Home Improvement Made Easy

Jun 17, 2026 by The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

Maintaining your home can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Instead of taking on a major project, try making small, practical, incremental changes. Having a personal space that is clean and shining is comforting and it can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost happiness. It just requires taking control of your environment.

Small changes can make your home more welcoming and better functioning without breaking your budget.

The bathroom is a utilitarian room that is often treated cosmetically rather than practically. One of our pet peeves is the performance of shower heads. Many shower heads that are designed to conserve water deliver a lackluster shower, and the water comes out in dribbles, making you feel like you need to run around in the shower to get wet.

Powerful – Low-Flow Shower Head

We discovered High Sierra, a low-flow shower head that delivers a high-pressure spray. You’d never guess from the powerful spray that the shower head also restricts the flow rate, saving water. The shower head is simple, durable, and delivers a refreshingly strong spray, in a wide, full cone spray, drenching without any empty spots.

The design has been improved since it was first introduced in 2011 to enhance spray pattern, droplet size, aesthetics, and resistance to the corrosive effects of hard water. It is compact, making it ideal for small showers, and is relatively simple to install. Each unit includes an installation tool. [The most difficult part of the installation for us was removing the existing shower head.] It is made in the USA out of recycled (lead-free) metal, which is another environmental benefit.

Designed by David Malcolm, who applied his extensive knowledge of agricultural technology to create these patented consumer shower heads. High Sierra provides the feel of a conventional shower while using 40% less water and is virtually maintenance-free.

The spray gives you the feeling that there is more water than it really is, delivering a solid, strong spray. We tested the Classic in 1.5 GPM, their basic shower head, and enjoyed the power of the spray, which exceeded our expectations.

Elevate your showering experience with High Sierra. It will save water while delivering a powerful cleansing spray.

High Sierra is available for purchase online.

Make it Shine with Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths are towels made from fine polyester and polyamide (nylon), which trap dirt, dust, grease, and moisture. They clean with only water, are durable, and absorbent. Microfiber is an attractive replacement for paper towels and fabric cleaning cloths. Microfiber cloths can hold seven times their weight in liquid, making them more absorbent than rags and paper towels. They can be washed to keep them clean and can be reused up to 100 times, making them more environmentally friendly than paper towels.

We discovered FantastiCLEAN Rags in a Roll, which come on a roll (like paper towels), letting you tear off a sheet as needed (unlike traditional microfiber cloths that come in packs). Each FantastiCLEAN towel has a cloth-like feel. It is made of 87% polyester and 13% nylon and measures 12 x 12 inches, which is large enough to grip in your hand or wrap on the end of a floor sweeper or mop.

FantastiCLEAN Rags in a Roll absorb spills, wipe down surfaces, and remove dust and debris. They do anything you would use a regular paper towel for, and more. We liked using microfiber cloths because they don’t need any cleaning solutions. FantastiCLEAN was designed for detailing your car, so they are stronger, larger, and more absorbent than other microfiber cloths. We liked their larger size and softer fabric-like feel. They come in a variety of colors, letting you color coordinate, which is a plus for use in a kosher kitchen.

FantastiCLEAN Microfiber makes cleaning up around the home and auto simple.

Fixing it Right

‘It ain’t broke, it just needs to be fixed,’ is the motto of Sticky Ass glue and tape, two products that we tested for simple home repairs. They are proud of being “stubborn,” as illustrated by the donkey mascot.

Sticky Ass Glue (SAG) is versatile. It sticks to just about anything, and after sitting for 24 hours, it is permanent. SAG is moisture-activated, which means you need to dampen one surface slightly before applying it to trigger the chemical reaction. As it cures, the glue foams and expands, which makes it excellent for filling gaps in uneven surfaces, but it means you have to be careful not to over-apply. Once it is fully cured, it is 100% waterproof and temperature-resistant. It can even be sanded and painted. We used it to fix a broken kitchen drawer, which is holding strong a year later.

Sticky Ass Tape is a heavy-duty duct tape designed to be used outdoors. It sticks to everything. Its triple-layer design includes a weather-resistant shell, covering a strong fabric mesh layer, and a thick layer of aggressive rubber adhesive. Sticky Ass Tape is treated to withstand UV rays for longer periods, without turning brittle in the sun.

Sicky Ass products are available for purchase online.

DIY Home Improvement

Sometimes, making small changes can be transformative and environmentally responsible. FantastiCLEAN Rags in a Roll for removing dust and grime without cleaning solutions. High Sierra delivers a powerful spray and saves water. SAG lets you mend rather than replace.

Simple home improvement solutions can be gratifying.