Maria,

I'm retired from two 30+ year careers, first in the military and the last was 34 years as a real estate agent in the MD/DC area. I've been in thousands of homes there, many 'old, damp and smelly.' Two things I developed sensitivity to were damp/wet basements and cat odors (offensive to most humans). I have some horror stories that I'll never share in public. My comments are based on going on hundreds of home inspections and previewing thousands of homes of all kinds and ages. On to the present subject.

1. To remove the 'old' smell from carpets and other similar surfaces, after you sprinkle with baking soda, sprinkle or use a spray bottle clear apple cider vinegar over the soda. If possible, close up the area for 2-3 days to give time for the combination to 'gel' and the liquid to dry out. In most cases, that will remove the 'old' odor AND the cat odor. Otherwise, remove and trash the carpet and padding and apply the treatment to the floor/sub-flooring.

2. Quick hints for damp/wet basements. Straight from an old time home inspector's mouth (not mine). Do these things before you ever even consider engaging a 'water proofing contractor' to do an expensive 'fix.' Walk around the entire exterior of the house. Make sure that all gutters and downspouts are properly installed and not clogged with leaves/twigs/tree seedlings or any kind of obstructions (tennis balls or baseballs clogging downspouts are a nemesis). Then check that all grading (dirt piled up on the foundation walls) is angled to direct all rainwater flow AWAY from the foundation walls. Recessed areas (check also behind shrubs) that can 'pool' or hold water at the wall will sponge water down and into the basement. If the house has a below grade (below outside ground level) basement, ensure that a smooth operating sump pump is installed. With a battery backup to run the sump pump during power outages. Otherwise, you may return from vacation to find an unwanted wading pool (I've seen basements with up to 5 feet of water.).

These fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Chuck in the DC suburbs

Maria,

My nephew, who is restoring a house from land bank (left with no heat for four years and water pipes all burst) said he has had the best luck with mold/odor removal with hydrogen peroxide, over bleach. He also highly recommends a dehumidifier or two. Old houses, mine is 130 years, sometimes have a dirt floor in the basement. There may be a flooring over this, but they were also deliberately left with vents in the floors overhead so that any moisture would evaporate upwards; which is why the dehumidifier in the basement is now necessary. Later remodels closed in the overhead venting (in my case, in the kitchen covered by linoleum).

If there is no drain in the basement, you can empty the dehumidifier into the washer which will empty to the sewer by running spin dry. You should not leave water in the washer as it is slightly acidic. I've been doing it this way for years with no trouble. Remember that the humidifier should be level or it can overflow.

Another cheap fix is to simply leave on a fan in the basement. The air circulation will help dry out the surrounding area, as anyone with a flooded basement will attest to.

This fabulous GON Reader Letter was submitted by:

--Elaine Ferris, Michigan

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the FEBRUARY 2020 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

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Here are the topics in the FEBRUARY Issue...

Social media: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Most of us use one or more forms of social media and it can be informative, educational, and fun.until it's not. There are some real dangers and drawbacks everyone should be aware of

A dozen ways to make good first impressions
The first seven seconds are crucial when you meet someone for the first time. Nail a good first impression on the head

Prep for a good night's sleep: 20 strategies
Do you have trouble falling asleep? These 20 strategies may be just what you need to help you get that much-needed shut eye

When your routine gets sidetracked
Routines work great...until distractions stop us in our tracks. Here are ways to deal with distractions, ranging from minor ones to emergencies

Recipes of the Month
It's 'Heart Health' month and here are two yummy, healthy recipes to help you celebrate.
-Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Berries
-Parmesan Baked Artichoke Hearts

Household Chore Hazards
What may seem like a simple household chore may be way more dangerous than you think. Know these hazards and take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and your home

Won't You Be My Neighbor?
In celebration of Valentine's Day, my challenge to you is to "love thy neighbor" in the best way you can. Here are 7 ideas

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on FEBRUARY 7: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

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GON February Checklist LOVE your organized life! Start today with our NEW February Organizing Checklist

GON Mini Challenges Our February Mini Challenges are: Organizing Your Memories. Focus on WEEK 1 this week

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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