You may think that Friday the 13th being unlucky is a myth, but here are 5Things about home repair that are myths…

- Laundry bleach is the best product to remove mold and keep it from returning…

I will give you only partial credit if you believe this. To remove mold from anything that used to be alive (wood, wallpaper, drywall, etc…) you need hydrogen peroxide. Bleach works ok on stone and tile – which is why bathroom cleaners contain bleach – but as a do all mold remover, it doesn’t stand up.

- Cheese is the best bait for mouse traps…

Cheese, as it turns out, isn’t even one of a mouse’s Top-10 favorites. (Mouses? Mices? Meeses?). Try a combo of peanut butter and bacon. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm.

- You should never paint stucco.

Elastomeric paint is designed to be used on stucco. It expands and contracts and allows the stucco to breathe.

- Duct cleaning is something that should be done regularly.

If your definition of regular is ever 5-7 years, then I guess you got me there. But every year or two? Ummmm - no. Even a certified duct cleaner will tell you that…

- Gutter covers keep your gutters from clogging.

The main goal of a gutter cover is to keep leaves and debris out of your gutter thus allowing rain water to drain efficiently. That is a truth. Real life says otherwise.

Gutter covers can’t keep everything out of your gutter. Leaves, insects, stuff insects carry, birds, stuff birds carry, and shingle grit among other things will still get into your gutter. Over time, this stuff turns into gunk which starts building on itself which will eventually clog your gutter.

Even if you have covers, even if the cover people say “Never clean again”, clean them every couple of years. Your foundation will thank you.