Word of the week

Toggle Bolt: Type of fastener used by Simon to fix bathroom accessories such as towel rails to plaster walls

Spring is the time for a Spring Clean

It's that time of year again

Woof again! Spike here.

This week I have had an extra spring in my step because we are in September.

Here in Australia, September signals the start of my favourite season, Spring.

AND... As we head into spring many of us are inspired to begin our annual 'Spring Clean' - BUT where do we start? It can be overwhelming.

So I had a chat with Simon about how we might be able to offer some useful tips and advice to our readers.

We came up with 3 jobs around the home that Simon suggested most of us can complete by ourselves.

Why not give them a try. You might surprise yourself at what you can do!

1. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

This one could save the lives of you and your family and is at the top of my list of "If I am going to do just one thing today" jobs.

Bunnings has a great DIY video which comes with step by step instructions on how to change the battery all by yourself. All you need is a replacement battery and a ladder (or sturdy chair).

2. Wash the windows (and mirrors).

You need:

• an old newspaper

• non scratch sponge/scourer

• spray bottle

• puppy

OK OK! Puppy is not essential but we are good company and you can teach us how to fetch the newspaper!

Just grab the spray bottle and fill with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Scrunch up some newspaper pages ready for use.

Spray the window/mirror with the solution and then use your non scratch sponge/scourer to clean dirt from the windows.

Finish off by wiping windows dry with newspaper for a streak-free finish.

If your windows are extra dirty you may find it useful to use a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil applied directly to the newspaper and then scrub away - Simon has also found this method effective in removing the soap scum from shower screens.

3. Clean Bathroom/Kitchen/Laundry tiles and grout.

Over time the grout in tiles can become grubby and mouldy. If you are unhappy with the way the grout between your tiles is looking you can try cleaning it using a thick paste made up of 2 tablespoons of baking powder mixed with a small amount of water. Apply this paste and scrub into the grout with a bristled brush - You can use a toothbrush.

If grout has not been cleaned for a long period of time the build up of mould and dirt can cause permanent staining and ultimately result in degradation of the grout causing it to crumble and fall out.

If this is the case you have a couple of options-

a) Re-grout : This entails attempting to remove all of the existing grout from between the tiles; often this is difficult and can result in the tiles lifting from the wall and/or breakage of tiles (Of course that doesn't mean you can't try).

b) Re-tile: You may decide that your bathroom/kitchen/laundry requires rejuvenation and re-tiling can be a cost effective way to update these rooms. Just choose your new tiles and call Simon to obtain a no obligation free quote.

That's it for this week. Hope you found this yelpful! Catch you later

Creating an Edge: Introducing the other half ...

"WOOF" everyone. I'm Spike, Simon's partner in crime and best friend.

Are there things that you want to do around the house? You know, those little maintenance jobs that on the surface seem easy but when you get down to it you don't quite know where to start?

Well we are here to Yelp! I mean, Help!

Each week I am going to pick Simon's brain to find out some renovation tips or advice on small maintenance jobs that you or I may be able to do around the house. I will take those tips and provide links and other resources to assist you to create an edge in your home.

If you have any questions or want to see something in particular on this blog we would love to hear from you. Just email us using the contact form. If we don't already know we will do our best to find out. And we will put it right here in our blog "Creating an Edge".