Jennifer Prince’s work is featured on several national travel sites, such as Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, AFAR, Lonely Planet, and Conde Nast Traveler. She thrives on off-the-beaten-path itineraries and is passionate about finding microstories to bring destinations to life. Jennifer currently lives in Virginia with her husband, and other than travel and writing, she enjoys ’80s music, vintage things, fostering kittens, time with her family, and dreaming about her next Airbnb venture.
This week, Today’s Homeowner Radio Show co-host Joe Truini offers his Top 5 Simple Solutions for the bathroom.
A glass cleaner that contains rain repellant will prevent water spots from appearing on shower doors. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Water Spot Remover for Shower Doors
Does your glass shower door have water spots? They’re a pain to remove, and general cleaners simply can’t do the job. Well, here’s a secret water spot remover that you may already have without realizing it!
Nobody wants to wipe their shower door every time after they use it to prevent water spots. And let’s be honest — who has the time for that?
That’s why it helps to have the right tool for regular maintenance.
I like to use a glass cleaner with a formula that contains rain repellant — like this one. (This is an affiliate link. If you purchase this product, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
This type of product is usually advertised for cleaning bugs and removing water spots from car or truck windshields, but that doesn’t mean it only works on these surfaces! So look in the automotive aisle if you can’t find the product near general cleaners.
Now, why does this product work over general household cleaners?
It’s because the rain-repellant formula causes water to bead up and repel off the shower door. That means your glass shower enclosure will have no water spots!
Here’s how it works: Simply spray the cleaner on the glass and use a towel to wipe it off — I always use a cotton microfiber towel.
Now you have an easy water spot remover! Not only is the glass clean, but it also repels water with no spotting.
Baking soda and vinegar will deodorize and clean your sink without damaging the bath fixture. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
How to Clean and Deodorize Bath Sink
It’s not often you bring baking soda and vinegar into a bathroom, but you can use them to clean and deodorize a bathroom sink.
Sinks often become slow-draining, and they can get clogged up with soap scum and hair. They will also produce a pretty funky odor, so here’s how to get rid of that.
Start with one-third cup of baking soda. You don’t have to be too precise, but you will need to take about a third of a cup or so and dump it in the drain.
Next, take one full cup of vinegar. White vinegar is a really strong cleaning agent that you can use all over the house.
After it hits the baking soda, let it fizz down for a few minutes. Some people might use bleach here, but bleach can actually eat the finish right off of some bath fixtures, so you don’t want to use it.
After the baking soda and vinegar have calmed down a little bit, follow up with a full kettle of hot water. This will, in combination with the vinegar and the baking soda, cut through anything that might be clogging up the sink.
If you do this treatment once a month, you’ll have a really sweet-smelling sink and a free-flowing drain.
Flappers have two important jobs: They provide a seal for the toilet’s flush valve and control the volume of water released into the bowl. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
How to Replace a Toilet Flapper Valve
If you have a toilet that’s constantly running, the culprit is likely a leaky flapper valve. Over time, flapper valves may become cracked or warped, which can allow water to leak out.
Here’s how to replace it:
Turn the water off to your toilet.
Flush the water out so the tank is empty
Unhook the old flapper valve and snap on the new one.
Adjust the chain to make sure the length is correct.
Turn the water back on and flush the toilet a couple of times to make sure the flapper valve is working properly.
A homemade scrub brush drill attachment chucked into a drill is perfect for detailing tile floors. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
How to Power-Clean Bath Tiles
Scrub brushes work well for cleaning, but they require a lot of elbow grease. To convert a standard hand scrub brush into a power attachment for your drill:
Cut the handle off a round scrub brush.
Drill a hole in the middle of the brush.
Insert a 4-inch long machine bolt in the hole from the bristle side.
Put a washer and nut on the back side and tighten it up.
Chuck the bolt into a drill.
Run the drill at medium speed when using the scrub brush attachment.
In Hour 1, learn the reason why toilet water is low, the best temperature for outside painting and more.
Water Not Refilling in a Toilet
Blockage in a vent pipe could make the water level low in a toilet. (Ratikova, Getty Images)
Every time Paul Johnson flushes his toilet, the water fills up but then drains to almost empty.
“We have had two plumbers check it out. One said the bowl design was made to do that. One snaked it and had no answer,” he says.
There could be some obstruction farther down the drain than the plumber’s snake can reach.
The only other reason water drains out is if there’s a crack in the toilet, but you’d notice that water in your bathroom.
There might be a blockage on your vent pipe. A plumbing vent allows that air to drain the water out, so if there’s any obstruction, even partial, it creates a siphon effect.
It works similarly to when you put your finger on top of a straw that’s in a glass of water and lift it, the water stays in the straw until you release it.
Birds can build nests in those things or other things can get down there and create a vacuum or siphon effect that keeps it from working properly.
Have the plumber check the vent pipe on the roof to make sure there’s nothing in it. If they do find a block, put hardware cloth over the pipe to prevent future blockage.
Lowest Temperature for Exterior Painting
Don’t paint in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Susie Hedberg, Getty Images)
Teresa asks, “What is the lowest temperature that I can paint my exterior house trim? Also, what’s the best kind of paint to use?”
First, before you do any kind of exterior painting, you have to do the proper prep work.
Clean and sand the exterior so the paint will adhere to the surface. If you don’t, you’re gonna have problems no matter what kind of paint you use or what temperature it is outside.
We love acrylic latex paint for exteriors — go with a semi-gloss for trim. Pricewise, you don’t have to get the most expensive type of paint, as moderately priced ones work just as well and won’t break the bank.
As far as what temperature to paint, always read the label. Different manufacturers have different recommendations. However, the vast majority claim you can apply the paint in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. And now, there are some that are rated for colder weather, but they’re more expensive and harder to find.
Our suggestion: Don’t paint in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The important thing is that it has to remain at that temperature for at least four hours after you apply the paint. If the temperature is expected to drop, put off painting.
You don’t have to do the entire house in one go — paint in stages. Do the front of the house one day, and the sides and back on other days.
Tip for Protecting Laminate Countertops
Seal the underside of laminate countertops to prevent warping from dishwasher steam. (gerenme, Getty Image Signature)
When you open a dishwasher, you get a blast of initial steam, it dissipates pretty quickly, but over time it can warp a laminate countertop.
Many laminate countertops are applied to particleboard, and rarely is that particle board sealed where it comes in conjunction with that steam coming out of the dishwasher.
A fan called in with this tip for protecting laminate countertops: Paint the underside of your countertop just above the dishwasher with a sealant of some sort to keep the steam from warping the countertop.
You can use just about anything to seal the pores of the wood, but we suggest brushing on a coat of clear polyurethane varnish. It just seems to give it a better buildup.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, hear what might be causing mold on a deck and how to get rid of it, plus tips for autumn irrigation.
Getting Rid of Black Mold on a Deck
Black mold on your deck means there’s too much moisture and shade. (DepositPhotos)
A hotline caller just can’t get rid of black mold on her deck.
“I have tried Clorox, Wet & Forget and I have also painted multiple coats of deck paint but it keeps coming back. Any last suggestions before I start over?” she asks.
We think three things are contributing to this mold growth:
The deck is in the shade. While it makes for a nice, relaxing spot for homeowners, it also creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
The deck is relatively close to the ground and has a lot of moisture collecting under it.
The boards’ undersides aren’t sealed. People seldom paint the underside of the deck boards, so moisture will penetrate through them.
She mentions painting the deck, but that’s not something we recommended. This puts a coating over the wood, making it easier for mold and mildew to form on it.
Pressure wash the deck to remove the mold and apply a semitransparent stain. This soaks into the wood and blocks moisture from passing through, preventing mold growth and blistering. And be sure to stain the entire surface and just the top.
Trim back some tree limbs to allow for more sun to shine on the deck, and create a drainage system so water doesn’t accumulate underneath it.
After you’ve addressed the shade and drainage issues, continue using something like Wet & Forget to get ahead of any future mold growth.
As the weather cools off you may think less about watering your lawn and gardens. But even in cooler temperatures, plants need moisture to remain healthy. If autumn is a dry season where you live, it’s essential to pay attention to how much water your yard is getting.
If you need to augment the natural rainfall with your irrigation system here are some ways to minimize water waste and maximize what rainfall you do get.
Raise the height of the blade on your lawnmower. Mowing close to the ground allows the soil to dry out more quickly, plus the slightly taller grass will require less water to begin with.
Check your garden hose connections at the hose bib and between hoses to be sure they aren’t leaking. When you do water with a hose, use a spray handle or shut-off control so you only apply water exactly where it’s needed.
Consider watering early in the morning. At that time of day, temperatures are coolest and the evaporation rate is at its lowest.
If you apply a generous layer of mulch in your gardens it will help the soil retain moisture so you can water less frequently.
If your home has downspouts, consider making a rain barrel to put under one or more of them. You can collect rainwater for your garden without adding a penny to your utility bill.
This Around The Yard segment is sponsored by Pavestone.
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Simple Solutions
Joe Truini’s Top 5 Fall Simple Solutions are all about making yard work easier. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Joe Truini shares his Top 5 Fall Simple Solutions! Listen to the full podcast.
Simple lifestyle changes can conserve water, one of our most precious resources, and save money. (aristotoo, Getty Images Signature)
Water conservation is fast becoming a priority for many homeowners.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that leaks account for 9,400 gallons of water wasted each year. That’s about the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.
Whether your reason for conserving water is mandated because of a drought or to combat high utility bills, adopt these simple water-saving measures to dramatically cut your home’s water usage.
Here are the 5 hot spots to tackle.
Insulating water pipes with foam helps water heat up faster, so you waste less time waiting for hot water. (nsj-images, Getty Images Signature)
1. Home Infrastructure and Appliances
To conserve more water in your home, start at the source.
First, check for leaks in the pipes. A visual inspection can quickly reveal any problems that need repairs.
In addition, read your water meter when no water is being used, then look at it again after a few hours to see if the gauge has changed.
Fixing the leak could be as simple as replacing a faucet washer, or you may discover a more serious problem such as an unseen leak in a pipe.
Here’s a win-win solution: Installing foam insulation on hot water pipes saves both water and energy by providing hot water faster and keeping it hot longer. This reduces the water wasted from running the tap to heat it up.
Finally, when replacing appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, look for models that have earned the U.S. government’s Energy Star rating, certifying they use less water and energy.
Plumbing fixtures such as faucets and toilets that carry the Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense label use, on average, 20 percent less water than conventional fixtures.
Fluidmaster’s 400H Toilet Fill Valve fixes a constantly running, noisy or slow-filling toilet and is one of the quietest fill valves available. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
2. Your Bathrooms
Toilets are the largest users of water in the home — but some of them are more efficient than others. Look on the bottom of the tank lid, or inside the tank wall, to find the date your toilet was manufactured. Toilets made before 1993 use two to three times the water of new ones.
If you have an older model, consider replacing it with a new low-flush or a dual-flush toilet that can use as little as 1 gallon per flush for maximum water conservation.
If replacing a toilet isn’t in your budget, add a few inches of gravel or sand to a plastic soft drink bottle, fill it with water, screw on the cap, and put it in the tank away from the float and flapper. The increased volume from the bottle reduces the amount of water in the tank, so less is used per flush.
If you notice your toilet refilling periodically when it hasn’t been flushed, it’s a sure sign your toilet has a leak. These leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water if not repaired.
A constantly running toilet, weak or incomplete flushing and a slow-filling tank aren’t just frustrating — they can also increase your water usage.
The DIY-friendly kit comes with a toilet fill valve, flush valve with stainless-steel bolts, Tank-To-Bowl Gasket and color-coded tools for the fastest installation possible and, if necessary, a complete tank rebuild. It eliminates the need for extra trips to the store for an unknown part or tool — and that saves time, money and frustration.
To conserve more water, change up your hygiene routine. Reducing time spent in the shower can save 2 to 5 gallons of water per minute, or GPM. Installing a water-saving showerhead will prevent thousands of gallons a year from going down the drain.
To see if you need a new showerhead, put a 5-gallon bucket in the shower and turn on the water. If it fills in less than two minutes, consider replacing the showerhead with a water-saving model that uses two GPM or less.
Finally, leaving the faucet running while you shave or brush your teeth wastes water. Turn the water off while you brush and fill the sink to rinse your razor.
Only running a dishwasher when it’s full can save nearly 320 gallons of water annually. (Irina Drazowa-Fischer, Getty Images)
3. The Kitchen
A few changes in the kitchen can significantly cut down your water usage. For instance, thaw frozen food in the refrigerator overnight instead of using a running tap of hot water — it’s not necessary.
When used properly, a dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full and use water-saving settings for more efficiency. Doing this saves the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually.
If you hand-wash, fill one side of a double sink with soapy water for washing and the other with clean water for rinsing. Letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water.
Also, install low-flow aerators on faucets — these reduce water flow to one gallon per minute or less.
Finally, do you drink a lot of tap water? If so, don’t keep the water running until it cools off for drinking. Instead, fill a pitcher or bottle and keep it in the fridge.
Don’t do laundry until you have enough clothes for a full load. (Oksana Vejus via Canva)
4. Your Laundry Room
Washing clothes accounts for the second-largest water use in the home. Put off doing laundry for the sake of water conservation.
Only run the washer with a full load of clothes and use the shortest cycle for lightly soiled clothing. And if you really want to reduce water use, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses up to 5 gallons more water per load.
While washing clothes in cold water saves energy by reducing water heating, it uses the same amount of water as warm or hot settings.
Every year, we waste billions of gallons of water to keep our lawns and gardens green. Much of this water is lost due to overwatering, evaporation, poor sprinkler design or lack of maintenance.
Use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to reduce water use. These methods deliver water slowly and directly to the plant’s roots, and much less water is lost to evaporation.
If you have a programmable irrigation system, install a rain sensor. It will interrupt the program cycle when it rains, so you won’t overwater your lawn.
Better yet, start at the ground level to keep your water use at a minimum. Choose native and drought-tolerant plants to create a water-smart landscape that’s beautiful and efficient.
Here are some other water conservation options for the yard:
Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them down.
Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when it’s not in use.
Following these water-saving tips can reduce household water use by 30 percent or more.
Start simple by changing wasteful habits and fixing leaks, then move up to installing water-saving fixtures and appliances.
Not only will it save money, but you’ll also reduce the needless drain on one of our most precious resources.
Water conservation is fast becoming a priority for many homeowners.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that leaks account for 9,400 gallons of water wasted each year. That’s about the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.
Whether your reason for conserving water is mandated because of a drought or to combat high utility bills, adopt these simple water-saving measures to dramatically cut your home’s water usage.
Here are the 5 hot spots to tackle.
Insulating water pipes with foam helps water heat up faster, so you waste less time waiting for hot water. (nsj-images, Getty Images Signature)
1. Check Fixtures and Appliances
To conserve more water in your home, start at the source.
First, check for leaks in the pipes. A visual inspection can quickly reveal any problems that need repairs.
In addition, read your water meter when no water is being used, then look at it again after a few hours to see if the gauge has changed.
Fixing the leak could be as simple as replacing a faucet washer, or you may discover a more serious problem such as an unseen leak in a pipe.
Here’s a win-win solution: Installing foam insulation on hot water pipes saves both water and energy by providing hot water faster and keeping it hot longer. This reduces the water wasted from running the tap to heat it up.
Finally, when replacing appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, look for models that have earned the U.S. government’s Energy Star rating, certifying they use less water and energy.
Plumbing fixtures such as faucets and toilets that carry the Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense label use, on average, 20 percent less water than conventional fixtures.
Fluidmaster’s 400H Toilet Fill Valve fixes a constantly running, noisy or slow-filling toilet and is one of the quietest fill valves available. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
2. Improve Your Toilets
Toilets are the largest users of water in the home — but some of them are more efficient than others. Look on the bottom of the tank lid, or inside the tank wall, to find the date your toilet was manufactured. Toilets made before 1993 use two to three times the water of new ones.
If you have an older model, consider replacing it with a new low-flush or a dual-flush toilet that can use as little as 1 gallon per flush for maximum water conservation.
If replacing a toilet isn’t in your budget, add a few inches of gravel or sand to a plastic soft drink bottle, fill it with water, screw on the cap, and put it in the tank away from the float and flapper. The increased volume from the bottle reduces the amount of water in the tank, so less is used per flush.
If you notice your toilet refilling periodically when it hasn’t been flushed, it’s a sure sign your toilet has a leak. These leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water if not repaired.
A constantly running toilet, weak or incomplete flushing and a slow-filling tank aren’t just frustrating — they can also increase your water usage.
The DIY-friendly kit comes with a toilet fill valve, flush valve with stainless-steel bolts, Tank-To-Bowl Gasket and color-coded tools for the fastest installation possible and, if necessary, a complete tank rebuild. It eliminates the need for extra trips to the store for an unknown part or tool — and that saves time, money and frustration.
To conserve more water, change up your hygiene routine. Reducing time spent in the shower can save 2 to 5 gallons of water per minute, or GPM. Installing a water-saving showerhead will prevent thousands of gallons a year from going down the drain.
To see if you need a new showerhead, put a 5-gallon bucket in the shower and turn on the water. If it fills in less than two minutes, consider replacing the showerhead with a water-saving model that uses two GPM or less.
Finally, leaving the faucet running while you shave or brush your teeth wastes water. Turn the water off while you brush and fill the sink to rinse your razor.
Only running a dishwasher when it’s full can save nearly 320 gallons of water annually. (Irina Drazowa-Fischer, Getty Images)
3. Make Changes in the Kitchen
A few changes in the kitchen can significantly cut down your water usage. For instance, thaw frozen food in the refrigerator overnight instead of using a running tap of hot water — it’s not necessary.
When used properly, a dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full and use water-saving settings for more efficiency. Doing this saves the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually.
If you hand-wash, fill one side of a double sink with soapy water for washing and the other with clean water for rinsing. Letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water.
Also, install low-flow aerators on faucets — these reduce water flow to one gallon per minute or less.
Finally, do you drink a lot of tap water? If so, don’t keep the water running until it cools off for drinking. Instead, fill a pitcher or bottle and keep it in the fridge.
Don’t do laundry until you have enough clothes for a full load. (Oksana Vejus via Canva)
4. Adjust Your Laundry Room Routine
Washing clothes accounts for the second-largest water use in the home. Put off doing laundry for the sake of water conservation.
Only run the washer with a full load of clothes and use the shortest cycle for lightly soiled clothing. And if you really want to reduce water use, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses up to 5 gallons more water per load.
While washing clothes in cold water saves energy by reducing water heating, it uses the same amount of water as warm or hot settings.
Every year, we waste billions of gallons of water to keep our lawns and gardens green. Much of this water is lost due to overwatering, evaporation, poor sprinkler design or lack of maintenance.
Use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to reduce water use. These methods deliver water slowly and directly to the plant’s roots, and much less water is lost to evaporation.
If you have a programmable irrigation system, install a rain sensor. It will interrupt the program cycle when it rains, so you won’t overwater your lawn.
Better yet, start at the ground level to keep your water use at a minimum. Choose native and drought-tolerant plants to create a water-smart landscape that’s beautiful and efficient.
Here are some other water conservation options for the yard:
Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them down.
Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when it’s not in use.
Following these water-saving tips can reduce household water use by 30 percent or more.
Start simple by changing wasteful habits and fixing leaks, then move up to installing water-saving fixtures and appliances.
Not only will it save money, but you’ll also reduce the needless drain on one of our most precious resources.
