shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com April 11, 2017 • Page 11 Spring Home Improvement 6 Easy Spring Cleaning Projects Warmer days are here and what better way to spend them than cleaning? Although enjoying the great outdoors is probably high on many a to-do list come spring, by the end of winter, homes can probably do with a much-needed overhaul. Owners and renters can rely on temperate days to throw open the windows and engage in some easy spring-cleaning projects. The earlier one begins spring cleaning, the more quickly he or she will be able to head outside and bask in the warm spring sun. Spring cleaning tasks can be stretched out across several days to make the jobs more manageable. While certain spring cleaning tasks can be time-consuming, many projects can be started and completed in 30 minutes or less. 1. Look up Start by looking up at ceilings, molding and ceiling fans. Chances are strong that some cobwebs and dust have formed in these areas. Always begin cleaning by working from the top downward so you don’t have to clean any tables countertops or floors twice. Static-charged dusting cloths work well to catch and contain dust. Use a pillowcase on ceiling fan blades to clear the dust and keep it from cascading to the floor. 2. Blinds and curtains Heavy window treatments can be removed and replaced with more gauzy fabrics. This lets in more light and warmth from the sun. Many curtains can be freshened up right in the laundry, but blinds may require a bit more effort. If the blinds can be snapped out of the brackets, place them in a tub full of vinegar, dish soap and water. Allow them to soak and then Over 50 Years Experience in the Yankton area! 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Let the heat run for a few minutes to catch any small particles that become dislodged, and then change the furnace filter. 6. Clean out the refrigerator Now is a great time to remove any of those mystery containers growing fuzzy experiments in the back of the refrigerator. Take the food out of the refrigerator and use a food-safe cleaner to scour the shelves and inside of crisper drawers. Spring cleaning is a necessary task, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. Break up the work into manageable chunks of time, and projects won’t feel like such a hassle. rinse with the shower nozzle. Stationary blinds can be cleaned with using an old sock over your hand dipped in a vinegar-andwater solution. 3. Change linens Remove and launder bed linens. While the linens are in the wash, thoroughly dust all furniture and vacuum the carpets. Move furniture so you can reach areas where dust gathers, such as under the bed or dresser. 4. Grout cleaner Grade school science lessons can be put to use as you look to remove stubborn dirt. Combining baking soda and vinegar produces a reaction that causes the formation of gassy bubbles. These bub- nMetro Creative Connections Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm • Sat 8am-2pm We’re more than just Auto Parts! 1509 E. Hwy 50 •Yankton, SD 605-665-3693 • 800-658-3388 www.sturdevants.com ?Ž???3'??????3?3/?????3t??? 3 D 3 ?d?3?3Z?? ^ 3 ????3/???????? ^ 3 ??????3???3z????Ž?34???3^????3???? ???????3????????3/???????? 3 Ž???????3d???3t?3Z????????? 3 , 3 Ž??3?34??Ž3?3???????3?3>???3?3Ž??? 204 W. 4th St., Yankton, SD 605-665-3611 Toll Free: 1-888-665-3611 Fax: 605-665-2560 Did you know? Through the years, cars have evolved so much that certain parts once integral to their operation have now become obsolete. Only time will tell which components and features of today’s cars will disappear in the future. However, present drivers can reminisce about how cars have evolved even in the last 20 to 30 years. The following are some once-standard parts and features that have all but disappeared from modern vehicles. • Ashtrays and cigarette lighters: Smoking-related accessories began to vanish as the dangers of smoking became more apparent. Ashtrays in the dashboard and in the rear armrests are no longer standard. • Full-sized spare tire: The ‘doughnuts’ of today can be driven on for only limited distances and look awkward on larger vehicles. The fullsized spare enabled drivers to repair the flat tire on their own schedules. • Control knobs: Push buttons and digital dashes have replaced the manual knobs of the past. Levers often enabled drivers to adjust the heat without taking their eyes off the road. • Bench seats: Front bench seats have given way to two seats separated by a center console. No longer is it possible to fit three or four people in the front of a vehicle. • Whip antenna: Remember those thin, flexible antennas? Many modern vehicles feature more solid antennas that can be unscrewed for trips through the carwash or an antenna that is modeled into the car in an inconspicuous way. If drivers exhibit a preference for satellite radio in the years ahead, traditional antennas may soon become obsolete as well. nMetro Creative Connections Addressing Spring Ant Problems The return of warm weather in the spring often marks the return of animals and insects as well. The spring season is a popular time for insects to mate and build nests. This also may be a time when homeowners see ant ‘swarms’ in or around their homes. Ants and termites are social creatures, and when their colonies become too large, flying ants will spread out in search of new territories and to establish new queens. This mobility may also be coupled with an increasing number of ants marching on the ground and scaling walls. Although many species of ants are harmless, homeowners do not want to see ants inside their homes, especially in large numbers. The following strategies can help homeowners address ant infestations this spring. • Identify the type of ant around your property. Consult with online guides or books to identify the Call Kalins Indoor Comfort for an AC Precision Tune-Up! AC Tune-Ups should be done by a Kalins Licensed Technician... Why? • We have over 95 years in the business • Tune-Ups prevent costly breakdowns • Tune-Ups extend the life of your equipment • We service all makes and models FREE Inspections/Estimates We Install/Repair Roofs Of All Kinds! Chris Rederick Service Technician 10 Years of Experience Call Justus (605) 857-1472 Vermillion: 888.871.2635 • Yankton: 888.409.8094 • Sioux City: 888.706.4544 Licensed/ Bonded / Insured kalinsindoor.com Call Now For Spring Discounts When You Want Comfort…You Want Kalins! species of ant on your property. Knowing which species of ant is in or around your home can help you address the problem more effectively. • Create a food trap. Ants are attracted to various food sources, such as fats, sweets and proteins. Mixing a very small amount of a food with boric acid can help control ant populations. Ants will bring tainted food back to their colonies and perish. • Keep a clean house. Use vinegar, soap and water to clean areas where ants are seen. Many leave a scent trail of pheromones to tell others where to go for a food source. • Treat carpenter ants at the source. Carpenter ants will not bring back food to the nest. Instead, sprinkle diatomaceous earth, or DE, around outdoor nests to eradicate colonies. • Work with an exterminator. If home remedies do not work, consult with a trained exterminator. nMetro Creative Connections