Basic laundry dos and don’ts to keep clothes looking new
home and garden

Basic laundry dos and don’ts to keep clothes looking new

Proper laundry care is essential to maintain the quality and durability of clothes. To achieve this, it is crucial to adhere to a set of dos and don’ts when doing the laundry. These guidelines not only ensure effective cleaning but also help prevent common laundry mishaps. Following some basic rules and best practices can help transform the way laundry is done and help keep clothes looking as good as new. Dos Read the labels Always check the care labels on all clothing before washing. They provide essential information about the recommended water temperature, washing instructions, and drying methods. Sort the laundry Separate laundry into different piles based on colors and fabric types. Wash whites and light colors separately from darks to prevent color bleeding. Also, separate delicate items from heavier fabrics to avoid damage. Use the right detergent Using a gentle detergent for delicate fabrics and a regular one for everyday items is recommended. Moreover, following the amount specified on the detergent label is important. Follow water temperature guidelines Pay attention to the recommended water temperature on the care labels. Hot water can shrink or fade some fabrics, while cold water is gentler on clothes. When in doubt, use a cold wash.
Read More
6 things not to clean with paper towels
home and garden

6 things not to clean with paper towels

In the realm of cleaning, paper towels have long been a trusted companion, known for their absorbent prowess and versatility. However, certain items and surfaces necessitate caution, where the use of paper towels might lead to unintended consequences. While these sheets are stalwarts in many cleaning tasks, they aren’t universally suited for every challenge. By understanding the limitations of paper towels, individuals can safeguard their belongings and achieve more effective cleaning outcomes. Electronics and screens Electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computer monitors require extra care since they come with sensitive screens. Paper towels can leave behind fibers and lint, obstructing the view and potentially scratching the surface. For these sensitive screens, it’s best to use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for electronics, which is gentle yet effective in removing smudges and fingerprints. Stainless steel appliances While stainless steel appliances provide a sleek and modern aesthetic to kitchens, they can be prone to visible scratches if cleaned with paper towels. To maintain that polished look, it’s recommended to use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a mild detergent. This will help avoid unsightly scratches and keep the appliances looking their best. Eyeglasses Cleaning eyeglasses with paper towels can lead to micro-abrasions on the lenses, affecting clarity and potentially damaging any special coatings.
Read More
3 buying tips for polycarbonate roof sheets
home and garden

3 buying tips for polycarbonate roof sheets

Roofing sheets are installed in open areas where the sunlight casts a harsh glare, protecting the area underneath from weather elements. Polycarbonate is a lightweight but durable material, often considered a great alternative to acrylic and Pet G plastics used for mainstream installations. Today, these sheets are manufactured in different color shades and textures suitable for many different installations. Here are three beginner tips to help you make an informed decision shopping for polycarbonate sheets. Buy the right color and texture Polycarbonate sheets are manufactured in different colors to suit a specific build purpose. Depending on the type of use and installation, you must consider various textures like solid sheets, textured sheets, twin wall/multiwall sheets, and corrugated sheets. Transparent sheets allow maximum natural light penetration and protect you from UV rays but are unsuitable if you need privacy. Patterned sheets ensure decent light transmission while also maintaining occupant privacy. Opal-colored sheets reduce the heat buildup by a third of exposure and provide good shade. Bronze-colored sheets reduce glare and increase heat retention due to the tint. Black-colored sheets are entirely opaque, blocking the light and offering complete privacy. Choose the right thickness and size Roofing is a tricky job, even when done by contractors.
Read More
8 things to avoid while considering surface cleaners
home and garden

8 things to avoid while considering surface cleaners

Surface cleaners play a pivotal role in helping one maintain a clean and hygienic living environment. They help get rid of dirt, germs, and stains, leaving the home’s surfaces sparkling and safe. But, choosing the right product is not always a straightforward process. Individuals must note several factors when considering surface cleaners to ensure effectiveness and safety. Here are some of these critical aspects to help consumers make informed choices. 8 things to avoid while considering surface cleaners Harsh chemicals Avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals in their ingredients list, especially for everyday use. These include chemicals like bleach, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, emulsifiers like MEA, DEA, and TEA, SLS and SLES, sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate, and petroleum solvents. These chemicals can harm one’s health, irritate the skin and eyes, and emit harmful fumes. One can either go for eco-friendly alternatives in the market, like white vinegar or essential oils, or make natural cleaners at home. Unlabeled surface cleaners Choose products with clear, complete ingredient lists or labels. Avoid products that don’t disclose their ingredients, as it may be difficult to assess their safety and effectiveness. Lack of safety information Check for safety information on the label, such as whether the product is safe for use around pets or children.
Read More
3 tips for choosing a foundation repair and jacking contractor
home and garden

3 tips for choosing a foundation repair and jacking contractor

Finding the right contractor for foundation repair and jacking around the house can be tough. There are hundreds of things to consider while making the choice of contractor. For one, does one have to choose reputation or price when it comes to contractors? Also, is it useful to check out a contractor’s documentation and licensing? On top of these questions, there are also aspects related to experience and online reviews to consider. Here are some such factors one must keep in mind: Know about the work experience of contractors There are no official training or education degrees for becoming a contractor specializing in foundation repair and jacking. Therefore, experience and past records are the only decent indicators of credibility in this field. Therefore, the more years and projects a contractor has had under their belt, the more likely they should be up for selection. Normally, longevity and the number of services a contractor offers is an element of trust in the community. All individuals looking for these kinds of contractors would initially check out the names of long-standing companies as opposed to inexperienced and rookie contractors. One can simply do an online search for a “foundation repair and jacking contractor near me.” Check for license and insurance Although not all states need contractors to have a license, some have made it mandatory.
Read More
5 easy home improvement hacks to try today
home and garden

5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

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.
Read More
4 key things to consider when choosing a garden fence
home and garden

4 key things to consider when choosing a garden fence

Choosing a garden fence sounds like the easiest thing to do. But it is more complex than what may seem on the surface. Individuals need to consider certain crucial factors while picking a garden fence. Otherwise, one may face a range of issues regarding their garden in the long term. To avoid any commonly faced issues, take a look at some key things to consider when choosing a new garden fence. Privacy and security Privacy and security are closely related, and one must select a fence to fulfill both these criteria. If an individual has their garden in a relatively quiet street with a few passers-by, then they may prefer an open and breezy style of fence, such as an arched top paling fence panel. On the other hand, if a garden is on a busy street or a zone in which traffic is excessive and passers-by more than a handful, then a traditional close board fencing panel or a strong and opaque fence is an ideal option. Ultimately, one’s prime goal should be choosing a fence that makes their garden as safe and private as possible. Durability Garden fences must be made from durable and high-grade materials only. Moreover, while selecting fencing materials, one must choose options that provide UV protection and anti-rusting features.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More