How to Protect Your Relationship While Renovating

Sara Rivka Dahan

Renovations can be taxing on relationships. A Houzz survey showed that 12 percent of couples consider separation or divorce midproject. There are very likely many more who decide to separate years later and can pinpoint this period as being the start of the relationship's demise.

There's no point in spending hard-earned money, precious time and emotional energy on what you hope will be a beautiful family home only to have your relationship falter. And the reality is, you have the power to avoid relationship problems with good communication tools and a little effort. In fact, you may end up with a newly remodeled home and a relationship that's stronger than ever. Here's how.

Holly Marder

1. Write a personal mission statement. To help keep things in perspective, write down a personal mission statement on an index card and repeat it to yourself when things get tough. If you'd like to do this with your spouse, even better, but alone is fine.

Here's an example: "I am renovating my home to provide a warm and loving environment where we as a family can spend time together and welcome guests." Or: "The most important thing to me in the world is my family, and I want to make decisions that are best not just for me, but for the family as a whole."

2. Don't view this home as your "forever home" — because who knows? Realizing that you never know what the future will bring takes a lot of the pressure off — you don't have to make the home you are renovating absolutely perfect. You can always make changes in the future, and spending money you don't have just isn't worth it. Maybe you'll love the renovating process so much, you'll decide to do it as a family business, or maybe one of you will get a fabulous job offer across the country, or maybe you'll win the lottery. Invest in your relationship, which hopefully will be forever, rather than in your physical home, which could change at the drop of a hat.

Laidlaw Schultz architects

3. Make sure you have a clear budget before starting the project. If you're like most of us, there is a limit to how much you can afford to spend on your renovation. Going over budget is par for the course, so expect to spend more than you're planning, but be aware that money issues are one of the greatest sources of tension between a couple. Never spend money that wasn't in the budget without telling your partner. For some couples it works best if one is the appointed regulator of the money issues while the other agrees to abide by the budgetary constraints.

4. Expect to give more than you receive. What's wrong with being the one who has the tools and the skills to make a relationship work, and not being the self-centered one? Pat yourself on the back for having the wisdom to make your home renovation project a success, even if it's at the expense of some of your own personal wishes. Years down the road, you'll realize that the blue tile you just had to have but gave in on wouldn't have mattered anyway.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

5. Start the project by thinking about your partner's needs first. When you put someone else's needs before your own, you always come out the winner, especially when it's your spouse. Have a conversation and try to get to the bottom of what is really important to him or her, regarding all phases of the project. Unless you ask you'll never know, for example, that all your husband really cares about is sticking to a time schedule, or not bothering the neighbors, or not leaving a mess in front of the house. Who knew? Talking things out also can be a way to uncover issues or concerns that otherwise might not come to light until it's too late.

Tip: Find a place for your partner's possessions, activities and collections before he or she even thinks of it. If you do it right, even that G.I. Joe collection can be a seamless part of your home without sacrificing style.

6. Keep the compliments flowing. For every criticism or negative comment, there should be an average of six to 10 compliments. Got that? That means you'll have to choose those negative comments very very wisely and get in the habit of complimenting all the time.

This, by the way, is a great rule for communicating with kids as well, and certainly when dealing with your contractor and suppliers. Always start with a string of compliments before voicing concerns. Not sure what compliment to give? Start by praising your partner for being such an inspiration and for being so patient and understanding. Giving compliments freely is the simplest thing you can do to improve relationships.

7. Don't take statements made under stress literally. When your other half says, "Just do whatever you want," it is very rarely exactly what he or she means. Take into consideration when this statement was made — at the beginning of the project, or after constant and frustrating discussions? What your mate really means, quite likely, is that he or she doesn't have the strength to negotiate with you over things it's clear you'll have a hard time budging on.

So, take that as a sign that you need to be much more flexible. Check in with your partner about decisions and to ask for his or her opinion. If you're met with grumbles, just hold your head high and proceed, all the while continuing to give your partner information as you go. Don't take the whole project under your wing and finish it without communicating with your other half. It could really spell disaster otherwise, and an excuse like, "You told me to do whatever I want, so I went with the all-black kitchen even though you hate black" won't ever save the day.

8. Always present a united front. Never criticize your partner in front of the architect, designer or contractor, let alone the Sheetrock installer. Wondering why you have lips and teeth? It's so you have two gates to keep your tongue under wraps.

Additionally, you'll get the best work out of your team if everyone feels confident in you, rather than worrying that the marriage might break up before the construction is complete, leaving them stuck. If you're going to have disagreements, do it privately. Why should the guy installing your wood floor have a better idea about what is going on in your relationship than your closest friends?

Holly Marder

9. Never impose your obsessive behavior on you partner. Lets face it: It's your problem if you were up all night searching for the perfect wrought iron handrail; that doesn't mean the family should have to go without food or clean clothes. If the small details are important to you, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional to take care of them. A good designer will have already combed the market for the best items and can easily share that information with you.

10. Don't be a martyr. Punishing yourself by trying to live in a home that's under construction and is really uninhabitable places a huge stress on any relationship. For you and your partners to function, regular meals, clean laundry and quiet time are basic necessities; not having them can make life unbearable and put everyone on edge. Spring for the extra cost of renting a temporary place no matter how small. Keeping your sanity and your relationship intact is truly worth every penny.

Take preventative steps to save costs later on

Now that the Christmas and new year celebrations are over, my guess is we can sit back and see what surprises may pop up. I am not talking about your credit card statement, although I am sure many people would like to forget about that one. What I am thinking about is your biggest investment: Your home. Hopefully, Murphy's Law does not rear its ugly head.

Let's consider some things you may have not anticipated, but which could go wrong. These could add to your "unbudgeted account" - in other words, things not considered when you put your annual budget together. Here are a few items I can think of, as well as a general estimate for repairs:

- Roof failure: Leaks caused by frost and ice. Repair: $1,000.

- Window glass failure: Window glass replacement: $300 per window.

- Perimeter drainage, plugged by roots and debris: $500 to $12,000.

- Floor and basement sumps: Catch basins plugged, causing flooding: $500 to $1,000, plus insurance deductible.

- Cracked concrete (frost heave). Need to repair hazardous walk areas: $1,000 to $3,000.

- Chimneys, being used for the first time in a long time. Chimney flue could be blocked by debris or birds/squirrels nesting there, or there may be cracks in the chimney: $1,500 to $2,500, plus insurance deductible.

- Fireplaces, being used for the first time in a long time. The damper may not be working properly, or there may be problems with chimney blockage: $1,500 to $2,500, plus insurance deductible.

- Ventilation: bathroom and kitchen fans may need replacing as a result of age and excess noise: $300 to $600.

- Gutters: Poor drainage angles causing water to lie in gutters and freeze causing breakage: $1,000 to $1,500, plus insurance deductible.

- Tree trimming: Heavy snowfalls can cause limbs to break, damaging siding, roofing and/or windows etc.: $500 to $1,000, plus insurance deductible.

I am not really thinking so much about the money that may be required to repair any of the above, as much as what can be done to prevent the possibility of these things happening. I refer to this as preventive maintenance.

An ounce of prevention in most cases is worth a pound of savings. My advice is to have your home inspected by a qualified home inspector who can pinpoint areas where you may have a potential problem lurking.

The best thing about budgeting for your home is that this will allow you to have the funds on hand when needed in the future. This is a lot less painful than trying to come up with the money or even arranging for financial requirements, which could be devastating. Being a well-organized homeowner budgeting for unexpected repairs means you will be ready when and if funds are needed. It's just that easy.

Shell Busey - The Province

The world's best places to retire

The world's best places to retire

Get high: mountain-top hotels

Get high: mountain-top hotels

Pick the Right Paint Finish to Fit Your Style

Laura Gaskill

Most would agree that wall color is a key decorating decision, right up there with choosing furniture and pinpointing your style. But what about the finish of your walls? From velvety matte to high gloss enamel, Venetian plaster, decorative finishes and more, the choices are endless — and the decision you make can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your room. Read on to get the rundown on nine of the most highly coveted wall finishes, so you can make a great choice for your space.

Creative Interiors By Joann and Liz

Paint Finishes

Matte. Not to be confused with flat paint (generally only used on ceilings), paint with a matte finish is velvety and makes colors look especially rich and deep. It is not at all reflective and hides wall imperfections well — but it is hard to clean. A good choice for areas with less traffic — and homes without crayon-wielding children.

Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design

Eggshell. One of the most popular finishes for interior walls, eggshell paint has a subtle gleam, medium reflectivity and is fairly easy to clean. It's a good all-around paint choice.

Carolina Design Associates, LLC

Semi-gloss. With much more reflectivity than eggshell, semi-gloss paint is a popular choice for trim. In the space shown here, the walls have an eggshell finish, the ceiling is flat and the trim is done in semi-gloss.

emily jagoda

High gloss or lacquer. Lacquered (aka high gloss) walls and ceilings have been a hot look in decorating for some time, and it's a trend that appears to have staying power.

Real-deal lacquer contains toxic ingredients and is no longer used in most places. Instead, a lacquer-like effect can be created using regular paint with a high gloss finish, or with a modern lacquer that combines high gloss paint with water-based varnish.

High gloss paint creates a reflective surface and is highly durable. But be warned — it will show everyimperfection in your walls.

ABRAMS

Creating this look requires some serious wall preparation. Most walls will first need to be skim-coated, where a layer of joint compound or plaster is applied, before priming.
During painting, you may need to layer three, four, five or more coats of color to achieve the effect you are looking for. Pros spray rather than brush on the paint for an ultra-slick look. If you want to lacquer a small area, like the pocket door shown here, doing it yourself is reasonable. But if you have your heart set on high gloss living room walls (and ceiling), it's best to hire a pro. 

And you can expect it to set you back more than the typical painting job — it will take a great deal more paint, plus extra time to prep and apply.

Artstar Custom Paintworks

Special Effects

Decorative painting. Looking for something a little different? Consider doing a decorative or faux finish on your walls. From a gorgeous patina that looks like it came straight from an old European hotel, to fun textures and patterns, the only limit is your imagination. For some, this can be a fun DIY experiment; for others, a professional decorative painter may be in your future!

Rates vary depending on the intricacy of your paint job, the size (and difficulty) of your space and the experience of the painter — a single project could cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Steven Miller Design Studio, Inc.

Murals. An original, hand-painted mural created just for your home is something to treasure. Whether you are looking for a special scene to complete baby's nursery, or a one-of-a-kind statement for your formal dining room, a mural can be the ultimate expression of your personal aesthetic.

Like other art mediums, mural costs can vary wildly. Depending on the finishes used, a mural may be easily damaged — or quite durable. If you need an easily cleaned surface, it is important to speak with the muralist during the initial planning stages to see if it is feasible.

Wendi Young Design

Venetian plaster. Lustrous and rich in texture and in color, classic Venetian plaster is considered by some to be the ultimate in elegance.

Originating in Venice in the 1500s, this interior finish is made from slaked lime, marble dust and pigments. It is far more durable than paint and resists cracking.

Prices range from $5 to $15 per square foot. Ceilings and columns will cost more because these are difficult areas to work on.

Fitzgerald Studio

Design Line Construction, Inc.

Stained wood panel walls. If you have wood paneling rather than sheet rock or plaster, you have the option to stain, rather than paint, the wood. The appeal of stain is that the grain of the wood shows through. Wood stain alone will have a finish akin to matte paint, but you can alter the look by applying a glaze with a higher sheen on top.

www.teambluesky.ca

10 Problems your House may be trying to show you

Mitchell Parker

Your home is trying to tell you all sorts of things. The way it sounds; the way it smells. And there are plenty of visual cues to tip you off that something isn’t right. “Everything is moving all the time, expanding and contracting at different rates, reacting to heat, rain and wind. A house is moving and breathing,” says Tapley Dawson, a partner at The Home Doctors in Novato, California. In other words, a house is something you've got to take care of.

Dawson recommends that you do a good walk around the house every fall before the rainy season begins, checking for cracks, clogged gutters or anything that just doesn't look right. That way you can catch problems early.

If you own an older home, you should do a thorough check in the springtime as well, since those homes are prone to more damage. "You can't just live there blindly and assume it’s going to be all right," Dawson says. "You have to participate and be active. The whole house needs love."

Water Damage Paterson

The biggest enemy in a house is moisture. You want to keep it out, and nature is constantly trying to force it in. It’s the cause of things like rotting wood, termites, cupping floorboards and, of course, mold and mildew, none of which you want in your house.

“If you think about the materials in a home — wood, carpet, tile — they're meant to be inside the building envelope. So most problems have to do with moisture or something getting into that envelope,” Dawson says.

You see: Dark spots on the walls, ceiling or edge of carpet.
Cause: Darkness on the carpet around the edge of a room that won't vacuum up, or any dark spots you see on drywall mean too much moisture is getting in and mold or mildew is forming. You could have a leak somewhere, from the roof or from a window. Or you could just have a lot of moisture lingering around.
"We live in a damp world," says Dawson. If you have a north-facing wall without insulation, when warm, moist air from the inside hits that cool wall, moisture will form. "That's why you always want to run your fan when you cook and when you shower," he advises. Who to call: A home repair specialist can help determine if there's a leak and where's it coming from. He or she can usually then make recommendations to call a roofer if needed, or a general contractor to replace severely damaged wood and other materials.

RadonSeal

You see: Bubbling, flaking or cracking paint.Cause: This means moisture is somewhere in the wall and should be addressed as soon as possible. Some latex-based paint will actually balloon out, says Dawson, which is a big red flag. (During a rainy day in Houston years ago, I had a 5-foot-wide bubble on my ceiling, slowly dripping. When I poked it with a screwdriver, it streamed water into a bucket for half an hour.) 
Trapped moisture can occur on ceilings, on walls, around windows and on trim and molding. “If you see it, it ain't going away,” says Ralph Stow, a contractor at the Dallas Renovation Group. “It’s there for a reason.” Moisture is somehow penetrating from outside or even from a leaky pipe or A/C unit. The paint might be “alligator-ing or checkering below windows in the corners,” Dawson says, which means there's a leak and water is getting into your stud bay. This can cause mold and wood rot.
Who to call: A home repair specialist can help determine the source of the leak and how to fix it. A plumber, general contractor, roofer, mold removal specialist or water damage professional may be needed also, depending on the problem.

You see: Dripping from a small pipe outside a main living window.
Cause: In places like Texas, where air conditioners crank almost all year long, a lot of condensation occurs. Most A/C units have a galvanized metal pan to catch condensation should the primary drain line get clogged. Many contractors, including Stow, will run a secondary drain line that comes down from the roof over a main living space window, so homeowners can see the dripping. Dripping means there’s already a clog and the system is using its emergency backup. "If that emergency line gets clogged, the pan will overflow, and you’ll have a major problem," says Stow. In fact, if you see a lot of moisture anywhere around a furnace or A/C unit, there's potential for water damage. 
Who to call: An HVAC specialist.

Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC

You see: A light or popped-out button on your socket, and an appliance has stopped working.Cause: Oftentimes this is due to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which helps prevent electric shock from compromised wiring in electrical appliances. Basically, when electricity is going where it’s not supposed to go, the fault circuit pops, shutting off electricity through the socket. All you need to do is push the reset button. If it doesn’t reset, then there’s something wrong with the outlet. Keep in mind that many GFCIs can control multiple outlets. So if an outlet stops working, look for one with a GFCI nearby and hit the reset button. 
Who to call: If resetting doesn't bring power back to the socket, call an electrician.

You see: Flickering lights.
Cause: This is not the same as when a light dims while you’re vacuuming or using a hair dryer, which is normal. If you see a pronounced dimming and brightening, make sure the bulb is screwed in all the way. If that doesn't work, it can also be a bad socket, which can be a potential fire hazard.
Who to call: An electrician.

You see: A black line opening up on the bottom of an exterior wood door.
Cause: This often occurs on an exterior French-style door where two portions of wood meet near the bottom. Wind and rain can drive moisture under and into the door if it's not properly sealed and installed. The paint should be even on the door, with no spacing anywhere between the pieces. If you see a space opening up, the door is on the road to failure, Dawson says. “Moisture goes in there, and it’s a domino effect,” he says. “Once moisture starts expanding and contracting, it breaks the joint, and the process starts. Wood doors and wood windows are hell. They require a lot of maintenance.”
Who to call: You may be able to fix this yourself with some caulk. When in doubt, call a home repair specialist.

G&G Painting, Restoration & Fine Cabinetry

Northshore renovations

You see: Wrinkled wood.

Cause: This could be an indicator of dry rot. Wood should look smooth. If you see wrinkled or wavy wood, or if your trim or siding looks different than other parts, it’s cause for concern. This mostly affects the exterior.
Who to call: A home repair specialist.

You see: Insect wings on windowsills or in spider webs.
Cause: Don’t panic, but this could be a sign of nearby termite swarms. It doesn’t mean you’ve got termites, but if you’ve already got moisture problems, like a black look on the walls or bubbling paint, you might want to call a termite specialist. Moisture attracts termites. It’s hard to tell inside the walls, but if you see any mud tubes coming out of the walls or on any pieces of wood, you’ve got termites.

Who to call: A termite professional.
You see: Black streaks or black circles around nails on hardwood floors.
Cause: This most often occurs near doors. If you’ve got an old home with exposed nail flooring and you see blackness around those nails, chances are that you’ve got moisture getting underneath the door sill, and it's corroding the nails. If the wood is cupping up, the problem is really bad.
Who to call: A home repair specialist to do the preliminary fix, then you’ll need a flooring specialist to refinish the area.

Buckminster Green LLC

You see: A foggy window.

Cause: This happens on older dual-pane windows that have argon gas in the middle. If the seal becomes broken, moisture builds up and fogs. You'll likely need new windows.
Who to call: A window repair specialist or general contractor.

Sharing - Moving in together and some things to consider

Melisa Beasdale

Something interesting occurs when a couple transitions from having individual living spaces to sharing one: Previously undiscovered madness can rear its ugly head.

You could spend every second with your mate and still not know that he or she has been organizing the cans in the cupboard by color every time you leave the room. The things you will discover about each other will test your relationship to the core (yes, she did eat your last piece of cake), and there are things that will make it worth every second. Moving in together is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a harrowing one.

Kelley & Company Home

Amid the excitement of getting to wake up next to the person I loved, when I moved in with my boyfriend I completely overlooked the fact that I had no idea what kind of design style he had. I mean, I knew he had style, and that’s one of the reasons I loved him, but he had been sharing a house with three other guys, and his room had consisted of a bed, books, a giant computer and way too many sneakers.

Moving in together was a natural choice for us. Since we loved each other, I suppose I thought things like wall color, sofa size and electricity bills would sort themselves out magically. But that turned out not to be true. Had we sat down and made a plan beforehand, I’m pretty sure the fight about the all-black living room would have never happened.

To help you avoid things like that, here are some tried and true tips for new-couple cohabitation.

SFGIRLBYBAY

1. Determine your budget. Knowing how much you can afford for rent (or a home purchase) should come before deciding where you want to live. Having a realistic view of what you each can contribute to the monthly expenses (rent, utilities,food) will let you search for spaces you can pay for.

Talking about finances is rarely easy. There’s no rule that you have to hand over your credit report — although you might want to disclose whether yours is good or bad — but you will need to share what portion of your income you can devote to a roof over your heads.

There is often a disparity in income, and there will definitely be disparities in who consumes more food, electricity, toilet paper etc. You can create greater balance by making a list of the estimated monthly expenses and deciding what you will split down the middle (for example, rent) and what you’ll trade off on (maybe one of you can buy groceries while the other pays for gas).

Mapping out a plan that feels fair to both of you can save you many hours of frustration.

Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch

2. Find a place you’re willing to pay for. You might yearn for a glass box in the sky, while your partner envisions a cozy brick studio. Sometimes the budget is the great equalizer, because what's doable can bring you down to earth.

Since your shared space will be one you'll come home to, it’s important to discuss must-haves and nice-to-haves and to know the difference. Search for places that rank high on what you really need.

A couple I know shares a studio apartment in a great San Francisco location with their three dogs and a turtle. It’s a small space (350 square feet), but they are happy and thriving. Location, light and price were their only must-haves. Because they knew up front what they were willing to compromise on, they snagged an affordable apartment in a neighborhood they loved and made it work.

It’s hard to budge on things you really like, but compromise is key when you’re setting up house with another human being. Be flexible.

Birdhouse Interior Design

3. Determine your design style. Design differences rank among the top challenges in creating a happy home. Finding out what works for both of you can be an illuminating experience. Whether you’re new nesters making do with hand-me-downs or a lucky couple able to shop from scratch, a trip to a furniture store will help you highlight any style differences and enable you to try out alternatives you both can live with.

If you lean toward romantic and your partner loves crisp and clean, you might find a happy medium in a modern low-backed sofa in woven linen, or a glass side table with a gold metal base.

I often ask my clients what they don’t love to rule out unnecessary things. For instance, knowing that you hate rococo or that you shiver at the sight of pleather is a great place to start. Representing both people in the space may seem impossible, but it’s absolutely true that the solution is all in the mix.

Start a Houzz ideabook that incorporates things you’re both attracted to and then review it together to find the common ground. You can also buy a couple of design magazines and dog-ear the photos you both love. Creating a visual list of your common likes can go a long way toward creating a truly collaborative space you'll both be happy to move into.

www.teambluesky.ca

All-Natural Cleanser you Already Own

Meg Padgett

Fluffy pastries and scrumptious cookies might be the first things that come to mind when you think of baking soda, but this ingredient is far more than a baking staple. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful cleanser that should be a mainstay in your kitchen pantry and cleaning arsenal. This inexpensive, all-natural ingredient is neck and neck with vinegar as one of the most nontoxic and versatile household cleaning agents.

Meg Padgett
Ready to start cleaning? All you need is ¼ cup of baking soda dissolved into 1 quart of warm water to tackle many household cleaning chores.

Joel Snayd

Bedroom, living room and hall:
• Before you vacuum the carpets or clean your upholstery, sprinkle them with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes to remove any odors.
• Deodorize your closet by placing an opened box of baking soda on a shelf.
• Clean children's toys with the aforementioned basic mixture and a sponge. Rinse and let them dry.
• Deodorize stuffed animals with a light dusting of baking soda; let it sit 15 minutes, then dust or vacuum it off.
• Freshen shoes with a light dusting of baking soda on the inner soles.

Sealy Design Inc.
Kitchen:

• Use the basic mixture and a sponge to clean all kitchen surfaces.
• Rid your fridge or pantry of odors by placing an opened box of baking soda on a back shelf.
• Dust your stainless steel sink with baking soda and scrub for a sparkling shine.
• Deodorize trash cans and recycling bins with a sprinkling of baking soda on the inside of the cans. Every now and then, rinse the cans with 1 cup of baking soda dissolved into 1 gallon of warm water.
• Get your silver sparkling with a paste made from 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water.
• For stubborn stains on plastic storage containers, soak for 15 minutes in 4 parts baking soda and 1 part warm water. Scrub, rinse and dry.
• Rid your fruits and vegetables of dirt and insecticides by washing them in a sink full of water and ¼ cup of baking soda, then rinse.
• Remove baked-on residue on pots and pans by sprinkling on baking soda. Add warm water and dish soap, let soak for 15 minutes and wash clean. 
• Extinguish small cooking fires by sprinkling baking soda directly onto the fire.

Laundry:
• Brighten your clothes by adding 1 cup of baking soda to the wash.
• For extra-fluffy sheets and towels, add ½ cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle.
• Banish stains with a paste made from 6 tablespoons of baking soda and ½ cup of warm water. Apply to the stain, rub and launder. For the toughest stains, let the paste sit for one or two hours. (Always check for color fastness.)
• Freshen babies' burp cloths by sprinkling on baking soda, rubbing it in and washing as usual.


Bathroom:
• Clean floors with a bucket of warm water and ½ cup of baking soda.
• Use the basic mixture to clean your bathroom surfaces or sprinkle dry baking soda on tough-to-clean stains.
• Clean hairbrushes and combs once per month by soaking them in warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
• Deodorize and clean the toilet with a sprinkling of baking soda on the inside of the bowl; scrub and flush. 
• For rust stains in the shower, sink or toilet bowl, pour in 1 cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. Scrub and rinse.


Outdoors:

• Before storing your patio furniture for the winter, clean it with baking soda and a wet sponge.
• Clean grime and mildew off pool toys with the basic mixture.
• Blast oil and grease stains in the garage or driveway by pouring baking soda directly on them. Scrub with a wet brush and rinse.
• Battle icy walkways with a sprinkling of baking soda.

www.teambluesky.ca