8 things to avoid while considering surface cleaners

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

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
4 key things to consider when choosing a garden fence

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

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
4 useful tips to prevent home title theft

4 useful tips to prevent home title theft

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.
Read More
5 mistakes to avoid when buying furniture

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
5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort

5 easy home improvement hacks to save time and effort

When it comes to home improvement, many find the task challenging. But there are several ways one can cut down on the extra effort. There is a wide range of tips and tricks that can make things easier for you to carry out your remodeling projects without hassle. Check out a few home improvement hacks that will save you time and money without causing any mess around your home space. Stretch a rubber band over a paint container When you take up a painting project for your home, you may not think about the extra paint spillage that can happen from your brush. It can make the painting uneven when applied over any surface, such as walls, floors, or furniture. To tackle this, pop an elastic band over the paint can. After each dip of the brush, just gently glide it over the band to remove any extra paint and reduce wastage. Use a balloon to remove stripped screws It is tough to remove screws with heads worn out since a drill cannot reach them. An incredible hack that you can use to remove such stripped screws is by using a balloon. You should place the balloon right on top of the stripped screw.
Read More
7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

7 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Keeping the washroom clean is a hands-on task. But it’s necessary to wipe down all surfaces, use quality disinfectants, and sanitize the area regularly to maintain good hygiene. Doing so will prevent transferring bacteria and germs from the toilet to other areas of the house. Cleaning the toilet seems straightforward enough. But here are 7 mistakes you might be making involuntarily and should avoid the next time you tackle this task. Forgetting to clean the toilet brush The tool designed to scrape off grime, gunk, and all the funky discoloration in a toilet also needs to be cleaned thoroughly after regular use. Not cleaning the brush leaves bacteria and viruses to harbor and transfer over to your hands the next time you pick it up. Wiping down surfaces immediately When you use a chemical base toilet cleaner, it is important to spray and allow the product to sit on the surface while the formula activates and does its job. Never wipe down the surface immediately after spraying it with the cleaning solution, as it will not be as effective. Using too many cleaning products Mixing cleaning products or repeatedly using them on the surface can cause the toilet bowl layer to erode and become discolored.
Read More
10 surprising things that a home warranty doesn’t cover

10 surprising things that a home warranty doesn’t cover

If you purchased or are planning to purchase a home, you may have wondered what a home warranty covers. A home warranty can save you money when any systems and appliances break down, preserving your home and budget. However, it doesn’t cover every element of your home. Some aspects that a home warranty doesn’t cover, like leaky roofs and cosmetic damage, are listed below. Scroll down to uncover the limitations of a home warranty plan. Walls, doors, and windows A home warranty usually doesn’t cover walls, windows, and doors as they are considered structural elements. However, based on the age of your home, these items will be covered by a homeowners insurance policy or builder’s warranty. Cosmetic damage If the damage, like scratches or dents, is caused by natural wear and tear over time, it is the homeowners’ responsibility, not that of the warranty provider. Pest damage Home warranties are not designed to cover and repair/ replace the damages caused by pest infestations like rodents or termites. Leaking roofs A home warranty doesn’t cover leaking roofs since this is a structural problem. Hot tubs and swimming pools Pools and hot tubs are some things not covered under a home warranty, but certain companies might extend their coverage at an additional price.
Read More
5 common gardening mistakes to avoid

5 common gardening mistakes to avoid

Gardening isn’t something you get right on the first try. It requires some trial and error to perfect. Sometimes, you might find a plant doing poorly in one spot of your yard but thriving in another. While you might need more than a couple of tries to get things right, you must first learn about the common gardening mistakes to avoid. Luckily, most of these are easy to step over. Skipping compost Plants need nutrients while growing, and the best way to supply them is by adding compost. By skipping compost, you’re falling prey to one of the most common gardening mistakes that should be avoided. Compost not only provides plants with nutrients but also adds moisture and improves the soil’s drainage. Ignoring pest control Pests are always waiting for a chance to make quick work of your garden. So, you must find a way to stop them without using poisonous chemicals. One solution is to grow disease and pest-resistant plants that attract birds and insects that eat destructive pests. You can use some non-toxic traps and sprays occasionally. Poor watering habits It’s impossible to ignore how many of us water our plants and gardens at the wrong time. If you want the lawn to retain moisture, water it last thing at night or first thing in the morning.
Read More