Washer, Dryer May Require Very Tidy Sum

Q I live in an all-electric apartment and I’d like to see if I can get those portable electric washers and dryers like they have in Europe. Are they available here?

M.H.

Huntington Beach

*

A They are available but they’re very expensive, says Caesar del Prato Jr. of Caesar’s Appliance Parts in Laguna Niguel.

Check with appliance dealers to find one who can order it for you. Generally, they’re smaller than a standard washer and dryer, yet they’re about double the price. They should also come with voltage converters and adapters for the water fittings.

*

Q I have a garage floor that’s made of a cement slab and it has several large cracks. We use the garage quite a bit, for two cars and also as a dance studio. What’s the best way to repair it?

L. B.

Balboa

*

A You’ll probably want to contact a concrete contractor, says Jim Gorman of Rancho Lumber in Westminster.

They will use special equipment to inject an epoxy resin into the cracks to seal them and keep them from cracking further. The contractor could also probably tell you if the condition is a sign of anything more serious, such as a foundation problem.

*

Q I painted one of my bedrooms with a semi-gloss enamel. I don’t like the shiny walls and I want to paint over them with a flat paint. However, when I tried that on one wall the paint didn’t seem to stick very well. Any ideas?

G.G.

Santa Ana

*

A It’s best to lightly sandpaper your semi-gloss walls, says house painter Herbert Sanchez of Anaheim.

The enamel is preventing the flat paint from adhering well. You’ll want to scratch up the surface and wash it to remove any dust, then paint over it with the flat finish.