Archive for August, 2011
Make Better-Tasting Food On Your Grill
August 28th, 2011 categories: Home Life
Labor Day is nearing; the unofficial end of summer across Northern Virginia. If you’re among the many Americans planning an end-of-season barbecue, you’ll want to make sure your grill is clean.
A clean grill makes better tasting food.
There are several ways to clean a grill but, for owners of gas grills, the first step always is to disconnect the gas source.
Next, open your grill and remove its metal pieces. This includes grates, trays and flame guards. Take these pieces to your kitchen. If the oven has a self-cleaning mechanism, place the items in your oven and let it “self-clean”. As the temperature reaches 900 degrees or more, residue will literally fall off your grill parts.
Be sure to wipe clean your oven once the cycle completes.
If your oven is not self-cleaning, wash the grill parts in your sink using hot water and detergent. You’ll want to soak the parts in soapy water if they’re especially dirty. Once clean, allow the parts to air dry.
Then, return to your grill and using a wire brush, scrape the residue from the sides, top and bottom of the appliance. Again, using a soapy hot water mixture, wash and wipe down the inside of the grill. Rinse it clean once the residue is removed.
Re-assemble your grill.
Lastly, reconnect the gas source (if applicable) and allow the grill to burn for 5 minutes. This will burn off any lingering residue from the cleaning process, including soap and detergent.
And that’s it!
Plan on cleaning your grill at least twice annually with heavy use.
If you would like to be grilling in your new home this time next year and are interested in moving to the Centreville/Chantilly area please know that I am here to help. Our website has many useful tools for home buying and you can contact me directly with any questions. Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
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Chantilly Home For Sale: A Genuine Stand-Out at 4360 Silas Hutchinson Drive
August 12th, 2011 categories: Chantilly Fairfax County, Featured Listings
This Chantilly home for sale is a real stand-out!
A stand-out at 4360 Silas Hutchinson Drive in Chantilly VA 20151
Nicely located in the community of Pleasant Valley, this exceptionally well-cared for home at 4360 Silas Hutchinson Drive in Chantilly, Virginia (20151) is super clean.
The lot is also above average. Just like the home, it is well-maintained, elegant, and has the feeling of being fresh and new.
If you are searching homes for sale in the Chantilly or surrounding area, take a quick Visual Tour and you can get a sense of what this home has to offer. If you have questions, just let me know. If you want to see this home in person, please contact me and we’ll arrange a showing.
Also, please be aware this home is a normal sale property. You won’t have the stresses and challenges associated with distressed properties.
We are here if you want to know anything more about this exceptionally attractive home. I believe it will make its next owner very happy!
Price: $419,900
MLS#: FX 7659681
More information: please click here and you will see the property on our Featured Listings page.
PS – If you are relocating to Northern Virginia, we can get your questions about the area answered quickly.
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Removing Stains From Your Furniture
August 8th, 2011 categories: Home Life
Your home furniture can be a big investment. If you have ever wondered how to deal with spills and stains, here is a set of recommendations
from Martha Stewart. Think of them as first-aid for your home furnishings.
Wood
• Moisture “rings”: Pour table salt on the white rings/haze and cover with a terry cloth. Apply hair dryer on low setting until rings are gone.
• Alcohol spills: Blot spills immediately, do not rub. Apply small amounts of ammonia to damage.
• Wax spills: Allow to cool and harden, then freeze the wax with an ice cube in a sandwich bag. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off wax.
Fabric
• Red wine stains: Cover wine with table salt and let sit until salt has wicked up the wine. Vacuum salt and repeat, as necessary.
Blot remaining stains with damp cloth and dish soap.
• General spills: Repeatedly blot with a damp white cloth. Use white cloths to prevent dye transfer.
• Oil spills: Cover spill with baking soda and vacuum once absorbed. Blot remaining stains with rubbing alcohol
Leather
• General stains: Blot with all-purpose household cleaner. To prevent fading in the upholstery, avoid products with bleach or bleach alternatives.
• Scratches: Apply saddle soap to a damp cloth and rub the scratch to help it “blend in”. It won’t go away.
Also, a tip on leather furniture: forget touch-up kits or colored markers. It’s nearly impossible to match leather colors and your repair work will likely make the problem more noticeable.
If you are thinking about your home’s appearance in preparation for the possibility of selling here is the Northern Virginia area (or moving here from elsewhere), please know that I am here to help. Our websites have lots of tools, and you can contact me directly with any questions. We are always here for you!
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Chantilly Home Safety: Be Careful With That Home Project
August 5th, 2011 categories: Buyer Strategies, Home Life, Seller Strategies
According to the BuildFax Remodeling Index, people are doing lots of remodelling projects.
They report that for the 19th straight month, their May index rose.
If you are doing projects on your own, do be aware of safety. Many preventable accidents happen because basic safety precautions are not taken. Some of these accidents can be very serious…like falling off a ladder.
Check out this 5-minute video from NBC’s The Today Show. Being aware of the basic precautions mentioned could save you a lot of trouble.
The insights include:
- Use “expandable” earplugs to prevent hearing loss from power tools.
- Don’t wear sneakers or sandals. Wear construction boots.
- Never stand on the top 2 steps of a ladder.
Also, don’t forget the safety glasses. Eye problems are the number one injury as reported by home remodelers, and it is important to realize they can happen anytime.
Here is the video from the NBC website.
As always, if you need a referral for professional help to do a project, contact me and I will provide a few names.
Whether you are buying or selling, or just considering either or both, we are always here for you!
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