hCentral vac system stores the hose in wall

hCentral vac systemstores the hose in wall
Hoover has eliminated one of the major annoyances of a central vacuum system -- lugging around the vacuum hose -- by coming up with a way to store the hose in the wall.
The North Canton, Ohio, company recently introduced Hose Magic, an in-wall unit with a 45-foot hose that is dispensed and retracted at the touch of a button.
One Hose Magic station cleans up to 2,000 square feet, so fewer inlets are needed.
The Hose Magic will work with any Hoover central vacuuming system but is being promoted with its Hoover Hush models. It's intended for new homes, but retrofitting is possible.
A top-of-the-line Hoover Hush system big enough for a 2,000- to 4,000-square-foot house would cost between $3,000 and $3,500 installed.
The systems are available from local distributors.
For information in this area, call (330) 497-5084. To reach the national distributor, call (954) 596-4156, Ext. 201.
Old encyclopediashave basement odor
Q. Got the old encyclopedias out of the basement to pass on to the grandchildren, but the books have that awful basement (too much moisture) odor. Any suggestions on how to deodorize?
A. The Web site of the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Andover, Mass., says there's no guarantee you can remove the musty smell, but it recommends this method: Place an odor-absorbing material such as baking soda, charcoal briquettes (without lighter fluid) or cat-box litter in the bottom of a large plastic garbage can that has a lid. Then put the books in a smaller plastic garbage can and set it inside the larger one. Put the lid on the larger can and leave it until the odor is reduced, checking periodically.
Makeovers made easier
Here's a home-makeover book for people with more drive than dough.
"Popular Mechanics MoneySmart Makeovers: Living Spaces" is a do-it-yourselfer's guide to redecorating and renovating living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
Examples are given of makeovers at three budget levels -- economy, midrange and high-end -- and the book gives instructions for carrying out all the projects used in the makeovers.
A wide variety of projects is covered, including refinishing wood floors, laying carpet, installing cabinets, painting walls and tackling simple electrical projects.
The book is published by Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. and sells for $19.95 in hardcover.
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