How to Keep a Safe Fireplace
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
You can never be too concerned about fire and fireplace safety, especially in your home. Protect yourself and your neighborhood with the following steps.
Instructions
STEP 1: Try not to overfill your fireplace. Keep the number of logs to a minimum. STEP 2: Use a fireplace screen. Metal mesh screens are commonly used. STEP 3: Keep the area around the fireplace and chimney clear of any debris. Empty out the chimney shaft and clip shrub or tree branches away from the chimney. STEP 4: Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and working smoke detectors throughout your home. Test them all regularly. STEP 5: Try not to use the fireplace as a garbage disposal. Keep glossy magazine paper, Christmas trees and other old junk out. STEP 6: Have a chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace annually. Make sure the sweep is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). STEP 7: Try not to leave a fire unattended or leave children unsupervised near a fire.
Tips & Warnings
If you have a glass screen, keep it open as a fire is burning unless specifically noted otherwise in the manufacturer's instruction manual. Install a carbon monoxide detector in rooms with a fireplace for increased safety from harmful fumes.
How to Get Rid of Ceiling Stains
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Now that you've repaired the leak that caused it, how do rid your ceiling of that lingering brown water stain? Head to your local home supply or hardware store and pick up a can of pigmented stain blocker to brush on before you apply that new coat of paint. It's the secret to making ceiling stains--and odors--disappear.
Instructions
- STEP 1: Make sure the leak is fixed before removing a ceiling stain. Lay a drop cloth or a plastic sheet below the stained area of the ceiling to protect your carpeting or floor from drips. Standing on a stepladder, wipe the stained ceiling surface clean with a damp rag.
- STEP 2: Apply a pigmented stain blocker such as Kilz or Bullseye on the stained area using a paint roller (for center stains) or a paintbrush (for corner stains). Paint 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) beyond the stain's edges.
- STEP 3: Let the ceiling dry for 1 to 24 hours (follow the manufacturer's directions).
- STEP 4: Apply a coat of ceiling paint. Let dry. Repeat if necessary.
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