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.

November 5, 2018

     Dear Ken: I have a mess. I'm trying to get wallpaper off the bathroom wall. It evidently was glued directly on the sheet rock, and when I pull it off, the drywall gets fuzzy. What do I do know? Meagan

October 29, 2018

     Dear Ken: I have a sewer gas odor in the basement only in the evenings, in cooler weather and also on windy days. Can you help? Phyllis

October 22, 2018

     Dear Ken: When the morning sun shines on my garage door sensor, the door won't go down. One guy said I need a new opener. Do you agree? Monika

October 15, 2018

     Dear Ken:  We have a yellow stain on our linoleum from a small rubber-backed rug.  Can you tell me how to get rid of it? Donna

     I'm afraid you're out of luck. This "stain" is a photochemical reaction between the rubber backing and the glossy coating on your vinyl floor. That's why I've always recommended using unbacked, plain cotton rugs on vinyl floors. Not only do they avoid the staining, but they are also extremely easy to clean--...

October 8, 2018

     Dear Readers: Here’s are my annual thoughts about winterizing the sprinkler system. We’re in that transition time of year when temperatures are dipping close to freezing. The pipes won't ice up and burst until the ambient temperature gets down to about 27 degrees, but why take a chance? Even though the weather forecast might say, "Overnight temperatures in the low 30's", if you're in a low-lying area where cold air settles, you may get to that freeze-up point regardless.

October 1, 2018

     Dear Ken: You mentioned that you need to replace the disposer rubber splash guard when it gets worn. Is this an easy job? John

     I’m glad you’re working on this. Yes, the splash guard keeps dirty water from spraying backwards up into the sink. But more importantly, it is a vital safety device that can keep small pieces of bone, plastic and glass contained within the disposal body. The best indicator that you need a new one is visual. If you can see the...

September 24, 2018

     Dear Ken: I just purchased a 25 year old home that has a strong musty odor in the garage. Is there a drywall sealer for this? Tim

     I'd attack this problem on multiple fronts. Check the outside drainage (downspouts extended? soil sloped away?) so you're sure that water is not getting under the building.  Also, siding should be at least 6 inches above the dirt. If not, regrade or install a small retaining wall to hold the dirt back. Moisture may be...

September 17, 2018

     Dear Ken:  I fertilized my lawn with an iron product and now have rust stains on the sidewalks. How do I get them off? Sam

      Try oxalic acid crystals. You may be able to get hold of some at a paint store (it's used to bleach wood). ZUD and Bar Keepers Friend cleansers also contain this chemical. Sprinkle either product on the spots, wet it down, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub and then rinse (protect vegetation from the runoff). 

September 10, 2018

     Dear Ken: We have a hydro massage type bathtub. Often the jets spew out black particles of scum. How do we prevent his? Danielle

     These tubs aren't as popular as they once were--precisely for the reason you mention. When you drain it, water is left behind in the hidden hoses and the pump. The combination of body oils and soap scum develops into that disgusting material you describe. The answer here is to use the tub often--at least three times a week. That...

September 3, 2018

      Dear Ken: My front door is made of wood, but the sun has really eaten up the finish.   How can I refinish it so it'll last? Dan

     Wood doors which are stained and varnished don't do well here, especially with south or west exposures. Scuff sand the finish to deglaze it, then apply a good primer, like Bullseye 1-2-3, and then two coats of a good acrylic latex exterior paint (not too dark a color). That way, you can renew it any time you want.

...