to eliminate stale tobacco and other clinging odors. On clothing: Mist clothes that have been in storage to remove musty or "mothball" smells. Don't forget to spray the inside of shoes, boots and sneakers to eliminate foot perspiration odors. In the baby's room: Keep the air your child breathes clean by spraying diaper pail and baby's room daily. Pet odors: Spray regularly in cat litter box area to eliminate odors. Also, remember to spray the "accidents" pets may have on carpets. Camping and sports equipment: Keep your gear as fresh as the great outdoors. Spray sleeping bags, tents, coolers, camper and other gear to remove musty scents. Don't forget to also spray away the sweaty smell from sports uniforms and equipment. In the garage, basement: Regular usage in garage and basement will remove gas, oil and musty smells. In your car, truck, camper or other vehicles: Spray air vents, mats, ashtray and the total interior to get rid of stagnant odors. And don't forget to spray the trunk, too! Remember, if your house or car doesn't smell clean, it probably isn't. Is your duct system wasting energy? Many homeowners are surprised to learn their heating and air-conditioning systems may be wasting energy. Here are some of the things you can do to save money on energy bills: • Change the filters. Clogged filters make your system work harder. This in turn uses more energy. Change them at least twice a year — spring and fall. • Stop the leakage. Sheet metal duct systems waste energy because they leak. • After cleaning the duct surface, seal up the joints with a high- quality duct tape from the hardware store, then insulate. • Wrap the sheet -metal ducts with a 2" thick fiberglass duct wrap blanket insulation, following the manufacturer's recommended installation procedures at all times. When you build or renovate, insist on a fiberglass duct system. Thes46not use metal and are made from rigid fiberglass insulation boards formed into rectangular or round ducts. These duct systems have built- in energy savings and when properly installed, have relatively air -tight joints that eliminate leakage common with sheet metal ducts. Some tips for buying water treatment systems As an increasingly health - conscious society begins to question the quality of residential drinking water, many people are entering the "murky waters" of treatment systems. Unfortunately, all too many of them have waded into this relatively new area with inadequate information or. worse, misinformation. Often they are investing money in equipment to treat a variety of drinking water problems which,they may or may not have. For this reason experts suggest having water tested before shopping for treatment equipment. A water test will help determine a home's exact needs, confirming or allaying current concerns or identifying unknown conditions. Work with a water specialist certified by the Water Quality Association or with a reputable laboratory. If there are health concerns regarding household drinking water, contact the local health department. Other helpful tips: • Buy from a reputable dealer. A reputable water treatment systems dealer is an excellent resource in determining equipment needs. • Look for a dealer who has a reputation for quality service and sells products from established manufacturers who offer warranties on their products. When in doubt, check out the company with the local Better Business Bureau office. • Beware of one -size -fits -all products. Multiple problems may require multiple product solutions, so beware of salespeople who try to sell one product to solve all problems. Research the specific capabilities of each product considered. • Look for a seal of approval. Look to see whether the equipment has been tested and approved by an independent authority. • Check what's included in the price. Ask if the price includes installation and check to see if installation includes a bypass for lawn and garden faucets, a faucet for unsoftened water or other desired features. Once the right system for a family or individual's needs is found, users should read the manual for usage and cleaning procedures to ensure a long product life and top-quality water.