5 cleaning products that professionals use
Home and Garden

5 cleaning products that professionals use

Cleaning the house can be challenging if one does not use the right products. Using incorrect products might do more harm than good. Moreover, if one uses a product that is chemically too strong or too abrasive for certain surfaces, they might end up causing damage to their house. To avoid these unfavorable situations, one can switch to using cleaning products used or recommended by professional cleaners. Here are five cleaning products that can ensure better results. Microfiber cloths These cloths have exceptional cleaning power, thanks to their small fibers, which can easily grab dust particles upon wiping. So, using microfiber cloths for cleaning can prove to be way more efficient and effective than using any other cloth. Moreover, they are also not abrasive like paper towels, so they can safely be used to clean wet and dry surfaces without worrying about scratches. Baking soda Baking soda is something that is helpful not only for baking but also for cleaning. It is a non-toxic compound that can be used to easily scrub off stains and grime. It can also soak up unpleasant smells, making it an effective deodorizer for carpets, upholstery, and trash cans. White vinegar White vinegar is acidic in nature, which makes it effective in cleaning grease stains and dissolving mineral deposits.
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5 mistakes to avoid when buying furniture
Home and Garden

5 mistakes to avoid when buying furniture

Buying furniture, whether it is for the house or the office space, can be exciting and, at the same time, exhausting. While the right choice in furniture can transform one’s space into a haven, the wrong choices can lead to frustration and a waste of money. So, it is important to keep some things in mind when buying furniture and avoid certain common mistakes. Here are five common mistakes one should avoid when buying furniture. Neglecting measurements The first and the most important thing one must do when buying new furniture is take measurements of their space. Neglecting to take accurate measurements can be a costly mistake if the furniture one purchases does not fit. Along with the room, it is also essential to take measurements of the doorway and the passage from where the furniture will pass through to avoid any hassles later. Not considering one’s current lifestyle Another mistake individuals often make when buying new furniture is failing to consider their lifestyle and needs. Before choosing new furniture, it is essential to take into account factors like family/organization size, children, pets, and how the space will be used. Overlooking quality and durability While it is important to stick to budget when buying new furniture, it is more important to choose good-quality furniture.
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4 ways to find hidden water leaks
Home and Garden

4 ways to find hidden water leaks

All homes require water as long as it flows through pipes and the drainage system. However, if there are hidden water leaks, they might result in severe damage if not repaired on time. While obvious signs such as water stains make it easy to spot the leak, it is sometimes insidious, making it challenging to find and fix. Here are 4 ways to find hidden water leaks and take remedial action in time. Check the water bill Most households get a water bill that is fairly consistent every month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a household of four persons will generally use 12,000 gallons per month. Exceptions are warmer weather or when lawns and gardens have to be watered regularly. However, if the water bill suddenly becomes unusually high, it may be a sign of water leakage. Even a small leak, like a faucet dripping steadily, can cause about 10,000 gallons of water to be wasted per year. Thus, monitoring the water bill is a useful practice to keep a check on water leaks. Conduct a water meter test Another effective way to find hidden water leaks is a water meter test. To do this, turn off all the faucets, showers, and water sources around the house.
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6 unexpected causes of water leaks
Home and Garden

6 unexpected causes of water leaks

Water leaks often lead to costly repairs and potential damage to property, in addition to water wastage. While some leaks result from common causes like damaged pipes or fixtures, a few unexpected factors can contribute to leakage, catching one off guard. Regular maintenance, inspections, and vigilance can help avoid the financial and structural damage that often accompanies such leaks. Additionally, recognizing the following causes of leaks can help prevent such damages: 1. High water pressure High water pressure might seem like a good thing, but it can actually put significant stress on the plumbing system. Excessively high pressure can lead to leaks at joints and connections, as well as cause damage to fixtures and appliances. To prevent this, homeowners should consider installing a pressure regulator to regulate the water pressure and ensure it does not exceed safe levels. 2. Clogged gutters and downspouts Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and penetrate a home’s foundation. This, in turn, can cause basement leaks and damage to walls. So, regular gutter maintenance and cleanup can help prevent clogs. 3. Corrosion Rusting and other types of corrosion can weaken pipes and fixtures over time, leading to water leaks. Corrosion can be a result of prolonged exposure to household chemicals, varying pH levels of water, or the type of materials used.
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7 pest control mistakes and how to avoid them
Home and Garden

7 pest control mistakes and how to avoid them

Effective pest control is critical to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Pests can cause a lot of damage to a home’s foundation, floors, and walls. It helps eliminate insects impacting the house’s integrity and its occupants’ health. Effective pest management is a multifaceted endeavor that requires diligence, preventative measures, and, at times, the expertise of professionals. By sidestepping these pitfalls, individuals can create a pest-free environment that promotes health, comfort, and peace of mind. Neglecting preventative measures One of the most common pitfalls in pest control is underestimating the power of prevention. Waiting until pests become a visible problem can lead to a more challenging and costly battle. Simple steps like sealing cracks, ensuring proper drainage, and maintaining a clean living space can go a long way in deterring pests from entering in the first place. Overlooking regular inspections Regular inspections are the cornerstone of effective pest control. Unfortunately, many homeowners skip this crucial step, only seeking professional help when the situation has escalated. Implementing routine checks, both indoors and outdoors, allows for early detection and intervention, minimizing the potential damage caused by pests. Improper identification of pests Misidentifying pests is a common oversight in pest control. Different pests require different approaches for effective elimination.
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4 common mistakes to avoid in home lighting
Home and Garden

4 common mistakes to avoid in home lighting

Home lighting plays a crucial role in making a space inviting and comfortable and helps enhance its overall aesthetic. Lighting can either make or break the mood and feel of a home – it sets the tone, adds a finishing touch, and makes the space appealing. Homeowners unintentionally make a few lighting mistakes that can be easily addressed with proper planning. Continue reading to find out some common home lighting mistakes and how to fix them. Not considering the size of the lighting fixture Large and magnificent chandeliers or pendant lights are highly desirable but may not suit every home space. Therefore, consider the size of the lighting fixture and choose the ones that complement the space. Adding an oversized light in a small living room will eat up the whole space. Similarly, a tiny fixture will not provide adequate lighting to a large room. So, it is best to measure the size of the space when picking the lighting fixture for the room. One can also consider the furniture and wall colors to pick the most appropriate fixture that helps accentuate the whole area. Adding too many recessed lights Recessed lighting is the fixtures installed in the wall or ceiling.
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5 vacuuming mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

5 vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most households today have vacuum cleaner as they are one of the most important cleaning tools. But not everyone uses the appliance properly. Improper use and handling of vacuum cleaners can result in its malfunctioning and reduction in shelf life. This can lead to replacing it with a new one and the cycle repeats without realizing that all a vacuum cleaner need is some TLC. So, avoiding these 5 mistakes will ensure a vacuum cleaner’s longevity. Using the wrong attachment Vacuum cleaners come with variety of attachments including crevice tools, dusting brushes, and other extension tools to reach inaccessible corners and ceilings. Using these attachments on the wrong surfaces will not only make vacuuming tedious, but it may also damage the cleaning tools. Vacuuming with a filled dust bag or canister This is one of the common mistakes made while using a vacuum cleaner. Not emptying the vacuum cleaner’s dust collection bag or canister can reduce the suction power and even put load on the motor. This can decrease the longevity of the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners come with ‘check/change bag’ indication. So, make sure to empty the bag as soon as it is full. Vacuuming hard objects Although vacuum cleaners have a powerful motor, they are made to suck in dust and debris.
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Know about the functions of the ultraviolet water filtration
Home and Garden

Know about the functions of the ultraviolet water filtration

Ultraviolet water filtration is the process that offers one of the most cost-effective ways to purify water, thereby protecting drinking water against biological contaminants. Ultraviolet or UV protect against water-borne viruses, bacteria, molds, and other pathogenic diseases. Viruses such as hepatitis virus that is known to be highly resistant to chlorine treatment can be relatively eliminated through UV treatment. Let us have a look at how UV water filtration works Invisible Ultraviolet light is emitted from a UV light source that has an output of roughly 254 nanometers, producing radiation that has a significantly greater density than the radiation in the sunlight. The flow chamber contains the light source through which water passes. This exposes the water to the UV light. The light source used in such water filtration system is usually a mercury vapor lamp, also called as the germicidal lamp. An electric arc present in the filtration system vaporizes the mercury present in the lamp. The mercury present inside the lamp vaporizes, thus producing UV rays of short wavelength. These lamps are made out of special quartz glass that permits short UV rays of around 2530 A (Armstrong unit). The wavelength of such short magnitude is achieved due to the low pressure inside the lamp.
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Using mason jars in home decor
Home and Garden

Using mason jars in home decor

Mason jars are a huge hit in home decor. The modest molded glass jar has been used just to preserve food but also in lighting, accents, and even for a great display. This article examines some great ways in which we can use Mason jars and incorporate them effectively and beautifully into home decor: Using Mason jars as soap dispensers: Add a vintage touch to the modest, basic space of the kitchen by making cute dispensers with these pretty-looking, functional Manson jars. What you need: Mason Jar, empty soap bottle with a pump, water-resistant glue and a spray paint (just for styling). What you need to do: On the lid at the back of the Mason jar (upside down), draw a circle the size of the soap bottle pump. Then, place a small screwdriver inside the circle and tap the screwdriver by using a hammer. Continue until you get a smooth perfect circle shape. Now just make sure that the opening of the soap bottle fits within and inside the circle of the lid. Next, cut off the soap bottle just below the thread (it is easy to do so a hand saw). Now attach the top of the soap bottle on the underside of the lid with a good amount of glue, and once it dries, screw the soap pump into the lid.
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Home decoration ideas on a budget
Home and Garden

Home decoration ideas on a budget

Decorating your own home like you want it to be in your dream is what everyone wants. In fact, nowadays, having a beautiful and elegant house is a matter of prestige. Nobody wants to live in a wrecked house with old fashioned furniture, ancient floor tiles or dull wall paints. But in order to do get the perfect abode, you might be concerned about the investment too. An elegant house demands a good amount of cash. Does this mean that everyone else will be deprived of implementing such dreams in reality? The answer is a big no. There is a huge range of budget-friendly home decor ideas that one may easily find and put in use. All of these ideas are very simple and pocket-friendly. You may mix and match them together for a better and complete home decor idea. Have canvas walls: Have you ever thought of making your house more artistic and less mainstream? If yes, then here is the best idea you are looking for. Canvas walls are very interesting to watch and make as well. It keeps your expenditure within your budget and there is a minimal amount of labor needed. This idea focuses on using canvases (large ones or a few small ones hung together in a haphazard manner); you may draw and color anything on them that seems to be artistic.
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5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

5 common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

Grilling season picks up once again as the temperatures continue to rise. This is the perfect opportunity for home cooks to explore some delicious outdoor cooking recipes. Yes, we are talking about mouthwatering barbeques and platters. But know that using a grill or cooking over a barbeque pit is serious stuff. It is not something that you do every day, so it pays to know the common mistakes that might happen in the process. Not knowing the different types of grills Gas-powered grills are easy to start and feature dedicated knobs that control the heat more efficiently. Grill charcoal BBQ appliances add a certain depth and flavor to the meats and veggies. Pellet grills are a new concept that does away with charcoal and gas as fuel sources. For example, the Traeger Ranger Pellet Portable Grill takes up 184 sq. in. worth of cooking space or half a small table. It can easily handle an entire rib eye steak or the equivalent of 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs in one go. The Traeger Ranger grill also features a latched lid, griddle included, and digital controllers to regulate cooking temperature. Not cleaning the grill properly Cooking different types of meat over high heat will leave residue behind that sticks to the grill.
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