Author: Damaris Gatwiri

A radiator plays an important role in keeping your car engine cool or warming your home. Over time, dirt, rust, sludge and debris can build up inside the radiator and reduce its efficiency. This can lead to overheating in vehicles or poor heating performance in home systems. Cleaning a radiator properly helps extend its lifespan and ensures it continues working smoothly. The cleaning method depends on whether it is a car radiator or a home heating radiator, but the principles remain similar. Preparing the Radiator for Cleaning Before cleaning, make sure the radiator is cool to avoid burns. For car…

Pewter objects like ornaments, plates and jewellery add a beautiful vintage charm to any home. Over time, pewter can become dull, stained or develop a natural patina. Cleaning pewter correctly keeps it looking smooth and well-maintained without scratching the soft metal. Different types of pewter need different cleaning approaches, so understanding what you have is important before you begin. Identify the Type of Pewter Pewter comes in three common forms. Modern pewter usually contains no lead and has a shiny silver appearance. Antique or older pieces may contain lead and often have a darker finish. Patina pewter is purposely designed…

Paint brushes can last a long time if they are cleaned properly after every use. When paint dries on the bristles, the brush becomes stiff and hard to use, leading to poor painting results. Different paints require different cleaning methods, so knowing the correct approach helps protect your tools and saves money. Cleaning Brushes Used with Water-Based Paints Water-based paints such as latex and acrylic are the easiest to clean. Begin by wiping off excess paint using a cloth or paper towel. Rinse the brush under warm running water while using your fingers to gently separate the bristles. Add mild…

Old coins can gather dirt, grease, or corrosion over time. Cleaning them can make them look better and easier to identify. However, it is important to be careful because improper cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and reduce its value, especially for rare or collectable pieces. Below is a safe and simple guide on how to clean old coins at home. Identify the Coin Before Cleaning Before you start, check if the coin is valuable or rare. Collectors often prefer coins in their natural state. If you think a coin may have high value, avoid cleaning it and consult a…

A mattress collects dust, sweat, skin cells, and sometimes stains over time. Normally, a vacuum cleaner helps remove dirt deep inside the mattress, but if you don’t have one, you can still clean it effectively using simple household items. Regular cleaning helps improve hygiene, remove odors, and extend the life of your mattress. Below is a clear guide on how to clean a mattress without using a vacuum. Strip and Wash All Bedding Remove sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and blankets. Wash them in warm water with detergent to kill germs and remove odors. Clean bedding regularly to reduce buildup of…

An iron plate can accumulate burnt residue from fabrics, starch, or mineral deposits over time. This buildup can cause sticking, stains, and uneven ironing. Toothpaste is a simple household product that can help remove these marks effectively. It contains mild abrasives that clean without scratching the iron plate. Below is a clear guide on how to clean an iron plate using toothpaste safely. Unplug and Cool the Iron Safety comes first. Make sure the iron is unplugged and completely cool before you begin cleaning. A hot iron can cause burns and may melt toothpaste, making the process messy. Apply a…

Epson printers are known for their quality, but sometimes ink can dry inside the print head, causing streaks, faded colors, or missing lines when printing. Cleaning the print head helps restore proper ink flow and improves print quality. There are different ways to clean the print head depending on how clogged it is. Below is a simple guide on how to clean an Epson printer head safely at home. Use the Printer’s Built-In Cleaning Feature Most Epson printers come with a nozzle cleaning option. Go to the printer menu on the device screen or computer. Select “Maintenance” or “Printer Settings”…

Cleaning your dog’s ears is an important part of grooming and overall health. Dirt, wax buildup, and trapped moisture can cause infections, itching, or discomfort. Regular cleaning helps keep the ears fresh and reduces the risk of ear diseases. It is best to clean your dog’s ears gently and only when necessary to avoid irritation. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears properly and safely. Gather the Right Supplies Before you begin, make sure you have a vet-approved ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog. Avoid using cotton buds…

An iron can become dirty over time due to fabric residues, burnt marks, or mineral deposits from steam. When the iron’s soleplate is not clean, it may stick to clothes or cause stains while ironing. Using salt is a simple and affordable way to clean the bottom of an iron and restore smooth gliding. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive that removes dirt without scratching the metal surface. Below is a clear guide on how to clean an iron using salt safely at home. Prepare the Iron for Cleaning Ensure the iron is unplugged and completely cool before you begin.…

A mouse pad collects dirt, sweat, dust, and sometimes drink spills from daily computer use. When the surface becomes dirty, the mouse may stop moving smoothly and accuracy decreases. Cleaning a mouse pad regularly keeps your workspace fresh and helps improve computer performance. The cleaning method depends on the type of mouse pad material. Below is a simple guide to help you clean different kinds of mouse pads safely. Identify the Mouse Pad Material Before washing, check the type of mouse pad you have. Cloth and rubber pads are easy to wash with water and soap. Hard plastic or RGB…

A carburetor plays an important role in mixing fuel and air in older cars, motorcycles, and small engines like lawnmowers and generators. Over time, dirt, fuel varnish, and debris collect inside the carburetor and cause poor engine performance. Cleaning the carburetor helps restore smooth starting, better fuel consumption, and stronger engine power. Below is a simple guide on how to clean a carburetor properly. Gather the Right Tools and Materials Before you start, make sure you have all the tools you need. These include screwdrivers, pliers, a socket set, gloves, a soft brush, carburetor cleaner spray, and a clean cloth.…

A braai is part of everyday life in many homes, and the braai grid is the most used item when cooking meat. With regular use, grease, burnt food, and smoke stains build up, making the grid dirty and affecting the taste of food. Cleaning a braai grid is simple when you use the right methods and keep it in good condition after every braai. Below is a clear guide on how to clean a braai grid at home using common household products. Start With Basic Scraping When the braai is still warm but not hot, scrape the grid to remove…

Many South Africans overpay their taxes during the financial year without realizing they may be entitled to a refund. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) allows taxpayers to claim back money when they have paid more tax than they owe. Understanding how to claim your tax refund ensures you receive the money you deserve and avoid unnecessary delays. Understand What a Tax Refund Is A tax refund occurs when SARS determines that the total tax you paid during the year exceeds your actual tax liability. This usually happens if you have additional deductions, medical credits, retirement contributions, or other allowable…

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers support to citizens who depend on social grants. When a beneficiary passes away before their next payment date, their family or the person who paid for the funeral may qualify to claim funeral benefits. This benefit is essentially a refund of the deceased’s unpaid grant and helps ease funeral expenses. Understand What SASSA Funeral Benefits Are SASSA funeral benefits are not a separate payment or insurance policy. They are a refund of the deceased’s last unpaid grant amount. Only the person who paid for the funeral is eligible to receive the refund,…

Citing the Constitution correctly is essential when writing academic papers, legal essays, or research reports. The Constitution is a legal document, so it should be referenced in a formal and consistent way. In Harvard style, the format used depends on whether you are citing a specific country’s constitution, a particular section, or the document as a whole. The goal is to make it clear which version or country’s constitution you are referring to and to include the year of publication or adoption. Basic Format for Citing a Constitution The general format for citing a constitution in Harvard style is: Country.…