SHOW NOTES:

Transform your home and garden with expert tips on today's episode! We start with strategies for optimizing your garage workspace for DIY projects, then serve up ideas for creating your own pizza garden to grow your favorite fresh toppings. Finally, learn the importance of deep cleaning your washing machine from dirt and odors and hear answers to more home improvement questions!

- Washing Machine: Put a new spin on laundry day by deep cleaning your washing machine to banish dirt and odors.

- Gardening: If you want to spice up your gardening projects, nothing tops growing a delicious pizza garden.

- Garage Space: Get tips for creating an efficient garage workspace to make every DIYer more productive.

Q & A:

- Porch Railing: Karen wants to add a railing to her porch and is concerned about it being sturdy enough. She gets tips on using the right screws and where to attach it.

- Insulation: Mike’s old house has no insulation inside the brick walls. He should seal any drafts, add attic insulation, and install rigid insulation board and new drywall inside.

- Popcorn Ceiling: Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a mess, but Laurie gets suggestions on how to wet and scrape the surface without damaging the ceiling.

- Water Softener: Ellie seeks advice on replacing her water softener that’s outside the home. We recommend testing the water and getting a model that’s rated for exterior use.

- Landscaping: There are hills and sinkholes in the lawn above the septic tank. Heavy equipment may crush the pipes, so Chris should use a wheelbarrow to add topsoil and level out the lawn.

- Windows: The original windows in a historic home are very drafty. Jim can add weatherstripping or temporary caulk, or find a company that makes replacement windows to match the old style.

- Microwave: The light under Frieda’s old microwave above the stove keeps burning out. We discuss several possible causes, but it may be time to replace the appliance.

- Plumbing Odors: Sewer odors are coming from the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. Gary gets tips on how to scrub the drains with oxygenated bleach to clean out the biogases and bacteria.

- Hardwood Floor: Jennifer is installing hardwood flooring and gets information on placing it parallel to the longest walls and measuring the room to avoid narrow cuts.

ASK A QUESTION:

Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask.

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