As vital as appliances are in our daily lives, cleaning them is a daunting task most of us want to avoid. From microwaves to refrigerators, these appliances can accumulate grime, dirt, and bacteria over time, making them less efficient. However, cleaning household appliances doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore. As long as you use some smart cleaning hacks, you will be done with hours of hard work in a fraction of the time!
Easy appliance cleaning hacks to try at home
For a stainless dishwasher
Dishwashers can accumulate mineral and food debris buildup over time. This causes the appliance to perform poorly and develop unpleasant odors. Start off the dishwasher cleaning process by getting rid of the debris at the bottom. Make use of a highly recommended appliance cleaning hack at your home by keeping a cup of vinegar on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle. After that is done, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom and run another hot cycle. Voila! You will have a dishwasher that’s good as new.
For a sparkly clean oven
Like dishwashers, ovens are prone to accumulating food debris, grease, and unpleasant smells. Put together a mixture of water and baking soda to form a paste. Apply it to the inside of the oven and let it sit for a few hours, even overnight. The next day, use a damp cloth to get rid of the paste and the debris it has successfully loosened. If you come across any tougher stains, use a scraper to get them out.
For a rejuvenated coffee maker
Coffee makers are prone to having coffee residue and mineral buildup, decreasing the drink’s flavor and adding an unpleasant odor. Fill the reservoirs of your coffee maker with equal parts of vinegar and water to run a cycle. Once that is done, run another cycle of the coffee maker with water to rinse out any vinegar residue. Finally, run a final cycle with some used coffee grounds to deodorize and freshen up the machine.
For a clean blender
Blenders can be a difficult appliance to clean, especially if you use them to blend oily or sticky substances. Luckily, cleaning the blender is fairly easy; simply blend a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for a few seconds. Once done, rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry.
For a clear microwave
A microwave is a common kitchen appliance that makes life easier for a lot of us. However, due to the frequency of its usage, it can quickly become stained and dirty. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe container for a clean and shiny microwave. Place it in the appliance and turn it on for about five minutes. Let it sit inside and cool for another five to ten minutes. After that, take a toothbrush you wouldn’t mind parting with and use it to scrub the inside of the microwave. Wipe it all down with a clean cloth, followed by a final wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
For a magic refrigerator cleaner
Refrigerators are one of the most frequently used appliances in any home, meaning they can quickly be covered in food spills, stains, and debris. Start off your fridge cleaning task by pulling out all its ingredients, including shelves, drawers, and organizers. Once you’ve done that, mix a cup of water and a cup of vinegar and pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Soak the inside of the fridge by spraying the solution. Next, take a damp napkin, sprinkle some baking soda on it, and use this sponge to scrub the fridge. Once it looks spotless, wipe down the fridge with a clean dry cloth and replace its contents.
For stain-less stainless steel
We select stainless steel appliances for their endurance and sleek appearance. They add a modern touch to the kitchen, but that comes at a cost. These appliances can be a challenge to maintain. A simple hack that can help keep stainless steel clean is by making a paste of cream of tartar by mixing it with water. Use a microfiber cloth to scoop up some of this paste and get scrubbing. You can have a go at all of your appliances, including the hand blender and refrigerator. Once done, rinse it off with water and then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
For a fresh air filter
Air conditioners are breeding grounds for dust and debris and the health concerns they can give rise to. It can also cause the air conditioners to deliver less cooling combined with an unpleasant odor. Start the cleaning process by unplugging the air conditioner. Take out the air filter and wash it clean with some soap and water. Make sure it is completely dry before you insert it back into the air conditioner.
For a deodorized garbage disposal unit
If you use a garbage disposal unit to dispose of leftover and waste food, it can potentially be a Pandora’s box of foul odor. It can be impossible to live with that daily. This is why deodorizing your garbage disposal is crucial. All you have to do is cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some salt on it, put it into the disposal, and turn on the water and the unit for just a few seconds. Turn it all off and let the mixture sit for around 10 to 15 minutes. Next, turn it all on again to rinse off the solution.
Buying a new mattress is not a choice you make on the fly. It requires some research, thought, consideration, and budgeting. It is, after all, an investment in your future sleep quality and health. However, like with everything else, there are too many options available that make committing mistakes easier. With so many choices available, knowing what you have to look for and the errors you need to avoid can be difficult.
Buying without trying
Buying a mattress without trying it out is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make. Shopping for a mattress online could be inconvenient in this case. It is crucial to ensure the mattress is comfortable and supportive since you will be using the same one for a long time. When looking for a mattresses in a store, lie down on the mattress for at least 15-20 minutes to try it out. It will help you find the right mattress for your body type and sleep position.
Choosing the wrong size
Another common mistake people end up making when buying a new mattress is selecting the wrong-sized one. While it may be tempting to save some money by buying a smaller mattress, it is equally crucial to remember that it is a long-term investment. Choosing a mattress that does not compromise your sleep quality while also giving the occupants enough space to be comfortable is important. If you are unsure about the size of the mattress, you could consider measuring your current bed and the room to better understand the ideal choice.
Focusing on the price alone
While it’s important to stay within your budget, it is also equally important to not solely focus on the price of the mattress. But if you keep too much of your focus on the price you might end up with a mattress that isn’t very comfortable. Remember that you will be using the same mattress for several years; therefore, selecting one that provides you with support and comfort is important. So look for mattresses that offer good value with their price point in mind rather than selecting one that costs you the least.
Not considering your sleeping position
Your sleeping position is a crucial factor you need to consider when buying a new mattress. Different mattress designs are created to accommodate different sleeping positions. It is therefore important to choose one that provides the right kind of support for your body. If you are a side sleeper, look for a mattress that is soft enough to cushion your hips and shoulders but, at the same time, firm enough to support the spinal column. A firm mattress is essential for front and back sleepers as it helps keep the spine neutral.
Ignoring your partner’s needs
If you share a bed, it is important to consider your partner’s needs as well when buying a new mattress. Different people have different preferences. If you and your partner have the same preferences, you can buy a mattress without worrying. But if you have differing preferences, you want to choose a mattress that accommodates both of your needs. If either of you is a light sleeper, consider buying one that reduces motion transfer so that there is less disturbance throughout the night caused by the other person’s movements.
Buying without checking the warranty and return policy
It is important to read the warranty terms and return policy before buying anything, including a new mattress. Ensure you completely understand what is covered in the warranty and the time period of its validity. While you are checking these things, also make sure that the return policy applies for at least a few days so that you can return the mattress if it’s not the right fit. Most retailers offer a trial period for mattresses that allows you to test them out so that you are satisfied with your purchase.
Not considering the materials used
Different materials are used in the making of different mattresses. It is important to consider the materials that are used in the mattress before landing on a decision. A memory foam mattress, for example, offers excellent comfort and support but can retain heat. This makes memory foam mattresses uncomfortable for some people. Latex mattresses, on the other hand, are hypoallergenic with excellent support but can end up being pricier than most other options.
Not considering the firmness level
When buying a mattress, its firmness level is another important factor. A mattress that is too firm can cause pressure, while one that is too soft might lead to misalignment. When thinking about the firmness level of the mattress, also consider the type and needs of your body. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mattress that is firm enough to support your body but soft enough to contour to the natural curves.
Not taking your time
Getting a mattress might not be your biggest decision, but it is big nonetheless. You want to take your time and not rush the process. Take your time to research all your options, read reviews, and try out different mattresses before making a final purchase. Don’t let anything make you feel pressured to decide on the spot. Instead, ask as many questions as you want and even take notes if that helps.
Keeping the house clean is challenging. No matter how often you vacuum, mop, or wipe down a surface, dust accumulates just as quickly and repeatedly. You can even occasionally hire professionals to do the job or invest in modern cleaning solutions. Still, your effort and money might be in vain if you don’t pay attention to some common cleaning blunders. Below, we’ve listed nine mistakes you must avoid when cleaning your home.
Using the same cloth
Dust, pet dander, and airborne pollutants collect on various surfaces inside the home. But not every surface can be thoroughly cleaned with the same piece of cloth. It’s advisable to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning kitchen and home appliances as it efficiently removes stains and smudges and is gentle on glass and plastic surfaces. Large-size washcloths are best for kitchen counters and furniture surfaces. Using different cloths prevents dust and grime from cross-contaminating surfaces and keeps the indoors spotless.
Using cleaning products excessively
Cleaning solutions are laced with chemicals and strong industrial compounds synthesized to tackle the dirt. However, using them excessively or mixing two products can trigger an adverse toxic reaction. If two formulas react upon contact, they may release fumes, which, if inhaled, can cause serious health complications. Most cleaning products are manufactured for individual use, so never mix them with another solution to increase their efficacy.
Using abrasive products on tiles
Porcelain tiles lose their sheen and texture if repeatedly exposed to abrasive materials. Industrial-strength cleaners with a strong formula can rob them of their pearlescent shine. Even abrasive cloths designed to pick up microscopic dirt particles are too harsh for porcelain tiles. So, it’s always best to use a light sponge to wipe down these tiles and apply minimal cleaning products. You can even buy tile cleaners with specific formulas that are suitable for such surfaces.
Not using a disinfectant
Simply cleaning won’t suffice. Environmental pollutants and allergens linger around even after using industrial-strength cleaner formulas. That’s why it’s necessary to follow up with a coat of disinfectant. Spraying the surface with a disinfectant after cleaning eliminates most germs and allergens, preventing bacterial and viral infections from spreading.
Rubbing stains
Rubbing stains is one of the most common and significant home cleaning mistakes, especially if the stain is on a cloth or fabric. Rubbing the stain pushes the leftover residue deep into the fabric, making it impossible to remove it after a couple of hot washes and dry cycles. Experts recommend using a little liquid soap and a clean cloth to dab and absorb such stains. Once the stain is absorbed, the fabric should be soaked in a stain remover solution. You can scrub off the residue while holding the fabric immersed in the solution.
Spraying directly on electronic devices
TVs, entertainment systems, and smart gadgets installed at home require utmost care and attention to maintain their performance and increase their life. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the silly mistake of using a cleaner spray directly on the electronic device. Even if the device is switched off, spraying a cleaning solution directly on its surface is never a good idea. You should first spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth designed for electronics and then gently wipe the surface clean.
Not cleaning from top to bottom
Sweeping and mopping the floors should ideally be the last task. That’s because the dirt and grime you wipe off appliances, furniture, and furnishings settle on the floor. So, if you’ve already mopped, you’ll have to unnecessarily mop again. The same idea applies when cleaning multiple rooms: start from one end of the house and proceed in one direction to prevent dirt from moving around from one room to another and back again.
Cleaning in a cooped-up environment
Always open a window or door of the room before you start cleaning. Sweeping and mopping debris off surfaces releases microscopic allergens in the air, and inhaling these substances increases the risk of allergies or infections that trigger respiratory ailments. Industrial cleaning products also release toxic fumes that should not be inhaled continuously in a closed environment. Besides opening a window or door, turn on the air purifier in the room to absorb these allergens if you have one.
Not emptying the vacuum
Dust bags inside a vacuum cleaner can store a limited quantity of dirt and debris. Not emptying them regularly affects their suction and leads to other problems. For example, the cleaner might overheat or catch fire due to excess debris in the dust bag. It’s advisable to empty the bag after every use and clean the vacuum nozzles. Remember that, besides dust, the vacuum also picks up microfibers and lint from cloth surfaces like carpets and furnishings around the home. This causes the bags to fill up faster than estimated.
Simple things like using the correct type of cloth, cleaning formula, and accessories can make all the difference in achieving a clean and tidy home. The frequency of cleaning can differ depending on the home’s general layout and size. Planning and organizing the cleaning schedule will dramatically impact the efficiency of a cleaning job.
Someone rightly said: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” A garden is a gateway to your home in several unique ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Gardening is associated with better air quality, enhanced home aesthetics, and reduced stress and anxiety. However, it is a long-term activity that requires considerable planning and patience. So, if you have a spacious courtyard, here are some quick tips for facilitating a beautiful garden at your gateway:
Enrich your soil
The primary step to creating a beautiful garden is to replenish your soil with the essential nutrients. This means investing in good-quality compost, preferably vermicompost containing wigglers, redworms, and other soil products like coco peat and soil manure.
Plan color themes
It helps to plan the colors you would like in your garden and how these should be organized. For example, you could alternate between contrasting shades of light and dark or grow flowers of the same shades together. Planning the color themes in advance can help you set up a subtle yet vibrant garden.
Weeding out is the way
Weeds eat into your garden space and compete with other plants for food and nutrition. Moreover, they can ruin your garden’s aesthetics. Monitor your garden for the growth of weeds and eliminate them regularly to ensure that your garden is healthy and appealing.
Make your garden appear bigger
Some tricks can deceive your visitors into believing that your garden is huge. You can blur the boundaries between your garden and the surrounding areas, such as your patio. Consider growing plants of different, uneven sizes at your garden perimeters or growing rows of plants of different heights across your garden.
Ensure proper drainage
An aesthetic garden requires a proper drainage system to prevent stench and maintain hygiene. A well-planned gutter system is also essential to ensure a good harvest and adequate soil aeration. Premier gutter installers like Leafguard® study your home and garden perfectly and design a drainage system well-suited to your requirements. Leafguard® is the country’s most trusted gutter system company to prevent clogging and facilitate proper drainage.
Final words:
Creating a beautiful garden is a long-term but unquestionably a ‘fruitful’ goal. An aesthetic garden symbolizes warmth, creating a positive first impression among visitors. Planning, perseverance, and nurturing are the sure-fire solutions to creating a visually appealing garden. So, are you ready to set up your beautiful getaway at your gateway?
Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try.
Statement doors
This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage – endless choices to make a statement in your home.
Lighting
This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too – ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited?
Paint color and texture
This doesn’t have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If you’re not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup.
Flooring
You’d be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely.
Window treatments
This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design.
Some home-improvement hacks can cause structural damage or result in a botched repair job, requiring a contractor to assess the damage. Only professional services are equipped with the tools, resources, and experience to tackle mold removal, repair cracks in roofing foundations, and provide lasting waterproofing solutions. When home-improvement hacks fail, it is advisable to call experts and ask for a quote to promptly deal with the problem.
Bathing and showering are one of the most common practices across the globe. We’ve been doing it ever since we were little children. It helps us stay clean and healthy while helping us relax and remain stress-free for some time. Another thing that makes bathing and showering fun is that there are no strict rules to it. That being said, there are definitely some things that we’ve been doing wrong and should avoid.
Taking long showers
It’s natural to want to take a long, hot shower after a day at work. Hot showers are not only soothing, but they also get rid of all the day’s dirt and grime. Unfortunately, if you stay in the shower for too long, you may also be getting rid of all the essential and natural oils that the body produces. These natural oils protect the skin and prevent it from peeling and cracking. The ideal amount of time to spend in the shower is roughly 10 minutes. Anything more, and you could be doing more bad than good.
Excessive scrubbing
Another showering and bathing mistake is scrubbing ourselves too hard. Using a loofah to scrub your hands and back, and digging your nails into the scalp can damage your skin. It can lead to redness, rashes, and even dryness. Instead of using loofahs or scrubbing too furiously, simply use your hands to gently massage and clean yourself.
Using too much soap
We enjoy using soaps and body washes while in the shower. But it is important to remember that soap can contain lots of chemicals. If used for long periods on your body, the chemicals can lead to damage. So, instead of lathering up and building foam on your body, use a little bit of soap both on your body and your head.
Using a harsh towel
Your skin is sensitive after you get out of the shower. Using a harsh towel can lead to irritation and rid the skin of essential oils. Instead, opt for a soft towel with a higher thread count. These are much gentler on the skin.
If you’re looking for a tub, especially one that is safe for the elderly and those who suffer from arthritic conditions, try Safe Step Walk-In Tub. This tub has a low step, which makes it very safe to use. It comes with a door, over 10 shower jets, and a hand shower for ease of use.
People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided.
Deciding on an unrealistic budget
One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up.
Signing on the first contractor
Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes. To avoid this home renovation mistake, talk to multiple contractors. This step is crucial because it allows you to understand the cost of different products and services cost. A little due diligence can save you a world of trouble. Take notes each time you talk to a contractor and compare them before you decide to settle on one. Don’t forget to ask questions about licenses, insurance, experience, and even customer satisfaction. These aspects will also aid in your decision-making process.
Using poor-quality materials
Home renovations are not a frequent occurrence. They are expensive as well as tedious for those living in the space. This makes it essential to use quality materials and products. This way you won’t have to undertake renovations for years on end and you will be able to have peace of mind.
Sticking to the latest trends
Many people spend a lot of time and money making this home renovation mistake. While it’s completely okay to make all the latest and trending renovations to your place, remember that trends keep changing. If you decide to refurbish your home only based on trends, it may soon be out of vogue. What you instead need to do is find the right combination of what’s trending and what’s classic to enhance the look of your home.
Lawn care and gardening can be hands-on jobs. It is not enough to simply plant some seeds, water the lawn a few times, and expect the best results. You can maintain a lush green lawn, but you need to be patient. Right from the first day of planting the grass to pursuing regular mowing, weed trimming, and every other activity, you need to put in the work. Here are a few useful tips to make lawn care easier for you.
Seeds or sod, both work!
You can buy grass seeds that are bioengineered to suit a particular climate. For the best results, consider using seasonal seeds. However, this is a time-consuming process. It takes a couple of months to grow a full lush green lawn. A quicker alternative is to consider a more expensive but quick sod plantation. You can also install pre-grown garden patches to quickly transform the layout. Either way, you end up with a lush green garden.
Leaves cleanup and weed trimming
Go easy on the cleanup, as natural leaves can help the soil fertilize and retain nutrients to improve grass quality. Get rid of unwanted debris and dried leaves with a mower instead of using a heavy rake. But be aggressive with weeds, as it can become difficult to uproot them once the roots grow strong. Consider applying pre-emergent herbicides to counter weed growth in the hotter months. If the saplings continue to mature by spring, it’s time to switch to weed killers, which can be applied evenly across the lawn.
Water early in the morning
Flooding the lawn will force the soil to retain more water and the grass to burrow its roots deeply. But sparsely watering the lawn can force the grass to go dry and not root into the soil before the sapling even matures. Either way will not be beneficial. Water once sufficiently early in the morning so that the grass absorbs as much as possible before peak noonday heat.
Maintain a proper mowing height
Lawn experts suggest keeping the grass mowing height only a couple of inches shorter than its actual growth. It’s best to avoid using an extremely high voltage, gas-powered lawn mower. Cutting too close to the roots might force out the grass saplings. You can trim them lightly instead.
Aerate the lawn
As the soil gets compacted, lesser nutrients penetrate and nourish the grass. Compacted soil also makes it difficult for the water to penetrate to the roots. So, aerate the entire lawn at least a few times every year to allow the soil to absorb nutrients.
While focusing on your yard, don’t forget about the roof. Searching “roof replacement contractors near me” online will list companies that replace or repair broken roofs, eliminating dangers like water leaks.
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