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How to Get Rid of Pet Odors

July 21st, 2008 9:08 AM

Getting rid of pet odors is not always easy, but the goal can be accomplished with perseverance. Pet urine, pet fur and pet breath odors are common pet odor problems. It is possible to get rid of pet odors like these with a little patience and some experimentation with different products and methods.

Pet urine in carpeting is one of the most severe pet odor problems. In really bad cases, the urine goes through the carpet backing and even through to the sub-floor. Sometimes, the only way to get rid of pet odors like those is to remove the carpeting and possibly the sub-floor. First, you can try getting rid of the smell by cleaning the carpet with a neutralizer such as the enzyme-based products available through many veterinarian practices. The neutralizer should be scrubbed onto sub-floors with a brush..

Vinegar or other neutralizers can be used to get rid of pet odors in the home such as on spots of dog urine. The urine should first be blotted up and then the product applied following the directions. It may take repeat applications and some time before the smell is removed. Never use ammonia to clean urine as it can make the smell even worse.

You can get rid of pet odors from cat litter boxes in several key ways. Covered styles of litter pans help to keep odors contained as well as prevent kitties from scooping out piles of urine-soaked litter onto the floor. Rather than filling the litter box and changing it only once in a while, use only a small amount of litter and change the box at least once a day, being sure to scoop out feces immediately. Emptying the litter daily is not enough to thoroughly get rid of the strong cat urine smell, but if you scrub the box each time with disinfectant this will help prevent bad odors from staying around. It may seem like a big hassle to attend to the litter so much at first, but when you find you get rid of the strong odor, you'll be sure to think it's worth the extra work!

Brushing your pets can help cut down on shedding and get rid of pet odors from their fur. Be sure to feed your pets a good quality diet as diet can affect the smell of a pet's coat. Baking soda sprinkled on carpets a few minutes before vacuuming can also help get rid of pet odors.

Pet breath odors, like human breath odors, are caused by sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth. Brushing your pet’s teeth can really help get rid of pet odors in the mouth and help prevent periodontal disease – it takes only seconds a day. You can eventually get your pet to accept the brushing, and only special pet toothpaste and brushes recommended by veterinarians should be used. Tartar, a yellow build-up of bacteria, minerals and food, causes odor on teeth and you can buy anti-tartar pet treats in addition to brushing your pets teeth to keep odors down and encourage good dental pet health.

Cyprus, Sheri. "How Can I Get Rid of Pet Odors." Wise Geek. 21 July 2008 <http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-get-rid-of-pet-odors.htm>.

Posted by Brian Tucker on July 21st, 2008 9:08 AMPost a Comment (0)

Preserving Veggies (and Saving Money, Too!)

July 28th, 2008 9:54 AM

With markets and gardens overflowing with ripe vegetables and fresh herbs right now, it's hard to imagine an end to this bounty. But come winter, fresh produce gets a little less abundant and a little more expensive. By being proactive now, though, you can savor summer's riches in the colder months, too.

Eggplant, zucchini, and peppers are abundant now and pretty reasonably priced. To preserve summer's bounty, I make a huge batch of ratatouille, pack it in bags, and freeze it. You can reheat it and serve it in a bunch of different ways. It's great tossed in pasta, add some broth and make it into a soup, serve it with eggs, or spoon it over chicken breasts.

Mix and match whatever veggies you have a surplus of for our vegetable chowder. Or whip up this corn soup to enjoy corn now, and freeze leftovers for up to six months. Not only do these soups give your veggies a purpose, but they also are a great way to stretch your dollar. Another way to keep corn around in the colder months is to freeze it off the cob.

Overwhelmed with tomatoes? Gather them up from your garden (or local farmer's market) to cook up a tomato sauce that'll go great with a big bowl of pasta this winter.

Gluck, Sandy. "Preserving Veggies (and Saving Money, Too!)." Martha Stewart Living. 26 July 2008. 28 July 2008 <http://www.marthastewartliving.com>.

Posted by Brian Tucker on July 28th, 2008 9:54 AMPost a Comment (0)

What's Hot & What's Not in Bathroom Redesign

July 14th, 2008 12:15 PM

by Peter L. Mosca - Mon, Jul 14, 2008

While real estate markets are cyclical, features a potential home buyer looks for in her home almost always seems to start in the bathroom, according to the National Association of REALTORS' (NAR) annual "Cost vs. Value Report," published each year in conjunction with Remodeling magazine. In fact, in NAR's 2007 report, it showed an upscale bathroom remodel recouped 93.2 percent of the costs and a bathroom addition, midrange stood at 86.4 percent and an upscale remodel 85.8 percent.

"Knowing what's in and what's out in bathroom design is important for homeowners deciding just where to spend their makeover dollars," explained Celebrity Interior Designer Will Smith. "I suggest they look at four key areas: the mirror, paint, hardware and lighting. Each can be easily and inexpensively updated to provide a new, modern look for the bathroom."

Smith, who is known for creating high-end looks for less, shares his tips for making over a bathroom on a budget -- without sacrificing style:

Bathroom Mirror

What's Out: Unframed mirrors are a thing of the past.

What's In: A frame completes the mirror and gives a bathroom a finished, updated look. A good tip for selecting a frame is to think about what you'd frame a piece of artwork in for the room. The mirror is the focal point in the bathroom and can make a real statement with the right frame.

Paint

What's Out: Paint is never out. It is a tried and true way to make a big impact with little cost. Colors do change though: you'll want to stay away from mauves and pinks.

What's In: Create a spa-like setting with paints in beige and pale tones. Some popular colors are chocolate, aqua, olive, and golds. When choosing color, remember the more contrast, the more "POP."

Hardware

What's Out: Mismatched hardware gives the room an uncoordinated feel. Brass finishes also add to a dated look.

What's In: Choose brushed nickel, pewter, antique or oil-rubbed bronze finishes that coordinate with the lighting and fixtures, bath bars, knobs, pulls, switches and receptacle covers. These quick fixes pull the room together with one modern, cohesive look.

Lighting

What's Out: Take down that bright Hollywood lighting that casts a harsh light.

What's In: Go with a fixture that adds beauty and soft lighting with shades or sconces. They can run above your mirror or flank it on each side. And remember, these accent your room's greatest focal point so be sure to select a style that is right for you and makes a statement in the room.

"You don't need to do a full scale renovation to get the look of an updated bath," added Smith. "Some strategic and cost-effective changes can go a long way to giving you the look you desire."

Mosca, Peter L. "What's Hot & What's Not in Bathroom Redesign." Yahoo! 14 July 2008. 14 July 2008 <http://www.realestate.yahoo.com>.

Posted by Brian Tucker on July 14th, 2008 12:15 PMPost a Comment (0)

Understanding Points, Rates and Fees

July 7th, 2008 9:30 AM

Not only do you have to understand what type of mortgage you should choose, you have to understand the costs associated with your mortgage. All of these costs will be paid upon closing your mortgage.

Purchase Points

Purchase points, also known as a "buy-down" or "discount points," are an up-front fee paid to the lender at closing to buy-down or lower your interest rate over the life of the loan. Each point is equal to one percent of your total loan amount. If you have a $100,000 loan, one point would equal $1,000. The more points you buy, the lower your interest rate, but the more money you'll need at closing.

How do you decide whether you should buy points and if so, how many? Well, the decision should be based on how long you plan on living in your home and what you can afford to pay each month toward your mortgage. If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, it's probably a good idea to purchase points. The longer you live in your home, the more you can save on interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rate

When you get a mortgage, you are charged an interest rate.this is the rate which the lender charges you for using their money to buy a home. It determines how much your monthly payments will be. Generally speaking, the higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payment.

Mortgage interest rates change constantly.daily, even hourly. If you speak to a lender and are quoted a specific interest rate, that's not to say you'll necessarily get that rate when you close on your loan. Not unless you formally lock-in that rate with the lender.locking in an interest rate will guarantee you get your loan with a particular interest rate. Lenders will allow you to lock in for 15, 45 or 60 days. But the longer you lock in, the more expensive it will be, since it's more of a risk to lenders.

Fees

There are always fees associated with getting a mortgage, these fees cover the cost of processing and underwriting the loan. These fees can include charges for ensuring the title to the home is free and clear; paying for a land survey; or paying for a home appraisal which gives you the estimated value of the property (lenders require an appraisal to close on your mortgage).

Deciding which mortgage to get may depend on what each lender does because different lenders may charge different amounts. Some may charge lesser closing fees to lure you in, but may charge you a higher interest rate, which means you may pay more in the long run. But everyone has different needs.you may or may not be able to afford to pay more at closing and are willing to pay more over the long term.

Before it comes time to close, do your homework, make sure there are no hidden fees, and ask your lender lots of questions so that you understand all the costs involved with your mortgage.

*Please consult your tax advisor.

"Understanding Points, Rates and Fees." Yahoo! Real Estate. 7 July 2008 <www.yahoo.com>.

Posted by Brian Tucker on July 7th, 2008 9:30 AMPost a Comment (0)