Happy Labor Day!

Hi Friends,

Summer's behind us with Autumn just ahead, the perfect opportunity to thank you for visiting us during the hot days with our hopes it will continue through the chilly ones. You know, it doesn't matter if you are white collar, blue collar or no collar; working with your mind, hands or heart; taking the time, devoting the energy or making it happen, we appreciate all of you.

Have a restful and enjoyable Labor Day from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How to Clean Rust Off Concrete

Courtesy of Joslyn Amato

Hi Friends,

The end of summer chores never lighten from year to year but our blog will assist with helpful money-saving tips.

Follow these directions to remove an unsightly rust stain from your concrete patio, driveway or garage floor.

If you’ve ever left metal furniture on a patio or old garden tools on a driveway, you’ve probably noticed the unsightly, brownish-orange stains these items can leave behind. When metal gets wet, it can rust, and that rust can transfer to your concrete surfaces. Homes that rely on well water are also prone to rust stains, as well water tends to be high in iron. However it happens, a rust spot can really tarnish the look of your home.

It’s important to note that the longer the rust stain has been on your concrete, the more difficult it will be to remove. With that in mind, we’re breaking this tutorial down into two categories: minor versus major rust stains. If you’re not sure how old your stain is, we recommend starting with the treatment for minor rust stains and then, should that not work effectively enough, move on to the treatment for major rust stains.

Minor Rust Stains

Before you begin, take into consideration if your concrete is painted or delicate in any way. If it is, you may want to dilute the following solutions with one equal part water and use a brush that won’t strip away paint.

Start by cleaning the surface with soap and water, no matter what level of rust stain you have. This will wash away surface-level grease or dirt that could prevent the acids from effectively removing the stain. Simple dish soap should do the trick.

After the surface is clean, start with pure lemon juice — not a diluted version, as the stronger the acid the better it will remove the stain. Once you’ve soaked the stain thoroughly with the lemon juice, let it sit. This is key. We recommend letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you’ve let it sit, use a wire brush to scrub at the spot. This is another instance when the delicacy of your concrete comes into play. If you’re worried about the paint wearing, use a gentler nylon brush. If your concrete is extremely delicate, you can use a sponge; however, this won’t be quite as effective as a brush.

Next, rinse the spot and let it dry. You may have to go at the stain again with the same process. If the stain is especially deep, you can substitute the lemon juice for something stronger, such as white vinegar. Follow the same process with white vinegar if necessary.

Major Rust Stains

If the lemon juice or white vinegar method doesn’t work, try a commercial rust cleaner.

Look for a rust remover that contains oxalic acid, as that’s the ingredient that will really get the job done. Other acids that are effective include trisodium phosphate, which you’ll mix with water, or hydrochloric acid. When left on too long, hydrochloric acid can turn your concrete blue; mix two parts acid, one part water to attempt to prevent this.

When working with acids, be sure to follow any and all safety precautions on the bottle. Wear gloves and eye protection, and protect your skin with long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Follow a similar process to the lemon juice method. Make sure the surface is clean, apply the rust remover or acid (following the instructions and safety precautions on the bottle), let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Use a brush that’s appropriate for your concrete to avoid damaging it. For particularly stubborn stains, rinse the acid away with a pressure washer.

As with any home improvement project, by following the correct instructions and observing safety precautions, you can remove your stain and probably save some money while doing so.

Another chore down...

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Live well,
Yvonne

How to Clean Concrete Floors

Courtesy of Julie Soefer

Hi Friends,

Cleaning outdoor concrete flooring is different from indoor concrete flooring. Here's how to remove dirt and mildew from both surfaces without causing damage.

Concrete is a sturdy material for indoor and outdoor floors. It’s durable, easy to clean and somewhat resistant but not impervious to stains. It’s porous and will soak up dirt, spills and harbor mildew. Tough as concrete is, it will need periodic scrubbing. Here’s how to clean concrete, both indoors and out.

A power washer is the easiest way to clean concrete outdoors. You should be able to blast away dirt, mildew and grime in an afternoon. Rent one and read the instructions on how to use the machine before you start the project. Spray the patio surface with a detergent and use a stiff brush to scrub it into the concrete. Never use a metal-bristle brush. Metallic fibers can get trapped in the porous surface of the concrete and rust. Put on safety goggles and gloves. Turn on the pressure washer. Move the wand from one side, using the same motion as you would if you were mopping a floor.

How to Remove Stains From Concrete

There are several options. You can use bleach, ammonia (Note: never mix the two) and other commercial solutions. For a natural solution to stubborn stains on interior concrete floors, mix flour and hydrogen peroxide into a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Spread it over the stained area. Let sit overnight. Then, scrape with a plastic-edged scraper tool.

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with water and scrubbed onto the stained area with a nylon bristle brush can remove tough stains. Scrub until the stain is gone and rinse with a hose. TSP is available at home improvement stores.

Muriatic acid can be used on outdoor floors to clean the toughest stains, like rust or dried grout. It’s a powerful, toxic material that should be used with extreme caution. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when using it and be sure to follow manufacturer instructions on how to clean concrete with muriatic acid.

For indoor concrete floors that are polished or stamped, you’ll need to take a gentler approach to how to clean it. You’ll just use a mop and a bucket of water mixed with a mild cleaner. Don’t use ammonia, bleach or any highly acidic substance on polished or stamped floors. Some good cleaners include Castile soap, liquid dish detergent, stone cleaners and mild floor cleaners. Mix a solution, apply to floor with a wet mop and then rinse with a mop dipped in clean water.

Apply a Sealer

To make your concrete floors resistant to future stains, apply a concrete sealant. Use a paint roller to apply it to clean, primed concrete. Start in the middle of the area and roll the sealant out to the edges. Floors need to be resealed every two to three years. Knowing how to clean concrete properly will keep the floors in your garage, workshop and house looking good as new.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Repairing Cracks in a Concrete Floor

NOTE: Image is only for example purposes and not guaranteed results.

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Is your garage floor decorated with cracks? Here's how to fix surface cracks with concrete filler.

Materials and Tools:

• workshop vacuum
• stiff-bristled brush
• scraper
• chisel
• ball-peen hammer
• broom
• dustpan
• trowel
• towels
• knee pads
• gloves
• safety goggles
• concrete crack filler

Steps:

1. Use an awl and a chisel to remove any large pieces from cracks in the floor.

2. Sweep away fine particles with a wire brush.

3. Use a grease-cutting cleanser to remove any oil or other contaminants around the repair area that might prevent the concrete filler from setting up properly. Sweep up all the debris around the area, being sure not to sweep dust back into the cracks. Finish cleaning by vacuuming out the cracks with a workshop vacuum.

4. Cut the nozzle on the bottle of the concrete filler to the size of the cracks, and slowly fill the cracks. Give the filler a few minutes to settle, and top off areas if necessary.

5. Smooth out any excess with a trowel.

6. Allow the filler to cure overnight. Add more filler if necessary.

Your garage pride in full force...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Garage Cleaning and Maintenance

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

More ideas to get prepared for the Fall as summer is coming to an end. We are excited to share tips to remove stains, keep the door opener working and more...

Maintaining order in your garage is easier said than done, but here are some tips for keeping it clean and keeping the garage-door opener running smoothly.

Removing oil stains from concrete garage floors can be done with nearly any chemical or cleaner. If the garage floor is made of asphalt, the only safe remedy is to use detergent cleaner. Turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline and kerosene all dissolve asphalt and cause it to deteriorate.

To clean soiled and stained concrete floors, use a strong solution of degreaser. Flood the concrete and let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a nylon pad or brush. Use a squeegee to gather the muck into a puddle. Pick it up with a dustpan and dump it into a bucket. If the floor is really dirty, rinse and scrub it again.

Concrete absorbs moisture when cleaned. Even after it looks dry, it still releases "sweat," and that's a bad time to wax, paint or mop the concrete. If you're not sure whether the concrete is really dry, lay a rubber mat over it. If moisture doesn't accumulate under the mat after a few hours, it's OK to treat the concrete.

Garage-Door Maintenance

To prevent damage such as rusting, which is caused by foreign matter that adheres to the door, the door should be wiped down with a soft cloth twice a year. Use a mild household detergent diluted with water.

To protect the finish, apply car wax. This will help repel dirt and moisture.

Check for broken or bent components, and lubricate all moving parts of the door with a light household oil.

Lift cables at the bottom bracket button and hinges. Lock hardware where surfaces turn or slide. Lubricate steel rollers. Do not lubricate nylon oil.

Inspect the astragal, the rubber weather seal along the bottom of the door. If it's cracked or broken, replace it by taking off the old gasket and sliding a new one into place.

Doors equipped with automatic door operators can cause serious injury or death if not properly adjusted and operated. To ensure safe operation of these doors, test the sensitivity of the operator's safety reverse mechanism once a month. With the door in the up position, place a roll of paper towels on its side directly in the path of the door, and then close the door. When the door reaches the paper-towel roll, it should reverse and return to the open position. If the door crushes the roll of paper towels, it's out of adjustment. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on adjusting the safety reverse mechanism.

All screws and nuts on bolts should be tightened every six months. Make sure the slide lock doesn't extend past the end stile of the door when it's in unlocked positioned.

Now enjoy your sparkling garage, almost like new...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Car-Cleaning Tips

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Summer is coming to an end and the perfect time to start prepaing for Fall. Lets start with cleaning and organizing. Here are 12 ways to give your wheels a fresh start.

A clean car will make every trip whether far or near much more pleasant. Dedicate 5-10 minutes each day for a quick pick up to keep a consistently clean car.

If a clean machine is what you're after, look no further than this to-do list.

1. Clean up spills quickly, before they have a chance so soak in and set.

2. When vacuuming, use the duster-brush attachment to get in all the nooks and crannies of the dashboard, center console and door panels. If you don't have an attachment, use a paintbrush to dislodge the dust.

3. Use the crevice tool to reach between seats and the console to dislodge food crumbs and other hidden goodies. Remember to move the seats to their extreme front and back positions.

4. Don't forget to vacuum the seams on seats, where dirt accumulates and breaks down the material.

5. For upholstery, use a mild solution (a couple of drops per gallon) of dishwashing detergent and water to clean seats. Dip a clean towel into the solution and rub gently. For leather upholstery, a leather cleaner is recommended, although the homemade cleaner can be used. After cleaning leather, rub in a conditioner. Use the treatment every six months.

6. If you have tinted windows, it's better to use an alcohol-based cleaner than an ammonia-based glass cleaner, because the ammonia can break down the tint.

7. A good way to get streak-free windows is to use a micro-fiber towel.

8. Don't forget to clean the rearview mirrors and side windows.

9. Clean the instrument panel with a clean micro-fiber cloth.

10. Keep a towel under your seat to quickly clean up spills on fabric upholstery. Instead of rubbing the spill, try pressing down with the towel to soak it up. For more stubborn stains, try using the mild cleaning solution mentioned above.

11. If you do use a spray stain remover, be sure you go back with a clean damp towel to remove any residual cleaner, which acts as a magnet for dirt when left on the seat.

12. Combat red stains with the following method: Fill a spray bottle to the top with 90 percent water and 10 percent ammonia. Spray onto the red stain, wetting well. Place a clean damp towel over the stain and press with a hot iron. This will transfer some of the dye into the towel. Repeat spraying and ironing, and most of the red stain should come out.

Make every trip easier with these helpful and quick hints for cleaning your ride...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

What Blooms You Need in Your Bouquet (Based on Your Sign)

Courtesy of Maria Conti
Photography by iStock/SvetaY

Hi Friends,

Because every bride wants to be petal-perfect on her big day.

Weddings? So fun. The most fun. Wedding-planning? So tedious. The most tedious. Notorious for irrational arguments with your future mother-in-law and an abundance of stress acne for all those involved. Not so fun, not the most fun at all.

Brides are faced with about a million different decisions while they plan their big day. Traditional tiered cake or cupcake smorgasbord? Tulle ball gown or beaded mermaid? Questionable DJ or slightly-over-budget band? Yes, these decisions carry some weight, but when it’s all said and done they are easy enough, right?

The perfect floral-scheme for the big day is a different story. An event of this magnitude need a scheme reflective of not only the special couple’s personal vibe (so crucial) but one that is also on trend and within the budget.

And this isn’t about just centerpieces, either. It’s so much bigger than that. We’re talking the BOUQUET. You know, just the most iconic accessory in a bride's lifetime. I’m sweating just thinking about it, guys.

You see, there are roughly a trillion different flowers to choose from and with that, one-trillion- zillion ways to arrange said flowers. With power comes responsibility, people. This leaves just as much room for floral success as it does floral failure. I will not stand by and allow a floral fiasco on the biggest day of a bride’s life. Not now, not ever.

So how do I propose that our bride-to-be narrow down her bloom selection for the big day?

The answers are written in the stars, of course. As always, I am here as your zodiac guru, ready to guide you (and your thoroughly-vetted florist) down the aisle towards complete floral bliss.

LEO: Sunflower
(July 23- August 22)

iStock/coloroftime

This golden group is in need of a flower just as bold and beautiful as their personalities. The perfect pick (or pluck) for you, my daring Leo bride? Sunflowers, of course. These summertime flowers are quite literally the epitome of happiness, which seems only fitting for the happiest day of your life, no? These pretties will put a smile on everyone’s face.

VIRGO: Orchid
(August 23-September 22)

iStock/SrdjanPav

There’s no doubt that your day has been planned down to the tiniest, most minute detail to ensure your day is absolute perfection. What flower more appropriate for a perfection-driven Virgo bride than the flawless orchid? Delicate, understated elegance and with a wide range of colors to choose from? This bloom can’t be beat.

LIBRA: Succulent
(September 23- October 22)

iStock/Biggunsband

A Libra bride seeks balance and calm in the midst of all her wedding day chaos. So, other than the obvious “mimosa-in-each-hand” situation, what better way to achieve a balanced bridal moment than to incorporate some gorgeous succulents into the mix? Not only do these beauts come in a variety of green, grey and purple colors, but they add an unexpected (and totally beautiful) texture to the bouquet. The best part? You can replant them after the wedding… i.e. you can have your day of immense, romantic love live on forever on your window sill. Just as long as you remember to water it, that is.

SCORPIO: Snapdragon
(October 23 - November 21)

iStock/Morgan_studio

Ah, Scorpios are notorious for their direct, passionate energies. These fiery brides should consider walking down the aisle with a lush bouquet of snapdragon flowers. Cascading bouquets are making a comeback in the bridal world these jaw-dropping field flowers are right on trend. Even better—they come in reds, oranges, yellow and pink. You can even find some that are lavender. Whatever color you choose, a bunch of these beautiful, bold blossoms are guaranteed to be unforgettable as your blazing spirit, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS: Hypericum Berries
(November 22 - December 21)

iStock/andriikobryn

The adventurous Sagittarius bride refuses to be weighed down by anything too traditional, so we probably won’t see her walking down the aisle with a bunch of white roses any time soon. Still, this is her bridal bouquet we’re talking about and it needs to be beautiful. My choice for a truly unique bouquet? Hypericum berries! They come in bright green and a deep red, making them the perfect addition to spring and winter blossoms alike. Looking to really color outside the lines on the big day? Add length to your bunch with draping eucalyptus leaves and a ruby apple in there to create a truly show-stopping look. It may not be traditional, but there will be no arguing about its beauty.

CAPRICORN: Ranunculus
(December 22 - January 19)

iStock/CoffeeAndMilk

Capricorn brides are diligent in detail and value the traditional affairs. They are sure to organize a soiree that is as efficient as it is elegant. The perfect posy for these lovely ladies? Ranunculus! Their delicate petals grow in many different colors, but we love how graceful these long stemmed white ranunculus look for the wedding day. We know you won’t shy away from hard work, Capricorn, but it doesn’t take much to make these blooms look absolutely breathtaking.

AQUARIUS: Queen Protea
(January 20 - February 18)

iStock/jxfzsy

Aquarius, the eclectic and spunky spirit of the zodiac. An Aquarius bride is sure to throw a wedding that is funky, unexpected and completely delightful all at the same time. With all that fun, a girl’s got to dress for the occasion, right? She’s got her veil, dress and shoes but how to crown off this one-of-a-kind look? A Queen Protea. That’s right, a Queen for the queen! This bloom is as big as it is bold and comes in a vivid shade of fuchsia that your guests will not soon forget.

PISCES: Lavender
(February 19 - March 20)

iStock/marichka_b

Pisces are always looking after the people they love in life, even on their wedding day. They want their day to be one huge, joint celebration for all the people they love in their life. When thinking of the perfect addition to a Pisces’ bouquet, the answer was immediate: Lavender. Lavender is, without question, gorgeous. It offers an understated elegance that is ideal for any Pisces’ wedding day. The real reason that a Pisces bride will love this bloom? That beautiful, fragrant aroma it is so renowned for. Tuck these purple-y petals into your posy and centerpieces alike, then sit back and watch. Your guests will be praising the pretty perfumed soiree all evening long. A win-win for you and your treasured loved ones, Pisces!

ARIES: Anemone
(March 21- April 19)

iStock/elenakor

An Aries bride is confident that she will throw the best wedding day her guests have ever attended. This determined bride is looking to wow her guests with every detail, not excluding her bridal bouquet. The bloom to do just that? Anemones. This flower has a unique, chic look and grows in red, blue and blush. My personal favorite variation for you, Aries? A crisp white anemone with a contrasting black eye. This flower is ultra-stylish and is guaranteed to add that extra wow-factor to our Aries’ already spectacular day.

TAURUS: Rose
(April 20 - May 20)

Ash Carr

For our ever-traditional tribe of Taureans, I’m going to go ahead and assume that they are throwing a super gorgeous traditional shin-dig. My floral suggestion? The classic rose. These babies have been wedding staples for forever and their exquisite beauty and romantic aroma are available to brides all year long. This creamy, wintry white rose bouquet a-la Lynn Coulter? To die.

I mean… Hey. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s what they always say, right? (Judging by that statement I think we can all agree that whoever “they” are, they’re probably Taureans. Right?)

GEMINI: Eucalyptus
(May 21- June 20)

iStock/andriikobryn

When a Gemini bride is planning her wedding there will be, without a doubt, hours of back and forth and indecisiveness. This uncertainty will seep into every minute detail surrounding her day. She’s looking for a fun, flirty and over-the-top day that will wow her many friends. The only problem is that there’s about a million ways to do that. So what’s the perfect petal to pick, that’s capable of working with her ever-evolving vision? Well folks, it’s not a petal at all. Instead, this trendy bride should stick some flowy and fragrant Eucalyptus leaves in the mix for her bouquet. This green foliage compliments just about any flower our Gem can dream up but looks just as pretty on its own. Not to mention Eucalyptus is all the rave in the bridal world right now which is a total must-have for It-Bride-Gemini.

CANCER: Dahlia
(June 21- July 22)

iStock/wedphoto

Cancer houses the most sensitive and caring brides-to-be in the zodiac world. I would not be surprised if a Cancer bride opted to incorporated vintage family heirlooms in her bouquet, such as a family pin or broach. This group of genuine ladies deserve a bouquet that is just as lovely and endearing as they are. My pick for the prettiest petals to complement their special family touches? The intricate-blooming Dahlia flower. Their petals bloom in saturated colors and create spectacular, ornate blooms that are full of texture. Our Cancer crew are sure to feel extra nostalgic (and beautiful) while walking down the aisle with these outstanding blossoms.

Perfect flower for your perfect day...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne