FAQ
Questions and answers
This page answers the questions people ask most often when they decide to give their home a bit more attention: who we are, what's worth doing and in which season, how to deal with dampness and dry air, and where household chores end and a job for a professional begins.
If you're unsure about climbing the stepladder, call a helper first; the job isn't going anywhere.
About the guide
Is Kissdesign connected to the old website on this domain?
No. The domain once belonged to a different website, and later unrelated spam pages appeared on it. Nothing from them has survived and we don't reproduce any of it; the guide's name simply came to us along with the domain.
Do you do work around the house?
No. We don't do repairs, service equipment, sell products or take orders. The guide explains what you can do yourself and when to turn to a professional.
Why don't you give exact intervals or standards?
Homes, windows and appliances vary too much. Exact service intervals are listed in the manufacturers' instructions, and your building management knows how work is organized in an apartment building.
Can I suggest a topic?
Yes. Readers' questions help us decide which topics to cover next, and you can see what we're already working on in the Materials section.
Your home by season
Where do I start with seasonal home care?
With a walk-through. Go around your home, look at the windows, vent grilles, valves and radiators, press the test button on your smoke detectors and write down everything that needs attention.
Why do windows fog up in winter?
Warm, humid indoor air meets cold glass, and the moisture settles on it as droplets. Regular airing, a clear radiator under the window and seals in good condition all help.
When should I swap summer curtains for winter ones?
When the room starts feeling chilly in the evenings. Heavy curtains hold in warmth, but they shouldn't cover the radiator, or the warm air will stay trapped behind the fabric.
How should I store seasonal items?
Clean and dry, in a well-ventilated spot or in boxes that don't sit right up against a cold wall. With labeled boxes, you won't have to open every one of them later.
Safety at home
Can I clean the outside of my windows on an upper floor?
Only from inside, and only if the sash lets you reach without leaning out. If that isn't possible, it's better to leave the outside of the glass alone.
How do I use a stepladder safely?
Set it on a level floor, open it fully, don't stand on the top step and don't lean to the side. Ask someone to hold the ladder and hand you tools.
Can I dry clothes on a space heater?
No. Fabric on a heater can catch fire, and the heater itself can overheat. Use it according to the manufacturer's instructions and never leave it running unattended.
What can I handle myself when it comes to heating and gas?
Very little beyond keeping radiators clear and watching for leaks. Adjusting, repairing and servicing gas and heating equipment is a job for professionals.
Read next
- How-to
How to get windows ready for winter, clean the range hood filter and vent grilles, and test a smoke detector.
- Care
Caring for windows and doors, ventilation, plumbing, radiators, floors, the balcony, the roof and gutters, by season and by situation.
- Planning
A yearly home plan: which jobs to leave for spring, summer, fall and winter, how to keep a chore list and how to share tasks as a family.
What we rely on
- Manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment
- General household fire safety guidelines
- Kissdesign editorial materials
Everything on Kissdesign is general guidance based on manufacturer instructions for windows, appliances and equipment and on household fire safety rules. For the specifics of caring for your own window, appliance or detector, see its manual; check with your building management before any work in an apartment building, since rules differ by country; and leave gas, heating, electrical work and roofing to professionals.