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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
If your lawn struggles with compacted soil, patchy grass, or poor drainage, lawn care experts also point to aeration as the best solution. While traditional core aeration involves removing plugs of soil to improve airflow and water absorption, some pros tout a liquid aeration treatment as a no-mess alternative. But how does it compare to core aeration, and is it the right choice for your lawn? What is liquid aeration?
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
In This ArticleWhat Works, What Doesn'tFAQA musty basement isn’t just unpleasant—it can be a sign of bigger moisture problems that lead to mold and mildew growth. Whether your basement smells like an old book or a damp cave, eliminating the odor requires tackling the root cause. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to freshen things up. What causes your basement to smell, anyway?
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
When it comes to pet accidents, the tried and true cleaning products might not be up to the task. The fact is that not all carpet cleaners are formulated to tackle this kind of stubborn stains. And steam cleaners can actually make the lingering pet urine smell even worse. The best defense against these types of stains might already be in your collection of household cleaners. And that solution is, hydrogen peroxide.
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
Bubbling paint or paint blistering is a common issue for homeowners after a water-related problem like a burst pipe, roof leak, or ice dam. When water seeps into walls or ceilings, it weakens the bond between paint and the surface, causing the paint to lift and form unsightly bubbles. Fixing it isn’t just about appearances; leaving the problem unattended can lead to further damage and mold growth.
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
When drought conditions hit, your lawn feels it first. Without adequate moisture, grass blades struggle to stay green, resilient, and healthy. While some varieties can go dormant and bounce back when rain returns, prolonged dryness can cause lasting damage. Lawn care is a year round effort, so if you experience dry spells, learn how to prepare for the effects of droughts, and put actions into place to prevent a brown lawn.
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
If you’re looking to give your lawn a boost before the spring season rolls in, February can be a great time to consider overseeding. While laying grass seed might be the furthest thing from your mind in winter, this dormant seeding technique works. When timed with the right conditions and a suitable grass seed, it really sets the stage for spring growth.
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
Front-loading washers are a nice way to save water and energy, but they do require some maintenance. One overlooked chore is cleaning the washer machine filter, which removes lint, hair, and other debris that can clog the system. Neglecting this small chore can lead to slow drainage, create ineffective wash cycles, cause unpleasant odors, or even damage to your machine. But don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think!First, what does the filter even do?
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
Efflorescence is the white powdery substance you might notice on basement walls, concrete surfaces, or masonry materials. It forms when water moves through a porous material like concrete or brick, carrying dissolved salts with them. Once the water evaporates, the salt deposits are left behind as a chalky residue. Though it looks like white mold, it’s not inherently dangerous. That said, its presence can indicate moisture issues that you should keep an eye on.
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
A dirt floor in a basement or crawl space can be a major source of moisture problems. Lingering excess moisture can cause unpleasant odors, affect indoor air quality, and put the space at risk of mold. Over time the residual moisture can even infiltrate basement walls and cause structural damage to floor joists or concrete slabs. Installing a vapor barrier is one of the most effective ways to manage this issue. What's a vapor barrier, and do I really need it?
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2 months ago | 
mensjournal.com | Max Winters
If you’ve ever dealt with pinhole leaks in copper pipes, you may have noticed something odd, sometimes, those tiny leaks seem to "heal" on their own. While this can feel like a small miracle, it’s really a mix of science and luck. Why it happens is kind of cool, but that it happens means that there is still an issue to address. What causes pinholes in plumbing? Pinhole leaks in copper pipes are often caused by a combination of corrosion and hard water.
