DIY Product Reviews

When I first saw this product in the store all I could think of was the infomercial with grass seed growing on a cinder block.  After a few visits to Lowes and a few more thin spots in my yard I decided to pick up a container of EZ Seed.  It was the plastic shaker can and was priced at $14.97.  I though this was a bit high, but still decided to give it a test.

I put the product down 12 days ago and had a mixed weather.  Highs of 84 and lows of 38 and rain and sun.  The grass did germinate quickly, but didn’t fill in well. I also had a problem keeping the EZ Seed wet.  It seemed to dry out quickly.  I watered it as much as I would plain grass seed.

Pros: Fast germination, easily to apply, and adequte directions.

Cons: Expensive, poor coverage, and poor water retention.

Overall Rating: Average.  I might buy this product for small applications (i.e. to replace a pulled weed), but not for anything bare area larger than a dinner plate.  I prefer the Scotts Patchmaster product for these applications.

Are you looking for an alarm monitoring company in Indianapolis, Indiana?  These companies provide burglar alarm and fire alarm monitoring in Indianapolis.  Most of these companies also will install and service alarm systems.  Some alarm systems can only be monitored by the original company, but you can call around to find out for sure.

Stanley Security Solutions (Honeywell / HSM)
Indianapolis Phone 317-776-3500

ADT Security Alarm
Indianapolis Phone 317-913-0253

Circle City Alarm
Indianapolis Phone 877-607-1368

Honeywell / HSM (now part of Stanley Security)
Indianapolis, IN 317-776-3500

All of these companies can monitor your existing burglar or fire alarm system,  as well as install a new alarm/security system.

Cleaning a dishwasher and keeping a dishwasher clean will improve it performance and life.  Oils, grease, lime, and rust all build up in the tub and the internal parts.  A clean dishwasher will work better, be quieter, and be more efficient than a dirty one.  I have found three different ways to clean a dishwasher depending on the type of stains or smells.

Method #1 - How to Clean a Dishwasher with Bleach

This type of cleaning is best for smells and mold in the dishwasher.  Add 1 tablespoon of bleach to the bottom of the tub and run a full cycle with the tub empty.  If your dishwasher, has a high temp option go ahead and use it.

Method #2 - How to Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar

This method is best for cleaning lime scale and rust from the pump, tub, and other interal parts.  Select the hottest, longest cycle and place a cup of vinegar in the upper rack.  Run  a full cycle with the dishwasher empty.  This is also a great preventative care option for stainless steel dishwasher tubs.

Method #3 - How to Clean a Dishwasher with LemiShine

This is my favorite way to clean a dishwasher.  It eliminates the smells and remove the lime and hardwater buildups.  The recommended approach is an overnight soak, but a few hours has worked well for me.  Place 1/4 cup of LemiShine in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it fill with water.  Let the cycle go for about 5 minutes then stop it.  This soak will allow the LemiShine to remove years of lime and grease buildups.  After the the soak let the dishwasher finish it regular cycle.

You also can use LemiShine with every load to prevent the hard water, lime, and calcium from building up.  Mix your regular dishwashing detergent with LemiShine in a ratio of 1:1 (50/50).  It will keep your dishwasher clean and your glassware sparkling.

Along with these steps the gasket can be cleaned with a regular household cleaner and warm water.  Check with the manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions.

A efficent washing machine can save a lot of money, time, energy, and water.  Finding the correct machine can be difficult, but the new energy standards has made it easier.  An Energy Star washing machine saves on average 40% the energy and 55% the water of an non qualified model.

There are many different ways to measure the performance of a washing machine, but the two most complete ways are Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and the Water Factor.

The Modifed Energy Factor measures the amount of energy to wash AND dry a load of clothes.  The higher spin speeds on todays machines reduces the water and thus reduces the drying time.

The Water Factor measures the amount of water used per cubic foot of the wash tub.  Clothes Washing Machines must have a minimum of a Modifed Energy Factor (MEF) of 1.72 and a Water Factor of 8.0 to be listed as Energy Star.

Brand                 Model     Modified Energy Factor (MEF)     Water Factor
Whirlpool           LHW0050               2.79                                       6
LG Electronics  WM3001H              2.71                                        3.4
Samsung            WF428AA               2.7                                          3.4
Samsung            WF438AA               2.7                                          3.4
Samsung            WF448AA               2.7                                          3.4
Eurotech            EWF272EL             2.66                                        7.3
LG Electronics  WM0001H             2.65                                         3.4
LG Electronics  WM248                   2.65                                        3.6
LG Electronics  WM268                   2.65                                        3.3
Kenmore            4770                        2.64                                        3.4
Kenmore            4771                        2.64                                        3.4
Kenmore            4775                        2.64                                        3.4
Kenmore            4776                        2.64                                        3.4
Kenmore            4778                        2.64                                        3.4
Kenmore            4779                        2.64                                        3.4

Energy Star appliances are rated by the EPA.  The ratings can provide a good guide to overall efficiencies of the machines.  The newer steam washing machines have made the rating system more difficult, but are still very efficient.  The most important thing about buying a new machine is features, cycles, and usability.