To Move an Oven, Start at Bottom

Q We have a condominium that has a combined gas oven-range-microwave unit between kitchen cabinets with tile counters. There’s a half-inch gap between the tile and range, into which food will occasionally drip or fall.

The range is extremely heavy and can’t be pulled out like the refrigerator, which is on rollers. How do the professionals do it?

D.T.

Anaheim

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A First, remove the broiler door, says Caesar del Prato Jr. of Caesar’s Appliance Parts in Laguna Niguel.

These ovens always have a broiler at the bottom. By removing the door, you’ll have access to the legs. With a small wrench, you should be able to shorten the legs to lower the unit about an inch.

Next, disconnect the hood connections and piping and unplug it; then the whole unit should slide out. If you have a wood or tile floor, or if the floor in front of the oven is elevated, you’ll need to work the front legs up onto the floor and perhaps onto a piece of upside-down carpeting so they’ll slide easily without damaging the floor.

After the back area is cleaned and the range is replaced, you can prevent these kinds of spills by using a special stripping, available at some appliance parts stores, to fill that gap. If the gap is narrow enough, you can also fill it with a silicone caulk.

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Q I installed in my bathroom a one-piece floor that looks good except for the edges near the walls, which have been roughly cut. I need to hammer in some shoe molding to hide these imperfections, but I’m wondering how to cut it at 45-degree angles so that it fits in the corners. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment I’ll only use once.

M.E.

Irvine

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A What you’ll want is a simple wooden mitre box, says Jim Gorman of Rancho Lumber in Westminster.

These are available at most hardware outlets. They keep the wood in place and give direction on where to make the cut to get the 45-degree angle. You can use a hand saw, but a back or miter saw might do a better job.

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Q Help! I pulled out several expensive sweaters recently and found moth holes. Is there an easy way to get rid of the moths? Will lining the closet with cedar help?

B.P.

Placentia

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A Cedar is a great way to make your clothes smell wonderful, but it doesn’t do much for killing moths, says closet organizer and storage consultant Kerri Peal of Newport Beach.

First, check garments made with natural fibers for holes and have them dry-cleaned. While they’re being dry cleaned, thoroughly clean the closet, wiping off shelves with alcohol and cleaning and vacuuming in the corners to remove hair and lint.

After you get your clothes back, put them in sealed plastic covers, available at housewares and linen stores. It wouldn’t hurt to put some mothballs in the covers as well.

If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.