5 floor cleaning mistakes that make the home appear unhygienic
Home and garden

5 floor cleaning mistakes that make the home appear unhygienic

While cleaning floors is not an idea of fun, it is important to keep your home clean and hygienic. Floor cleaning is more than just mopping with soapy water whenever the floor looks dirty. Even though tile and flooring materials are designed to be durable, one needs to know how to maintain them well. Here are some cleaning mistakes to avoid to keep your floors immaculate in the right manner: Not preparing your floors before mopping Make a plan before you start cleaning, and adhere to it. Before you mop, clear the floor of any pets, carpets, rugs, or furniture. Then, sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly. Only then should you begin to mop. Mopping without doing so could make it dirty faster, further spreading the dirt and resulting in repetitive cleaning. Using too much water Although steam is one of the most harmless cleaning tools, it can cause damage if your home has hardwood floors. Check that your floor is resistant to steam or water before cleaning. Using the wrong chemicals Like water can damage hardwood floors, some abrasive chemicals can also ruin other flooring materials. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the contents of your cleaning products and how they react to the materials in your home.
4 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid
Home and garden

4 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Toilets need regular cleaning to prevent health and sanitation problems caused by unhygienic restrooms. Some of these problems include the accumulation of dirt, the spread of foul odor within the toilet and the house, and possible infections among inhabitants because of that. While cleaning toilets, people commonly make certain mistakes, which can dilute the positive effects of cleaning toilets. With that in mind, here are some of the most common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid. Reusing the same cleaning cloth For convenience, one may be tempted to use the same cloth to wipe various toilet surfaces multiple times. However, this is a major mistake and will simply result in cleaners having to do even more work. Previously used rags transfer bacteria from one spot in the toilet to another. To prevent that, one needs to regularly switch cleaning cloths and sponges when they move from one zone in the toilet to another. Using separate cleaning rags is ideal to prevent the spread of germs and mess around the toilet. This will boost the potency of various cleaning products used for the job. Alternatively, one can also invest in quality paper towels for cleaning. While they may pose a recurring expense, they are an effective and hygienic way to quickly wipe down bathroom surfaces post-cleaning.
10 things a home warranty doesn’t cover
Home and garden

10 things a home warranty doesn’t cover

A home warranty is a contract with a company that agrees to pay to fix or replace major systems and appliances in your house if they malfunction or stop working. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which covers damage caused by unforeseen events, home warranty guards against everyday wear and tear of household systems and devices. While the policy can be beneficial, you must carefully read the fine print. Here are ten things a home warranty doesn’t cover. Pre-existing problems Most home warranty policies don’t pay for fixing or replacing anything damaged or malfunctioning before the warranty was bought. You must pay from your pocket to resolve the problem in such a situation. Outdoor fixtures Some policies may cover outdoor fixtures like air conditioners but frequently exclude sprinkler systems, swimming pools, and spas. You may need a different approach if you want coverage for these things. Cosmetic damage Home warranties don’t cover cosmetic damages like scratches, dents, or rust but functional problems with your home’s systems and appliances. Non-mechanical parts They may exclude non-mechanical objects like knobs, handles, and shelves and only cover mechanical devices like HVAC systems. Code violations Your home warranty may not apply if a repair is necessary because an electrical system doesn’t comply with the law.
6 common gardening mistakes to avoid
Home and garden

6 common gardening mistakes to avoid

Maintaining a home garden, whether small or large, is a hands-on task. And if you don’t plan on hiring someone to take care of the nitty gritty, you’ve got your hands full with all the tasks that come with gardening. So, from finding the best plants to maintaining them, you have to pay attention to all the details. So, if you plan to make your garden flourish single-handedly, avoid making these common gardening mistakes. Don’t make an overly ambitious garden plan It’s good that you want to take up gardening as more than a weekend hobby. But a common mistake most people make is setting unrealistic goals about how the garden should look. Bigger is not always better when it comes to building a garden, as you will need more time to keep it in great shape. Start small and expand the selection of plants wisely. Don’t overcrowd plants Plants need space to grow and bloom. So, ensure you don’t place them in close proximity. Experts suggest keeping at least two feet of space between saplings so they can grow and spread out naturally. You also don’t want to plant too many varieties, as each type of plant will require specific watering, nutrition, and care.
Unique tools that make home cleaning easy
Home and garden

Unique tools that make home cleaning easy

Home cleaning can be a long and exhausting process, especially if it is a deep cleaning day. Luckily, apart from the regular brush and broom, several equipment and products are available these days which help keep your home tidy and well-maintained. These small, clever cleaning options available in the market make the whole process such a convenient chore that you can even involve your kids to help you around the house. Cleaning tools and products for your next home deep clean Quick and Clean 6-Pack Cleaning Cups If you are a coffee drinker, then you know how precious your home coffee maker is! A tool that helps improve your morning needs some monthly deep cleaning. Yes, you clean it with your regular cleaning products and can also use DIYs like vinegar to keep the machine tidy, but these Quick and Clean cups are extremely convenient. Just pop them in the brewer, run it for one cycle, and then run another cycle with just water to remove all the buildup from the product. These are available at any regular grocery store. Rubbermaid Reveal Cordless Power Scrubber This is a neat hack to get the grime out of the spaces in between your bathroom tiles and on them.
5 kitchen cleaning hacks that don’t seem to work
Home and garden

5 kitchen cleaning hacks that don’t seem to work

The internet has many videos on the best hacks for cleaning the kitchen quickly and easily. However, not all of them are useful. In fact, some have the opposite effect, and you may have to clean your kitchen all over again after trying them. From using bleach on counters to lining the fridge drawers with newspaper, here are some of the most popular kitchen cleaning hacks that do not work. Using bleach to clean kitchen counters People often forget how poisonous bleach can be to humans, animals, and the environment. The fumes emitted by it have specific organic compounds that can trigger health issues like COPD, chronic respiratory problems, headaches, allergic reactions, and asthma. So, instead of using bleach on the countertops, investing in a cleaner that contains three percent hydrogen peroxide should do the job. Soaking knives in vinegar to remove rust Contrary to what many online influencers suggest, vinegar is ineffective for removing rust from kitchen knives. An alternative that does work involves scrubbing the knives with sliced potatoes dipped in baking soda and then cleaning them with vegetable oil to prevent the development of rust in the future. Using lemon wedges in the dishwasher Lemon-based solutions will make your dishes smell fresh but are not very effective in removing stains.
7 steps of cleaning a water tank
Home and garden

7 steps of cleaning a water tank

Approximately 60% of the human body constitutes water, the lifeline of all existence on Earth. Clean drinking water ensures well-being and prevents water-borne diseases like cholera and dysentery. While most households have water storage tanks facilitating a regular supply of drinking water, unclean water tanks can cause acute water contamination and contribute to the onset of unfavorable health conditions. So, here are some ways to clean one’s water tank effectively: Clean the top of the tank The first crucial step to cleaning a water tank is to clean the topmost part, from where one would clean the rest. This process ensures a clean and mess-free workspace while cleaning the tank. Clean the tools The best way to clean the tools for tank cleaning is to soak them in a cleaning solution with one part bleach and four parts hot water. Drain the tank The valve to the distribution line should be shut off and water drained from the tap or outlet valve to the best extent possible. This water may be used for various purposes, such as watering plants or washing windows. For example, one would require 2-5 gallon pails of water to clean and rinse the tank. Wash the water tank Mix one part bleach with four parts water and scrub the insides of the water tank.
3 tips for cleaning carpets at home
Home and garden

3 tips for cleaning carpets at home

Most households have carpeting as flooring because of its soft and warm look, especially in regions where the temperatures are usually cooler. Many people also prefer carpet over other floor coverings because of its easy and economical maintenance. However, even after regular vacuuming, sometimes it becomes difficult to get rid of stains and dirt. Here are some tips professionals use to care for carpet cleaning needs, which you can apply at home. Blot and don’t scrub Spills are normal in a household, especially one with kids or a household that usually hosts too many parties. One of the immediate remedies anyone tries is to scrub the spill. Professionals recommend that you should not scrub the area as it leads to fabric disintegrating, and also, the stain gets ground into the fabric. Instead, they say blotting is better suited. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot on the spill. This technique puts only a small amount of pressure on the stain, and this helps in soaking up the liquid. Also, always start blotting from the outer edges and work your way inwards rather than the reverse. Shaving cream A neat trick that is extremely easy to try. If you have stained the carpet, take any shaving cream available in the bathroom and apply it directly on the stain.
Avoid these 5 mistakes while installing security cameras
Home and garden

Avoid these 5 mistakes while installing security cameras

A home can be immaculately designed and well equipped, but it is incomplete without adequate security measures. Security is imperative to ward off unruly events like robbery, theft, and trespassing. While employing security personnel can help ensure safety, technological interventions ensure 100% accuracy at all times and are operational 24×7, reducing long-term costs and eliminating the chances of safety breaches. The key to effectively utilizing security cameras is to avoid certain common installation mistakes: Installing in an area with insufficient or extremely bright lighting Too much or too little light in the area where the camera is installed can lead to unclear or distorted images, which can impede the identification of suspects or comprehension of events. Hence, CCTV cameras should be placed in areas with adequate lighting, neither too bright nor too dim. Installing in an area with a restricted view Placing one’s security camera in an area with several objects blocking the view can cause difficulties with surveillance. Areas with dense greenery, tall buildings, and high walls are not ideal for installing security cameras. Overlooking the height Installing one’s CCTV camera at a high altitude prevents it from getting a panoramic view. In contrast, placing it too low increases the risk of the camera being stolen or tampered with.
5 mistakes that worsen an indoor flea infestation
Home and garden

5 mistakes that worsen an indoor flea infestation

Fleas are a nuisance and are hard to eliminate once they infest a place. But the problem is ten times harder to deal with indoors as there are many locations for infestations. Poor hygiene and lifestyle habits allow these pesky invaders to keep spreading, and in severe cases, you may have to call professionals to help deal with the issue. To avoid this hassle, here are the following mistakes to prevent an indoor flea infestation. Letting pets indoors without thoroughly cleaning them Fleas usually infest under your pet’s collar and fur, where adult fleas also burrow deep into the skin and lay the larvae that hatch after a while. Pets with a lot of fur tend to shake down dust and debris once they are back indoors from the park, yard, etc. This causes the fleas and larvae to dissipate indoors on the carpeting and furnishings. Constantly letting your pets indoors without having them cleaned thoroughly will bring in a flea infestation from the outside undetected. Following poor sanitary habits Poor hygiene habits like not sweeping the floor, vacuuming carpets, or changing furnishings used in the bedroom and living spaces can trigger a rapid flea infestation indoors. Fleas love dirty, dingy, and damp places where mold and other bacteria fester.

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Top 20 Tech Sales to Expect for Black Friday 2023
tech

Top 20 Tech Sales to Expect for Black Friday 2023

If one has missed out on getting their hands on some of the coolest tech gadgets during the year, there is no better time to get them than Black Friday sales in 2023. If one wants to avoid the crowds, queues, and noise of an in-store sale, one can get similar deals online. Most top brands offer in-store and online deals, so here are 20 of the most popular tech sales to expect in 2023. 1. Smart TVs Smart TVs are one of the largest selling products during most Black Fridays, and one can choose from brands like TCL, Samsung, Hisense, Panasonic, and Sony. Last year, one could get savings of up to $500 on an LG 55-inch 4k Smart TV from Amazon, so one can expect similar deals this year too. 2. Smartwatches Smartwatches can be connected to other smart devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for communication, entertainment, and health and fitness monitoring. Samsung, Apple, and Google are popular smartwatch brands to keep an eye out for, among others. For example, last year, there was a discount of up to $110 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 at Amazon. 3. Laptops The previous Black Friday let shoppers get up to $150 off on leading laptop brands like Acer, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo from Walmart, which has had the highest sales for Black Friday for many years.
5 habits that can damage a laptop
tech

5 habits that can damage a laptop

Laptops are portable and durable devices that can easily run for years if handled properly. But sometimes, the device may break down earlier than it should. One may unknowingly be careless with it, damaging the laptop beyond repair. However, some of these habits can be avoided if one pays a little more attention to them when using a laptop. Listed below are five bad habits that can damage a laptop and must be avoided. Not paying attention to overheating Laptop overheating is one of the common causes of laptop damage. Users must pay utmost attention to the device emitting more heat than it should; placing a laptop on a cushion or blanket while working may cause it to overheat. It is best to place a laptop on a flat, clean, and dry surface to avoid any damage to the laptop. Letting dirt buildup It is important to clean the laptop from time to time. Using a laptop regularly will cause dirt, dust, and grime buildup on the screen, keypad, and crevices. Use a clean cotton cloth to wipe the laptop regularly to keep it clean and dust-free. One can also use a laptop cleaning liquid to clean the screen and the body of the laptop, but make sure to avoid any liquid spill on the device.
5 common smartphone habits to avoid
tech

5 common smartphone habits to avoid

Smartphones have become a part of our personal and professional lives. We use them to watch entertaining or informational content, connect with friends, complete work assignments, and purchase products online. And these are just a few uses. There are hundreds of other things one can accomplish with a smartphone. However, while the gadget can make life easier, it is vital to use it correctly. Here are five harmful smartphone habits to avoid. Not using a case Whether a budget flip phone, a massive tablet, or a smartphone, all have glass screens and are susceptible to breakage if they fall. Therefore, it is always better to use a case on the device, especially outdoors. Using them without a cover might make their design stand out, but replacing a broken screen or back panel can be expensive. Besides using a case, install a screen protector to keep the display free from scratches. Always checking the phone Many have a habit of checking notifications on their phones throughout the day, whether at work or home. Of course, one might need to check specific important texts urgently, but not all of them. Checking the phone constantly may not have immediate effects, but it can gradually diminish a person’s ability to concentrate.
10 Black Friday laptop deals to check out in 2022
shopping

10 Black Friday laptop deals to check out in 2022

Black Friday or the shopping extravaganza of the year might seem distant, but it will be here before you know it. People wait for the day to get the best deals on all kinds of products—from clothes to electronics. What’s more? A lot of top brands offer amazing discounts on otherwise expensive laptops. If you are already planning for the holiday season, here are some of the best laptop deals for Black Friday 2022: Samsung Chromebook 4 If you are looking for an entry-level laptop on a budget, then the Samsung Chromebook 4 is the perfect option for all your day-to-day needs. With its 11.6-inch screen, this is a compact laptop that you can find great deals on this Black Friday. You can get about $70.99 off on the laptop. Lenovo Ideapad 3 If you are one of those who love the traditional look of a laptop, then the Lenovo Ideapad is the one for you! It might seem small with an 11.6-inch screen but it is a powerful device. It comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage space, making it a good option for work or personal use. You can save up to $70 on this gadget.
Top 10 expected Black Friday deals on smart home devices
tech

Top 10 expected Black Friday deals on smart home devices

With so many discounts to look for, finding the best deal for your devices is a must on Black Friday. Smart home devices have been some of the most popular items on sale, and the 2022 Black Friday will be no different. From smart light bulbs to video doorbells, there are a ton of products to buy, and Black Friday is the perfect time to save big bucks while you do so. Top 10 best Black Friday smart home devices deals to look forward to in 2022 Ring Video Doorbell This smart doorbell works for just about every house (apartment, condo, or villa) and lets you see, listen and speak to visitors arriving at your home right from your smartphone. Last year, the Ring Video Doorbell was on bundle discount with the Echo Dot for $41, so look forward to better deals this year! Kasa Smart Plug TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug (Pack of 2) is a great deal to look for. The compact smart plug can be voice controlled, create smart schedules, be grouped with other Kasa devices, and be remotely controlled to give your home a truly smart finish. The pack of two retails for $19 but was available for $14 last Black Friday.
20 Black Friday tech sales to look forward to
tech

20 Black Friday tech sales to look forward to

Black Friday 2022 will see several brands and e-commerce platforms giving massive discounts and deals on your favorite products. As observed, each year, some of these brands also hold an early-bird discount sale; however, there has been no word of it yet. But fret not; we’ve put together some of the brands and sites that are most likely to have massive Black Friday tech deals available. Check this out and bookmark if needed! 20 tech brand and website sales to expect on Black Friday Amazon The shopping and tech giant has a Black Friday Sale every year around the main shopping season. Keep an eye out for early deals on smartwatches, TVs, and other gadgets from various brands that are stocked on the platform. John Lewis They already have some information available about Black Friday deals on their website. Exact discounts will be disclosed closer to the big shopping sale day, so you can start making your wishlist now! eBay eBay has a whole range of products like smartphones, TVs, appliances, laptops, and other tech products and accessories. While the biggest deals might be reserved for Black Friday, early-bird deals may get you some great discounts too! Verizon Get Black Friday deals on 5G phones, handsets, iPhones, and other products on Verizon.