ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

DIY Pool Maintenance: What You Can Do Yourself

DIY Pool Maintenance

DIY Pool Maintenance: What You Can Do Yourself

Owning a swimming pool or hot tub is amazing—it’s like having your own private paradise right at home. To keep your pool or spa in top shape, you need to take care of it regularly. You don’t have to be a pro to handle some of the upkeep yourself.

This guide will show you how to do DIY pool maintenance, making sure your water stays clean, clear, and safe. Pool repairs and professional pools management involve regular pool cleaning and attention to other systems like the pump and heater.

Whether it’s simple repair tasks or ensuring everything is properly serviced, this guide will help you maintain your pool with ease. For more complex issues, you might consider contacting a company with a dedicated office staff for professional assistance.

Why DIY Pool Maintenance Matters

Taking care of your pool yourself can save you money … Read Full Post »

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

Clean Windows Like A Pro

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for a Streak-Free Shine

Cleaning windows might seem like a straightforward task, but getting that perfect, streak-free shine like the pros can be tricky. Whether you’re getting your home ready for a big event or just want to enjoy a clear view without any streaks, this guide will help you clean your windows like a pro.

We’ll cover both commercial window cleaning solutions and simple homemade options that you can easily make yourself. You’ll learn how to use these solutions and the right tools to make your windows sparkle. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to achieve a professional-looking shine and keep your windows looking great all year round. Plus, it’s a useful skill that can help you keep your home looking its best!

1. Gather the Right Cleaning Tools

Before you start washing windows, make … Read Full Post »

Gutter Cleaning 101: How to Do It Safely and Effectively

How To Clean Gutters

Gutter Cleaning 101: How to Do It Safely and Effectively

Cleaning gutters is a crucial part of home maintenance, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re new to it.

Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, you can tackle this task safely and effectively. Here’s how to clean gutters like a pro, even if you’re starting.

Gutter cleaning is necessary to keep your gutter system working properly. Over time, debris like pine needles and wet leaves can cause clogged gutters, leading to standing water that can damage your home.

To manage this, use a gutter scoop to remove wet Debris from your gutters. For high or second-story gutters, you’ll need an extension ladder to reach them safely.

When cleaning gutters from the ground, you can use a gutter cleaning attachment on either a garden hose or leaf blower to blow out Debris.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any tools … Read Full Post »

What Is a PFOA Chemical?

a glass of water

As a homeowner, you may use nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and waterproof fabrics to make your life easier. These products are easy to clean, heat and chemical-resistant and last a long time, making them popular choices. But did you know that your nonstick pans and household products can contain PFOA? One way to ensure your home’s water is PFOA-free is to consult a water quality expert.

Understanding PFOA

PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a man-made chemical that falls under a larger group of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to breaking down.

Due to their unique qualities, PFOA has been widely used to manufacture numerous household and industrial products since the 1940s. From fast food wrappers to firefighting foam and nonstick cooking ware, all these products contain this “forever chemical.”

Despite its numerous advantages, recent research has concluded that PFOA can have … Read Full Post »

The Importance of Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior Before Painting

Home exterior cleaning

The Importance of Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior Before Painting

When you’re ready to give your home a fresh look, painting the exterior is a fantastic way to make a big impact. However, before you start, there’s a crucial step that many people overlook: exterior house cleaning.

This step might seem like an extra hassle, but it’s really important for ensuring your new paint job looks great and lasts for a long time. To get your home ready, you’ll want to use power washing to remove dirt and grime.

Apply a cleaning solution mixed with dish soap to tackle stubborn spots and achieve good cleaning Services. This preparation ensures the paint adheres well and helps the final result look smooth and professional.

Why Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior is Essential

Think about trying to write on a dirty chalkboard—it just wouldn’t work well, right? The same idea applies to painting your house. If … Read Full Post »

What Does BTU Mean? Understanding Your AC

an AC unit

You’ve probably seen the term BTU on the label when shopping for an air conditioning unit. But what do these three letters mean? And should you pay any attention to them?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s a way to measure how much heat an air conditioner can remove in one hour. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the cooling.

But bigger or smaller isn’t always better, as choosing the wrong BTU can lead to higher bills, poor cooling or a humid home.

What Is BTU in an Air Conditioner?

BTU is a way to measure heat energy, specifically how much heat an AC can remove from a room in one hour.

Think of it like this: one BTU is the heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In air conditioning, the higher the BTU, the more heat the unit can move out of your … Read Full Post »

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Driveways and Walkways

Remove Stubborn Stains

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Driveways and Walkways

Removing stubborn stains from driveways, walkways, and clothing can be challenging, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve impressive results. Here’s a structured guide to help you tackle various types of stains:

For Driveways and Walkways:

  1. Oil and Grease Stains: Start by applying a layer of baking soda to absorb the oils. Allow it to sit for a few hours, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.
  2. Red Wine Stains: Use a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stain, let it sit, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
  3. Old, Set-In Stains: Use a pressure washer in combination with a degreaser or specialized concrete cleaner. For stubborn stains, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, rinse thoroughly, and repeat if necessary.

For Clothing:

  1. Sweat Stains: Pre-treat with a mixture of baking soda and water or white vinegar. Let it sit … Read Full Post »

Heat Tolerant Perennials for Your Texas Yard

https://blog.abchomeandcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Heat-Tolerant-Perennials-for-Your-Texas-Yard.mp4

Texas homeowners want beautiful, thriving yards full of plants; however, it’s important to consider the extreme summertime heat. Luckily, several perennial plants thrive in warm weather and even prefer the full Texas sun.

Heat Tolerant Perennials for Your Texas Yard

Perennials are plants that live for at least two years and return each growing season without replanting. Homeowners love to plant perennials because of their longevity and low maintenance needs.

However, if you live in a hot climate, such as Texas, it’s important to plant perennials that can withstand high temperatures. Otherwise, due to the hot weather and humidity, they may die and not return in their second season.

Luckily, there are a variety of heat-tolerant perennials for your Texas yard. You can still achieve the look you want and ensure that your perennial plants can withstand the Texas heat and thrive year after year. Some options include:

  • Lantana
  • Egyptian star flower
  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Columbine
  • Hibiscus
  • Verbena

Let’s dive into heat-tolerant … Read Full Post »

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture: Tips for Different Materials

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Outdoor Furniture: Tips for Different Materials

Enjoying your outdoor space is one of the best parts of warm weather, but keeping your outdoor furniture in pristine condition can be a challenge. Whether you’re dealing with a dirty table or grimy patio chair, cleaning outdoor furniture regularly is essential to maintain the look and longevity of your pieces. This guide will provide you with easy and effective tips for cleaning outdoor furniture made from various materials, ensuring your patio remains inviting all year round.

To clean patio furniture cushions:

  1. Begin by removing any loose dirt or debris with a brush or vacuum.
  2. If the cushion covers are machine washable, follow the care instructions and wash them in a gentle cycle.
  3. If not, use a mild soap solution to spot clean the cushions, testing a hidden area first to ensure no discoloration.

When it comes to cleaning outdoor rugs, it’s important … Read Full Post »

How Long Does It Take for Bed Bug Bites to Appear?

a bed bug

Bed bug bites often appear as unexplained bites on your skin. The time it takes them to appear after an infestation varies, so it’s important for homeowners to understand what bed bug bites look like.

The sooner you can catch a bed bug infestation, the easier it will be to kick these pests out of your home. Besides bites, there are other signs to watch for that can help you catch them early.

How Long Does It Take for Bed Bug Bites to Appear?

How long it takes for bed bug bites to appear varies from person to person. Every immune system responds differently to bed bug bites, and it’s likely that you won’t have an immediate reaction. Bed bug bite reactions can take up to 14 days to appear, while some people have no reaction to bed bug bites at all.

Noticing bites is typically the first sign of a bed bug infestation, … Read Full Post »