Today’s tip is a DIY laundry detergent recipe that is gentle on your washer (HE and regular), but most importantly it will save you money!
If you’ve ever looked at the cost of store-bought detergents, you may have choked at the cost. I have a wonderful detergent recipe to make your own own homemade laundry detergent for only $1.25 per year!
And the detergent is low suds and low residue which will keep your washer and clothes cleaner.
How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent
If you think this homemade liquid laundry detergent couldn’t possibly work on dirty clothes, think again. I can tell you that in addition to our regular clothing, I’ve been using this recipe for 9 years on my boys’ clothes, on my own work clothes, and my husband’s karate clothing. And it really works.
The great thing about this laundry detergent is the basic ingredients are simple, gentle on sensitive skin, and can be purchased at your grocery store. Just look on the high or low shelves in the laundry detergent aisle.
If you can’t find them in the laundry aisle, it’s always a good idea to look at your local hardware or home improvement store.
To make the homemade detergent, you only need about 15 minutes and then let the liquid detergent sit overnight. The next morning, you stir, add more cold water, and you are done!
Do you think that’s too much time to devote to making your own laundrysoap? What if I told you that this batch lasts our family of four (did I mention two of them are young boys) six months or more.
Several of you asked me to make a video showing how I make my own detergent. For your convenience you can watch the video, then scroll down to read the directions to make your own laundry soap.
Ingredients:
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
Please note, you can purchase these items cheaper at your local grocery store or hardware store. The links are here to help you see what the box looks like or to order if you can’t get to the store.
Optional: Essential Oil for Scent (see below for scent ideas)
Instructions:
The first step is to cut your Fels Naptha Bar in quarters. Grate one quarter of the Fels Naptha Bar using a fine cheese grater.
Boil 1 cup of water. Pour grated Fel Naptha into pan of boiling water. Stir continuously until the soap has dissolved. Meanwhile, pour 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) of water into a large container or bucket. Pour dissolved Fels Naptha into the bucket of water. Stir.
Add 1/4 cup Super Washing Soda and 2 TBSP Borax to the bucket.
Add 2 1/2 quarts more water and stir.
Cover the mixture and let is sit overnight out of reach of pets or children. Uncover the bucket and stir the gelatinous mix.
Add 5 Quarts (20 cups) of water to the bucket. Stir.
If your clothing gets stained, try soaking in this miracle stain remover a day or two before laundering. You’ll be amazed how the stain lifts out effortlessly. It’s a great way to get even the toughest stains out.
How did I figure out my cost per year?
I had to do a little guestimating to figure out my cost. In the nine years I’ve been making this recipe, I’m only on my second box of Borax and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.
Each batch of this homemade laundry soap consists of at least 4o cups. If you use the required 1/4 cup per load (do not use more, as more detergent won’t get your clothing cleaner) you can easily get 160 loads of laundry from each batch.
All this to say, I came up with a very conservative estimate that I pay $1.25 for laundry detergent per year, much less than commercial detergents.
The next time you have a load of laundry to wash, give this diy laundry soap a try. You may never buy commercial laundry detergent again!
Storing Your Laundry Detergent:
The first time I started making this recipe, I used my empty laundry detergentplastic container. But, it was often too small for the batch size. Next, I used an empty 2.5 Gallon bucket water jug.
The large drink dispenser holds all the excess detergent. This is a prettier solution to storing all the detergent and looks better on your laundry room shelf.
Gift Idea:
Once you try this DIY laundry detergent, I know you’ll love it. And then you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!
It does not contain any harsh chemicals and takes just a little bit of time to make. I like to share the recipe with a small sample amount in a laundry themed basket.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DIY-Laundry-Detergent.jpg12001200Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-10-06 07:00:002025-10-05 22:18:11How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent for Only $1.25 per year
Easily learn how to install a ceiling fan by following this simple step-by-step installation process. No licensed electrician required.
Ceiling Fan Installation Project
I’ve installed probably a dozen ceiling fans in my life. Pretty Handsome Guy was remarking to me last night, “Wait, you mean you’ve never written a tutorial on how to install a ceiling fan on the blog?”
It’s true, most of the installs were pre-blogging days. For this reason, I was truly excited when Casablanca contacted me and asked if I wanted one of their new ceiling fans.
I knew it was a great opportunity to put together a tutorial for you so you could see that installing a ceiling fan is not a difficult DIY project!
Plus, we had Casablanca fans in our previous house and they are well made and will last a long time. Therefore, I have no hesitation recommending Casablanca to you!
Okay, and I also wanted to change your mind about ceiling fans and design aesthetics. I know that some designers break out in hives when a client wants a ceiling fan. And who can blame them when the stereotypical ceiling fan looks like this:
Oh yes, she’s a beauty. And she’s all mine, complete with moldy canopy and boobilicious globe. In all seriousness, that fan was U-G-L-Y. Plus, it was a bit too small for our porch and didn’t do well with the warm air circulation. (You can figure out what size ceiling fan you need for your space in the FAQ section on the Casablanca site.)
You can now understand why I was actually delighted to hang out on top of an 8 foot ladder in 95 degree heat to install a new ceiling fan.
Yes, I was excited, especially because Casablanca has so many beautiful options for stylish fans. And I know, they have ceiling fans that will surely have the designers changing their tune.
Safety, Prep, and Hints Before You Install a Ceiling Fan:
Before I give you the full tutorial for the installation process, we need to talk about prep work and safety.
First, do not attempt any electrical projects until you have turned off the power to the light switch fixture or wall switches you are working on.
I like to turn on the fan and light (they are often on two different power lines) and then shut off the power on the circuit breaker. This gives me the visual assurance that the power is indeed off.
Next, if you are replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, you MUST make sure that the junction box is attached to a support.
This means the box is screwed into a ceiling joist, brace, or the junction box is attached to a Ceiling Fan Brace. Do not attach a fan to a ceiling fan box that is not able to hold the full weight of the fan (and all the vibration it will produce over the years.)
If you don’t have proper bracing for your fan—have no fear—look into purchasing a Ceiling Fan Brace that can be installed from inside the room (no need to crawl into the attic.)
Finally, you need to have a Sturdy A-Frame Step Ladder tall enough to reach 1-2 feet below the fan during installation. And having an assistant who can hand you the motor when it’s time to hang the fan is a great way to save time and make the job a bit easier.
One handy tip: You will most likely drop a screw during the installation. If you are working on a porch with slats, lay down a blanket under the ladder to catch them. This also helps aid in a quick clean up from dust and dropped dry wall debris.
Ready to get your cool on by installing a beautiful new ceiling fan? Here are a few necessary tools you will likely need to make the process easier. Having the right tools makes it so much easier!
Let’s take a spin shall we:
Materials:
(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)
Turn off the power to your light fixture/fan in the circuit box.
Remove the existing fan and/or light fixture:
Check to make sure the fan AND light do not have power to them.
Begin by removing the existing fixture or fan. All ceiling fans are different, but most require removing the light kit before you can get access to the fan blades and motor. Assess the fixture and look for screws to unscrew.
Remove the light bulbs and save them for another fixture.
Keep removing screws until you can access the wiring. Disconnect the wire connectors from the light kit to the fan.
Remove the fan blade arms one at a time. It helps to remove blades opposite of one another to keep the fan semi-balanced.
Disconnected the electrical wiring from the fan to the ceiling. Remove the ceiling fan motor. (Sing a tune if you like.)
Prior to choosing your new fan, it helps to know the ceiling height and determine the center of the room for placement.You want to find the right fan for the size of your room. As always, be sure to refer to your manufacturer’s instructions prior to install.
The new fan is not only stylish, but also a full 6″ wider than the previous fan. This means better airflow on our screen porch, which helps make that warm air a little cooler!
This may also help with energy savings in the hot summer months.
Before hanging the fan, the decorative arms need to be assembled. Screw the arms to the decorative cup:
Attach the arms to the side of the fan motor. Hand tighten the decorative screws.
Insert the downrod through the decorative cup. Thread the wires through the top of the downrod. Loosen the set screw.
Turn the downrod into the top of the fan until it is tight. Tighten the set screw securely using pliers to insure a tight hold.
Slip the canopy over the downrod.
Trim the excess wires a little shorter (I like to leave 8-12″ more than I think I’ll need.) Strip approximately 3/4″ of the insulation off the ends of the wires.
Locate the hanging bracket and secure it to the stud that holds the junction box, or secure it to the junction box if it is bolted to a ceiling fan brace. Pull on the hanging bracket to make sure there is no movement and it feels secure.
Bribe your assistant to hand you the ceiling fan motor. Gently slip the top of the downrod into the hanging bracket. Be careful not to pinch any of the wires.
Now you can let your assistant go. The hanging bracket will hold the fan while you make your wiring connections.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan for Wall Switch Control (with 2 power wires – one for the fan and one for the light):
Most of the ceiling fans installed in the past used two switches if it had a light. This means there are two separate power wires that are in the junction box.
Plus, one neutral wire and one ground. This is the standard installation for a ceiling fan that doesn’t have a remote and a receiver. It’s important to ensure you are working with the correct wire color for installation.
Always attach your ground wires first (copper, bare or green wires). You will want to attach the wires together with a wire nut and then wrap part of the bare wire around the ground screw attached to the mounting bracket.
Or in the case of the Casablanca fan, attach the green and yellow striped wire (from the hanging bracket) to the green wire from the fan and the ground wire from your ceiling box.
Next, attach the white neutral wire from the ceiling box to the white wire from the fan.
Attach the black wire from the ceiling box to the black wire on your fan. And finally, attach the additional power wire (usually red, but can be black or striped) to the blue wire (this color may vary) from the fan.
Gently tuck the wires into the ceiling junction box. It is good practice to put the white neutral wires on the opposite side of the box as the red and black power wires.
Cover the wires and mounting bracket with the canopy and screw it into place.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan for Remote Control Operation (using one power wire):
The Casablanca fan I installed has a remote control for the lights and fan speeds. The remote communicates to a receiver which independently controls the fan and lights.
This gadget effectively eliminates the need for two separate power wires.
Wiring with the receiver is a little more work because you are creating more connections, but it’s just as easy to do.
First, cap off your extra power wire (if you have one) and tuck it into the ceiling box. (For added safety, wrap electrical tape over the wire nuts and wire.)
Next, attach the ground wires together (copper, bare or green wires). Use a wire nut to attach the wires together, then wrap part of the bare wire around the ground screw attached to the mounting bracket.
Or in the case of the Casablanca fan, attach the green and yellow striped wire (from the hanging bracket) to the green wire from the receiver and the ground wire from your ceiling box.
Next, attach the white neutral wire from the ceiling box to the white wire from the receiver.
Attach the black wire from the ceiling box to the black wire on your receiver.
Now make the connections from the receiver to the fan. Attach the white wires first, then the black and finally attach the two blue wires together with a wire nut.
Carefully tuck the wires into the ceiling box. Then gently slide the receiver inbetween the hanging bracket and the ceiling box.
You might need to play with the wires a little to get everything to fit neatly.
Raise the canopy over the hanging bracket and secure it with the screws provided.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing the Fan Blades and Light Kit:
Installing the fan blades on the Caneel Bay are a little tricky, but once you get one blade assembly screw and nut attached it moves quickly.
It’s a good idea to try to attach blades across from one another to keep the fan relatively balanced.
Lift the upper switch housing up onto the fan motor. Thread the wires through the center hole. Use the provided screws to attach the housing.
Connect the wires from the fan motor to the wires on the switch housing (light kit). Connecting them is super easy, just line up the colors and snap the wiring harness together and make sure it is secured.
Screw the light kit (switch housing) into the fan.
Add the provided halogen light bulbs. (Avoid touching halogen bulbs with your fingers because the salt and oils in your skin could cause the bulbs to wear out faster.)
Attach the globe to the fan, making sure all the “hammers” on the globe ring are secured in the notches on the fan.
Turn the power on and make sure the light and fan works appropriately. If it fails to work, one of your wire connections may have come loose.
Turn off the power and check your connections.
It’s time to appreciate the beauty of a new ceiling fan. And enjoy the efficiency of the wider blade span as it moves the air and cools you off.
Excuse me now while I drink some ice cold lemonade and chill out.
Do you love the look of the Caneel Bay fan as much as I do? Or do you think you’d like a more modern ceiling fan?
I’ll be back next week to show you a few more changes I made on our screen porch. I hope you found this ceiling fan installation tutorial helpful.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Casablanca Fan Company. I was sent a complimentary fan and compensated for my time. All images, ideas and words are my own. I will always let you know the relationship I have with a brand via a disclosure. Also know that I am very particular about the brands I work with.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/detail-caneel-blades.jpg420630Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-09-03 15:30:002025-09-03 15:09:35How to Install a Ceiling Fan
There comes a time in any homeowner’s life when they contemplate taking on a home renovation. Today I want to help you answer if you are sure you’re ready to take on a home renovation?
Are You Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?
Today I wanted to approach a subject that is often on the minds of homeowners who have lived in a house long enough to wish for more space or a space that is renovated to their needs and desires. Reading the rest of this article will help you decide if now is a smart time to start that home renovation project you’ve been thinking about.
When is it time to take on a renovation?
Will it be a good investment?
Do I have the desire to deal with the stress?
Can I handle upheaval?
I can tell you from experience that there are times when a home renovation is a smart decision and there are times when it makes more sense to deal with your home as is for a while.
I hope this article helps you make your own decision as to whether you are ready to take on a home renovation.
As a general contractor and a serial renovator, I can tell you the rewards of renovating your home are wonderful. But, the actual process can be a nightmare.
Do You Really Want to Renovate?
I’m going to be totally blunt about this, having your home renovated is NOT FUN. It’s a huge upheaval for you and your family. Having walls torn out or even just painted creates dust, chaos, and mess. You can forget about privacy because while the renovation is going on, workers (almost complete strangers) will be traipsing through your house. Even if you do the work yourself, you’ll have to cover furniture or move it out of the room being renovated. And if you need to pull permits, you have to be ready to have inspectors show up unannounced to inspect the work.
Depending on the room you are renovating, you need to make arrangements to avoid using that room. Where will the furniture go? If it’s in your kitchen, how can you cook and do dishes during the kitchen renovation? If it’s a bathroom renovation, do you have another bathrooms you can use while the one is out of commission.
How long will it take for the renovation to be completed? In today’s era of TV renovation shows, homeowners think a home renovation is a quick and easy process. I can tell you from lots of experience, much of the process on those makeover shows happens behind the scenes and off camera.
If I haven’t scared you off yet, let’s tackle some of the other factors that will help you decide whether or not you’re ready to take on a home renovation.
Are there Cheaper Alternatives to a Renovation?
Truly ask yourself if renovating a perfectly good kitchen or bathroom is a smart decision. Oftentimes, you can make your kitchen look like a new space by painting cabinets, replacing the backsplash, cabinet knobs, or other cosmetic changes. (Here are 10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget) . Simply adding an island may be enough to make you fall in love with your kitchen again. Always explore alternatives before pulling the trigger on a full blown renovation.
Are You Planning on Moving?
The number one thing you need to ask yourself is if you are planning on living in your home at least 5 more years. If you are planning on moving in less than 5 years, chances are you won’t recoup the cost that you put into your renovation.
However, if the renovation is one that is sorely needed due to a room being outdated or in disrepair, it could potentially help you sell your home faster and for more money. Definitely consult with a reputable realtor before taking on a renovation before listing your house for sale. They will be able to tell you what comparable houses in your neighborhood sell for and the level of finishes that are common in the area. They may also be able to give you a recommended budget for your renovation. This is also a great resource for comparing cost vs. value on home renovations.
What Rooms Bring Your Biggest Return on Investment?
Kitchen and master bathroom renovations are the two areas in a home that give the best bang for your buck and allow you to increase your home value in a short period of time.
Putting in a swimming pool or an exterior building (like a shed) result in the least return on your investment. In fact, oftentimes a pool is a deterrent to buyers (especially young couples who already have or are thinking of having children.) You also have to factor in higher homeowner’s insurance premiums and the cost of operating the pool.
Locale is a good determining factor for exterior structures. Take into consideration your climate. Adding a garage isn’t necessarily a negative in certain parts of the country where weather is more extreme (snowy and icy climates.) In that example, a garage might be more important to buyers. In warmer climates that have a lot of insects, a screen porch might be a good investment for your home.
What’s Your Budget?
Before you embark on any renovation, it’s important to hire great contractors. I have an entire article with questions you should ask when vetting contractors. Always get several estimates before you make your final decision to renovate. Make sure you have money in your budget for the renovation. Always allow 15 – 20% over the budget for surprises or incidentals. You never know what you might find in your walls when they are opened up. If you don’t have the budget yet, save another year or so until you are ready to take on a home renovation.
Once you begin construction, keep a close eye on your budget. Make sure you aren’t splurging on too many high end finishes. If you are using a contractor or sub-contractors, be sure to keep tabs on the bill as they are working. Ask if you are still on target and within budget. It’s better for everyone involved to keep the lines of communication open.
Who Will Do The Work?
There’s no doubt that doing a renovation yourself will save you a decent amount of cash. However, if you DIY something that you aren’t knowledgable about, you may pay twice if you have to call in a professional to fix your mistakes. If you decide to do the work yourself, be forewarned that the renovations may take 3-4 times as long to complete. Professionals work with a crew and have the expertise to knock out that renovation in no time. Regardless of who is doing the work, make sure you check with your local city/county to find out if you need a permit. Don’t just take your contractor’s word for it.
Check to see if they are licensed and insured. Ask the contractor for several references of previous customers that you can call and ask questions. Check the BBB database to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor. It’s also worth a small investment to check out their rating on Angie’s List.
If the background check turns up positive, work with your contractor to draw up a contract that spells out all the details of the job: time frame, work to be completed and any warranties on their work. My father likes to build in a clause where the contractor has to deduct money from the amount owed if he or she goes over a certain deadline for work completion.
How Do You Pick Out Materials and Fixtures?
Be sure to research your fixtures and materials as diligently as you did your contractor. Read reviews on brands and products you plan to use. Ask friends or neighbors if they have an appliance brand they love or hate. You can also ask your contractor if they have clients that have fixtures you’re considering and see if they would be willing to let you talk to the client. Avoid trendy or unique choices unless you plan on living in your house for decades. You may love that pink shag wall-to-wall carpeting, but will you still love it in 10 years? Or will that be the decision that comes back to haunt you when it’s time to sell your house. Use quick change objects like art, home décor and pillows to bring in that unique punch of color instead of things that are hard to swap out.
Who To Notify Before Your Renovation?
For starters, be sure you check with your city/county to find out if you need a permit. Check with your city planning office to see if you live in a historic overlay area. If you live in a neighborhood with restrictive covenants, discuss your renovation with the HOA board especially if you are adding on to your home. You may also want to let your neighbors know that there will be an increase in street traffic and noise during renovations. Discuss start and stop times with your contractor to keep the peace with your neighbors. After the renovation is complete, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent to let them know about the changes you have made. They will be able to make sure you have sufficient limits to cover the structure and contents of your home.
Congratulations! If you made it this far, you are ready to take on a home renovation project. I wish you all the luck in the world and remember to be flexible. Things can and do come up that are not exactly according to plan. But, the good news is you will make it through and you’ll have a beautiful new room/structure at the end of it.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/ready-home-renovation.jpg503630Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-03-03 07:00:002025-03-10 23:20:21Are You Sure You’re Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?
Asbestos is a word you hear thrown around once in a while usually before or during home renovations. It’s important that you understand what Asbestos is, where it can be found, and the removal process. Today let’s learn about Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More!
Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More
This is the post that I’ve been putting off writing. Why? A few weeks ago I was still dealing with the shock of discovering we have asbestos in our home. If you think your home is safe from asbestos, you could be dead wrong! Our house was built in 1978, therefore I thought our home was in the asbestos-free time frame, but I was sorely mistaken.
How we discovered asbestos in our home
What started as a small leak turned into a full gut of our kitchen. The disaster restoration team came in and started assessing the damage. What happened next was a downward spiral of issues I pray never happens to you. The polybutylene pipe failure from two weeks ago turned into a full blown mold remediation (luckily it wasn’t black mold.) Shortly after removing the wet base cabinets in our kitchen, the contractor discovered a layer of old vinyl flooring under our flooring. He told me that they sent a sample to the lab for asbestos testing. I thought, “No big deal”, and dismissed it knowing that our house couldn’t possibly contain asbestos. The next morning I got a phone call, “The lab results came back and that old flooring tested positive for asbestos.”
What I learned over the next few days about asbestos both scared me and also gave me peace of mind knowing that the contractors had handled the asbestos removal properly. Now that our home is officially asbestos-free and we’ve finally moved back into the house, I’m emotionally ready to share with you what I learned. Let’s chat about Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More.
(source: EPA.gov)
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Asbestos as a building material made sense before it was discovered to cause health problems. It was heat and fire resistant and the glues that contain asbestos work REALLY well. You can’t get glue for vinyl flooring today that sticks as well as the asbestos based glues. But, because of the health hazards you’ll learn about in a minute, asbestos products have been banned in the US.
When was asbestos discovered to be a health hazard?
Back in the early 1900’s asbestos was suspected to be a health hazard. In 1924, a UK citizen was the first person diagnosed with Asbestosis (progressive fibrosis of the lungs.) In 1931, the term Mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer) was used in medical literature. But, the risks and dangers of asbestos were swept under the rug and hidden until the 1970’s. Finally, in 1989 asbestos was phased out of building materials and eventually banned in 2003. That is almost 80 years after the dangers of asbestos were first discovered! Before the ban, asbestos was used in almost a million residences and buildings. Sadly, over 100,000 people have become ill or died from asbestos exposure.
The bottom line is that your home could have asbestos products even if it was built in 2003 or earlier. The asbestos abatement team told me that just because there was a ban placed on the use of asbestos, there were still products containing it on store shelves. For this reason, you should never assume that your home is asbestos-free. It is much safer to have a professional test for asbestos than risk exposure.
What products contain asbestos?
Roofing and siding materials
Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement
Insulation of a home built between 1930-1950
Attic and wall insulation as vermiculite ore
Textured paint and wall patching
Artificial ashes and embers used in gas fireplaces
Old stove-top pads
Walls and floors around woodburning stoves can have asbestos fiber, millwork or concrete pads
Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring
Vinyl floor adhesives
Asbestos blanket or tape on hot water and steam pipes in older homes
Oil and coal furnaces door gasket insulation
(The above list is not a complete list, so it’s advised to test any old building products that are being disturbed during renovations and repairs.)
What to do if you suspect asbestos products in your home:
First of all, don’t freak out. Have the product tested by a professional asbestos abatement company and ask if they can do a quick test on the product. A quick test will require a 1″ sample of the material and use of a PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) test to look for asbestos fiber structures under a microscope. Alternatively, you can find a local environmental hazard testing company that will test homes for asbestos, lead, mold, and many other environmental hazards.
Results will often report if asbestos is present, what type of asbestos, and the concentration. If you have asbestos flooring that is in good condition (not flaking, damaged or will be tampered with) you can lay new flooring over top of the old floor. In the case of our vinyl flooring, one of the previous owners added new flooring on top of the old. This is acceptable, but it must be disclosed that there is asbestos flooring in the home when the house is sold. I want to emphasize that any asbestos that is sealed and in good condition is not a health hazard. When asbestos product particles become airborne, that’s when there’s a concern.
If you are having renovations, repairs, or a remodel around the material, you will most likely need to have the asbestos removed (or abated.)
How Asbestos is Removed?
It’s best to move out of your home during asbestos abatement. Typically, the abatement team will arrive and seal off the room(s) completely. Doorways, air ducts, and even the windows are sealed with plastic. Big scary asbestos signs are placed on every doorway to deter people from entering.
Giant HEPA filters will likely be installed outside a window or door to pull air out of the room. This creates a negative air pressure which prevents air from escaping into the rest of the house.
The asbestos abatement team wear disposable suits. They will also wear respirators and gloves.
If the material is in the flooring, your floor boards are cut into manageable sections and the edges are taped off to contain the asbestos backing and glue under the vinyl. The sheets are then loaded into a truck for safe transport. (Different asbestos materials may be handled differently.)
All debris is vacuumed up using a special HEPA vacuum. The room is thoroughly cleaned and all cleaning supplies are disposed of in plastic bags. All the contaminated materials, clothing, etc. are hauled back to the abatement company where they are dumped into a special sealed dumpster for asbestos products.
After the abatement team is done, they will strip down and take a shower (usually a portable shower is brought to the job site.) Only after the shower can they put on their regular clothes.
Portable shower for abatement team to use after finishing the job.
An Air test for Asbestos
After abatement is complete, an air test will be performed before anyone can enter the room without protective gear. A TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) or a PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy) air sample must be analyzed. In our house, a TEM test was used. The technician should be a third party trained professional who puts on his own protective gear. First he may use a leaf blower in the room to stir up any dust and fibers that might have settled on the floor and in crevices. Then a small vacuum pump is run that sucks air through a filter for 45 minutes.
An acceptable asbestos air test will come back with less than .01 fibers per cc. Luckily our home is clear But, now this is our reality:
That’s right, we now have a scooter track in our home. I may miss our kitchen, but the boys don’t seem to mind.
I hope you found this article helpful in learning about Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More. Let me know if you have any questions and I can try to help answer them. Save this image to refer back to it. Especially if you take on a home renovation or have a leak.
Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More
If you need to hire an asbestos abatement contractor or any other reputable contractors to work on your home, I highly recommend this article on How to Hire Great Contractors!
See you soon with another update on our kitchen disaster and renovation. Let’s hope things proceed more smoothly from here on out.
You can read more about our kitchen disaster and renovation in these updates:
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Everything-You-Want-to-Know-About-Asbestos-Removal-and-more3.jpg15001000Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-03-02 20:30:422025-03-03 14:00:46Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More
No one wants their heating to die in the winter, or their air conditioning to stop cooling in the summer. For that reason I have several tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly:
Too long, don’t want to read this whole article? Well, if you only do one thing to prolong the life of your HVAC unit, it would be to change the filters regularly.
Change Your Filters Regularly
Whether that means monthly or up to three months will depend on your home’s dust levels (and any pets you have.) Keep an eye on your filters. If they are showing more dust and hair before three months is up, change them more regularly. If your thermostat has the ability to program a filter change reminder use it. But, you can also add a note on your personal calendar. I like to mark the date I changed my filter directly on the filter with a permanent marker.
Protect Your HVAC During Renovations
If your home is going through a renovation, it’s important to change the filters after a lot of debris has been released into the air. Better yet, be sure to seal off vents in rooms that are being worked on. Vacuum the whole room unsealing the vent. Depending on the work being done, you may need to replace your air intake filters multiple times during construction.
Keep Vents Exposed Keep your air vents free, don’t block them with furniture or rugs. It’s important for air to flow freely and to circulate from the vents to the air return. It’s even more important not to block the air return.
Clear Vegetation from Around Exterior Unit Just as it’s important to keep vents clear inside, clear vegetation and landscaping around your exterior unit to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. A good rule is to clear at least 18 inches away from the unit. There needs to be proper airflow around the unit for it to work efficiently. If you hate the look of your HVAC unit, you can screen it, but be sure anything you use is 18″ away from it.
Watch for Signs of a Struggling System
Look for signs of leaks, bad odors, strange noises (upon starting), or ice forming on the lines. If you discover any signs call your HVAC technician immediately for service.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Services One of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and to avoid problems is to schedule a regular check up and cleaning for your equipment. Here’s a pro-tip: schedule in the Spring or Fall before temperatures become extreme and stress your system.
Follow these tips and you’ll keep your HVAC equipment running smoothly for years to come.
https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/replace_filter.jpg640427Brittany Baileyhttps://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpgBrittany Bailey2025-01-29 20:19:592025-02-10 14:19:00How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly
. Do not attach a fan to a ceiling fan box that is not able to hold the full weight of the fan (and all the vibration it will produce over the years.) 
