As summer arrives, pests become more prevalent. Expert Paul Strong from Magnet Trade shares effective tips to keep pests out of your home, including sealing cracks, using natural repellents, deterring slugs with beer, investing in a string curtain, and utilizing vinegar to combat ants. By following these tips, you can create a pest-free environment for a peaceful and enjoyable summer.
Cleaning windows can be a chore, but it’s important to keep them clean for both aesthetic and health reasons. Here are four tips from a window expert to help you clean your windows like a pro:
Despite its popularity as a natural drain cleaner, white vinegar can actually cause damage to pipes and lead to costly repairs, according to plumbing expert Ricky Sharma. The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda, often used as a homemade cleaning solution, can corrode pipes and harm rubber seals. Instead, Sharma recommends using dedicated cleaning products that are safe and effective for drain cleaning. If a blockage is severe, it’s best to seek professional help from a plumber. While cleaning drains every one to two weeks is advisable, certain items should never be poured down the sink to prevent blockages, such as grease, eggshells, hair products, or fibrous food. Signs of a clogged pipe include gurgling sounds, slow drainage, stains, unpleasant odors, and water residue. By avoiding white vinegar and following these recommendations, homeowners can maintain the proper functioning of their plumbing systems and prevent costly repairs.
Brits spend over six hours a week cleaning their homes, or 13 full days a year. Over a lifetime, that adds up to 20,530 hours or 855 full days spent on household chores. The most dreaded tasks include cleaning toilets, windows, and dusting, while 19% despise mopping floors. Despite the time and effort put into cleaning, only 22% of adults rate their cleaning abilities as ‘very good’. To improve efficiency and make cleaning more enjoyable, experts recommend using the right tools and establishing a regular cleaning schedule.
Maintaining the pristine whiteness of white bedding can be a challenge. However, a recent Reddit post seeking advice on this very topic has sparked a flurry of responses from individuals eager to share their tips and tricks for keeping white bedding looking fresh and clean.
One Reddit user said it is important to consider factors such as water type, choice of detergent, and fabric content in influencing the whiteness of linens. They suggested using Tide Original (powder) and no more than two tablespoons of detergent. For dealing with marks or stains, they advised pretreating and washing in cold water to prevent setting the stain.
Another user with white sheets and a white comforter and three dogs shared their cleaning routine. They wash weekly using vinegar, laundry soap, and warm water. For spot cleaning, they use an oxy-clean spray. They also use the ‘soak’ option on their washer and have them soak for an hour or more if needed.
Numerous other Reddit users chimed in with their own cleaning tips, highlighting the importance of using the right detergent, pretreating stains, and washing in cold water.
While TikTok may offer a wealth of cleaning tips, it’s important to approach social media advice with caution. Imagine Maids, a leading cleaning service, highlights three TikTok cleaning crazes that should be avoided to save time, money, and potentially harmful effects on your home.
1. **Cleaning Surfaces with Lemon and Bicarbonate of Soda:** This combination, despite its perceived eco-friendliness, neutralizes the cleaning power of both ingredients and leaves behind smears due to the abrasiveness of bicarbonate of soda and the stickiness of lemon.
2. **Mixing Cleaning Products:** Attempting to enhance cleaning effectiveness by combining multiple products can result in dangerous reactions, including explosions. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like white vinegar, thymol, and vegetable glycerine.
3. **Applying Fabric Softener to Walls:** While fabric softener may leave walls looking and smelling clean, it leaves behind a residue that attracts dirt and dust, leading to a dirtier appearance over time. Use a vinegar and water solution instead, and add essential oils for fragrance.
With summer approaching, it’s time to prepare your home for the warmer season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle the necessary tasks and enjoy a comfortable summer.
Discover the convenience of organized outdoor storage with the Seizeen 6′ x 4′ Outdoor Metal Storage Shed, now available at Walmart for an incredible $229 (down from $540). This durable shed features galvanized steel reinforcement, a rustproof and UV-resistant design, ensuring longevity and protection for your belongings. Its sturdy metal floor frame and inclined slope roof maximize storage capacity while preventing rainwater accumulation. The pad-locking door adds an extra layer of security. Assembly is a breeze with pre-cut and pre-drilled panels and included gloves. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer ending on April 27th. Explore Walmart’s other home-maintenance products for a complete solution to keeping your outdoor essentials in pristine condition.
