Livingston Reporting - page 335

Thoughtful Designs Accommodate Wheelchair Users

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When beginning any home improvement project it is important to ask yourself questions before the project starts.  This means before your buy the materials, before you come up with a final design and before you start any type of demolition.  It is hard but important to wait until the details have been worked which often include waiting on permits.   Before the construction of a wheelchair accessible ramps begins the project manager should find out the answers to some important questions.

1)      Who is the ramp being built for?

2)      What type of equipment does the person using the ramp require?  Is it a standard wheelchair, an oversized wheelchair, a scooter, an electric scooter, cane or crutches?

3)      Will there be changes after the ramp is installed?  Will the patient have more or less mobility?

4)      What requirements are set forth by local ordinances?  Are their special permits needed to accommodate building a ramp?

5)      What features that exist in the landscape and home that need to be kept verse what can be changed?

This is a very general over view of key points to think about when installing a ramp.  There are many key points that need to be examined that are critical to the design.  One of those important elements has to do with the exact point of entrance, the area that is available for the ramp, the slope of the ramp and specific codes for the local municipalities.

First is entry into the home.  Which doorway will the ramp lead to our will a new one need to be made to accommodate placement of the ramp.  This will be determined by the ease of accessing the rest of the house from each entry point for the user of the wheelchair. It is also important to consider the width of the wheelchair in comparison to the doorways width along with the any obstacles that are present such as stairs, platforms and porches.

Another major issue is space issues with the yard, landscaping, porch or garage space that is present.  U shaped ramps cover more distance and can accommodate a smaller space.  When a homeowner has a great deal of slope to contend with and minimal space this is a terrific option in wheelchair ramps.

Building codes in local municipalities vary greatly.  Check with homeowners associations and local government officials to determine what codes need to be followed and paperwork obtained before moving forth with a wheelchair accessible ramp project.

Consider materials next.  What type of material will be used to build the ramp, metal or wood?  Both have pros and cons so this is left up to personal choice and regulations within your neighborhood.  It is important to make sure that the materials you choose are for the climate in which the ramp will be built.  Extra skid resistant measures should be taken in colder regions where snow, ice and rain are part of daily life.  As well as taking into consideration using metal in climates where the sun rays can cook eggs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Over-Wetting Leads To Carpet Problems

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As uncommon as it is problems can be associated with carpet cleaning.  Many homeowners feel that carpet cleaning is a job that they can tackle themselves.  However, this is a mistake.  Professional carpet cleaners go through intense training and purchase costly machines to make sure that your carpet is cleaned thoroughly.  They are trained in the art of shampooing and wetting the carpet to optimize the solution and cleanliness of the carpets.  Homeowners are not.  This is where problems start to arise.

The most common issue that homeowners run into is over-wetting the carpet.  Over-wetting becomes a problem when equipment is older and the water extractors are not adjusted correctly.  This can leave water to saturate in the carpet.  If the pressure in the extractor is too low the machine will not be able to remove excess water.  The extra moisture in the carpet will travel deep into and under the carpet instead of evaporating into the air.  This causes many issues that are not easy or inexpensive to fix.

The first issue that can arise from over-wetting is delaminating.  This happens when the carpet in the home gets wet and does not properly dry.  When the carpet stays wet for an extended period of time the secondary backing on the carpet will separate from the carpet which ruins the carpet.  It will separate, become crunchy, separate at the seams and will need to be replaces.  This essentially destroys the carpet and leaves the homeowner not able to repair the issue without purchasing new carpet.

Another material that has often been found within the backing of carpet is jute.  When moisture builds up and jute will then shrink and tear.  At this point the homeowner’s carpet is unsalvageable and will need to be replaced.

When carpet cleaning is improperly done and carpet is left wet carpets coloring can bleed.  Discoloration is hard to correct and can be expensive and time consuming if correctable at all.  Not to mention the issues that mold and mildew bring to the table after carpet is wet for more than seventy-two hours.

That could be the most important issue involved with over-wetting carpet.  Carpet can be replaced but health issues involving mold and mildew are often irreversible.  Asthma can be made worse or brought on when individuals are exposed to the toxins that mold spores produce.

Once mold shows up in the carpet the problem is hard to fix.  In order to correct the problem you must eliminate the molds food.  This is of course the moisture within the carpet.  The problem should be addressed by calling in professional home restoration service professionals who deal strictly with carpet.  If the mold damage is unfixable the carpet will need to be removed carefully and the area prepped in order to remove the mold issue from creating future issues.

An easy way to prevent issues form over-wetting and over-shampooing is to call in professional carpet cleaning services when carpet is in need of a deep clean.  These trained professionals bring in state of the art technology and equipment to ensure that your carpet is properly cleaned and dried to prevent issue such as the ones above from happening.  Too much shampoo equals extra water which leads to new carpet in the long run.  It is cheaper and a better use of time to call in the professionals at the start of the job rather than needing expensive restoration services later.

Saniglow

Making A Buyer Desire Your Home

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I don’t think there is a person around that would disagree that our housing market has seen better days.  Our home was purchased three years ago, at what we thought was the lowest point in the market.  Since, then it has only gotten worse.  Our taxable value keeps plummeting, which since we are living there forever we are okay with because lower taxes equal more money in our pocket.

However, not everyone is happy.  There are people that need to relocate due to business and people that need to move for their own reasons such as a expanding their family or perhaps into a smaller house because children are grown and off on their own.  Whatever the reason the main goal remains the same, selling the house.

Some upgrades and updates within the home can cost minimal amount of money but have an extreme impact on the curb appeal of the home making it a more desirable option.  Remember though that when selling a house no matter how great the renovation or curb appeal if it fails inspection with a leaky roof or dampness in the basement the house will not sell. The same thing is true replacement windows won’t sell a home with an infestation of bugs.

The first and least expensive option in adding appeal to a home is a fresh coat of paint.  It is important to choose a neutral color.  Some color experts say that a pale yellow is the latest trend in wall color for homes.  Yellow tends to be a very hopeful color.  Some people believe that the color yellow helps buyers sense the future and bright days ahead with the purchase.  If a homeowner is in a pinch to sell their home and a fresh coat of paint is in the future for the home yellow is a good place to start.

Another item that seems to tug at the heart strings is a backyard space which includes a deck or patio with seating.  Along with this it is optimal to provide landscaping that is fresh and kept up on.  Make sure the space is not too bold but instead gives off the feeling of relaxation.  Another trick is to set up a hammock between two trees or on a stand.  Any feeling of stress relief you can grant to a potential buyer will increase the chance for a sale to the home.  What happens you ask if it is winter?  Nothing says future more than a fort with some snowmen in the yard.  Making the home feel comfortable and relaxing will help it sell fast.

Improvements in the kitchen and bathroom area are important also.  Homeowners do not have to do full renovations but little upgrades and tweaks to improve the eye appeal of the home.  In a bathroom this could mean something as little as updated tile and caulk.  Kitchens can have a fresh appeal with the addition of countertops and some clean stainless steel appliances.

Just remember replacement windows, fresh paint or a relaxing back yard don’t make up for leaky roofs and busted furnaces.  It is important that all the structures are in place for a home to be inhabitable before the eye candy items are worried about.  Minor, inexpensive touches around the home will help lead to a quick sale.  Don’t overdo the renovations, it will cut into profits and might end up not being desirable to the new owner.  Keep it simple.

Heatkeeper

Remodeling To Sell

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In an economy that is not blooming with homes sales what is the average homeowners on the move doing to unload their home?  Besides dropping the sale price way below market value, which is already lower than the purchase price years ago or letting it sit on the market for months what options are available?  Renovating is one of the quickest ways to get a home sold.  The key element is making sure to not put too much money into the renovation process so that money is still made on the sale.

It is important that the renovations are done with the majority of home purchasers in mind.  Most people won’t care about the addition of a pool or a gazebo in the backyard but many will be wowed with the addition of replacement windows especially ones that have the windows with blinds between the glass.

There are several key elements that can be renovated without blowing a budget and should entice buyers.  One is adding curb appeal.  This can be done fairly easily.  Start by renting a power washer and thoroughly cleaning the exterior of the house include the decks, siding, windows, gutters and any sidewalks.  Next it is imperative to have a fresh coat of stain and paint on all surfaces that require it.  The roof should also be carefully cleaned so that debris is not littering the roof top.  The last thing new home purchasers want to see is mildew and mold build up on the exterior space of the home.

If the home is unable to get clean and fresh looking from a good old fashion power scrubbing and washing it will pay to proceed into looking at siding options.  Siding is an option in renovating that is not necessarily cheap but does recoup itself in the sale of the home.  It truly is about the first impression if the home.

The next element to curb appeal is trimmed bushes, maintained landscape, including new mulch, and trimmed branches and trees.  If the home is on the market in the spring take the time to purchase and plant flowers and potted plants around the yard.  To make the most out of your money potted plants are an option that can move with a homeowner.  A trimmed lawn is always appealing, a trash can that is out of site, pebbles perfectly lining the driveway all of these little tweaks will increase the homes appeal.

Another option in renovating the home involves a long weekend and some sweat equity but is truly a winner in first impressions is paint.  Nothing quite says fresh like a new coat of paint.  It is best to thoroughly coat the walls with a neutral base coat to give buyers the chance to visualize the belongings they have in the space.  This can also be done by renovating the amount of stuff filling the home.  Minimal is better when trying to sell.

It will not matter how many mini renovations are done however to improve the look and feel of the home if the home is in need of serious repair.  Before ever thinking about selling a home it is important to make sure the roof is leak free, the windows especially if you are lucky enough to have a home to sell with premium windows with blinds between the glass are sealed correctly and the home has been inspected for major issues.

Heatkeeper

Perfecting The Handicap Ramp Layout

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There are three common layouts for handicap ramps.  They are; a straight line, an L-shape and a switch back.  When deciding what ramp is best suited to a business or home it is important to look at the access and height that needs to be maneuvered.  One thing that is true in all cases is that the ramp should follow the path of travel most frequently used.  It should also be built keeping in mind all of the traffic using the entrance and exit.  This means in some cases stairs will need to be accommodated for in the design.

The first ramp and easiest to install is a straight line or in-line ramp.  This style is most common for buildings and homes that are accessed from level ground or just a few minor steps up.   The next style is an L-shape or dog-legged ramp.  This ramp will change direction ninety degrees at a landing spot and then hug back around for entry.  When a porch is involved with more than a couple of stairs this type helps to ease the angle for a wheelchair, walker, individuals with bad knees by keeping the strain even.  Large businesses and public buildings with many stairs are common places to see the switch back design.  This involves a one hundred and eighty degree turn from one platform to another.  This makes getting into places with many stairs and high entrances much easier for those using mobility devices.

What happens if a home or business is in need of a handicap ramp yet the entrances are not designed to accommodate one?  In cases such as this the best option is to create a new entrance for the ramp location.   An easier way to go about this is to look for a window that is in the position needed for proper placement of the ramp.  Then the window can be removed and the structure for a door can be put in place.  If a garage or porch scenario does not work to make the business or home handicap accessible then it is important another option be sought out.

It is important to look into keeping accessibility for other family members while adding on a handicap ramp.    This is particularly easy with an L-shaped or switchback designed porch.  Using landscaping materials it is easy for homeowners to disguise ramps and allow them to blend naturally into the original flow of the homes entrances.

Another tip that is particularly handy when it comes to climates that are less than desirable three hundred and sixty five days a year is to face the ramp in a southern facing location.  This will ultimately help with snow and ice melt.  It is important to look up also.  It is not advisable to put a handicap ramp in a location that will receive a ton of fall leaves, pine needles or cones.  One option to help minimize these nuisances is a canopy about the ramp.  This will add a bit of expense to the ramp but could save a lot in headaches caused by slippery ice and snow.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Running Fun With Vibram Five Finger Shoes

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Recently a relative started running.  He jumped in and has not looked back yet.  Up to six miles a day, he is feeling better, eating healthier and has dropped twenty six pounds.  With him running the discussion of footwear came up.  The new craze is a type of shoe called Vibram Five Fingers.  They are designed for a more natural fit that encourages better foot position naturally.  Being a bigger guy he was a bit nervous to try them because so far his Asics were working fine but he agreed to try them.

Vibram Five Finger shoes are meant to be worn without orthotic inserts, without socks.  They are meant to be worn against runner’s bare feet to allow the foot to move like it would naturally.  It is not a shoe that you can jump right into wearing.  This is especially true for flat footed individuals and individuals with extreme arches.  As a runner works into wearing the shoes the muscles in the foot will adapt and strengthen.  This will help with the adjustment period.

Fortunately our guinea pig was anxious to start trying his out.  The first week of training in the Vibram Five Fingers he ran only ten minutes in them.  He claimed his feet were killing him after each use but new that some adjustment was going to take place and continued with the break in phase.  By the end of the week and into the second week the muscles were building strength and his lower legs and feet were beginning to lessen in pain.  He was still not completing his normal six miles just wearing the new shoes but was building up the tolerance.

Reading online people tend to work into their Vibram Five Finger shoes at different paces.  Some can completely switch in a few weeks while others take months to break their foot into the shoes.  Once an individual feels their endurance, muscle strength improve the results will be worth however long they have waited for it.  The increase foot and body strength will be noticeable and the shoes will be the ones getting the credit.

There are certain people that should not venture into the world of Vibram Five Finger footwear including people who use orthotics in their footwear, those with extreme pronation and individuals with webbed feet.  The shoe manufacturer does not have a way to manufacturer this shoe to meet the specific needs of individual client’s feet.   It is best if a runner does have some issues that require orthotics or have extreme pronation, under or over mention the interest in these new shoes to a foot doctor first.  As with any product it is not a one size fits all.

Our family was fortunate as we got to see our runner cross the line of his first five kilometer race wearing his new shoes.  What started out as a trend to try turned into a runner falling in love with this bare foot style running method.  Our family actually caught him wearing them around out at the grocery store.

Elite Feet Running

Running Naturally

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A body naturally moves from the day of conception.  When thinking about starting into the sport of running think about how natural it should feel.  It is something that your body was made to do.  As a toddler learns to walk the next move when balance has been truly acquired is running.  A body is meant to run and will run if given a bit of time and patience to work up to the demands running as a sport puts on the body.

Even though running is a natural athletic sport for a body the running form a body takes may not be as natural.  That is to say when watching a marathon that no two runners will look the exact same at the start, their stride and the finish.  This does not however, lead one to believe they can neglect thought on form when running.  There are certain main areas a runner will want to remember when perfecting their running form.

Just as an athlete taking up tennis for the first time a runner should research proper techniques involved in the sport.  The running form is something that needs a basic understanding before starting out.  Posture, breathing and foot positioning are all things that need to be looked into to decrease the risk of injury amongst first time runners.

One of the first things a runner needs to think about when running is proper posture.  In running this involves a relaxed upright position.  When running relaxed the body is allowed to move without tension and strain in the shoulders and neck.  The release of tension will allow the runner a better run.  It is important that runners hold their heads high and centered, making certain to not lean too far forward or too far back.  It is important that runners look in front of them instead of down at their feet while trying to relax the muscles in their face, neck and jaw.  The shoulder blades should not be pulled together but instead left to hang loose and parallel to the spine.

The next area of interest is a runner’s arms and hands.  A runner’s arms can become powerful and enhance the running form.  The most appropriate placement of arms and hands is off to the side elbows bent at ninety degrees pointed slightly away from the torso.  Tension should be released in the hands and the fingers should be cupped like they are holding a fragile object, such as a raw egg.  The arms should be swinging freely in a pumping fashion on the runner’s side.

Breathing is essential for any sport.  The breathing technique for each runner is different and is developed over time as the body adapts to the sport.  Some runners choose to do a deep breathing technique where the breathe comes from the stomach while others prefer a method that is more shallow and combines breathing through the nose and mouth.  A personal style will develop for each runner.  The best technique in general is inhaling deeply and then forcefully exhaling through tight lips.

Develop a stride, enjoy some upright positioning, swing your arms and breathe deeply. Enjoy running.  Developing a running form is one of the most important pieces of the sport and should be done with some knowledge, listening to the body and a bit of personal flair.

Elite Feet Running

Difficulties In Finding A Perfect And Buildable Lot

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When we were looking to purchase a home three years ago one thought was to build.  We were interested in doing this one time and only one time.  With kids we were interested in finding a school district we loved, a large enough floor plan and a home on the water.  Our criteria were specific so we really focused on property at first when our search began.

There was so much confusion in determining if a certain lot was buildable or not.  Many references we looked at told us as long as the local government would issue a building permit the lot would be buildable.  However true the above statement is it leaves out the facts that even though it is buildable the dream home you are thinking of building might not work on that lot.  A buildable lot only means that if the criteria are met for a home can go on it not necessarily the home of your dreams.

A land surveyor will be brought in by the seller of the land.  This will plot out all of the boundaries that exist.  This should help you get a feel for the layout that homes on that lot could be placed.  The seller should also provide a title insurance property which shows that the property has a clear title and can be sold free and clear.  A soil analysis should also be provided by the seller.  A clear soil analysis is needed for the lot to be buildable as well.

It is clear that you must decide which is most important to you the lot of land or the home. In many cases you can have both however if you fall in love with a lot of land and the location but the dream house does not work there determine if you are willing to settle for a different home. It is hard to find property to meet all dream requirements when looking at lots with acreage, water or access to certain points of interest.  If you have specific demands for the location then you may have to give a bit when it comes to the type of house that can be built.

Some restrictions on property that is deemed buildable can be but are not limited to; size, color, direction of the garage door, driveway materials, style of the home, siding material or even that you must include a garage.  This can be the trickiest part of all.  To determine if the lot of land you are interested in will fit the home you like it will take more research than just finding out if the land is simply buildable.  You will need to have a land surveyor, architect, contractor and local government officials out to inspect the property for any loop holes they might see in placing the home of your dreams on the property of your dreams.

My husband and I were way more focused on the location of the property than the home.  In the end after surveying many different land plots we decided that in order to get the property acreage we desired with a water front in the school district we were aiming for we would have to purchase an existing home.  The house was not in any way the dream home I had envisioned building however we made it work and now can’t imagine being anywhere else.  We spend little time inside anyhow with the brilliant yard and water activities beckoning us in the spring, summer and fall we have little time to worry about the things inside that were not what we exactly desired.

I am sure the same is true for those homeowners who dream of a home and never envision the outside.  If would work the same for them.  Every day they would wake up in the room of their dreams, drink coffee in the nook they envisioned and eat around the dining room they pictured making memories in.  They are outside so little that the yard has very little significance. When they are outside it is such an infrequent and insignificant matter that they barely look to see that it might not be everything they hoped it to be but it works and the sacrifice is worth it to them.

Monument Engineering

Hiring An Engineering Firm For Any Project

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Hiring the right person or company to assist with any project no matter how big or small is always tough.  Companies spend thousands of dollars marketing themselves to individuals.  Flashy advertising and quirky websites are nice but how do you get to the heart of the firm or individual to make sure you are hiring the right individual for your needs.  This is true in every profession whether you are looking for a financial representative, a plumber, an accountant, builder and even an engineering firm.

For a project to reach its max success level the team implementing the plan must be skilled.  This is why you will want to take time in hiring any and all consultants and contractors to be working on the job.  Just because the head chef has a wonderful plan doesn’t mean dinner will be a success.  You need people in place that are qualifies to implement the plan.  The same is true for all projects and engineers are the ones we turn to when planning and implementing various projects from building bridges to distributing hot and cold water.  Finding a firm that will meet projects needs is where most business projects begin.

The first step in finding the right engineering firm for your company is finding a firm that specializes in the engineering discipline that your project requires.  It won’t take you long to realize that when building a tunnel an electrical engineer is not what you need.  Figuring out the type of engineers you need assisting with your project will be the first task in narrowing down the search for an engineering firm to work with.

The next goal is to look at the firms you have narrowed down and locate options that have previously established the proficiencies you are looking for in previous projects they have completed.  You should look into the experience of the firm, their certifications and qualifications.  It is also important that you thoroughly examine projects that have been completed by the firm that resembles your needs.

It is also important to speak with previous clients that the engineering firms have worked with.  Ask about issues, pleasant and unpleasant and how they were resolved.  This step should be done when you are fairly sure you have narrowed your choices down to three or fewer firms.

It is important to know exactly what you are getting and paying for when you hire an engineering firm. Not all engineering services are included in proposals so be sure to really examine that you are getting exactly what you need and are only paying for what you need also.  Different firms charge differently.  Some are based strictly on a project fee basis.  This means you pay a straight fee and that is it no matter what time frame the project takes while others wish for a retainer to be paid up front followed by an hourly fee.  If you are working on an hourly basis it is important to determine a fixed budget for the firm to stay within.

After you have taken these steps it is time to request a bid from the firms you have established fit your needs.  In the proposal you should provide an explanation if exactly what you are trying to achieve.  You must outline what your timeline is, the amount you are willing to spend, and requirements that get into your technical needs.  When an outsider reads your proposal should leave know rock unturned.  This will help you stay on budget and ensure that your project runs smooth from the start.

SRCMI

The Joy Of Spring Cleaning

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Spring cleaning is different in each household.  It is the time of year to go extreme and get every dirt cell in your house.  I tend to flip out a bit because it is the one time a year that my husband and children are helpful in the duties involved in our home.  I take full advantage of this.  Our spring cleaning consists of each room getting one on one attention and then the house as a whole.  The carpet cleaners are called in along with the handyman that will power wash the house, deck and windows.  Our job is to make sure that all the hidden dust bunnies are removed so that for one day our house can glow.

The kitchen is my least favorite place to clean.  I do spot clean the stove top and microwave but I truly hate these tasks.  During spring cleaning however I buckle down and get to it.  I start by empting shelves and removing food from the pantry.  I create a mixture of bleach and water and wipe down everything.  I then go through the items from our pantry and get rid of anything older than six months and reorganize as I out things back into place.

Next we move all the appliances.  The under carriage of the fridge, stove and dishwasher are magnets for dirt, lost toys and all types of candy.  The fridge is next. We empty both the fridge and freezer and wipe all the seals and shelves down.  Food is gone through and eventually reorganized back into the fridge and freezer.  One thing we are good about is making sure that flour, sugar and baking goods are fresh but if you are not check them out and make sure that nothing is playing host to bugs.

Each bedroom is canvases also.  We start by empting the room out.  This allows us to vacuum underneath the bed, dressers, nightstands and the far reaches of the closets.  Once this has been done we go though the items that have been relocated neatly placing them back into place.  We dust everything, throw away clothes that don’t fit, get rid of toys and take all large bedding in for cleaning.  The bedroom is the best place to clean because that night when you go to pass out you are really breathing in the fruits of your labor.

The living areas are always a treat.  This is when ceiling fans get dusted and wiped down.  You can really tell a lot about a family by the amount of dust on their ceiling fan!  The couches are taken apart and vacuumed.  If we notice stains on the furniture this is a perfect time to make note of it.  When the carpet cleaners come out it is often inexpensive to have them do a piece of furniture.  The windows are done by professionals.  This is because we have yet to master the art and I cannot stand getting the Q-tips out for inside the window sills.  All of the fire alarms are vacuumed out and new batteries installed.  Faucet aerators are cleaned and drains are too along with furnace filters and vents.

The one thing I love most about spring cleaning is after we are all done the carpet cleaners come in do another thorough vacuuming and get to deep cleaning our carpets.  This is a sure way to make sure all residues from dead critters, dander, dust and every other gross carpet issue is done away with.  Carpet cleaners get to the core of the dirt, remove it and leave the house smelling fresh and looking like new.  Once the carpet cleaners leave I take it upon myself to go shopping for new mats for the entrances of the house.  Clean mats help keep feet clean which in turn keeps the carpet in better shape longer.

Don’t forget to donate anything and everything you have decided to part with.  Don’t leave it piling up in the garage.  Most likely that sale you have planned for the summer won’t happen because summer is the busiest time of the year. Take the tax deduction and make let others thrive off of your goods.  If you have not used it in a year or more it belongs in that donation pile.  We had a brand new ricer that was still in the carton that we had no ambition to use that ended up going into the donation pile.    It is also not to forget that a clean home keeps the members of your family breathing easier.  Enjoy it!  You might find yourself cleaning more often.

True Cleaning