 9 Products You'll Love If You Totally Hate Cleaning
Nothing spoils a lazy Saturday like a list full of chores. The only way to avoid a weekend cleaning spree is to space out the work and tidy up throughout the week. Although the prospect of cleaning every day may be too much for the cleaning-averse to bear, the right cleaning tools can lighten the load. More than that, these clever products could actually make cleaning fun.
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9 Bold Rooms that Will Make You Rethink Black Paint
Not so long ago, many homeowners steered clear of black paint, considering it too heavy and overpowering. But the dark shade has recently become a go-to interior design choice, popping up everywhere from living room mantels to kitchen cabinets to bathroom walls. Intrigued? Check out these 9 boldly black rooms, which may inspire you to pick up a paintbrush.
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From Bridges to Stadiums: 13 U.S. Icons That Are Falling Apart
America is a veritable treasure trove of famous bridges, lighthouses, stadiums, and other architectural wonders that are as historically and culturally significant as they are artful. Yet the triple threats of vandalism, neglect, and harsh weather have reduced some of these stalwart structures to crumbling ruins. Here's a selection of great American landmarks that have, for various reasons, lost their looks yet retained their importance.
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Buyer's Guide: Electric Mowers
If you're ready to upgrade to a new lawn mower but aren't sure you want a traditional gas-powered model, consider goi...
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The 8 Best Plants for Your Bedroom, and Why
Houseplants are more than just decorative accents. These natural household helpers reduce carbon dioxide and dust levels, and look great while doing it. But did you know that the mere presence of certain plants in your bedroom can actually help you sleep better? Just pick one or two of the sleep-promoting candidates that follow, and see if a little bit of greenery by your bedside will give you a more restful night.
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50 Products For Quick Fixes Around the House
As any homeowner knows, no one can prepare you for the burden that comes from realizing that every creak, crack, scratch, and clog in your house is something that you and you alone will need to fix (or pay someone else to fix). If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, take a look at this list for clever little products that promise to resolve myriad problems around the house.
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7 Health Hazards Lurking in Your Basement
Basements were once used solely as utility rooms that housed furnaces, laundry areas, and overflow storage for seasonal items, tools, and sometimes even root vegetables. Today, with the high cost of above-grade living space, many homeowners choose to finish parts of their basements to serve as living areas. While this is a great way to gain more space, if characteristic basement problems aren't resolved first, occupants of these finished spaces may be exposed to a higher risk of some health prob
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How To: Cut Pavers
Pavers—be they brick, stone, or concrete—are a pleasing alternative to large expanses of plain concrete, adding visua...
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How To: Remove Grout Haze
If you notice a cloudiness suddenly appear across your tiled surfaces only days after a bathroom renovation, it's pro...
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10 Reasons You Don't Need a Green Thumb to Have a Beautiful Garden
Even without the perfect growing conditions or abundant acreage, you can create a wow-worthy landscape. In fact, the surprising secret to success isn't actually green—it's gray. While keeping plants alive and forcing buds can take a lot of guesswork on correct placement, temperatures, sunlight, and water, concrete often offers much more control on the finished products you make for your lawn and garden. Scroll through to see no-fuss DIY planters, lawn decorations, furnishings, and hardscape fe...
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13 Homes from the Original Colonies that Still Stand Today
America may have 50 states now, but a little less than 250 years ago it consisted of just 13 colonies. Even today, there are some amazing homes built during the colonial period that still stand proudly. Despite war, neglect, and the passage of time, these homes serve as a reminder of the early settlers from countries throughout Europe who influenced the course of United States history.
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20 American Towns with Perfect Weather
From scorching heat to bone-chilling cold, unbearable weather conditions wreak havoc throughout the United States. Yet some fortunate towns enjoy blissful climates in all seasons, making them ideal vacation or retirement destinations. We scoured climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding cloud cover, sunlight, and temperature to pinpoint 20 cities with the best year-round weather patterns. Time to start packing for your next weekend getaway!
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The 8 Most Common Reasons DIYers End Up in the ER
Your home is a refuge from the dangers and anxieties of the outside world—or is it? Statistics indicate that Americans are more likely to be injured at home than just about anywhere else. According to the National Safety Council, 23.8 million preventable injuries occurred in homes in 2016, and most of these were caused by the injured party's own mistakes. Minimize your risk of injury around the house by avoiding these common—and in some cases, fatal—missteps.
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Bob Vila Radio: Sod Success
Laying sod isn't a trivial, low-effort project, but careful preparation makes the job a whole lot easier and signific...
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12 Reasons a Realtor Might Not Want to Work with You
Most homeowners are under the impression that real estate agents are dying to list their houses and that they'll do virtually anything to get a listing. Yet, while agents need a steady supply of houses and commercial buildings to sell, they're not always eager to get just any listing. In fact, there are a number of reasons a real estate agent will turn down a listing. Keep reading to find out why a real estate agent might not want to work with you.
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10 Ways You're Killing Your Curb Appeal
Never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Not only does your home exterior give a first impression to guests, it can also influence real estate transactions by attracting potential buyers. Unfortunately, though, some common eyesores can leave your facade looking worn for wear. Check out these 10 mistakes that are killing your home's curb appeal, and learn how to banish the blemishes for a picture-perfect landscape.
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The 10 Most Indestructible Dishes You Can Buy
Elegant dinnerware elevates any dining table, but clumsy homeowners may often find themselves with broken glasses, shattered plates, and dented mugs. To save yourself from dangerous and costly dishware dilemmas, check out these 10 indestructible items, which are built to last for years.
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11 Easy Ways to Save Time on Your Spring To-Do List
With warmer temperatures finally on their way, we all want to kick back and have fun. But between heavy-duty spring cleaning inside the house and all the accumulated upkeep and repairs outdoors, your to-do list is longer than ever. To help speed things up, we've put together some smart and simple time-saving strategies guaranteed to make quick work of your toughest chores—both inside the house and out in the yard. Get busy now, and in almost no time you'll be able to put up your feet and e...
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14 DIY Project Materials Hiding in Your Backyard
Sometimes you don't need to go much farther than your back door to find the supplies you need for your DIY projects. Check out these ingenious creations for the home and garden that utilize raw materials from your very own backyard.
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16 Times Shiplap Made the Room
You've certainly seen it—but you may not know what it's called or how versatile it is. Shiplap is a series of grooved wooden boards joined horizontally to give a rustic, cozy appearance. While it has plenty of traditional looks and uses, shiplap is getting a makeover as contemporary designers learn to capitalize on its clean lines to enhance a variety of interiors.
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11 Clever Ways to Hack Your Kitchen Appliances
Each kitchen appliance has a designated purpose, whether it's toasting bread, making coffee, heating up food, or mixing ingredients. But clever homeowners can think outside the box and use their appliances to accomplish a multitude of unexpected tasks. Did you know, for example, that you can clean hardware in your Crock-Pot and wash throw pillows in your dishwasher? Check out these 11 genius ways to hack your appliances.
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9 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Windows Ever
Washing the windows can be a dreaded chore. If you're using conventional cleaning products, removing those stubborn streaks from the interior and exterior of clear glass is especially tricky. Paper towel leaves behind fibers that gunk up the window and commercial cleaners might not be the most effective choice. But with a few changes to your cleaning routine, you can have your windows looking sparkly and spotless year round.
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10 Secret Ingredients to Make Your Garden Grow
Healthy plants don't happen by accident. To grow strong and verdant, plants need sun and water as well as soil that has sufficient nutrients... and that's where commercial fertilizer comes in. Fertilizer puts badly needed nutrients back into the soil, but it can be harsh on plants, and it's costly too. To give your garden—and your wallet—a break, try one of these home remedies instead. These simple soil additions deliver a unique set of nutrients that benefit everything from ornamentals to v...
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The Best Tiny Beach Towns from East to West
Life in a large beach town comes with big crowds, long lines, and lots of noise. There are, however, plenty of small seaside spots from coast to coast that offer stunning ocean vistas and fun attractions without the annoyances you find at more populated destinations. Click through for our picks for the best tiny beach towns in the United States.
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Buyer's Guide: Reel Mowers
Manual reel lawn mowers may invoke nostalgia for the good old days before powerful riding versions arrived to wake th...
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The Biggest Outdoor Design Trends of 2018—So Far
A yard is more than grass that you have to mow, it's an extension of your living space. Homeowners who commit time and money toward landscaping their yard not only get a great return on their investment, but on average they're happier with the results of their outdoor renovation than they are with indoor remodeling projects like redoing the kitchen or bathroom. Get a head start on revitalizing your yard by checking out the biggest landscaping trends of 2018, according to landscaping expert Mis...
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8 Surprising Things You Never Knew You Can Vacuum
Whether you use it to clean the carpet, hardwood floors, or back seat of the car, a quality vacuum is an essential item in your cleaning arsenal. However, if you're vacuuming only in these few spots around the house, you're not making the most of your machine's cleaning power. Read on and see why your vacuum cleaner is the perfect tool for trapping dirt in some of the most commonly overlooked areas of your home.
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The Best Places to Buy Plants Online
A trip to the garden center is a rite of spring for green thumbs. There's the smell of soil in the air, knowledgable staff to help you choose the right greenery for your yard and, of course, plenty of plants for the taking. But if your local nursery doesn't sell the variety of plants you need, or your demanding schedule leaves you with precious little time to shop, there's always the internet. You might not think it, but there are plenty of online shops that will deliver live plants right to you
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Love Old Houses? These Are the AirBnBs for You
Do you have an appreciation for historic homes and old-time architecture? Then consider booking your vacation lodging through Airbnb. The virtual hospitality service, which connects users with rental properties around the globe, has many listings that date back at least 100 years. We've rounded up our 15 favorite historic Airbnbs across the country, lodgings that include colonial taverns, Civil War-era cottages, and so much more. These charming dwellings can be yours for the night with the cli...
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11 Ways to Hack Your Kitchen Appliances
Each kitchen appliance has a designated purpose, whether it's toasting bread, making coffee, heating up food, or mixing ingredients. But clever homeowners can think outside the box and use their appliances to accomplish a multitude of unexpected tasks. Did you know, for example, that you can clean hardware in your Crock-Pot and wash throw pillows in your dishwasher? Check out these 11 genius ways to hack your appliances.
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How To: Polish Wood Floors
Think about the beating your wood floors endure on a daily basis: high heels, pet nails, children's toys, and shiftin...
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Solved! What Is a SEER Rating?
Q: My 15-year-old air conditioning unit finally gave up, so I'm in the process of shopping for a new one. I've heard ...
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9 Things Your Contractor Never Wants to Hear
From HVAC repair to electrical upgrades, some home improvement projects require the help of a professional. But even though contractors are well versed in repairs and remodeling, they can face serious losses if they take on projects for unscrupulous, unrealistic, or simply clueless clients. If you want to stay within your budget, keep on schedule, and maintain morale on your next big construction or renovation project, avoid saying these 9 things to your contractor.
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18 Small Towns That Changed America
Despite their modest populations, small towns have made their mark on our nation by spawning political or cultural movements, popularizing traditions, and at times altering the very course of history. Click through for a closer look at the small but mighty cities that have influenced the culture and history of the United States.
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The 10 Best AmazonBasics Products for Your Home
If you shop on Amazon, you already know it's a one-stop shop to buy brand name home goods and pantry staples. But did you also know that Amazon sells its own private label products at prices that are priced comparably or lower than other brands? Here are some of the most interesting and essential buys from Amazon's own line of products.
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9 Tricks for Your Cleanest Windows Ever
Washing the windows can be a dreaded chore. If you're using conventional cleaning products, removing those stubborn streaks from the interior and exterior of clear glass is especially tricky. Paper towel leaves behind fibers that gunk up the window and commercial cleaners might not be the most effective choice. But with a few changes to your cleaning routine, you can have your windows looking sparkly and spotless year round.
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Don't Quit Your Day Job: 10 Tips for Wannabe House Flippers
You've heard the story: Someone purchases a run-down house below market value, fixes its flaws, and sells the remodeled property for a hefty profit. But while this rags to riches tale is alluring, house flipping is a risky business full of potential roadblocks. Before you commit to a fixer-upper, remember these 10 tips that will help keep your budget—and your stress—under control.
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11 Selfish Reasons to Make Friends with Your Neighbors
Creating a desirable neighborhood requires commitment and participation from the people who reside there. When you get to know your neighbors, you'll not only feel more comfortable around them, you'll also be able to help one another improve the community. Click through to learn the 11 biggest advantages of being a friendly neighbor.
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10 Building Code Violations Your Home May Be Guilty Of
Building codes promote safety and uniformity, but they're usually enforced only during construction and remodeling projects. If you live in an older home—or if you undertook a DIY renovation without acquiring a permit—your property might not comply with modern regulations. This can be a big problem: Certain violations can screw up a home sale, put your family at risk, or result in a fine from your local building authority. Wondering if your humble abode is up to standard? Check out these 1...
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12 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable
Exterior upgrades enhance the look of your property and can offer recreational benefits. Not every renovation, however, produces a return on investment, and some upgrades (like swimming pools) make your home less attractive to potential buyers. If you want to refresh your yard and build equity at the same time, consider one of these 12 outdoor projects guaranteed to boost property value.
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Buyer's Guide: Pole Saws
In order to stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning to remove broken branches and thin out de...
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Paint Your Home One of These Colors to Make It Sell for More
Selling your home? If so, never underestimate the value of curb appeal. Buyers will often pay a premium for the prettiest house on the block, and paint color plays a huge role in that determination. Check out these 10 paint colors that increase the value of your home, and consider giving your exterior a colorful facelift before putting out the "For Sale" sign.
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15 Historic Houses You Can Rent on Airbnb
Do you have an appreciation for historic homes and old-time architecture? Then consider booking your vacation lodging through Airbnb. The virtual hospitality service, which connects users with rental properties around the globe, has many listings that date back at least 100 years. We've rounded up our 15 favorite historic Airbnbs across the country, lodgings that include colonial taverns, Civil War-era cottages, and so much more. These charming dwellings can be yours for the night with the cli...
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10 Reasons Every DIYer Needs a Pry Bar
Lugging around a heavy toolbox gets old after a while, but you often need half a dozen tools just to complete even a simple do-it-yourself repair. Make it easier on yourself! You can reduce the number of tools you need to carry (and buy) if you select hardworking tools that have multiple functions.
Take the humble pry bar, for example. Its L-shaped ends can apply leverage, lift, scrape, and even spackle. Haven't given any thought to a pry bar's versatility before? That's probably because yo...
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America's Lowest Property Taxes Are in These 12 States
How much are you paying in property taxes? Depending on where you live, your property taxes may be modest, or they may actually be higher than your mortgage payment. If you're feeling the property tax pinch, maybe it's time to seek a little tax relief by moving to a less costly region. Check out some cheaper options by browsing our list of the 12 states with the lowest effective property tax rate.
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10 Building Code Violations Hiding in Your Home
Building codes promote safety and uniformity, but they're usually enforced only during construction and remodeling projects. If you live in an older home—or if you undertook a DIY renovation without acquiring a permit—your property might not comply with modern regulations. This can be a big problem: Certain violations can screw up a home sale, put your family at risk, or result in a fine from your local building authority. Wondering if your humble abode is up to standard? Check out these 1...
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10 Secret Ingredients to Make Your Plants Grow Faster
Healthy plants don't happen by accident. To grow strong and verdant, plants need sun and water as well as soil that has sufficient nutrients... and that's where commercial fertilizer comes in. Fertilizer puts badly needed nutrients back into the soil, but it can be harsh on plants, and it's costly too. To give your garden—and your wallet—a break, try one of these home remedies instead. These simple soil additions deliver a unique set of nutrients that benefit everything from ornamentals to v...
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11 Online Shops for Cheap, Rare, or Easy-Care Plants
A trip to the garden center is a rite of spring for green thumbs. There's the smell of soil in the air, knowledgable staff to help you choose the right greenery for your yard and, of course, plenty of plants for the taking. But if your local nursery doesn't sell the variety of plants you need, or your demanding schedule leaves you with precious little time to shop, there's always the internet. You might not think it, but there are plenty of online shops that will deliver live plants right to you
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12 Things to Toss ASAP When You Clean Out Your Garage
For many people, the garage is a black hole. Rarely used belongings disappear into its dark depths, and homeowners completely forget about them—that is, until spring cleaning rolls around. Take control of your cluttered garage by purging these 12 items. You'll barely notice their absence, and you may even free up enough space to park your car in there again!
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The 7 Biggest Landscaping Trends of 2018
A yard is more than grass that you have to mow, it's an extension of your living space. Homeowners who commit time and money toward landscaping their yard not only get a great return on their investment, but on average they're happier with the results of their outdoor renovation than they are with indoor remodeling projects like redoing the kitchen or bathroom. Get a head start on revitalizing your yard by checking out the biggest landscaping trends of 2018, according to landscaping expert Mis...
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Buyer's Guide: Wood Filler
Cracks, divots, holes, or rot can crop up on wooden surfaces due to ordinary wear-and-tear, accidents, and during do-...
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12 Incredible Homes That Were Built By Their Owners
Building a custom home isn't for the faint of heart, but across the globe there are daring DIYers who take on the challenge, roll up their sleeves, and raise the roof on their own home with their own two hands. Here are 12 of the most impressive owner-built homes we've ever seen. Maybe they'll inspire you to DIY a dwelling of your own!
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How To: Fix a Hole in a Door
Hollow core doors—consisting of a lightweight wood frame covered with composite veneer—are affordable (around $50 per...
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The 7 Most Annoying Things About Buying a Home
Buying a home is a major milestone. By the time someone puts in an offer on that dream home, there have already been months of careful budgeting, scouring listings, and attending open houses. Soon after making that bid, however, buyers learn that real estate transactions rarely go down without a hitch. Here are the 7 most annoying things about buying a home, with tips for making the process less of a burden.
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Buyer's Guide: Ladders
Replacing a burned-out light bulb in your foyer, hanging a family portrait, cleaning the gutters—there are just some ...
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How To: Test for Mold
Ever walked into a bathroom and paused to question the mustiness of the space? It's not news that those damp quarters...
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How To: Dispose of Dry Ice
Solidified carbon dioxide—better known as dry ice—is commonly used to freeze food or keep it cold longer than regular...
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8 Surprising Things You Should Be Vacuuming
Whether you use it to clean the carpet, hardwood floors, or back seat of the car, a quality vacuum is an essential item in your cleaning arsenal. However, if you're vacuuming only in these few spots around the house, you're not making the most of your machine's cleaning power. Read on and see why your vacuum cleaner is the perfect tool for trapping dirt in some of the most commonly overlooked areas of your home.
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How To: Shellac Wood
Shellac is a versatile, non-toxic wood finish that enhances the natural grain while adding smoothness without the pla...
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Buyers Guide: Wet/Dry Vacuums
No longer strictly for the workshop, wet/dry vacuums have become a necessary convenience all around the house. A wet/...
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Buyer's Guide: Plungers
It happens to all of us at some point or another. A shower drain backs up and refuses to empty out the tub, a sink fi...
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