Expert Advice for your Lawn & Garden TV Host of Today's Homeowner^® and home expert for The Weather Channel

Having a problem getting your dishes sparking clean, or removing a stain from your favorite shirt? Not to fear, Cleaning 101 is here! This website from the Soap and Detergent Association provides information on everything from how to disinfect your kitchen counter to safety precautions when using bleach. There’s even a kids section with recipes and tips for blowing better bubbles.

I have a range that is located against an outside brick wall in a one-story kitchen with a flat roof. To avoid going through the brick wall, can I vent the hood straight up through roof? What sort of cap would I use that would prevent insects from entering but would still operate properly in a strong wind or with a heavy snow load? Thanks! John

Hi John,

Yes, you can vent a range hood through the roof using a 6” single wall pipe. You can buy the proper flashing to install it on a flat roof and a roof cap that has screen around it to prevent insects from entering. Be sure to extend the pipe up at least 2’ to 3’ to prevent snow buildup from causing problems.

A recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects, indicates a decline in homeowner demand for lavish high-end amenities in kitchens and baths. This was accompanied by a growing interest in environmentally friendly features, such as sustainable flooring and water saving toilets. Designs and products that improve accessibility for the elderly, like no threshold showers and handheld showerheads, were on the rise as well.

Several of the sinks designed by artist Steve Weinstock for the Celestial Series from Alchemy Glass & Light feature reclaimed glass shards arranged in a mosaic pattern and embedded in ¾” thick glass. The collection features 18 different patterns available in 15” or 18” diameters. Each sink is an original and unique work of art. Visit Alchemy to find a showroom near you.

What if I told you that you could wash your hands after every flush without using any water? The SinkPositive toilet tank sink works by diverting the water used to fill the toilet bowl through a faucet that turns on and off automatically every time you flush. And before you ask, the water used for washing is as clean as any in your house. The only difference you’ll notice is that the water in the toilet bowl might have a little soap in it. The SinkPositive is easy to install, adjusts to fit most toilets, and costs around $100.

Tired of throwing away sponges when they sour? Try microwaving them instead. According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health, zapping sponges and plastic scrubbing pads on high for two minutes in the microwave kills 99% of germs, including nasty ones like E. coli. Be sure they are wet, since dry sponges can catch fire, and don’t include scrubbers that contain metal. For best results repeat every other day, and allow them to cool before handling.