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Factor in efficiency when deciding the best toilet to buy The drive to innovate started in 1994, when the 1.6-gallons-per-flush (gpf) mandate went into effect, replacing the 3.5 to 5 gpf that had been the norm. The pressure to save water hasn’t let up. Now there are high-efficiency (HET) and ultra-high-efficiency (UHET) toilets that use a mere 1.28 and 0.8 gpf, respectively. Yet, contrary to what you might expect, flushing efficacy has also gotten better; independent tests show that some UHETs can evacuate up to 800 grams (1....

Wait 10 minutes for the bleach to work, then rinse thoroughly with a sponge and cool water. The wood will lighten as it dries, but if it’s still stained, mix up a new batch of bleach and repeat the scrubbing process. Step 2: Sand Burn Marks, Knife Cuts Use a coarse, 60-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to abrade the discolored wood, but don’t try to get rid of it entirely: Sanding too much in one spot will create a dip....

In this episode: In this special episode of Ask This Old House, the team shares what they have been up to during the COVID-19 pandemic and completes a couple of projects they’ve been working on. Including carpenter Nathan Gilbert, who gave his home office an upgrade during the quarantine and is looking to add the finishing touch—a display case to store his grandfather’s American flag. The flag was hung over his grandfather’s casket after he passed away the year before....

In this episode: Landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada heads to a local greenhouse to talk about succulents with the greenhouse manager. After discussing what makes these plants so popular, the two discuss the different varieties, which are beginner-friendly, and how much water each plant needs. Next, the two discuss how to transplant succulents from boring plastic containers to more appealing pottery. They transplant a small plant into a pot and then explain that building an entire arrangement requires the same simple steps....

In this episode: After several weeks of asbestos and lead removal, it’s time to start rebuilding the interior of our project. Kevin O’Connor finds Tom Silva ready to lay sub-flooring in what will become the new dining room. A huge piece of ledge is in the way of our new garage. Charlie Silva and Jenn Nawada discuss the process for breaking it up with a hydraulic hammer. Kevin takes a tour of Cape Ann and learns about the industries that form the backbone of the community—granite quarries, fishing, and artist colonies....

11 Safety Precautions Before Starting a DIY Project Follow these safety guidelines while getting jobs done around the house and you’ll keep out of harm’s way. Wear proper gear Invest in equipment that will protect you from injuries whether from an accident or simply from prolonged exposure to tools or materials. For example, if you’ll be painting or refinishing furniture, a respirator will shield you from harmful fumes while a pair of chemical-resistant gloves will keep your hands covered....

Ways to Decorate Your Stairs with Stencils Create a runner Skip the carpeting and paint the perfect stair runner with stencils. Whether you choose a floral, stripe, or geometric design, include a primary color for the center and a complementary color for the border. For a runner effect, don’t forget that you want to paint both the risers and the treads. 13 Imaginative Painted Stair Ideas Make your stairs count And add in safety with carpeted treads....

Shown: Warm-white subway tile adds timeless appeal to a traditional kitchen. Similar to shown: Cottage field tile in Devonshire Cream, $15 per square foot; waterworks.com History of Subway Tiles Opened in 1904 but no longer in use today, the ticket office at the former City Hall subway station in New York City featured ceramic subway tiles, hailed as durable and easy to maintain, on its walls. The arches and vaulted ceilings were covered with fanciful Guastavino tilework....

Sun Tunnels are a lot easier to install than you might think. In just 90 minutes, your contractor will simply cut a hole into the roof from outside your home, and another hole in your ceiling from inside; a flexible or rigid reflective tunnel will then be inserted to connect the holes. The tunnel is highly reflective and so bright; clear sunlight streams into the room below. And Sun Tunnels are super-efficient, as they cost nothing to operate—you’ll have light as long as the sun’s in the sky (and, if you add the optional solar night-light kit, you’ll have light at night, too)—and a new VELUX Sun Tunnel can be installed for as little as $550....

Security cameras work to monitor motion and sound in rooms throughout your home using high-quality video and two-way audio communication. Many also incorporate real-time alerts to keep you updated on people and animals that cross the camera lens. To save you the hassle of researching the numerous indoor security cameras on the market, we’ve researched and tested top indoor security cameras to give you a selection of devices to fit your budget and requirements....

Top 5 Carpet Stain Removers Most Versatile: Shaw R2X Carpet Stain & Soil Remover Best Enzyme Cleaner: BISSELL Professional Stain & Odor Remover Best Quantity Options: FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover Best For Wine Stains: Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover Best Powdered Cleaner: Resolve Pet Carpet Cleaner Powder Most Versatile: Shaw R2X Carpet Stain & Soil Remover From soil to oil, this stain remover can tackle any stain. It can treat one spot or act as a wall-to-wall cleaner on carpets and rugs made from a variety of materials, including wool....

Top 5 Handheld Vacuums Best Filtration: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum Best Battery Life: BLACK+DECKER DustBuster Handheld Vacuum Most Powerful: BLACK+DECKER FurBuster Handheld Vacuum Most Lightweight: VacLife Handheld Vacuum Best Car Vacuum: ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner Best Filtration: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum This handheld vacuum from BISSELL features a triple-level filtration system as opposed to the single- or double-layer filtration systems found in other handheld vacuums on the market....

Top 5 Jigsaws Best Cordless: DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw Best Control: BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw Best Battery Life: Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw Best Design: BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw Best Barrel-Grip: Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw Key Features 20-volt battery 4.2 pounds D-handle What Customers Are Saying Positive reviews centered around the jigsaw’s easy-to-use design and adjustable speed settings. Additional positive reviews commented on the product’s solid and high-quality build. At the time of this review, this product received just a single 1-star review that explained a customer’s frustration over the jigsaw’s lack of control....

Best Color Options: Multifun Jump Rope Pros and Cons ✔ Has four buttons to control the built-in screen✔ Comes with binders to hold any extra rope on the ends✔ Tracks how many calories you burn and circles you do ✘ Has chunky handles✘ Struggles to accurately track data for heavier users What Customers Are Saying Users with positive feedback reported that this jump rope was affordable given its built-in screen, ball-bearing handles, and alloy steel construction....

Top 5 Kitchen Trash Cans Best Small Trash Can: Simplehuman 10-Gallon Step Trash Can Best Dual-Bin Trash Can: SONGMICS 16-Gallon Step Trash Can Best Color Options: iTouchless 13.2-Gallon Step Trash Can Best Automatic Trash Can: iTouchless 13-Gallon Automatic Trash Can Best Value: Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can Best Small Trash Can: Simplehuman 10-Gallon Step Trash Can This trash can is slightly smaller than the standard 13-gallon can, making it best for people who live alone, families that don’t produce a lot of waste, or people who have small kitchens....

Top 5 LED Grow Lights Best For Medium Coverage: Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light Best Accessories: MARS HYDRO LED Grow Light Best For Large Coverage: Spider Farmer SF-4000 LED Grow Light Best Tubular Lights: Barrina Plant Grow Lights Best For Small Coverage: VIPARSPECTRA LED Grow Light Best For Medium Coverage: Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light Pros and Cons ✔ Offers full-spectrum lighting including red, blue, and white ✔ Is made of durable materials that won’t leak heat ✔ Includes three years of after-service maintenance in some countries ✘ Is more expensive than some other grow lights on the market ✘ Does not have a built-in fan What Customers Are Saying This LED grow light has over 2,700 reviews and a 4....

Most Powerful Generator: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator Though expensive and heavy, this portable generator is built to last. It has a hardened steel frame with a foam handle and never-flat wheels. The 7,500-watt engine works with the 6.6-gallon fuel tank to run powerful devices and appliances for up to 11 hours. Key Features Gas power source 6.6-gallon fuel tank 7,500 running watts 11-hour runtime 196 pounds Three-year warranty...