In my business, I get the chance to examine a lot of wall surfaces. I thought in this article, I would share with you some tips on placing articles on your walls.

1. When taking down your pictures, pull out the nails or hooks at the same time and attach them to the back of the picture.

2. In a pinch, aluminum can tabs make a great lightweight picture hanger. Drive a nail through the rivet spot into the picture frame, then bend the tab into the desired shape. It will not hold heavy-weighted pictures or plaques.

3. To stop a picture from moving, cut two squares of double-faced tape and affix to the picture frame's two lower back corners.

4. When painting, don't lose that perfect picture grouping by painting over the hook holes. Instead, insert toothpicks into the holes before you paint. When the paint is dry, remove the toothpicks and re-hang your pictures.

5. Before taking your picture off the wall, take a picture of them first. The picture will help when re-hanging items.

6. If you're hanging a picture, but don't like the look of the exposed picture wire, substitute nylon fishing line. The transparent fishing nylon line is almost invisible, so the picture appears to hang in mid-air.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, please call Ed at 255-2266 or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Ed Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential and disaster cleaning.