If the Beautyrest heated blanket blinks after washing, it means there’s a technical error. You need to check the digital controller for the specific error code to know what the error means. But if your heated blanket keeps blinking even after you’ve identified and tried fixing the particular error, this guide should come in handy.

Reasons why your Beautyrest heated blanket is blinking

There are several reasons why your electric blanket is heating. The good news is that each problem has a specific solution. We shall discuss each of them below.

1. An open circuit

The most common reason why your blanket is blinking is because of an open circuit. Open circuits are common problems in electric blankets, especially when there are damaged internal wires, which happens when you frequently twist the blanket during washing.

A repair technician cannot fix an open circuit. Instead, you must purchase a new electric blanket and discard the damaged one.

2. Check the Beautyrest heated blanket’s temperature

Before you reset the heated blanket, you need to check whether it is working or not. Below are steps on how to check the temperature of your electric blanket:

• Connect the power cord to a power socket and turn on the blanket.
• Regulate the temperature to the maximum level. 
• Give the heating element five minutes to start. Waiting longer than that can damage it.
• Test the blanket’s temperature by placing your palm between the blanket’s fold. You need to reset the electric blanket if the temperature is not increasing.

READ: How to fix a Sunbeam heated blanket that is blinking red

How to reset a Beautyrest electric blanket

Once you have done the above checking procedure, you can reset the Beautyrest electric blanket. The blinking red light may mean that your blanket needs to be reset. Resetting is an easy procedure done by these quick steps:

• Put the electric blanket on your bed.
• Unplug its power cable from the power supply. 
• Next, check that controller is securely connected to the heated blanket’s component. 
• Look for the label located at the bottom of the blanket. Ensure the blanket’s wires are securely connected to the modules next to the label. 
• Slide the power cord under the bed to prevent them from further twisting.
• Plug the blanket’s power cord into the power outlet and turn it on.

3. Damaged fuse

When your Beautyrest heated blanket blinks, it may also mean the fuse is blown. The fuse is placed inside the control box of the blanket. The fuse blows in most cases due to voltage fluctuations that cause overheating. 

If you have blown a fuse, you should immediately replace it with a new one. A blown fuse is not a common issue, so if you see it happening frequently, the problem may be in the circuit connected to it. You should open the control box and replace the old fuse with a new one with the same power and resistance ratings.

4. Power connection issues

Your Beautyrest heated blanket may be blinking red because of a loose connection between the power cable and the blanket’s controllers.

You can solve a Beautyrest electric blanket that is blinking by securing the connection between the power cord and the blanket. You should double-check that all the cables are in good condition before plugging them back into the blanket.

The electric blanket should also have an adequate and steady power supply. It may be blinking red because it has low power. The amount of voltage required to power the electric blanket is 120V. Any voltage supply less than that will not turn on the heating element and the electric blanket.

READ: A review of Polar Seal heated tops

5. Error codes E, E1, E2, E3, and E4

You may have noticed the above error codes in the controller display, and the Beautyrest heated blanket is flashing green. If you have either of the error codes, follow the steps below to clear them from the controller and get the heated blanket working:

• Switch off the controller power switch.
• Next, disconnect the controller power cable from the power socket.
• Check and ensure that the cable from the controllers to the blanket is securely connected to the blanket’s module. 
• Connect the controller’s power cord back to the power outlet. 
• Switch on the power socket and the electric blanket and see whether the error condition is still there.

If the controller still displays the error codes, switch it off, unplug the power cable from the power supply and contact Beautyrest customer support for further assistance.

6. Disconnected throw

Another reason why your Beautyrest heated blanket is blinking red is that the throw is disconnected or broken.

This can also happen even when you have reconnected the power cords. Therefore, you should reconnect the throw to the blanket’s controller before starting the resetting procedure.

7. Dirt and debris in the plug

Your electric blanket is not working because of dirt and debris in its plug. However, it is solvable by removing the plug from the blanket attachment and cleaning it with a dry cloth or cotton buds. Next, reconnect the blanket’s connection to the cable and turn it on. 

It will eventually resume working normally if there are no internal issues. If the problem persists, contact a professional repairer or Beautyrest customer support for further assistance.

In conclusion

Beautyrest electric blanket is a great appliance that comes in handy during chilly and cold seasons. However, it is frustrating when you sleep cold because the blanket is not working and blinking red. Several reasons are behind it, including a faulty thermostat, blown fuse, and power supply issues.

A simple reset can solve the above problems, while others require that you replace the damaged internal component with a new one. If the blinking light continues after resetting the electric blanket, you should call a repairer or Beautyrest customer support to diagnose and fix the problem.

READ: How does heated apparel work?

The post Beautyrest heated blanket is blinking: Troubleshooting guide appeared first on Home Gadgets.

While it is one of the most reliable heated blankets on the market, it is sometimes frustrating when it continuously blinks and you don’t know the problem. 

Not to worry, because this article will explain the common reasons why your Sunbeam heated blanket is blinking.

The most common reasons include a wrongly set thermostat and power supply issues. You will also learn how to fix a Sunbeam electric blanket that is blinking red and get it working normally.

What does it mean when your heated blanket is blinking?

It is common to see your electric blanket blinking on the gradient control. In addition, you may notice an FF sign flashing on the digital control panel. If you see this, the electric blanket has detected a problem and you need to reset it.

Resetting a Sunbeam heated blanket is an easy process. First, you must unplug it from the power source and then plug it back in. Next, ensure that the cord is connected to the module so that the electric blanket resets successfully. 

RELATED: How does heated apparel work?

You can then set the control to ON. If the blinking light persists, disconnect the power cord from the power supply and contact Sunbeam customer support.

Aside from disconnection, the Sunbeam electric blanket blinks after washing because of a problem with the internal heating wires. The heating wires may be damaged when you wash or dry the electric blanket incorrectly.

In this situation, resetting the heated blanket will not work, nor will the blanket heat itself up. You can fix this problem by consulting Sunbeam customer service to diagnose and fix the problem. Furthermore, if the blanket continues blinking after resetting it, you should try other troubleshooting techniques and not ignore it.

Flashing F2

Your Sunbeam electric blanket is blinking the F2 error because it is not receiving enough current. The electric cord may not be secured in the power outlet of the blanket’s module. There may also be a miscommunication between the controller and the blanket that needs to be fixed.

You can troubleshoot this problem by trying to reset the blanket. Unplug it from the wall outlet for a few minutes before plugging it back in. In most cases, this solves the issue. If the heated blanket blinks because of the power supply, fixing the connection or swapping the controllers might solve the problem.

Flashing red light

It means that your blanket is getting no or insufficient power. Alternatively, the power cord may not be connected to the power source or is not secure in the socket. You, therefore, need to check the connection between the power cord and blanket.

RELATED: Should you buy a rechargeable handwarmer?

You can fix the issue by resetting the heated blanket. If resetting does not work, secure the connection between the power cord and blanket. Check for damaged wires which need professional assistance to fix. You will need a new blanket if the damage cannot be repaired.

Flashing E

The flashing error code E means that your blanket is disconnected or its connection is loose. It rarely appears on Sunbeam heated blankets. Reset the blanket if the connections are secure, but the digital control is flashing error code E. Most error codes are cleared off when you reset the blanket.

You should therefore contact Sunbeam customer support for professional assistance. While doing so, check the connection between the power cord and the blanket. If you notice it is loose, push it inside the blanket to make the connection firm. You should check the connection on the power source as well. 

Flashing E2

The flashing E2 error code means the electric blanket’s temperatures are too high. It can also mean a loose connection between the blanket and the control box. The control box may also be disconnected from the wall outlet.

You can troubleshoot the error code by resetting the blanket by simply unplugging and plugging back the power cord to the power outlet. You should also check the plug for recessed pins and fix the loose pins using pliers. Ensure that the loose connections are firm and the plug is not reversed.

Flashing F1

The Sunbeam heated blanket is flashing error code F1 because of a bad connection between the power cord and blanket. A loose connection will make the control panel flash F1 alerting you of a technical issue.

First, you should reset the blanket to turn off the flashing light and clear off the error code. After that, it is simply unplugging the control to the module and plugging it back in. Before you do this, ensure a secure connection between the power cord and power outlet.

RELATED: List of the best vented propane heaters

If your Sunbeam heated blanket continues blinking red even after resetting, consult Sunbeam customer support for professional assistance. They will guide you through the problem and suggest options to fix the heated blanket. Remember to use the repair and replacement warranty if your blanket is too damaged to be repaired.

Other reasons why your electric blanket is not working

A Sunbeam electric blanket may stop working because it is not plugged correctly or its control is not properly set. Your heated blanket may also have damaged cords and internal structures from wear or moisture. Ensure that you take care of the blankets and properly fold them after use to avoid this problem.

The Sunbeam heated blanket may start blinking red when you use it. The digital control also displays error codes that alert the owner when a malfunction occurs.

It may be due to damaged wires, power disconnection, or irregular temperature. You can fix this problem by resetting the electric blanket. The connection between the power cord and the blanket should also be firm and secure. If the Sunbeam heated blanket is still blinking red, consult a professional technician.

The post How to fix a Sunbeam heated blanket that is blinking red appeared first on Home Gadgets.

Performance-wise, vessel sinks are quite reliable and efficient—when the installation is done right. Now, to fit them accordingly, you must plan and consider many factors. One of them being; how high should a faucet be above a vessel sink?

This is what we’ll be discussing in this article since very few people know the appropriate distance between vessel sink and faucet. As a result, they might fit a bad height that causes inconveniences like backsplashes when using the faucet.

What is the best vessel sink faucet height?

To figure out the ideal distance between the faucet and vessel ink, you must consider the factors below:

The countertop/vanity

Unlike the regular sinks, the vessel sink is positioned on top of a counter. So, the first height to account for is that of the countertop. If it’s too high, then the sink will be way up and this makes it impossible for children and people with disability to use it.

Usually, the standard height of bathroom sinks is 29-36 inches from the floor. So, your countertop’s height together with that of the vessel sink must add up to a figure that’s within that range. The recommended countertop height is between 29-30 inches.

NOTE: Ensure it is long and wide enough to accommodate both the vessel sink and faucet (if it’s a deck mount).

Read Also: How to clean shower faucet handles

The vessel sink

Having settled on a countertop height, you’re left with approximately 6-7 inches of vessel sink height to work with. You must keep this in mind when shopping for a vessel sink.

Also, it’s important to note that while a deep vessel can contain splashes, a shallow one leaves you adequate room to work with. Plus, if you install everything properly, you won’t have to worry about splashes.

The length and width of the faucet will depend on the space that’s available on the countertop.

The faucet

When it comes to the faucet, you have the option of choosing either a wall-mounted or counter-based faucet. The only challenge is that not all faucets are compatible with all vessel sinks. Therefore, your choices are limited.

However, most vessel sinks come packaged with matching faucets, hence you don’t have to stress yourself looking for the perfect one.

How high should you install a faucet from the vessel sink?

For both wall-mounted and deck-mounted faucets, the recommended distance between the faucet spout and the bottom of the vessel sink is 6 inches. Then, from the rim of the vessel sink to the faucet spout, you’ll need around 2-3 inches. This is adequate for you to wash your hands and do other things comfortably.

Deck-mounted faucets

That said, deck-mounted faucets need to be long enough to stretch past the rim of the vessel and arc enough for the spout to point directly into the drain. The best place to install this faucet is at the center of the vessel.

Remember to leave enough space between the vessel and the faucet for operating the knob(s).

Wall-mounted faucet

If the countertop space is limited, you’ll have to get the wall-mount faucet. During installation, make sure it stretches to the center of the vessel to avoid splashing. The biggest challenge with fitting this faucet is that you may have to drill the wall and set up a new drain line.

Unlike the deck-mounted faucet whose height is already set, the wall mount faucet height above the vessel sink can be adjusted accordingly.

NOTE: You can also minimize splashing by reducing the water pressure.

Lastly, if you prefer to DIY the project, be very keen on the measurements and everything else we’ve outlined above.

One mistake could mess up everything and lead to excess costs and expenses. Still, if you decide to hire a professional plumbing contractor, make sure you’re involved in every step.

Conclusion

After fitting the right vessel sink faucet height, ensure the fixtures are well maintained to keep them in top shape for a long time. Simple things like wiping the sink and faucet dry after use and cleaning regularly will help to prevent dirt and scum build up, keep bacteria away, and sustain the stylish appearance.

Read Also: The best bottom-loading water dispenser

The post How high should a faucet be above the vessel sink? appeared first on Home Gadgets.

You could easily call a technician to fix the issue but that would mean you put up with the alarm until they show up and incur extra costs.

So, to save yourself from the two, how about learning to stop a hardwired smoke detector from beeping after a false alarm?

How smoke detectors work

There are different systems of smoke detectors:

• Ionization smoke detectors: These have two plates with an electric charge flowing between them. So, when something foreign like smoke passes between the plates, the electric charge is interrupted, and the alarm goes off.
• Photoelectric smoke detectors: These have a light that would bounce off anything that enters the detector, then refracts onto a sensor thus triggering the alarm.
• Dual Alarms: These smoke detectors have both electric charge and light sensors. Depending on the model, one or both sensors must be triggered for the alarm to go off.
• Smart Smoke Detectors: These smoke alarms have a smart system that allows you to link them with your smartphone. You can control them remotely. Plus, the system will let you know about different errors and issues like when you need to change the batteries.

You can group the detectors further depending on their power source. These are:

• DC models: These use either replaceable batteries or long-life lithium batteries.
• AC models: These detectors use electrical hardwiring and are fitted with batteries as a backup.

Why does my wired-in smoke detector keep going off?

Now, here are some of the reasons why your smoke detector keeps going off.

1. Foreign objects

For both the ionization and photoelectric smoke detector systems, the alarms are triggered when a foreign object enters the unit.

So, the false alarm can be a result of steam, vapor, dust, or insects finding their way inside the smoke detector.

2. Electrical issues and batteries

Electrical issues like a change in the electrical current to the wired smoke detector will trigger a false alarm. Also, when the electricity is cut off or you have a loose wire in the smoke detector, the alarm will go off.

For the DC models, low batteries could easily cause the smoke detector to go off. You should make sure the batteries are installed properly.

3. Location

Where you install your smoke detector matters a lot. If you put it close to the kitchen or bathroom then expect frequent triggers resulting from steam that’s produced when cooking or taking a hot shower.

Additionally, when you set up near a ventilation system, there’ll be alarm triggers caused by dust and debris entering the system.

4. Too many errors

If your smart smoke alarm won’t stop going off, chances are that there are too many errors saved on the processor.

You need to find a way to reset it and clear its memory.

5. Bad Installation

The other reason your hardwired smoke alarm keeps going off at night is improper installation.

It could be that the interconnect wire is grounded, or one of the hardwired smoke detectors is incompatible, among other issues.

6. The smoke detector may be old

The lifespan of most smoke detectors is 10 years. Once they clock that number, some components start to fail or are not as effective as before, hence the false alarm triggers.

To be sure about the age of your smoke alarm, check the manufacture date printed on the back of the unit.

Read Also: The Inkbird Wireless Meat Thermometer IBT-2X review

How to turn off your smoke detector and prevent it from going off

Once you realize that the overbearing sound from your smoke signal is a false alarm, there are a few things you can do to turn it off and prevent other false triggers in the future.

These include:

1. Cut the power source and replace the batteries

First, you need to disconnect the alarm from its power source.

• For the standalone (DC) model smoke alarm, you’ll remove the batteries then press and hold the silence button for 10-15 seconds to stop the beeping. Later, install new batteries and you’re good to go. Always change the batteries at least once every 6 months.
• For the hardwired (AC) model smoke alarms, you must turn off the circuit breaker controlling the alarm’s electricity or remove them from the power source. Secondly, remove the backup batteries. Next, press and hold the silence button for 20 seconds or until the alarm stops beeping. Lastly, install new batteries, reconnect to the electrical circuit and switch on the circuit breaker.
• Those with smart smoke detectors can simply turn them off using an app on their phones.

NOTE: Unfortunately, the long-life Lithium batteries can’t be removed. If your alarm uses these batteries, you’ll have to use any of the other methods to stop it.

2. Reset your smoke detector

Look for the red reset button and press and hold it for 15-20 seconds. Those with hardwired smoke detectors will have to press the button of each unit because it’s hard to tell which one started the problem.

On the other hand, a simple restart will fix the errors on your smart smoke detector. Remove the batteries and put them back or flip the circuit breaker off then back on.

3. Clean the smoke detector

Get a vacuum attachment or canned air and clean off any dust and debris from the smoke detector. This will help to turn it off and prevent future triggers.

4. Strategic installation

The best way to prevent the smoke detector from going off when smoking is to install them strategically around the home.

To start with, make sure they are a good distance from the kitchen and bathroom so that smoke and steam don’t trigger them easily.

5. Check the connection

Look for simple issues in the connection and fix them. If they’re too complex, then call a certified technician to help you out. You can start with the wiring. Next, unplug one hardwired smoke detector after the other to determine the one with the problem and stop it.

Make sure you follow the right guidelines when connecting your smoke alarm(s).

6. Replace the smoke detector

If after trying all the solutions above, your hardwired smoke alarm keeps going off at night, you should start shopping for a new device.

Your current detector could be too old to function properly.

Conclusion

Having a smoke detector that works is important for your safety and peace of mind. We hope our troubleshooting guide above helps you to solve false alarm problems. If you can’t stop the hardwired smoke detector, reach out to a qualified technician. Be sure to share your experience with us in the comment section.

The post How do you stop a hardwired smoke detector from going off? appeared first on Home Gadgets.

If your office chair has this problem, you should immediately find a solution considering the many hours you spend sitting on it. In this article, we will show you just how to fix an office chair that leans forward for a pain-free posture and more productivity.

Why does my office chair lean forward?

If you are using an adjustable office chair and it’s not broken, the problem could be the set tilt position. You need to adjust the office chair tilt using the tilt adjustment knob, usually located beneath the seat pan of your chair.

Besides the chair’s levers, the other reasons for your chair leaning forward include;

• Loose or broken casters: Casters allow the chair to move around easily. Loose or missing screws on the casters, or bent casters, can make your chair tilt in a certain direction.
• A loose swivel seat plate: Swivel seat plate is the metallic plate underneath the seat pan that allows your chair to swivel. With loosened screws or a bent swivel plate, your chair can lean in one direction.

Read Also: How to fix an office chair that won’t stay up

How to fix an office chair that leans forward

Depending on the source of the problem, you can use any of these methods to fix a leaning office chair.

1. Adjusting the tilt adjustment knob

• Get seated on your office chair, with your back against the backrest and a 2-inch gap between your knees and the edge of the seat pan.
• Locate the tilt adjustment knob, which is usually below the seat pan.
• Push down on the knob, making the seat pan move forward, and then release the knob. This helps in regulating blood flow as you work for the entire day.
• Then push the tilt adjustment knob again, and instead of tilting forward, tilt the seat pan backward. Release the knob after that.
• To adjust the angle of the backrest to fit your back, locate the knob locking the backrest angle in place at the back of the chair.
• Unlock the backrest angle and lean forwards and backward until you find the right angle. The lock the backrest into place.
• Not all chairs allow for backrest angle adjustment.
• If the levers are okay but the chair still leans forward, move on to the other causes of this problem.

Read Also: The best reclining office chair with footrest

2. Loose or broken casters (wheels)

For this, you may need a flat tip screwdriver, Philips head screwdriver, and an adjustable wrench.

• Turn the chair over to easily access the casters.
• Check for any loose screws or bent/broken casters.
• Tighten any loosened screw firmly using the appropriate screwdriver.
• Replace missing screws and broken casters with new ones.
• If the casters aren’t the problem. Check the swivel seat plate.

3. Loose swivel seat plate

• Turn the chair upside down and locate the metallic plate underneath the seat.
• Check if all the bolts are tightly screwed into the plastic seat rest holder.
• Tighten any loose bolts using the adjustable wrench.
• If there are bolts missing, get replacement bolts and screw them firmly using the wrench.
• If the bolts check out but the chair still leans, the problem could be that the seat plate is bent. In that case, you will need to replace the seat plate.

In most cases, you should be able to stop the office chair from tilting forward by following the above steps. However, you may have to replace the chair with a new one if it’s too old and worn out beyond repair. There are top-quality office chairs for lower back pain you can get at a fair price.

The post How to fix an office chair that leans forward appeared first on Home Gadgets.

Follow this simple guide to learn how to cut memory foam to the shape and size you want.

What can I use to cut foam?

The best way to cut memory foam is by using a serrated knife or an electric carving knife. An electric carving knife is the best tool to make the smoothest cuts.

You’ll also need the following:

• An electric carving knife
• A pair of scissors
• Tape measure
• Rigid ruler or straight edge
• A permanent marker

Read Also: The best bed fans with wireless remotes

How to cut memory foam

Start by measuring and marking the foam to the specifications and dimensions that you plan on cutting.

• Unzip the slipcover from your memory foam mattress if it has a zipper around the edges. If it doesn’t, use a pair of scissors to cut it off and remove it.
• Use the tape measure to check the width, depth, and height of the foam you need to cut. Add about 1/8 inch to each of the measurements to compensate for the material removed when cutting.
• Using the tape measure and a permanent marker, mark your memory foam the dimensions you plan on cutting. Avoid compressing the memory foam when taking your measurements as it could give false readings.
• Then, use the permanent marker to draw thin lines on top of the memory foam to cross the marks you made to know where to cut. For straight lines, you can set a straightedge, for curved lines use a round object like a bowl as a stencil.

Once you are done with the marking, you are ready to begin the next stage of making the cuts.

• Start by setting the foam on a flat table with the side you want to cut overhanging the edge, to avoid damaging the tabletop.
• If the foam is tipping over the edge, place a heavy object while giving it some distance from your cut line to avoid compressing the foam.
• Then, plug your electric knife and position it such that the blade is at a 90-degree angle to the edge you are cutting. This helps make smooth, straight cuts. Also, ensure you’re holding the knife with your dominant hand.
• Guide the knife along the cut line you had drawn on the foam. Make sure your fingers and the knife cord are safe from the blade when doing this.
• If the blade doesn’t go through the foam, cut along the line again and continue doing several passes over the cut until the blade goes completely through.
• Repeat the process for all the other dimensions you need to cut from the memory foam.

Read Also: A review of the Tatami massage bed

Is it OK to cut a memory foam mattress?

You can cut your memory foam mattress to make it smaller and/or to a desirable shape.

Make sure you hold the knife down perpendicularly to the foam when making the cuts to ensure a smooth, straight cut.

Can you cut gel memory foam?

A gel-infused mattress is stiffer and has a bit more air circulation. While a serrated bread knife or electric carving knife can cut the mattress, the latter leaves you with a cleaner cut that looks less choppy. Hold the knife perpendicularly to the foam to keep the edges straight.

With an electric knife, you can easily cut foam mattress thinner or smaller. Just make sure you keep your hands out of the way of the knife to avoid injuries.

The post How to cut memory foam appeared first on Home Gadgets.

Electric shavers are designed to provide a close shave while following the contour of your face, which prevents your face from getting nicked as well as reduces the shaving time.

But what do you do when your electric razor becomes blunt and can no longer offer a quick shave at a fraction of the time? First and foremost, you need to learn how to sharpen electric razor blades.

While most modern electric shavers come with refill blades, some can be sharpened, thus prolonging their life span. This ends up saving you money in the long run.

Different ways to sharpen electric razor blades

The most efficient way to sharpen the razors is by using shaver sharpeners. These tend to be cost-effective and easy to use. It is as easy as using a pencil sharpener. And they will still come with a manufacturer’s manual with instructions.

You can also invest in a regrinding kit for an electric razor. This will cost a little bit more than the first option. Additionally, some electric shaver comes with a sharpening kit or are equipped with self-sharpening electric razors.

Read Also: List of the best self-sharpening knives

Before sharpening your blades, clean them and remove the cutter screen, then proceed to reattach them to the shaving head and run them while the sharpening tool sharpens the blades. The sharpening technique varies from shaving tool to toll, but the base method remains the same.

Once you are done sharpening the blades, replace the cutter screen and reattach the blades to the shaving head. Remember to clean the blades to remove any shave metal pieces. As this may injure and bump you the next time, you shave.

Can I sharpen my electric Razor? Yes, you can. The method varies from razor type to razor type.

How often do you change electric razor blades?

This depends on the type of blade used on the electric razor and how often you use it. As a general rule of thumb, replace the blades once per year.

The manufacturer will also advise on an ideal replacement period for your razor and with good reason. If in doubt, you can choose to follow these instructions. But do not replace your blades if they are hardly used.

The post How to sharpen electric razor blades appeared first on Home Gadgets.

How to remove carpet glue from a wooden floor

One of the most common ways to do so is to use carpet adhesive remover. but the chances of discoloring the wood are higher as compared to using other glue removal methods. The key is to ensure you use the right product for the type of adhesive used on your wooden floors.

You can also use other solvents to dissolve the glue such as denatured alcohol and paint remover, vegetable oil, and WD-40.  But only resort to these options as the last option as they tend to be trickier to use and may cause damage to your hardwood floors.

Another method you can use to get adhesive off wood floors is using dry ice. Place the dry ice on a metal tray and glide it over the glue to flash freeze it. Then scrape it off using a paint scraper.

Read Also: Shark Ion R75 vacuum cleaner review

Will vinegar remove carpet glue from wood?

Yes. It is the most effective way of removing carpet glue from a hardwood floor naturally. It also removes odors that may have accumulated over the years from the wood. But it is not as effective as commercially made glue strippers.

And as such, you need to remove most of it first before going in with the vinegar solution to strip off the glue. You can do this by scraping most of the adhesive off using a paint scraper after soaking the glue with warm water.

Next, you need to mix the vinegar with hot water and apply it to the adhesive. Once it has soaked in for a few minutes, the glue will start to dissolve. You can then use a soft-bristled brush to remove the glue. Wipe dry the wood using dry towels to prevent it from warping as it dries.

Finally, after you remove the carpet glue from wood no matter the method used, make sure you sand the hardwood planks or parquets and refinish them. This will protect them from getting stained.

The post How to remove carpet glue from wood floor appeared first on Home Gadgets.

Here are some easy tips to fix an office chair that won’t stay up.

1. Replace the pneumatic cylinder

An office chair uses an air compressing mechanism commonly known as a pneumatic cylinder to adjust the seat’s height. When you change the height, the internal control valve adjusts pressure in the gas cylinder, causing the chair to move up or down.

As such, if your office chair keeps sinking, then it means that the cylinder is not functioning correctly. Ensure you find out the gas cylinder type your chair uses before buying one.

But it is relatively easy to find a generic replacement that will work with your office chair. Then look for an online tutorial for replacing gas cylinders. This method will increase the lifespan instead of it ending up in a landfill. It will also help your office chair just like a new chair.

Read Also: The best reclining office chair with a footrest 

2. Fixate the chair height

This entails using one of two methods to ensure the chair stays in place and does not move up or down. It will hinder chair height adjustment, but it is the cheapest way to ensure that your chair does not keep sinking.

Method 1: PVC pipe method

• Measure the length of the chair cylinder and the diameter of the cylinder.
• Then get a PVC pipe that is slightly larger than the cylinder diameter and cut it to size.
• Ideally, you should cut it at a height that suits your seating needs. But you can always add an extra PVC pipe piece to adjust the height.
• Then cut a slit into the pipe lengthwise and install it over the PVC like a cover.
• Make sure you use a thick gauge PVC pipe to stay in place and support the chair base efficiently.

Method 2: Jubilee clip or hose clamp method

• Get a jubilee clip or hose clamp that is big enough to cover the gas cylinder’s diameter.
• You will also require a screwdriver and duct tape.
• Set your seat to the preferred height, then use the clamp or jubilee clip to clamp the seat in place.

Read Also: The best chairs for those who sit for long hours 

Conclusion

Before going on a fixing bender, try to oil the height lever to see if it will help. You should also clean the chair cylinder first to see if it will make a difference. If this fails, then you can get around to using the steps above to fix the chair.

The post How to fix an office chair that won’t stay up appeared first on Home Gadgets.

However,  there are several DIY ways you can increase humidity in air-conditioned rooms. We’ll look at all that in detail, but, first, how do you know you’re running low on humidity?

How to tell if the air in your home is too dry

If you own a hygrometer, you can easily tell if the air in your home is dry. If not, then you’ll have to make do with the following tell-tale signs:

• Dry lips and ashy skin: Since your skin contains water, dry air in a home causes the skin to dry out and it might cause a flare-up in pre-existing skin complications like acne and eczema.
• Bloody nose and stuffy nose: Dry air in a room will try and leech water from your body. That’s why when you breathe the dry air, your body ends up producing a lot of mucus in an attempt to compensate for the low humidity. In adverse cases, you end up nose bleeding frequently.
• Static electricity: When the air is too dry, there’s usually a high build-up of static electricity.

Other things to watch out for include chipping paint and splitting wooden furniture/floorboards in the home.

Read Also: The best humidifiers for asthma and allergies

Why is the air dry?

Usually, dry air results from cold weather. The reduction in temperature causes the outdoor air to lose its ability to hold onto moisture. When this air makes its way indoors because of improper insulation, you end up turning on the heating system which makes the situation worse as it dries out the little moisture available.

AC systems are also responsible for the dry air in air-conditioned rooms. They inadvertently work as dehumidifiers whereby, while cooling the air, they condense the humidity (water vapor) in the room and send it outdoors. Before long, you’re left with nothing but dry air.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can solve this issue without inconveniencing the comfort that the AC brings.

How to prevent dryness in a room with an aircon

The simple answer to dry air in air-conditioned rooms is to add moisture to the air. Here is how you should go about it:

1. Get a humidifier

Using a humidifier in an air-conditioned room would boost the humidity levels significantly. Your only challenge would be to monitor the moisture production so that it doesn’t go overboard. You could buy a hygrometer and install it in the room(s), or better still, buy a humidifier with a built-in hygrometer.

There are different types of humidifiers to pick from depending on your needs and budget. For better performance, be sure to cover all the rooms that have a running AC system. If you could get an evaporative device to attach to the central furnace, the better.

NOTE: Remember to clean the humidifier regularly using hydrogen peroxide, and change the water in the reservoir daily, to enjoy clean moisture.

2. Make use of house plants

This is one of the most natural ways of increasing humidity in an air-conditioned room. You simply need a few potted plants in your home or office, water them regularly, and let nature handle the rest. The plants will absorb the water through the roots and sweat it out through the leaves in a process called transpiration, thus releasing moisture into the dry air.

The soil in the pots also helps in retaining moisture in the room.

3. Hang your wet clothes indoors

When clothes are drying, they release moisture into the air through evaporation. You can take advantage of this by letting the clothes dry up in a room with low humidity. It would work better if you have a smaller room.

Read Also: Top humidifiers for eczema

4. Add a fish tank in the room

Adding a fish tank in a dry air-conditioned room is another creative way of not only eliminating the dryness but also boosting the room’s aesthetics. Find a strategic location for the fish tank in the room and ensure you leave the top open for the water to evaporate and humidify the dry air in the living space.

Be ready to put in the effort to maintain the fish tank. For one, you must change the water regularly for the benefit of the fish and prevent bad odor in the room.

5. Add an indoor water fountain

An indoor water fountain can also help to reduce air dryness in air-conditioned rooms. They’re effective, artistic, and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Your challenge is to find a good installation spot, from where the rising vapor can spread evenly through the room. Also, it’ll help if it’s close to a source of heat like the sun’s rays.

6. Use water containers

Placing a bowl of water in an air-conditioned room is a simple, cost-effective way of dealing with air dryness. You might need more than one bowl if the room is bigger to get better results. Position them strategically around the room so that when the water evaporates it increases the moisture level of the surrounding.

To enjoy a faster evaporation rate, use wide, shallow bowls, and position them in the direct path of sunrays. Preferably near windows. If you want a better appearance, use colored bowls that complement your interior décor, or clear glass but then throw in some colored pebbles. You should keep the bowls far from safety risks like electrical devices and connections. And, if you have pets and kids in the house, ensure the bowls are elevated.

Lastly, change the water often so that it doesn’t turn into a breeding ground for insects.

7. Boil water

If you want to increase the humidity level in an AC room faster, boil water on a stove or heater. This might increase the temperature in the room, but it’ll get the place filled with moisture within a short time. In fact, in the option above of placing water in bowls, you could heat up the water first.

For those in larger rooms, consider setting the aircon on low to help circulate the vapor around. You can throw in citrus peels, vanilla extracts, or any other sweet-smelling herbs if you want the vapor to double up as an air freshener.

Read Also: Is it safe to leave a humidifier on all night?

8. Leave the bathroom door open

While taking a hot shower, you could leave the bathroom door open so that the released water vapor flows to the adjacent rooms and boosts their humidity level.

From all the solutions on how to increase humidity in an air-conditioned room, pick the one that works for you and get rid of the annoying dry air. But, you must remember to monitor the moisture levels. Make sure the level doesn’t go beyond the air-conditioner humidity setting of between 30 to 50 percent.

Too much humidity could lead to the growth of molds on the walls and ceiling. This, in turn, is a recipe for different health risks to occupants of the place. To be safe, invest in a hygrometer to help you get accurate readings when checking the humidity in an AC room.

The post How to increase humidity in an air-conditioned room appeared first on Home Gadgets.