Home Safety

Drywall dust is hard on lungs, but a properly certified dust mask will protect you from most of it. Avoid bargain masks; look for the N95 certification.

If you have a loose stair rail, a weak stair rail or no rail at all, fix the problem by installing a solidly anchored railing like we show here. Would your stair rail hold up to three energetic youngsters hanging on it like this? If...Read more»

Achieve scald protection for your tub and shower by installing anti-scald showerheads and tub spouts. You don’t have to tear open the wall and replace the valve.

Ladder stabilizers mount on extension ladders, and are essential for working around windows, eaves and high walls when painting, siding or doing any exterior repair work.

Our staff and field editors tell of the DIY mistakes they've made and the lessons learned from ladders, electricity, roofs, power nailers, drills, pressure washers and more.

Spray paint is toxic, and cheap masks don't offer much protection. The best way to avoid permanent brain damage is to use an activated carbon mask—more expensive, but worth the money.

Thousands of dryer fires are caused by lint every year, yet they can be easily prevented with a few minutes of cleaning. Learn where lint is, how to get at it, and the best way to clean it out.

Buy a slip-resistant additive for a stair paint to make steps less slippery. It's easy and inexpensive.

Don't assume that you need heating and cooling ducts cleaned unless you actually have excessive dust and debris or mold in them. Unless you have a problem, cleaning the ducts sis not likely to improve air quality.

Running electric power to a garage or garden pond? Learn about code requirements and different options for depth of trench, conduit material, and type of electrical wire.