5 Steps to Protecting Your Hardwood Floor From DisasterWritten by Michael Nelson
Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment for a homeowner. They add a certain charm and character to a home that can’t be replicated by laminates, carpeting, or any other type of flooring. However, investment does not stop with decision to purchase hardwoods. To retain value, hardwood must be properly cared for and maintained. Fortunately, with a few simple, easy, inexpensive steps, your hardwood flooring will always remain in perfect shape.1. Do not use Murphy’s Oil Soap. Murphy’s works great on wooden furniture, but don’t make mistake of using it on your hardwood floors. You won’t notice anything wrong after applying it once, but if used consistently, residue will build up and leave your floor with a dull appearance. 2. Do not use a Wet Swiffer. A Dry Swiffer is great for collecting dust, dirt, and pet hair from your floors, and it is also less abrasive than a vacuum cleaner. However, a Wet Swiffer can cause major long-term damage. The chemicals in cleaning solution can break down urethane finish on your floor and leave it dull, faded, and lifeless. 3. Place area rugs anywhere that might collect water. Prime areas are in front of refrigerator, by dishwasher, and near any sinks. Make sure that floor is protected in any spot that is susceptible to minor leaks and water collection. A pool of water is quickest way to destroy your floor.
| | A Unique History of the Light BulbWritten by Antigone Arthur
A Unique History of Light BulbMost people assume that Thomas Edison invented light bulb. This is only partially true however. Historically speaking, many people helped developed modern incandescent bulb. Though Thomas Edison's achievements were by far most significant, there are several others that deserve some credit. Important People In The Life Of A Light Bulb Sir Humphrey Davy is first person to create artificial light. While conducting experiments Davy passed an electric arc of energy between two poles. The resulting "light" had a short life but nonetheless contributed to science of electricity. In 1820 a fellow named Warren De la Rue also tried to create incandescent light bulb. Using a platinum coil, la Rue passed a current of electricity through a tube. This successful resulted in a light "bulb" or sorts. However, platinum coil used proved way too expensive to mass-produce. Thus la Rue's creation served more as a research tool than anything else. Still searching for perfect bulb, Frederick de Moleyns stepped up to plate in 1841. He used powdered charcoal filters as a conductor for light energy. He is first person granted a patent for creating incandescent lamps. Then, Edward Shepard less than a decade later used a charcoal filament to create an incandescent lamp. Like its predecessors, this light was short-lived. Around same time a man named Joseph Swan also started using carbon as filaments. Carbon provided a lower cost and more efficient filament material than other metal alternatives. In 1854 a German worker created a filament using carbonized bamboo. This successfully produced an incandescent electric bulb. The light bulb had same problem as its predecessors however. Short life spans seemed to plague early inventors of light for many years before Edison stepped on to scene. In 1860 Joseph Swan displayed a decent light bulb using carbonized filaments. His problem however, was failure to create a proper vacuum and enough electricity to product a lasting light.
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