Home Improvement

You probably don't spend much time stressing over printer maintenance. Printers are generally pretty easy to use, but they can get dirty and clogged. How do you clean one effectively?

By Ed Grabianowski

An unsightly stain on your favorite shirt or dress can be such an annoyance. Learn how to get stains out of clothes.

By Alia Hoyt & the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Once you've chosen new carpet for your home, the next step is to make sure it's properly installed. If you go the professional route versus tackling the job yourself, how do you choose the right vendor for the job?

By Thomas Moore

Is vermicomposting an underground movement? Are people relying on little soil angels to provide the black gold they're searching for? Hey, if it doesn't work out, you can always use the worms for bait on your next fishing trip.

By Jennifer Pocock

Wouldn't it be great if you never had to pay for dry cleaning again? A steam dryer could make that wish a reality for you. And its washer companion could cleanse mildew, cat dander and other allergens out of your clothes.

By Jane McGrath

Blowtorches aren't just for welders and plumbers. These fire-breathing machines can cut metal and brown creme brulee.

By Jane McGrath

The United States has nukes, and so does Russia. Iran and North Korea have conducted nuclear tests, as well. In the event of a nuclear attack, what are you supposed to do?

By John Fuller

A houseboat's one way to stay at the beach. It might sound exotic, but day-to-day life on a houseboat poses some unusual challenges -- like staying afloat.

By John Fuller

Whether it's a kitchen sink full of murky water or an overflowing lavatory, you've probably experienced a clogged drain before and reached for the drain cleaner. But how do drain cleaners work?

By Linda C. Brinson

Pepper spray is a common law enforcement and self-defense tool -- it's easy to carry and easy to use, and although it's extremely irritating and debilitating, it generally doesn't cause any problems in the long run. How does this spicy weapon work?

By Caitlin Uttley

If you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, you might need a new way of organizing your tasks. Try these tips for setting a schedule and staying on track.

By Rebecca Regan

Some of us don't think crooked kitchen cabinets are delightfully quirky or that uneven tiles give the bathroom floor personality. Some of us want things to be straight. Is a laser the answer?

By Marie Willsey

With all of the parts involved, fireplaces can lose more heat than they provide. However, there are tools, tricks and green options so you can enjoy the look and warmth of a traditional fireplace.

By John Kelly

Laminate flooring is cheaper than wood, doesn't need to be nailed, sanded, stained or finished, and is quite resistant to scratches, denting, fading and stains.

By Richard Winter

Famous hotel pools can be impressive, they pale in comparison to some of the world's most expensive pools, which can cost millions or even billions of dollars to build.

By Bambi Turner

Today's dog houses can go way beyond four walls, an arched doorway and a peaked roof. With a little time and the right materials, you can build a palace for your pooch.

By Sarah Siddons

While decorative molding isn't an essential part of the building process, it has an important role in finishing off a room. It can add value to your home, and provide a more finished look.

By Richard Winter

Wood stoves have evolved quite a bit from their potbellied ancestors. Today's wood stoves are clean and efficient, and have several environmental arguments on their side.

By Eleanor Duse

One of the most important factors to consider when buying or selling a house is square footage because it helps determine the market value and therefore the price of a home.

By Elizabeth Abbess

A router might just be the most versatile tool you can own -- but in a world without router bits, it would be nothing more than a spinning motor.

By Elizabeth Abbess

Driving up next to a limousine with dark tinted windows can make you wonder if there's an actor or athlete inside. While they're usually looking for privacy, the same tints are being applied to home windows -- but for very different reasons.

By Jessica Brown

Asbestos has been used for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Greeks. Its ability to withstand heat and erosion made it attractive to builders, and it was even used in some clothing because of its fire-resistant qualities. So why is it so dangerous?

By Tiffany Connors

Tough, wear-resistant granite has long been one of the most popular choices for countertops. You should probably think twice before installing it yourself, though.

By Richard Winter

If you've installed a replacement door or two around your home, it seems pretty simple -- all it takes is tightening a couple of screws and you're done. Installing the largest door in your house, however, is not quite so simple.

By Sarah Siddons

Stains can be tricky to paint over, but it can be done. You'll need to do the proper prep and pick the right paint to get a professional look.

By Sara Elliott