Weekly Columns

Both current and archived weekly newspaper columns. The date of the column and a teaser of the column appears below. Click on the date to see the entire column.

February 29, 2020

     Dear Ken: We have a floor drain in the basement and sometimes get a sewer odor through it. Is there some kind of drain we can install to block the smell? Pam

     There is a small, U-shaped pipe under the floor called a 'P' trap that holds a cup of water or so and provides a seal against sewer gases coming into the house. Trouble is, it evaporates in a few days, allowing the odors in. Pour a bottle of mineral oil (available at the grocery store) into the hole. It...

February 22, 2020

    Dear Ken: For the first time ever last year we had fleas at our house. Even our dog got them. Naturally, I don’t want them again this year. I suspect they are coming from rabbits living under our deck. Any relief for this? Janet

     I think there is a possible connection between wild rabbits and a flea infestation. And yes, if your dog lies around on the deck he’ll become a home for them also.

February 15, 2020

     Dear Ken: Help, we have a mouse in the house! We believe it's only one, but he does damage and creeps us out. Please tell us how to snare him before we consider more lethal methods. Debbie

     Just snaring and releasing might allow it to come back into your house or a neighbor's. The traditional spring traps you buy at the grocery store are the most humane, in that they are instantaneous in their effect. Most folks spread a little peanut butter, sticky cheese, or...

February 8, 2020

     Dear Ken: The dryer vent in my house runs into the crawl space. I've gotten several opinions from friends about this. Some say it's good for the house and others say it's not. What do you think? Bob

February 1, 2020

     Dear Ken: I have one of those inexpensive bookcases from a discount store. It's made from pressed wood covered with some kind of a plastic skin. Can it be painted?        Brenda

     Once you prime this surface, you can apply virtually any kind of top coat that suits you. Wipe down the piece with some TSP or other strong detergent, lightly scuff sand the surface before you start—220 grit sandpaper will do, then apply a couple of...

January 25, 2020

     Dear Ken: I'm thinking about getting my bathtub refinished. What do you think of this and how long will it last? Is it caustic? Melissa   

January 18, 2020

     Dear Ken:  How can you get cigarette smoke stench out of the walls in a house?                              Carolyn

January 11, 2020

     Dear Ken: I've installed one of those pull down stair systems in my garage.  How do I finish a floor up there, and with what kind of material? Don

January 4, 2020

     Dear Ken: I have a refrigerator in my garage. In the summer it does OK, but usually not in the winter. I can’t keep it cold enough. What can I do to have it run more normally? William

December 28, 2019

     Dear Ken: What would you recommend for cleaning the metal vent screens in a kitchen range hood? So far I've tried liquid detergent and boiling water. Cheryl

     Normally, they can be kept clean by running them through the dishwasher about once a month. Try soaking yours in full-strength ammonia for a few hours. Then rinse well, and they can dry themselves while sitting in their brackets in the hood. Also, don't forget that most hoods have a charcoal odor filter lying somewhere above the grease screens....