Cleaning the bathroom is a task few people look forward to, but it is a necessary chore to maintain a healthy and hygienic living environment. However, many people make common bathroom cleaning mistakes that lead to unsanitary conditions and even cause damage to fixtures and surfaces. Sometimes, it can also lead to mold growth. So, to ensure the process is free from pitfalls, here are some common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid. Neglecting regular cleaning One of the most significant mistakes people make is neglecting regular bathroom cleaning. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas and can quickly become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and bacteria. So, establish a consistent cleaning routine to prevent these issues. Using harsh cleaners on delicate surfaces Not all bathroom surfaces are the same. Using abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners on delicate surfaces like marble, granite, or natural stone can cause irreparable damage. Instead, opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for these surfaces. Ignoring ventilation Proper ventilation is crucial in the bathroom to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. So, always use the exhaust fan or open a window while cleaning to help dry out the area quickly. Additionally, make sure to clean the exhaust fan regularly to maintain its effectiveness and durability.

Paper towels help clean up just about any mess, such as a spill, or absorb water on our hands, making them a handy essential. But just because something works doesn’t mean one should use paper towels to clean all surfaces. In fact, using paper towels to clean some things may make them much worse. This article lists the six common items one must never clean with a paper towel. 1. Carpets and rugs If someone spills a drink on a carpet or rug, they should avoid reaching for a paper towel. It could leave paper residue on the carpet and not thoroughly finish the job. Moreover, scrubbing the stain might make the lint settle deeper into the fiber. 2. Mirrors and windows Using paper towels on mirrors and windows leaves behind a trail of lint. Instead, one should use a microfiber cloth to get the job done. These are also reusable, which makes them value-for-money products. 3. Brick If one has to clean brick, a paper towel will shred once the individual starts scrubbing. Instead, one could use an old toothbrush to remove stains from brick, grout, or other textured surfaces. 4. Dusty moldings Since paper towels are brittle, using them to clean dusty moldings could cause them to wither away in seconds.

It can be scary if one’s title is stolen by transferring the title without consent. This is known as home title theft and is categorized under identity theft. Home title theft, or deed theft, is done by surreptitiously stealing a homeowner’s personal and private information. Scammers usually target properties with high equity or those belonging to vulnerable groups, such as seniors. Defending oneself and preventing home title theft by following simple tips is possible. Here are a few useful tips to follow: 1. Pay attention to incoming mails Scammers often change the address on bills and other important mail to hide their crime. This change-of-address scam buys more time to make more money on the property. Therefore, one might stop receiving important mail and bills. So monitor bills received through postal mail as well as email. 2. Monitor credit reports to detect identity theft Reviewing one’s credit reports can help detect suspicious activities such as unauthorized changes to pre-existing accounts or opening new accounts by stealing identities. One can take advantage of the annual free credit report that shows the credit score across all three top credit reporting agencies. 3. C heck the status of the property deed It is recommended to check the home title deed regularly.

Many people think that replacing windows is a simple, DIY task. It is only after beginning the process that they realize how difficult it is. When replacing windows, one must consider several factors, such as safety, materials required, and cost. Therefore, it is wise to hire a contractor to handle the task from start to finish. If someone decides to replace their windows, they should steer clear of these common mistakes. Buying cheap windows One can find a variety of windows in the market at different price points. However, homeowners often invest in cheap products to save money, which can be a big mistake. Poor-quality windows usually do not last long and may require repairs sooner than expected. This means individuals may have to spend more in the long run. When purchasing new windows for the house, one must read reviews online and seek the opinions of friends, family members, and acquaintances. Doing so helps make informed decisions when choosing a product. Replacing old windows with the same type It is always advisable to select windows that are made using the latest technologies and feature efficient designs and finishes. Newer types of windows help users save energy, improve comfort levels, and reduce maintenance costs that they may otherwise incur with older models.

Many homeowners use spray foam insulation to seal off cavities in floors, walls, and ceilings to prevent air from moving in the house. Sometimes, they also fill up spaces around light fixtures and electric outlets. The primary reason is maintaining a constant temperature inside the house to avoid high energy bills. But this purpose is often defeated when people make mistakes while installing insulation. So, here are some common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid: 1. Failing to do research on the type of insulation required Most of the time, homeowners need to think about their insulation needs. They don’t invest enough time in understanding that various types of insulation are available, such as aluminum cladding, mineral wool insulation, and fiberglass pipe insulation. Each has advantages and uses, such as being more suited for soundproofing, while another is best for temperature maintenance. Hence, it is crucial to understand why insulation is required and, accordingly, pick a type that would be the best fit. 2. Applying foam too quickly The efficiency of spray foam insulation is often affected when applied too quickly. Being hasty with the installation can usually leave a lot of spare areas of foam. This usually happens when the spray foam rig has a clogged hose or nozzle.

The problem of access to clean and safe drinking water has become a global cause for concern. Although tap water has been lauded as a safe source of drinking water in many cities across the country, it could cause many infections and diseases. Read on to find out more about what could be hiding in tap water and how to get rid of it to take better care of one’s health. What’s hiding in tap water? Tap water can be home to several biological and chemical contaminants, such as the following: 1. Bacteria and viruses Drinking water can contain many bacteria, viruses, and other parasites, which could cause infections and illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. 2. Lead Lead is one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water. This toxic chemical can leach into the water from old pipes and fixtures as the water flows through. While small amounts of lead are generally tolerable, exposure to too much of it can cause developmental problems in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases in adults. 3. Chlorine At municipal facilities, chlorine is often added to the water to kill germs. However, this chlorine can interact with other chemicals in the water to form toxic byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA).

Dust accumulates more on carpet surfaces than one can imagine. Therefore, cleaning the carpet becomes an essential part of home cleaning. While this process may seem rather cumbersome, it is quite easy if one follows certain strategies. One doesn’t even need abrasive cleaning solutions. Carpets require gentle products, careful handling, and consistent cleaning. Additionally, one should be aware of some carpet cleaning mistakes that are easy to overlook: Rubbing on stains A common mistake when cleaning carpets is to rub on stains after pouring a solution on them. Rubbing can damage the carpet’s fabric; it doesn’t really remove the strain – it only pushes it deeper into the fibers and may cause a fray. The right way to remove carpet stains is to blot them with a sponge, paper towel, or clean cloth. Failing to do a spot test A spot test is necessary to determine whether a certain cleaning solution suits one’s carpet. When one uses the solution directly, the entire carpet may get ruined if the solution isn’t suitable. On the other hand, a spot test only damages a small patch of the carpet, which can prevent fiber loss and bleaching. Using the wrong tools to clean the carpet Machines to clean carpets are not always necessary.

Toughened glass has quickly become a popular design element in many houses. From full-length windows and entry doors to even staircases, the use of glass can make any space appear bigger and brighter. The material is also incredibly functional, durable, and versatile, blending in seamlessly with many different architectural styles. Here are some spectacular ways in which one can use glass walls and doors to give their home a whole new look: 1. Partitions Making use of walls to divide bigger rooms into smaller sections, such as using a wall to separate the kitchen and dining area, can make the house look smaller. Instead, one should opt for partitions made from toughened glass. This helps give the room a more spacious feel and allows natural light to flow freely throughout the house. With these clear partitions, homeowners can also connect the aesthetics of different rooms, giving the home a more put-together look. 2. Dressing screens Toughened glass can also be used to add privacy to the room. Of course, the glass doesn’t have to be see-through. One can use frosted glass, fluted glass, or etched glass to carve out a little dressing nook in a large room. This creates a private little area without breaking up the space or impeding communication.

Keeping the house clean and sparkly all year long is a continuous effort, and a little help can go a long way. Today, it is easy to find professional cleaning services that can handle a variety of projects, such as regular cleaning, spring cleaning, and even special event cleaning. However, finding professionals one trusts around their home can require some research and careful consideration, so here are some tips to make the process easier: 1. Seek recommendations When starting the search, one can speak to friends, family, and other trusted contacts and ask them for referrals or recommendations. This will also provide one with honest insight into what to expect from a cleaning service. 2. Carefully assess online reviews While reviews can help in shortlisting top services, one should not fall for a 100% performance rating, as some companies pay customers to leave reviews, which can skew the ratings. Also remember that unhappy customers are quicker to leave reviews as compared to happy or satisfied customers. They often use third-party websites to vent about their experiences, sometimes in an attempt to damage the company’s reputation. The truth may not be as bad as it is made out to be. As a regular practice, steer clear of companies with a perfect or absolutely abysmal performance rating.

Every home tells its own story. This phrase may be overused but holds true when it comes to home design and decor. Every house starts giving out signs when it is time to take on a renovation project. These signs could be subtle, like the slight discoloration of the paint on the walls, or more obvious, like a broken roof. Either way, people need to pay attention to the signs and renovate the house. Deteriorating floors This sign is among the easiest to notice. The floor tiles or panels tend to detach from one another and start developing gaping holes when they become old and dated. When that happens, it is a surefire sign that the floors and the house as a whole need to undergo renovation.  It is wise to replace old flooring with wood panels. Wood lasts several years more than tiles and is much easier to clean. Apart from the floor, even the carpets need to be cleaned and replaced periodically for a brand-new look. Leaky roofs Like the floor, the state of the roof can tell how urgently a house needs renovation. Leaky roofs are a red flag. When the roof starts leaking, one must call professionals and not take things into their own hands.

Doors and windows are essential components that ensure protection and security, insulate the house from external factors, and also enhance its aesthetic appeal. But just like any other aspect of a house, they require regular maintenance, with each material requiring different care. Homeowners may overlook certain details while maintaining doors and windows, compromising their functionality and leading to costly repairs or replacements later. So here are some common door and window maintenance mistakes to avoid. Not cleaning regularly Window screens are the main barrier between the interior and exterior elements. Not cleaning them properly can affect their visibility; dust, debris, and pollen may get accumulated and can damage the screen, while unwashed door knobs can accumulate germs. Also, dirty window screens can attract insects and other pests, while pollen and allergens can risk home dwellers’ health. So, one’s advised not to ignore regular weekly cleaning. One can use a mild vinegar and water solution for screen cleaning and a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt from the window tracks. For a door, one can gently scrub or use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the knobs and hinges and remove grime. Not cleaning inside out It’s important to clean windows on both sides and not just on the inside.