How To Refinish Wood Furniture

One of the most satisfying things I have learned is how to refinish wood furniture. I cant begin to tell you how many pieces of furniture that were once someone else’s garbage have landed in my hands. With the right attention, approach and dedication, another mans garbage can become your treasure.

The hardest part about restoring a piece of wood furniture is developing the patience to see all the steps through. This is one DIY project you dont want to rush, and it is highly unlikely you will get it done in one afternoon. Restoring old furniture is hardly ever straight forward, and a technique that worked for one piece might not work for another. The trick is to know your options and then have enough knowledge to do the detective work and make an effective plan.

The steps are basic and easy. Be patient and thorough, and people will think your refinished wood furniture is new!

Assess the condition

Take a good look at your piece of wood furniture from as many angles as possible. Use painters tape to pinpoint areas that will need extra attention, such as putty build-up or deep dings that will require extra sanding to even out. It is easy to overlook areas when the dust starts flying. Then, you will need to answer some questions to determine how you go about refinishing your piece of furniture:

Is the piece made out of solid wood, laminate, or veneered plywood?

A solid wood piece of furniture is one of the most forgiving and most suitable candidates for refinishing. With veneered plywood furniture, you need to be cautious when sanding, not to sand through the wood veneer. Laminate furniture is the worst candidate for refinishing because the plastic laminate won’t take sanding, stain, or paint well.

Are the joints solid, or do they need reinforcement?

If nails or screws are loose, secure them so no further damage is done while you are refinishing it. You want to work on a solid piece and avoid having a leg fall off while you are sanding. If it requires gluing, use clamps to get a tight fit and a paintbrush or screwdriver to push it down into any deep voids.

Is there a stain under the topcoat that you may have to match?

If you have stained wood under a topcoat or sealer, you will have difficulty doing a perfect color match. Stain and sealer colors change with age, making them yellow or even deepen in tone. Therefore, it is very difficult to get an exact match. This would be the time to consider painting the furniture a solid paint color. If you choose to paint it a solid paint color, you may use all the following steps, but add a good coat of primer before proceeding with paint instead of clear sealer.

Is the current finish water-based or oil-based?

This is the most important piece of detective work you must uncover. If the finish has a yellowing appearance, it is probably an oil-based finish. Also, if a piece of wood furniture was made before the 1980s, it is even more likely to be oil-based, as water-based clear sealers didnt take off until then. The importance of this question lies in what paint, stain, or finish you plan to refinish it with. Water-based finishes can only go over water-based finishes, but oil-based finishes can cover everything.

"Oil over water. Yes. Water over oil. Never."

Carmen De La Paz

How to remember what finishes you can use

Clean the surface

Remove all of the hardware and clean the surface using a solution made up of three parts water and one part vinegar. This will help break down grease and grime. Be sure not to use a heavily saturated wet rag; you want to wipe off the dirt and grime and not leave a lot of excess moisture on the wood. Allow it to dry well before moving on.

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Beware of This Scary Google Street View Extortion Scam

Imagine this: You wake up one morning and sit at your desk with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to check your email like usual. Only this morning, you’re greeted by a threatening message from an unknown sender. The email says that if you don’t transfer the sender $2,000 in cryptocurrency, he’ll send compromising personal photos or videos of you to your friends and family. While your immediate reaction is that it must be a scam, the email contains pictures of your house, so could the sender be for real?

It sounds like the stuff of nightmares or the plot of a thriller movie, but people across the U.S. are receiving these emails. Word to the wise: It’s a scam albeit a convincing one that’s joining the conniving ranks of the USPS scam text or the Gmail AI phishing scam.

A Philadelphia woman named Kierra Howell told NBC10 she received one of these scam emails. “I opened it up, and it’s just like this long message saying they tracked my phone. They could see inside my camera, watch what I’ve been doing, and, like, sent a picture of the front of my old place,” she said.

Here’s what you need to know about this scam sweeping the U.S. and how to avoid being sucked into it.

How Does The Google Street View Scam Work?

The scam is simple: a scammer who’s gotten their hands on a prospective victim’s email and home address through a data breach crafts a message threatening them with disseminating compromising video or photos of them unless they transfer them a large sum of money. To make the con more convincing, they include pictures of the victim’s house, giving the impression that they’ve been snooping around it. Little does the victim know that the scammer got the photos by screenshotting them off Google Street View.

How to Avoid the Google Street View Scam

You can ask yourself some simple questions to help determine whether an extortionary email is a scam or not.

• Are the intimate photos/videos included in the email? If the sender actually had compromising videos or pictures, they would have included them in the email, so there’s no room for doubt.
• Has anyone else received similar emails? Copy the text of the email and paste it into Google. If it’s a scam, you’re probably not the only one who’s received it, and other victims will have shared the text of their email online.
• Are the photos of your house legit? If the images of your home the sender included are of your old apartment or previous home, it’s a sign that they got their hands on outdated data and don’t actually have your current address. As an added measure, type your address into Google Street View to compare the photos in the email to the app’s imagery. If they are the same, you are being scammed.

What to Do If You Fell for the Google Street View Scam?

You may still have options if you fell for the scam and transferred money to the sender.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that if you paid the scammer with a debit or credit card or a transfer through your bank, you can report the transaction to your bank as fraud and ask them to reverse it. If you sent cash via mail, you can contact the postal service you used and ask them to try to intercept the package before it’s delivered.

If you send money as cryptocurrency, it will be harder to get your money back, as crypto transfers are usually irreversible. Still, you can try to contact the company you made the transfer through to reverse the transaction if possible.

You may also want to consider blurring out your house on Google Maps to avoid this scam in the future.

How to Report a Scam

Whether you fell victim to the Google Street View scam or not, you should report it to the FTC. When you do, it helps them build cases against scammers and educate the public so they can avoid falling victim to the same scams. So, if you spot a scam, report it by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

• NBC10: “Philly-area women warn of Google Street View sextortion scam” (2024)
• FTC.gov: “What to Do If You Were Scammed”

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Turn a Ziplock Bag Into a Car iPad Holder for Your Kid

Road trips with young kids can be a challenge. Sure, there are plenty of sing-along songs and classic car games, but young kids especially may be better soothed by watchingMs. Rachel videos on an iPad than by trying to keep up with punch buggy. However, letting children hold a pricey iPad for the duration of your road trip is not always advisable. They’ll get tired, they may drop it, or they may exit out of the video you’ve set up for them and end up opening other apps entirely.

Fortunately, The Daily Nelly (@janelleandkate on TikTok) has a DIY car iPad holder hack that you can replicate. As long as you already have an iPad, it’s incredibly cheap and easy to do. You just need a Ziploc bag that is larger than your iPad so that you’ve got some room to work with.

DIY Car iPad Holder Hack

@janelleandkate Best parent hack. #roadtrip #carhack #parenthack #parent #car #tips original sound – The Daily Nelly

• Start by removing the headrest of the front passenger seat. Line your Ziploc bag up so that the holes for the headrest are centered near one edge. Give yourself a bit of a comfortable margin here, don’t put those holes right at the edge of the bag. You don’t want the weight of the iPad to cause the bag to rip and fall.
  • NOTE: Ensure the bag’s opening is facing the rear passenger door. Don’t put the opening at the bottom, as that would allow the iPad to fall out.
• Once you’re happy with placement, grab a screwdriver and use it to punch two holes in the bag, one for each leg of the headrest.
• Put the headrest back on the sea, making sure to slide each leg through the holes you created in the bag. Confirm that everything is still lined up. It should hold the Ziploc bag securely in place, and there should still be plenty of room for you to put your iPad inside.
• Put the iPad inside the Ziploc bag and seal it up. The bag’s material should still allow you to play videos and interact with the iPad screen.

Now all there is to do is queue up a movie, finish loading the car, get your kids situated comfortably and get on the road!

Whether you have the kids watch with wireless headphones, the iPad’s speakers or pair it to your car is entirely up to you. But you’ve found one of the cheapest ways to add a screen to your car and help your kids settle down and relax for those long car rides.

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Hampton Bay Fire Pit Review: Our Experts’ Honest Thoughts

A fire pit takes a backyard from nice to elevated, especially during cold weather. The right fire pit aligns with your backyard decor, brings up the vibes, and creates a cozy atmosphere that no one will want to leave when the night is over.

Our team of shopping editors and product testers has taken a dozen fire pits through a battery of ten tests, including the popular Hampton Bay Fire Pit. Specifically, we tested the Hampton Bay Crossridge 30-inch, 50,000-BTU Antique Bronze Gas Fire Pit, which has an average rating of almost five stars at The Home Depot.

We wanted to see if it lived up to its reputation. Read on for our comprehensive Hampton Bay Fire Pit review.

What is the Hampton Bay Fire Pit?

The Hampton Bay Crossridge Fire Pit is a 30-inch, 50,000-BTU gas fire pit. It uses a standard propane tank and features a rustic aesthetic with a natural stone tabletop. With its substantial BTU rating, this fire pit can produce strong, tall flames that can be felt from several feet away. Its relatively neutral but attractive design can fit in backyards of many different styles.

Related: Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit ReviewMy Thoughts

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at The Home Depot

We Tried It

Hampton Bay Crossridge Fire Pit Table

A steel-constructed fire pit table with a natural slate top

Shop at The Home Depot

Pros:

• Easy, simple assembly
• Hidden propane tank and hose
• No propane leakage
• Comes with lava rocks
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Screen warped and burned
• Propane tank cover feels cheaply made
• Heavy to move; may need multiple people

Hampton Bay Fire Pit Features

This fire pit comes equipped with several notable features.

Natural Stone Tabletop

The 30-inch-by-30-inch stone tabletop is sturdy and strong. In fact, it is one of our testers’ favorite features of the Hampton Bay Fire Pit.

50,000 BTU Heat

The high BTU rating means the fire pit produces strong flames.

“On the max setting, the flame is high and deep orange, and it encompasses a majority of the bowl,” says Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley. It also has one of the strongest low settings of all the fire pits our team has tested.

Enclosed Propane Tank

Your guests won’t even know your propane tank is there: The base of this fire pit serves as a complete enclosure for a standard 20-pound propane tank and its hose. However, we must note that our testers find the base to be “chintzy” and not properly aligned, which makes it feel somewhat out of place compared to the nice, sturdy stone tabletop.

Electric Ignition

This fire pit features an electric ignition that’s easy to use.

“You have to hold down the igniter, then turn the burner knob,” Higley explains. “Once it lights, you let go of the igniter and can adjust the flame size.”

How We Tested It

We put the Hampton Bay Fire Pit through its paces from shopping to set up.

Delivery and Packaging

The Hampton Bay Fire Pit pleased our testing team in several areas, but packaging and delivery were not one of them. Though it was delivered straight to the door with no pallet or freight required, our testers experienced an unpleasant situation upon opening the box.

“On the exterior, this box looked comparable to the rest, but we opened it up to find that lava rocks had spilled everywhere,” Higley said. “The tape on the box of rocks lifted off, so they were scattered throughout the entire box. Because of this, most items were coated in a thin layer of dustvery unpleasant and irritating.”

We felt we needed to mention this in case it’s a frequent occurrence, but it’s entirely possible that this doesn’t happen to you at all.

Assembly

This fire pit was the easiest for our testing team to assemble (moving on from the disastrous packing situation). They experienced some minor hiccups with aligning parts, but overall, it was easy, and the directions were simple to follow.

The steps were comparable to those of other fire pit models our team tested; nothing was out of the ordinary. The weightiness of the stone tabletop is the only thing that might slow you down, says Higley. Our team recorded a setup time of just 35 minutes.

Propane Hookup

The propane hookup was “super simple and easy,” according to Higley. You just screw the hose onto the propane tank. After connecting it, our testing team searched for leaks by spraying connections with soapy water and watching for bubbles as we turned the valve on. They’re happy to report no leakage occurred.

Use

Overall, the Hampton Bay Fire Pit is easy to use, although you may encounter minor setbacks. For instance, our team realized that they initially inserted the alkaline battery incorrectly, so they experienced some false starts during which a fair amount of gas must’ve built up in the hose.

“Once we addressed the issue and turned the fire pit table on, the flames were substantial and pretty smoky,” says Higley. “Oops.”

This inexplicably came with a screen that is not mentioned in the manual, on the box or on the website. However, some customer photo reviews feature the screen.

“Theoretically, we liked the screen because the flames felt more contained with it on, which gave us a sense of security,” Higley says. “That being said, it gave off a foul burning-rubber, chemical smell. It also started to warp and even incurred a burn mark after only 15 minutes of use. Without it on, the fire was more aggressive. There’s also no handle on the screen, so it could be dangerous to move and lift when hot because there’s no good way to grab it.”

After investigating further, we realized that this screen might only be intended for use during the initial setup to contain potential sparks from flying. However, there’s no information on the website or in the user manual, so we can’t be sure.

Flames and Heat

The Hampton Bay Fire Pit produces strong, tall flames on the highest setting (50,000 BTUs), which our testers appreciate. However, they note that the flames seem pretty susceptible to the wind.

“The flames move around easily, and it’s a little scary if you’re close to it,” says Higley. “You definitely wouldn’t want to set anything on the edge of the table, despite what vendor images imply.”

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team at Family Handyman consists of subject matter experts in home topics, as well as experienced, dedicated shopping editors and commerce writers who care about helping our readers make the right purchasing decisions for them.

We also have an in-house product testing team that actually shops for, assembles, and uses the products we review. For this Hampton Bay fire pit review, our product testers took the fire pit through a series of tests we’ve standardized for fire pits, looking at criteria such as packaging and delivery, assembly, ease of use, durability and longevity, heat emission, and value.

FAQ

How do I ignite a Hampton Bay fire pit?

Most Hampton Bay Fire Pits feature electric ignition, so it should be a simple matter of turning a knob and flipping a switch. However, each model may have differences. Be sure to read the user manual for the model you buy.

How heavy is the Hampton Bay fire pit?

Hampton Bay makes multiple fire pit models, so the exact weight depends on the one you buy. The one we testedthe 30-inch, 50,000-BTU Crossridge modelweighs almost 90 pounds out of the box.

What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say

This fire pit has strong reviews on its primary online retailer, The Home Depot. Out of nearly 3,000 reviews, it boasts an average rating of 4.4 stars at the time of writing.

Buyer OCmom called it the “perfect fire pit,” while reviewer Steven said, “Great size, easy to assemble and puts off plenty of heat. Definitely a good addition to your backyard oasis!”

Some buyers noted things they’d change about the model.

For instance, buyer Susan said, “I’ve had this for a few years now. It intermittently goes out after burning for several minutes; after several restarts and turning the knob to the magic position, it stays lit. Rather annoying when trying to relax and enjoy the ambiance. Also the grout between the tiles is cracking and coming apart. When the flame does stay on, it’s wonderful and I love it.”

Overall, most buyers are happy with their purchase and get several years of use out of the fire pit.

Hampton Bay Fire Pit vs. Tiki Brand Fire Pit

Our product testers also tried the Tiki Brand customizable fire pit. The experience was different in some ways but the same in others. For one thing, the Tiki Brand customizable fire pit is, well, customizable. It costs substantially more at $499about double the pricebut a big part of the draw is that it’s customizable with various accessories.

During testing, Higley said, “This will probably appeal to a specific taste. It’s more modern-looking with a streamlined profile. It’s all black with rounded edges. It’s cone-shaped, and you can add a tabletop (included in purchase but shipped in a separate box), which would make it look more similar to the other fire pits.”

Like the Hampton Bay fire pit, the Tiki Brand fire pit was relatively easy to assemble but hard to move due to its weight. Our testers think the Tiki Brand pit has more longevity, as it feels much more durable and hefty. You can read our full Tiki Brand fire pit review for more details on the customizable propane fire pit.

Final Verdict

Our team liked the Hampton Bay Fire Pit for the most part, but they think it might be priced slightly high for it to be a must-buy value.

“It’s not a great value, which is a shame because the screen was a great concept, and the natural stone table top was pretty impressive,” Higley said. It might be worth the dough if you catch it on sale (which it often is). Shop for more fire pits with our guide to the best fire pits on Amazon.

Where to Buy the Hampton Bay Fire Pit

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at The Home Depot

We Tried It

Hampton Bay Crossridge Fire Pit Table

An antique bronze fire pit table that'll upgrade your patio

Shop at The Home Depot

The Hampton Bay Fire Pit is available at The Home Depot for about $180.

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We Tried the Shark StainStriker, and The Results Were Shocking

Say what you will, but carpet flooring has perksespecially if youre a small child or pet. It provides a soft cushion to what would otherwise be hard flooring. However, carpet (mainly white or light-hued) can be challenging to maintain without a proper carpet cleaner. While the best carpet cleaners are good, sometimes a portable spot cleaner for carpet and upholstery gets the job done better (and more efficiently).

When I first saw the Shark StainStriker advertised, I knew I had to try it. Its a super-compact, lightweight carpet and upholstery cleaner that tackles spills and messes anywhere in the home. As someone who has paid hundreds to professionally clean their carpets, I was excited to see how the StainStriker would perform. Heres how testing the portable cleaning machine went.

What is the Shark StainStriker?

The Shark StainStriker is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaning machine that spot-treats and removes stains. It uses a dual-activated solution to treat multiple surfaces throughout your home, including carpets, rugs, upholstery, furniture and more.

The compact cleaning machine weighs less than 10 pounds, so it’s easy to carry to any part of the home. The dual-activated cleaning solution uses OXY to clean tough stains like embedded dirt, pet messes and food stains. No premix or pre-treatment is required either. The StainStriker offers instant stain elimination.

FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Shark

Shop at Walmart

Shop on Amazon

I Tried It

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

A super-lightweight cleaning machine

Shop at Shark

Shop at Walmart

Shop on Amazon

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design for portability
• Cleans on wet and dry stains
• Cleans pet messes more thoroughly than by hand
• Helps to reduce odor from messes
• Easy to use
• Comes with multiple attachments and cleaning solution
• Machine is easy to clean, but should be cleaned after each use
• One-button operation

Cons:

• Noisy
• May not work on all stains, especially if theyre old and set in

Shark StainStriker Product Features

Dual-Action Cleaning Solution and Powerful Suction

Sharks dual-activated cleaning solution is contained in separate tanks on the machine and comes together for stain-busting action in the cleaning handleno premix or pretreatment necessary. The handheld cleaning tool also features powerful suction to lift liquid, dirt and debris during cleaning. The StainStriker works on tough odors and stains from pets and even smokers.

Easy Cleaning and Storage

Weighing just 8.51 pounds, the StainStriker is easily portable. You can take it upstairs or downstairs, wherever you need to clean. Plus, you can tuck it away out of sight when not in use, and it doesnt take up much space. Its less than a foot wide, less than 3 inches long and 15 inches tall. The hose length is just over four feet, and the power cord is 12 feet long, so you should have no problem reaching from outlet to mess in an average-size room!

Whats In the Box

The StainStriker comes with 12 ounces of OXY Multiplier Formula and six ounces of CarpetXpert Deep Clean Pro solutionthe two cleaning liquids that combine to clean stains and spills. These are both mini sizes of the cleaning liquids, and Shark sells 32-ounce versions of the CarpetXpert and OXY Multiplier for $16 and $14, respectively.

Youll also get the 3.5-inch reversible bristle tool, the pet mess tool, an integrated crevice tool for hard-to-reach places and an instruction booklet.

Shipping and Returns

Shark offers free shipping on orders of $99 or more, so the StainStriker should ship for free. Theres also a 60-day money-back guarantee.

How We Tested It

I put the StainStriker through a series of tests using real-life, set-in stains and fabricated stains (stains I created solely to test the machines cleaning power). I was surprised by the results.

After unboxing the StainStriker, I examined all the parts to be sure attachments and cleaning agents were included per the product description. While removing the packaging, I noticed that the exterior of the dirty water tank (made of hard plastic) was scratched. It wasnt cracked or broken, and the scratches didnt affect the machines operation.

Id describe the scratches as cosmetic flaws, but the cleaning machine was very well packaged in the box, so Im unsure when the damage occurred. My guess is that the damage was a manufacturing default, not a shipping issue. Overall, the scratches were more of an annoyance than anything.

Next, I filled the StainStriker Tank with OXY Multiplier. I filled the CarpetXpert Tank with water and the CarpetXpert Deep Clean Pro solution. Once the machine was full, I walked it into the dining room, where there was a set-in wine stain that had been there for years, and plugged the machine in.

(Even full of water and cleaning solution, the StainStriker was easy for me to carry from room to room.) I was hopeful as I pressed the on/off button and got ready to attack the stain. I sprayed the stain using the button on the handle first, then scrubbed repeatedly, trying to remove the stain. I did that a few times and waited.

Unfortunately, the stain did not budge. In fairness, it is the mother stain of all stains. I had my carpets professionally cleaned recently, and the expert carpet cleaner couldnt get the stain to lift either. So, I went into the living room, over to a brown stain (on white carpet) next to the mantel.

The stain was either a result of spilled coffee or a pet accident and was disclosed to us by the prior homeowners, who had tried to remove it with no luck. The professionals couldnt remove itwith their industrial carpet cleanerseither. This time, I wasnt so hopeful. Still, I set the StainStriker next to the stain, plugged it in, and went to work. What happened next was magic.

The light brown stain (which was only noticeable in certain lighting, probably due to years of attempted removals) started to lift! I was shocked. I walked over to the fireplace multiple times throughout the day to ensure my eyes werent playing tricks on me. The stain was gone.

After that, I tried the StainStriker on upholstery. I had a sample of couch fabric handy from a recent furniture purchase that was perfect for the job. (Note: The fabric is light tan and prone to staining.) On one side, I rubbed in used coffee grounds and on the other, I smeared ketchup. Then, I let each stain sit for about four hours. After that, it was time to clean. I couldnt quite remove either stain entirely. I may have rubbed in each side a little too eagerly after my luck in the living room.

The StainStriker quickly pulled the coffee grounds and ketchup away from the fabric, but unfortunately, there were still shadows of the stains left on the fabric after it had dried from the cleaning. A few factors were working against the StainStriker. First off, how often will you violently rub in a stain when you make a mess in real life? Probably not often–or ever. You’re better off getting the StainStriker on a stain before its pressed into carpet or upholstery fibers. Additionally, darker and performance fabrics are easier to treat and clean.

Despite a few letdowns, I was still impressed with the StainStriker overall for several reasons. 1) Its easy to move, operate and clean. 2) Every stain is different, and the StainStriker was able to lift a stain that even professional carpet cleaners couldnt. 3) The cleaning solution smells excellent. While the StainStriker didnt fully lift the stains I created to test it, it removed the odor and left the fabric smelling fresh. 4) The StainStriker is affordable compared to other small, commercial-grade fabric and carpet cleaners.

The StainStriker is great if you frequently clean small spills and accidents, especially from pets. It even has a Pet Mess Tool, which I found as effective as the main cleaning head. The Pet Mess Tool isolates the dirty water from the machine for easy cleaning and zero cross-contamination.

My only qualm with the StainStriker is that its intended for spot cleaning, but theres only one fill line for the water tank (which takes water and CarpetXpert), so you have to fill it fully every time you use it. Additionally, you shouldnt leave unused cleaning solutions in either tank for more than 5-7 days, so some cleaning solutions will inevitably be wasted. That was a bummer, especially since the machine only comes with two small bottles of cleaning solution.

FAQ

Can you leave water in Shark StainStriker?

According to Shark customer support, you leave clean water in the StainStriker for a short period, of five to seven days. For long-term storage (weeks), they recommend storing unused cleaning solutions in the tank off the unit to prevent clogging or build-up in the machine. However, unused CarpetXpert solution (the solution thats diluted with water) should be discarded after short-term use.

The dirty water tank should be emptied and cleaned after each use to prevent odors, mildew, mold and bacteria.

Does the Shark StainStriker use steam?

No. It does not use steam; it uses water, suction, and two cleaning solutions.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The Shark StainStriker has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with more than 3,000 customer reviews. The consensus among customers is that the machine is lightweight, easy to operate and works well on carpet and upholstery. Many buyers say theyve had success removing stubborn stains, too. Additionally, several people like the clean smell the cleaning solution leaves behind and appreciate the impressive suction power.

Verified purchaser Mal says, I bought this to treat some old stains when it was on sale, and shortly thereafter had a pet that got VERY sick and managed to do significant damage on the rugs, couches and chairs in my home (including vomit, urine, feces, you name it). It has been worth its weight in gold and made the horrible experience somewhat manageable. Seriously, the house is even cleaner than it was before.

I’m a Shark devotee for life now, Mal adds. Blew my old Bissel out of the water. Love that it has a handle for easy carry, long cord for mobility, and you can leave the solution in the unit between uses. Also super easy to clean out the dirty water bin and cleaning heads. The suction is great. I wish the hose was a tad longer (have to move it around a bit) but can deal with that.

Honestly if you are on the fence and have a pet or kids, just buy it for the peace of mind, they say.

Shark StainStriker vs. Bissell Little Green HydroSteam

The Shark StainStriker is comparable to the Bissell Little Green HydroStem, which we tested for our guide, Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Stains. However, when comparing the two products, the StainStriker is more compact and simpler to use (with a single-button on/off switch) than the HydroSteam. The HydroSteam also has a steam cleaning setting, which the StainStriker does not have, plus quieter operation.

Both carpet cleaning machines have easily removable dirty water tanks that can be dumped and cleaned thoroughly in the sink. Additionally, the StainStriker has a hose-cleaning tool and a pet-cleaning tool that keeps pet messes far away from the machine, and the HydroSteam does not have either. The StainStriker takes two cleaning solutions, while the HydroSteam only takes one, and the StainStriker has a wider cleaning brush head but a smaller dirty water tank.

Lastly, perhaps most importantly, the StainStriker retails for $90 less than the HydroSteam.

Final Verdict

At such a reasonable price point, I think the Shark StainStriker is a great tool to have in your arsenal of cleaning products. Of course, the machines effectiveness will depend on several variables: the fabric or carpet youre cleaning, the stain (red and oil-based stains are often more challenging to treat, for instance), and how long the stain has been left to sit.

However, the StainStriker is affordable, easy to operate, portable and effective on many stainsincluding old stains that professional carpet cleaners couldnt even get to budge! For that reason, Id recommend it to anyone who needs to stain-treat fabrics and carpets frequently (aka, people with pets and children).

Where to Buy the StainStriker

FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop at Shark

Shop at Walmart

Shop on Amazon

I Tried It

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

An impressive carpet cleaner for spot-treating stains

Shop at Shark

Shop at Walmart

Shop on Amazon

You can buy the StainStriker directly from Shark, at Walmart and on Amazon. The retail price is $140, but the machine is often marked down.

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Stop! You’ve Been Carving Your Pumpkin Wrong This Whole Time

Pumpkin carving is one of the most exciting parts of October. Whether done alone or with family, there’s a magic to picking out a pumpkin, working on a design, and watching it come to life. But did you know there’s a right and wrong way to carve a pumpkin. Doing it wrong can even cause your pumpkin to rot faster, so read on to learn the right way to carve yours and make it last through the season.

How to Carve a Pumpkin the Right Way

If you’ve carved jack-o-lanterns before, you know that once you set them out on the porch, it’s a race between wildlife and rot to see who eats away at your pumpkins first. Carving your decorations the right way may not prevent your local rodents from getting a fun snack, but it can help to stave off the rot and give you a few extra days of Halloween magic.

Donaldson Farms published their tips and tricks guide to pumpkin carving, and their first tip involves the placement of the first hole.

While it’s common to start with a hole in the top, making it easy to remove the stem and scoop out the innards, this is not the best method. Instead, cut a hole in the back or the bottom of the pumpkin. Or, if you’re using a power washer to carve it, simply let the mouth serve as the hole. You should still save the piece you cut out, just like you would save the stem!

Why Should You Leave the Stem Attached to Your Pumpkin?

According to the folks at Donaldson Farms, the stem holds onto important nutrients your pumpkin needs to last as long as possible during the Halloween season. Without that stem, your pumpkin will fade and begin to rot much quicker, leaving you with the option of repeating the entire process to replenish your front porch decor or only getting to enjoy the jack-o-lanterns for a couple of days.

Professional pumpkin carver and co-founder of Maniac Pumpkin Chris Soria told Wirecutter he agreed with this approach, adding that “[the stem is] almost like the top of an umbrella holding the pumpkin together. If you cut through the top, after a day or two, that lid tends to fall right through the hole youve made. Then its only a matter of time before the pumpkin is completely gone.

Sources

• Donaldson Farms: “Pumpkin Carving Tips & Tricks”
• Wirecutter: “Want Your Jack-o-lantern to Last Longer? Stop Cutting a Hole in the Top!”2024

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Maytag vs Whirlpool Washer: Which Reigns Supreme?

If it’s time to replace your washing machine, odds are you’ve been going back and forth between Maytag vs Whirlpool. These two reputable washer brands have been around for decades and make some of the best washing machines on the market. Both offer a variety of models at a wide range of price points, so there’s a machine for every household.

In an effort to help settle the Maytag vs. Whirlpool debateand help you make an informed decision on which brand is the best for youwe talked to an industry expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience and tested a popular model from each brand. We then took all of the input and testing results into this handy comparison guide. Once you decide where you stand on the Maytag vs. Whirlpool discussion, you can get busy shopping. Get ready to have the cleanest laundry around!

What’s the Difference Between Maytag and Whirlpool Washers?

Maytag and Whirlpool are two leading brands in the appliance industry. Both companies strive to provide innovative and dependable appliances.

Maytag built its first washing machine in 1907. This rudimentary washer consisted of a wooden tub with a hand
crank. As the crank was turned, the clothes were pulled through the water. Their models have certainly come a long way in their nearly 120 years of business. Today, Maytag is known for producing durable yet affordable machines.

Whirlpool, on the other hand, was founded in 1911 and focused on electric washers. Their electric wringer-washer evolved over time and the brand now offers a wide range of appliances including refrigerators, cooktops, dishwashers and more. Whirlpool washers are generally easy to use and come with a plethora of additional features and options for different types of loads.

The Whirlpool Corporation purchased Maytag in 2006. However, the two brands continue to operate as independent appliance manufacturers and there are several differences between them.

All About Maytag Washers

According to Dennis G., Lead Appliance Expert at Comfort Appliance Repair in Tennessee, Maytag washers are built tough. “They are known for their durability and can handle heavy-duty loads, which is great if you’re running large loads on a regular basis,” he says.

Senior shopping editor Caroline Lubinsky tested the Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 12-Hr Fresh Spin option. This washer, which has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, is actually smaller than Lubinsky’s old washing machine. Admittedly, she was skeptical of a smaller machine at first. However, she was delighted to find that it was still able to meet her needs. “I’m able to wash my king-sized comforter easily, which is all that I was concerned about fitting,” she explains.

In addition to handling large loads of clothes and bedding, Lubinsky appreciates how well this machine actually cleans her laundry. “I have three dogs and pet hair was a real issue with the old set,” she says. “This washing machine seems to get most of the embedded dog hairs on clothing and bedding.”

According to Lubinsky, the average load takes around an hour to complete, but can change depending on which of the 10 wash cycles you select. It also has an auto-hold feature, which Lubinsky finds especially helpful. This feature allows your clothes to stay fresh even if you forget to put them immediately in the dryer. “I constantly forget to throw things in the dryer after washing them and frequently have to rewash them. Now, I don’t have to do that,” she says.

All About Whirlpool Washers

According to Dennis, Whirlpool washers are more versatile than Maytag washers thanks to their advanced features. “Whirlpool focuses on making your laundry process smoother with smart features and more energy-efficient cycles,” he explains.

Associate product tester Sheri Kaz replaced her old Kenmore washer with the Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. After a year of use, Kaz has found plenty to love about her Whirlpool washer but the removable agitator is number one. “The thing that I appreciate the most is how gentle it is on my clothes when I take the agitator out,” she says.

Kaz also loves this washer’s large capacity. At 5.3 cubic feet, it holds twice as much as her old washer. That said, Kaz often finds that retrieving her items from this top loader’s deep drum isn’t the most convenient thing. “I curse the machine every time I have to stand on my tippy toes or grab a stool to fish my socks out of the super deep drum,” she says.

On laundry days, Kaz prefers the machine’s deep fill water option to the standard setting. “I feel that it needs more water in the tub to really clean and rinse the clothes properly,” she explains. “Also, rather than using the auto detergent dispense function, I tend to like using powder detergent in a cardboard box rather than liquid in a plastic bottle. As a result, I dissolve the detergent in hot water, then pour it into the machine.”

If you prefer liquid detergent, you’re in luck. According to Kaz, using the liquid detergent with the auto dispense function cleans very well. However, this function isn’t perfect. “The downside is that when using this function, the rinse water doesn’t run clear – it’s always very soapy,” says Kaz. “Therefore, I prefer using two rinses when using the auto dispense mode. Either way I’m using more water.”

FAQ

Do Maytag washers last long?

According to Dennis, a Maytag washer will last you around 10 to 12 years with proper care and maintenance. “Simple maintenance like cleaning the filters and avoiding overloading can help extend its life,” he explains.

Is a Maytag washer better than a Whirlpool?

When it comes to Maytag vs Whirlpool, Dennis says that one isn’t necessarily better than the other. Rather, it depends on your needs. If you often have heavy-duty loads then Dennis recommends a Maytag washer. But if you want more control over settings and efficiency, Whirlpool might be the better fit.

What is the difference between Whirlpool and Maytag?

As Dennis pointed out above, Maytag washers are built tough. “These washers are perfect for heavy loads and long-term use. If you’re looking for something that can take a beating, Maytag is great,” he explains.

Whirlpool, on the other hand, are more versatile with their advanced features. “Whirlpool focuses on making your laundry process smoother with smart features and more energy-efficient cycles,” says Dennis.

Should your machine ever go on the fritz, you can rest assured knowing that whichever brand you buy can likely be repaired. According to Dennis, Maytag and Whirlpool machines share some parts so its not hard to find technicians who can work on both brands. “Whirlpool parts might be a little easier to find just because its a more common brand, but both Whirlpool and Maytag are pretty well-supported in the U.S. for parts and repairs,” he explains.

The Maytag vs Whirlpool Bottom Line

You cant go wrong with either a Maytag or Whirlpool washer. Both brands offer durable, dependable machines that will keep your clothes clean and fresh. Of the models we tested, we found the Maytag front load washer and Whirlpool top load washer to be the most similar in terms of price point, size and features. Each model also has a coordinating dryer in case you’re looking for a complete washer and dryer set. If you’re frequently washing heavily soiled clothing, bedding or doing laundry for a large family, stick with a Maytag. But if you prefer the convenience of smart features and want a more energy-efficient washer, then go for a Whirlpool.

Where to Buy Maytag Washers

Maytag washers can be purchased directly from the manufacturer or at a variety of retailers. In addition to your local appliance store, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy all carry Maytag washing machines.

Where to Buy Whirlpool Washers

You can purchase a Whirlpool washer directly from Whirlpool or at a number of retailers. You are likely to find Whirlpool washers at your local appliance store as well as big box retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy.

Sources:

• Dennis G. is the lead appliance expert at Comfort Appliance Repair
• Brittanica: Frederick L. Maytag
• Whirlpool Corporation: History
• Whirlpool Corporation Completes Acquisition of Maytag Corporation (Press Release)

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