Today’s Homeowner Radio Show | April 9, 2022

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How do you clean a glass-top stove without scratching it? Also, what do you need to do before laying sod? Read on to find out!

This week, we’re talking about getting green grass, cleaning stubborn, stuck-on food on a glass-top stove, and solving the mystery of what’s stuck on a power tool cord.


3 Ways to Get a Green Lawn

Laying down sod will give you an instant lawn, but it’s also the priciest option. (©vadimgouida, Getty Images)

There’s nothing more satisfying than an instant lawn. Of course, the only way to have one is to lay down some fresh sod. 

I’m visiting my daughter to lay some zoysia grass sod in her yard this week, so I thought I’d share my tips on how to successfully get that green grass to stick. 

First, if you want all new grass in your yard, don’t lay fresh sod on top of an existing sod lawn. The new roots of the sod will need to penetrate the soil, and a blanket of existing sod will be another barrier for them.

Second, eliminate any vegetation you can by raking it or tilling it. You can rent a tiller from The Home Depot for less than $100 a day (prices vary based on your location). You’ll need to rotate and cultivate the soil about 4 to 5 inches deep.

After that, add some bagged compost and rake it again. Water the soil and, finally, put down the sod. 

Get all the sod down as soon as you can because you don’t want your exposed soil to sprout any new growth. Otherwise, you’ll be back to square one.  

Once you’ve laid your sod, take care of it like any other lawn. Water it regularly until it’s established. Mow it, but never remove more than a third of the height of the grass. 

An alternative to laying down sod is hydroseeding. This process involves spraying a watery mixture containing seed, mulch and fertilizer. Because this mixture is so rich in nutrients, new grass will sprout fast — reaching about 1 inch tall in about a month, in some locations — and it will stick to any surface where you spray it.

You usually see highway workers spraying this along the sides of highways to replenish bare spots. However, you can rent a hydroseeder from a lawn equipment company and do it yourself, or hire a landscaper to do it.

Laying sod and hydroseeding are some of the pricier options to get a green lawn. The most budget-friendly way is to overseed it.

It’ll take longer to see results — maybe eight weeks — but be sure to water it frequently to guarantee that new grass grows.

Skip to [1:24] for the full section on the Today’s Property owner Radio Clearly show.


How to Clear a Glass-Major Stove

Gloved hand cleaning a glass-top stove
Be very careful when cleaning a glass-top stove. Employing something far too abrasive will harm the cooktop. (©solidcolours, Getty Images Signature)

Erin McDonald, of Dallas, Texas, enjoys to cook dinner, so she acquired a new glass-leading stove past 12 months.

There is just 1 dilemma: She’s acquiring it hard to clean up the appliance! Burnt-on foods and spills just won’t budge.

Now, she’s questioning how can she clear her new stove devoid of harmful the wonderful glass top rated.

This is a widespread issue for home owners glass-top rated stoves — primarily stainless metal kinds — look breathtaking when they’re in major problem, but they can be notoriously tough to sustain.

Thankfully, there is a package for that!

You can head to the property center and buy a cleaning kit built for cleansing glass-best stoves. Cerama Bryte has a 3-piece package with every little thing you have to have.

If you never want to invest in a package, there is a do-it-your self different employing everyday household products you in all probability have on hand. 

To start with, make certain the stovetop is neat. Use a plant mister to spray the surface area with distilled white vinegar. Then, sprinkle on a coating of baking soda.

At last, choose a terry fabric rag or microfiber fabric, dip it in incredibly hot h2o, and set it on the stovetop. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and wipe away the baking soda with an additional cloth. 

If you have any caked-on particles, use a plastic putty knife to scrape them from the surface area. Afterward, spray everything with much more vinegar to wipe it clean. 

Do this frequently, and it will be quick to continue to keep your glass-top rated stove cleanse. 

Skip to [47:03] for the whole section on the Today’s Property owner Radio Present.


‘What is This Cylinder on My Energy Cord?’

Display capture of an Emtag, as found at https://bit.ly/3ulHmYG (©B&G International) Made use of as illustration.

Mikey Ray, of Temple, Texas, just acquired two new electricity equipment and each have a spherical black plastic cylinder on the cords. The cylinder slides up and down, and he miracles about its intent.

So, what is this factor and what does it do?  

The cylinder he’s referring to is identified as an Emtag, a cylindrical anti-theft gadget produced by B&G Intercontinental.

Here’s a exciting point: The exact same firm also manufactures the stability products you see on garments, hardware packaging, laundry detergent and wine and liquor bottles.

Now, here’s what you actually want to know: Can you clear away it?

Completely! Eliminating it will not impact the performance of your ability instruments.

So, if you’ve acquired the tool, and you are completely ready to remove the Emtag, here’s what you can do: simply grab a pair of pliers or a screwdriver to crack it open. The device will occur off in two pieces.

Just be very careful not to destruction the cord when you clear away it! 

Skip to [52:46] for the total section on the Today’s Home owner Radio Show.

Also in this episode:

  • Fixing Cracks in Stucco
  • Cleaning Red-Clay Stains Off White Brick
  • Recreating This Accent Wall 
  • Changing a Entire-House Generator
  • Including Exhaust Followers Together a Roof
  • Repairing Peeling Drywall Tape
  • A Caller’s Idea for Protecting against Rust on a Swamp Cooler
  • Assistance on Dealing with Assortment Hood Exhaust
  • Installing Growth-Joint Content on a Concrete Driveway
  • Restoring a Drain in Clay Tile
  • Taking away Paint From Brass With no Detrimental its Patina
  • Opening Up a Kitchen area

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