Mimosa hostilis, also known as Mimosa tenuiflora, is a member of the mimosa genus, a small shrub that is native to the Amazon rain forests of South America. It shares the characteristics of other mimosa species, with one important distinction. The bark of its roots contains a hallucinogen called dim

Large tanks are commonly used for holding, storing or moving water, oil or other substances or liquids. However, over time these tanks may be needed for other purposes or should be cleaned in order to hold and transport clean drinking water. Cleaning tanks with water jets provides a high-powered bla

The backhoe is an earthmoving machine extensively used in road building, excavating, industrial plants and anywhere else where dirt and other loose material need moving. It has a digging claw on the back end and a large scoop on the front end. The Case 580K backhoe was introduced in 1987 with many n

Soap scum is common in bathrooms. When you shower or bathe, a light film of soapy residue often is left behind, clinging to the tiles. Over time, the film builds up and gives your tiles and shower doors a dirty, dingy look. Removing soap scum can be a time-consuming task. The best defense against so

The tactic for removing dried cat urine smell from a rug is different from cleaning wet cat urine. When fresh, cat urine is acidic, with little odor. When dried, cat urine turns to alkaline salts, creating an environment for stinky bacteria to grow. If your rug is washable, it is possible to remove

A simple water spill on a wood table is inconsequential when wiped up immediately. But water left to sit on the surface or transferred onto the wood by hot, steamy dishes ends up absorbed into the wood. Once this occurs, a filmy white stain develops and takes away from the table's appearance. To rem

Urine stains on plastic toilet seats are problematic and embarrassing. Scouring cleansers will permanently scratch the surface of the toilet seat and leave most of the stain behind. Chlorine bleach will kill the germs but will hardly put a dent in the discoloration that urine leaves. Consider a safe

Tile floors and bathroom walls take a lot of abuse in a home, and because tile is so porous, grout shows the brunt of the abuse. Whether from an overzealous family dog's muddy foot print trail, spilled coffee from a hectic schedule or spots of red wine from good times with friends, grout withstands

Phosphorus levels in garden soils can build up over time. Excess phosphorus not used by garden plants does not readily leach out of the soil and over time can lead to toxicity in garden plants.

If you've just taken a load of clothing out of the dryer and found an ink stain, you may think that you simply have to throw those clothes away. Don't do that yet. Even though putting the clothes through the drier may have set the stain, you may still have a chance to get it out. Try a variety of me

Whiteboards are easy-to-use instruction boards that have taken over the roll of chalkboards in most classrooms. They are drawn and written on with dry-erase markers that wipe away with whiteboard erasers. Over time the debris from the erasers builds up to create smudges and smears that linger. Lucki

Removing adhesive from cement or concrete, whether it’s carpet glue or another adhesive, can be difficult. Carpet glue typically is yellowish and hardens to a rock-like state. Mastic often is used by people (mistakenly) as a carpet adhesive on cement floors. It, too, becomes rock-hard over tim

Tape residue left behind on important papers can leave behind unpleasant marks. Removing the tape residue will keep your papers in good condition. Residue left behind on paper looks discolored. Removing the residue will require patience, but it will ensure that you have paper that looks attractive a

Cultured marble is a synthetic material commonly used for countertops, tubs and showers. It's made of ground marble coated with a durable, resistant material. Unfortunately, yellow marks may appear on the marble due to mineral deposits, stains, problems with the coating or cigarette burns.Fortunatel

Dog owners often choose hardwood floors when purchasing or remodeling a home, as they are simpler to clean and maintain than carpeted floors. However, many pet owners never anticipate their beloved pet will have an accident in the house. Dog urine is acidic and can seep into the hardwood, resulting

When you are hard at work and discover an error in a document, you will probably reach for the correction fluid. When you do this, it is possible to get some in your hair. Most correction fluids are water-based, so removing the correction fluid doesn't pose much of a problem. Stronger correction flu

Cast iron skillets are a strong and durable addition to a kitchen. A good cast-iron skillet can last for generations if properly maintained. Seasoning is one of the essential practices necessary for a long-lasting skillet. Seasoning coats the pan to prevent rust and creates a non-stick surface for c

A dirty dishwasher will be less effective in cleaning your dishes, glasses and utensils than a clean one. That is why regular maintenance and cleaning is important, not only for performance, but for health and safety as well. When bits of food and grease accumulate in a damp area with no light, bact

Crystal glasses are a part of many home dining sets, especially useful for toasts or special dinners. Crystal is often costly, which makes it important to properly care for your set of glasses. While hand washing is recommended with mild soap and water, you can use the dishwasher if you use caution

Kerosene lamps used to be a primary means of illumination before the days of household electricity. Bradley and Hubbard Manufacturing Company in Meriden, Connecticut patented the Rayo kerosene lamp in 1894. Rayo kerosene lamp features include a round wick, central draft cylinder, nickel plated body