10 mistakes to avoid for a clean bathroom
Home&garden

10 mistakes to avoid for a clean bathroom

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is necessary for the well-being of everyone in a household, including the bathroom space. However, many people unknowingly make common bathroom cleaning mistakes. Doing so could make the bathroom much dirtier than it previously was. Thus, it is important to ensure each space is cleaned thoroughly and in the right manner. Here are 10 common mistakes and how to avoid them for a truly spotless bathroom. Neglecting regular cleaning One of the most common mistakes people make is neglecting regular bathroom cleaning. Waiting too long between cleaning sessions allows dirt, grime, and mold to accumulate, making the cleaning process more challenging and time-consuming. To avoid this, set a routine and adhere to it. A weekly or bi-weekly cleaning schedule can aid in keeping the bathroom consistently clean. Using the wrong cleaning products Using the wrong cleaning products can be counterproductive and potentially damage surfaces in the bathroom. For instance, abrasive cleaners can scratch and dull shiny fixtures, while harsh chemicals may harm grout or sealant. It’s essential to select appropriate cleaning products based on the specific surfaces that are being cleaned. Mild, non-abrasive, and pH-balanced cleaners are generally safe for most bathroom surfaces. Neglecting ventilation Proper ventilation is crucial in preventing mold and mildew growth in the bathroom.
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6 common laundry mistakes that can ruin clothes
Home&garden

6 common laundry mistakes that can ruin clothes

Laundry is an unavoidable household chore, and while it might appear simple enough, there is a right and a wrong way of doing it. Do it correctly and clothes can look new for a long time. Do it the wrong way and one might even end up ruining the washing machine and dryer. Here are some quick don’ts that seem harmless at first but could end up costing a lot. Overloading the Washing Machine One of the most prevalent laundry mistakes is overloading the washing machine. Trying to cram too many clothes into a single load might seem efficient, but it can result in insufficient water circulation and detergent distribution. This leads to inadequate cleaning and can even damage the washing machine over time. To avoid this, leave some room in the drum for clothes to move freely. Overloading not only compromises cleanliness but also increases wear and tear on the machine, potentially shortening its lifespan. Ignoring Fabric Care Labels Each piece of clothing comes with a fabric care label that provides valuable instructions on washing, drying, and maintaining the item. Ignoring these labels can be a costly mistake. Fabrics vary widely, and improper care can lead to shrinkage, fading, or stretching.
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6 common things one should not clean with paper towels
Home&garden

6 common things one should not clean with paper towels

Paper towels are quite handy and convenient. Many reach out for a paper towel to clean up any mess, whether it is spilled juice or splattered sauce. However, the convenience and use of paper towels is limited. This is because some surfaces are not very responsive to paper-based cleaning wipes. Also, cleaning everything with these single-use items can be damaging, wasteful, and not environmentally friendly. Here are common things that shouldn’t be cleaned with paper towels. Electronic gadgets All paper towels have abrasive surfaces. Even the ones marketed as soft have some level of grainy texture. When used to wipe electronic gadgets, paper towels can leave behind micro-scratches. This happens explicitly when dust or grime is wiped off the screens of phones, tablets, laptops, or televisions. Opting for microfiber or suede cloth is better in such cases. Windows and mirrors It is common to use glass-cleaning solutions and paper towels to wipe dust and grime from windows and mirrors. However, the paper towels leave streaks and lint on the glass surfaces. So, it is better to use microfiber cloth, which is effective in keeping mirrors and windows sparkling clean. Moreover, using a cloth will not cause any wastage. Dusty moldings The surface of the architectural moldings around the house does not get cleaned even with the use of several paper towels, leading to paper wastage.
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7 ways to keep indoor air quality clean
Home&garden

7 ways to keep indoor air quality clean

An individual might find it easy to see dust around the house and sweep it in within a few minutes, but it’s much harder to know when the air in a home requires purification. While one may not notice it at first, poor indoor air quality could be hazardous to their health. So, it is important to take measures to ensure the air inside the home is always clean. Here are seven ways to keep the indoor air quality clean. Change the AC filter An air-conditioning system works year-round to ensure it maintains an ideal temperature at home. It also filters out pollutants while cycling through the air. Therefore, it is important to change the AC air filters regularly to ensure the dust particles do not create trouble for the individual where indoor air quality is concerned. Use cooking vents Several indoor air pollutants often originate from the kitchen. A gas stove may release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are dangerous when inhaled. Even electric burners generate the same contaminants at lower levels. Therefore, when an individual is cooking, they should turn on the kitchen vents so that the air is filtered and fresh air circulates in each.
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7 common home pest control mistakes
Home&garden

7 common home pest control mistakes

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid. Not determining the cause The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away. Only spraying ants On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.
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Top 6 fragrant plants that repel ticks
Home&garden

Top 6 fragrant plants that repel ticks

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants.
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5 mistakes to avoid while moving to a new home
Home&garden

5 mistakes to avoid while moving to a new home

Moving homes can be a stressful endeavor. With several jobs to manage simultaneously, it can get overwhelming. From packing to hiring professional movers, every task needs to be handled properly to ensure a smooth move with as few problems as possible. One way to ensure a hassle-free relocation is to avoid several common mistakes while moving. This article lists a few common mistakes one can try to avoid while moving. Not planning well A common mistake many commit is not planning the move adequately. To ensure a smooth relocation, one can start by making a checklist of important tasks. These tasks can be ones that need to be accomplished prior to moving as well as after moving. A detailed checklist will help avoid missing crucial details, such as remembering to switch off utilities in the previous house or applying for an address change at the post office. Packing at the last minute Irrespective of whether one is moving from a bigger house or a smaller space, it’s a blunder to put off packing until the last minute. Not spacing out the relocation process over a few days or weeks may lead to chaos and disorganization. This means there will not be enough time to be careful with one’s possessions.
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10 easy home improvement hacks to try today
Home&garden

10 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Owning a home is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Every home space needs to evolve continually to suit the needs and preferences of its occupants. While complete renovations and remodeling can be expensive, there are several tips and tricks to keep the home looking fresh and welcoming. Continue reading to discover ten easy home improvement hacks that can make any home space a haven that reflects one’s style and comfort. Paint the front door- The front door is often the first thing guests notice when they enter a home. So, transform it in a way that contributes to the curb appeal of a space and creates an impression. Paint the front door a bright, inviting color. For those unwilling to take on the whole door, begin by painting the door knob or investing in a vintage piece for a stylish touch. Add string lights- String lights are a beautiful addition to any space. They also work well outdoors, hung over the patio or porch. Moreover, they can transform any outdoor space into an extra hosting area for guests, particularly in the warmer months. Get glass cabinet inserts- Old wood cabinets can lose their glossy feature with time. Add some excitement to the house by replacing them with glass cabinet inserts.
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