By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: Is there anything we can buy to seal up our basement? Presently, even with 2 dehumidifiers running, there is a moldy smell and we have a lot of spiders.
   — Lizz, Oak Park

Dear Lizz: Sealing is not the answer. Finding out why you are getting that much moisture in the basement and solving the problem is the solution. Call Ben at Affordable Dry Basement and ask him to send you a free copy of the Basement Waterproofing Handbook. It will do a good job of explaining the different basement waterproofing technologies to you.

Make certain that you have proper drainage around the entire circumference of the house (1-inch drop per foot for 5 feet).

Meanwhile, to improve the ventilation, put fans on the opposite sides of the room from the dehumidifiers and aim them at the ceiling. The air circulation will make the dehumidifiers a lot more efficient.

Also, explore getting a Humidex Basement Ventilation System, (888) 486-4339.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: What causes linoleum to yellow (is it the glue?) and how can you get it out?
   — Viny, Trenton

Dear Viny: Yellowing of linoleum is usually caused by sun or heat. If the outer protective coating has yellowed, there is no way to correct the problem.

Upon rare occurrences, the yellowing is from asphalt emulsion being walked into the house. If you have an asphalt drive, try cleaning the yellowed area with waterless hand cleaner. Good luck.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: I'm planning on laying peel-and-stick 12-by-12 tiles on top of 12-by-12 peel-and-stick tiles on my bathroom floor. Is there anything specific I should do for preparation prior to putting the tiles down?
   — Phyllis, Clawson

Dear Phyllis: Dennis Langwald, Fairway Tile & Carpet, (866) 211-5558, says that the beauty of peel-and-stick tile is that you can do just that. Make certain that you have a clean, dry surface, then peel-and-stick your way to a beautiful new floor.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: I need a little more information on wood furniture cleaning. Can mineral spirits be used on a polyurethane finish? I called Ethan Allen since this is their furniture. They recommended using their cleaner and polish. I would prefer not to, and they would not recommend anything else. I would appreciate your advice.
   — Gini, Birmingham

Dear Gini: Certainly you can use mineral spirits on polyurethane. But, like all things, you should try it out on an inconspicuous spot first. This is not because it might do damage (it shouldn't), but because you may not like the finish cleaned. If the furniture is a number of years old, the mineral spirit bath may turn the furniture noticeably lighter.

P.S. Make sure you use facial tissue, not paper toweling to wipe up the mineral spirits. Facial tissue is far more absorbent and will do a much better job.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: I recently purchased a home in Shelby Township. The brick paver patio has some moss growing on it. I believe this is due to an overshoot from the lawn sprinkler and lack of sunlight. I recently had the trees removed and/or trimmed.

My plan is to borrow my brother-in-law's power washer to clean the moss out. If this is correct, do I have to refill the spaces between the bricks with sand? Then should I apply some type of water sealer for concrete or bricks?
   — Paul, Shelby Township

Dear Paul: Power washing the brick will wash away most of the sand, so something more gentle is recommended. Kill the Moss with Farnam Products Moss and Mildew Remover, (888) 241-9547. Get replacement sand from Stone City in Utica, (810) 731-4500. Ask them to walk you through the sand replacement routine.

Once you start sealing pavers, you have a constant upkeep that most homeowners do not like. Paver sealer gives pavers the wet look, which is very attractive. However the sealer wears unevenly, sometimes causes the brick to blush (discolor) and is very hard to get off if you decide you want to go back to natural.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: I recently purchased an older home. Many of the interior walls have been stuccoed or painted with a texture paint. How do I remove this to get the walls back to normal. I'm sure the walls are studs and drywall.
   — Ron, Detroit

Dear Ron: This is a real tough job. Sand walls flat with a Sand 'N Clean by Magna Industries, (800) 969-3334, and a wet/dry vac. Then coat with an oil-based stain kill like Wm. Zinsser Cover Stain or Master Chem Kilz.

By Glenn Haege / Special to The Detroit News

Dear Glenn: My builder recommends cellulose insulation that is sprayed from inside the house after the outer boards have been installed, but before the drywall is installed. He said it sticks to the inside of the outer wall and in between the 2-by-6s and provides insulation values (and sound reduction) as good as or better than fiberglass. Do you agree?
   — Gordon, Rochester

Dear Gordon: Sprayed-in cellulose is excellent insulation. Cellulose seals out wind penetration and dampens sound as well as providing insulation. You have a very smart builder.