New cleaner removes stains from concrete

New cleaner removes stains from concrete

A new cleaner removes stains from concrete using enzymes instead of caustic ingredients.

Rejuvenate Stain Stealer contains microbes that eat away oil, tar, tire marks, grease, fuel and other dark stains, the manufacturer says.

The product has two parts: a foam that’s sprayed onto the stain and allowed to sit for about 15 minutes, and a granular formula that’s sprinkled on next to soak up the stain and the foam.

The product can then be swept up, eliminating the use of water and the potential for contaminated runoff.

The product is available at Home Depot and can be ordered at www.forlifeproducts.com for $19.99 plus shipping.

Home design handbook helps married couples

The Nest is now The Book.

The Web site (www.thenest.com) and its associated magazine, spun off from the wedding-planning site The Knot, are resources for newly married couples on all things home-related. Now, The Nest has a decorating guide in book form, “The Nest Home Design Handbook.”

In the book, Knot co-founder Carley Roney and the editors of The Nest help couples create a home that reflects them both. It teaches readers the practical stuff, such as decorating basics and how-tos, but it also nudges them to put their own stamps on their spaces by giving them ideas for adding personality and inspiration for creating hip decor.

“The Nest Home Design Handbook” is published by Clarkson Potter and sells for $22.95 in softcover.

InGround Planter means less water, more ease

The Plant Exchange InGround Planter System is designed to save water and effort. The device is essentially a 10-inch flowerpot that’s buried in the ground inside a permanently installed sleeve. A vented tray in the container lets the plant sit above a reservoir, which holds up to a quart of water.

The reservoir allows the water to go directly to the plant, so less water is needed than in conventional planting. Then, when your flowers fade and you want to exchange them for a different seasonal show, you pull the pot out of its sleeve, replant it and drop it back into place.

The system lets you turn plants for even sun exposure, remove plants when frost threatens and keep invasive plants from spreading.

A set of three polypropylene planters and sleeves costs $21.99 plus $10 for shipping and handling. It can be ordered at www.ingroundplanter.com or by sending a check or money order to P.O. Box 42802, Evergreen Park, IL 60805-9998.

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