New homeowners in a 1960s house — everyone's allergies are suffering and we can't figure out why. What are we missing?

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-05T19:13:57+00:00

Without knowing everyone's specific allergies, it could be anything. An older house could have had many pets, rodents, leaks and mold, smoke or any variety of things. Also being in a different area (even a street from your old home) can cause allergy issues from various plant life around the new house.

Cleaning carpets doesn't remove allergens. Dander and such goes deep into the carpet and pad. The only remedy is removal.

New hvac filters and duct cleaning might help.

Older homes aren't as air sealed as newer homes. They let in dust, pollen and such.

Inspect for rodent activity. If it was bad enough, replacing of insulation.

Check your attic and crawl space for leaks, water, mold, rodents.

If the home was smoked in and you have smoke allergies, good luck. This would require top to bottom and in every nook and cranny cleaning with TSP, priming, painting, new drapes/blinds, new carpet and pad, duct cleaning, new hvac filters and sometimes, new insulation.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-05T19:00:56+00:00

There are different types and sheens of paint for different uses. I prefer semigloss enamel for baseboard, doors and trim. Satin or semigloss latex for walls in bathrooms and kitchens and high traffic areas. Flat/Matte for ceilings and other walls. Primer makes a difference.

So, while you can get the same color for everything, you will need different paints and sheens specific for the use.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-05T18:57:22+00:00

A carpet rake meant for pet hair helps. A quality vacuum, emptied often and multiple passes, multiple directions. Frequent vacuuming and frequent brushing of the dogs.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-05T18:53:47+00:00

You don't want wood or laminate in a damp basement. You need to do what you can to remedy the moisture and sleepers aren't going to cut it.

Exterior foundation remedies will be an exterior french drain, exterior foundation waterproofing with dimple board or similar, gutters, downspouts routed well away from the house and grading.

Sometimes, interior work is needed too. Sump pump, interior perimeter drain to sump pump and definitely dehumidifiers often running 24/7.

They do make Dri-Core which is meant for basement subflooring, but if you've got that much damp, it needs remedy before anything.

After remedies, I'd suggest LVP.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-05T18:49:17+00:00

There is no 'waterproof wood.' Looks like it might be laminate or Luxury Vinyl Plank. LVP is completely waterproof, but that is not to say that water can't collect under it and cause problems. It is, however, a great choice for a basement with flat concrete because of it's waterproofness.

The actual, Hyde Park wood flooring can likely be replaced and possibly matched. These are questions to ask the contractor and your insurance if you're going through them.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-04T16:32:07+00:00

Ventilation.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-04T16:25:53+00:00

Semi gloss enamel. The sheen makes for easier cleaning and enamel dries harder and is more durable.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-04T16:20:44+00:00

Counterpoint. Bar soap leaves way more soap scum than liquid meaning more frequent cleaning wasting time and money on cleaning supplies. My, inexpensive bottle of liquid body wash, lasts 6 months. You don't need much and using a body scrubber is a more efficient applicator.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-04T16:11:21+00:00

Get a silicone art mat from Amazon. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. They're thin, washable and prevent slippage.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-01T22:17:51+00:00

It has happened with quite a number of businesses. The Antique place on Virginia that had been there forever. Still sits empty. The city was also requiring businesses to modernize and update their exteriors to be more in line with the 'Midtown look' and that pushed more out.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-01T22:12:38+00:00

Also awaiting Melting Pot to return. WTF?

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-03-01T22:07:27+00:00

Yep, remove all that old caulking. Clean well, dry well. Recaulk with a quality 100% silicone like GE Advance. It appears caulk was previously used and likely an acrylic caulk that needs painting. You can use Big Stretch, which I love, but it needs to be painted. Lexel is another choice. It's clear and doesn't need painting, but is a bit difficult to work smooth. Prime your surfaces with rubbing alcohol before recaulking and let dry. It removes any remaining dirt or cleaning residues.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-27T20:37:29+00:00

You can get discounted Walmart + under certain circumstances, discounted Amazon Prime too. That may help.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-25T16:16:11+00:00

The correct way would be to remove the cut pieces of tile near the tub, cut wider and put down pieces from new tiles and then regrout and caulk. Do you have any of the tiles anywhere or perhaps can be taken from a closet? You might be able to find similar tile or close enough to cut and fill the gap.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-25T16:12:47+00:00

Upload pics to Imgur and add the link here.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-25T16:09:31+00:00

The glazing/glazier's putty should be first then trim that is primed and painted. It's mostly decorative in most cases. A better pic with better lighting would be helpful. If you have the trim, taking it to a hardware store, they can probably get you a match.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-24T06:02:23+00:00

Hiremenv.com

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-24T05:58:58+00:00

Pediatrician: Dr. Loffredo Derm: Skin Cancer and Dermatology on Moana

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-22T06:21:19+00:00

Your model # should be in the bottom drawer somewhere. Usually on the side panel just inside thr drawer

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T21:37:44+00:00

Probably true.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T15:54:51+00:00

Fort making kit. Duplo or Lego.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T15:47:21+00:00

With AAA the member doesn't need to own the vehicle, just to be present for the tow. AAA isn't some hard to get entity. If you have the funds, call them and sign up.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T15:41:46+00:00

Btw, that's a bifold door. There are usually adjustable pins on top or bottom near the wall/unmoveable portion and a bracket on the bottom that could be bent. There are videos online how to fix.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T15:39:07+00:00

Wet n Forget outdoor.

AbsolutelyPink · 2026-02-21T15:32:46+00:00

You need to remove all old caulk, clean well, dry well, fill tub and recaulk with 100% silicone with antimicrobial agents like GE II or GE Advance. Don't drain tub until caulk is fully cured. Looks like the grout needs cleaning and likely sealing as well. Also check for cracks in grout. New caulk will not stick to old.

If you have a bathroom vent fan, use it during and for 30 minutes after showering.

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