4 mistakes to avoid while maintaining a swimming pool

4 mistakes to avoid while maintaining a swimming pool

Most people with a backyard pool tend to have at least half their summer plans involving pool parties, lounging by the pool, late-night swimming, and so on. However, swimming pools can get filthy and algae-infested if not taken care of, and your friends and family will need to give any pool parties at your place a miss. To avoid that from happening, here are some costly mistakes to avoid when maintaining a swimming pool. 4 basic pool care mistakes that can prove costly Not cleaning the pool after pet use While pets are a part of the family, they also run the risk of carrying a high level of contaminants. In most cases, an average-sized dog carries three times more contaminants than humans. Furthermore, leaving pet hair or dander inside the pool can cause changes in the chemical level of the pool and even clog the filters. Hence, experts suggest treating the pool with water clarifiers after pet use. This can help break down the oils and pollutants in the water and ensure a clean pool. Not brushing the pool regularly In addition to vacuuming the pool regularly to avoid gunk and scum build-up, one must also brush it clean.
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9 tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners

9 tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners

To keep the bathroom clean and free from grime and soap scum, choosing the right shower cleaner is crucial. However, with the wide variety of products available today, one needs to carefully consider its features, pricing, and other key aspects for choosing the right shower cleaner. Additionally, it is important to consider the ingredients of the cleaner to understand its performance and safety. So, here are a few tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners: Check for surface compatibility Some cleaners are formulated for specific materials like tile, glass, or fiberglass, while others are versatile enough to work on multiple surfaces. The chosen cleaner should be compatible with the shower surface to avoid any damage. Look for multi-purpose cleaners For enhanced convenience, one should opt for multi-purpose bathroom cleaners that can tackle not only soap scum but also mold, mildew, and hard water stains. Prioritize safety One should check the labels for warnings and instructions. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if not used properly. Further, if one has children or pets in the house, they must consider eco-friendly and non-toxic options. Consider the fragrance Bathroom shower cleaners come in various scents. So, one should choose a fragrance that appeals to them, as a pleasant scent can improve the cleaning experience.
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8 essential safety tips for living alone

8 essential safety tips for living alone

Moving out for work or college can be an exciting and novel adventure, but it can also be daunting. Living alone offers a great deal of freedom, from selecting dinner to decorating, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility for personal and home security. It’s critical to be aware of all the tips and tricks while living alone to make the experience positive and sustainable. Here are a few safety tips. Safety inspection before moving in Make sure to conduct a thorough safety inspection of the apartment before moving in. Ensure your entrance points are secure, the walkways are well-lit, and your door is made of solid wood or metal. Also, enquire about your neighbors and the surrounding area. Adopt daily safety behaviors Create a daily safety routine or checklist to ensure that all safety precautions are followed. Close your blinds at night, lock any windows and doors, turn on outdoor lights when it gets dark, and bring in your trash and mail during the day. Upgrade the security system Improve your security system to keep an eye on your entire house while you’re away. Install motion sensor lighting and a security system with alarms that turns on when a window or door is opened from the outside.
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5 essential steps to install a gas line

5 essential steps to install a gas line

Installing a gas line at home is a detailed process that needs to be executed correctly. Therefore, there are a couple of things that one needs to get right from the beginning to prevent any mishaps. For example, using the wrong pipe can hamper the entire process and result in an installation without functionality. So here are certain steps one can keep in mind to ensure that the quality of installation is met. Turn off the gas supply Before starting a new pipe installation, it is essential to turn off the existing supply. This needs to be done at the gas meter. Furthermore, ensure it is turned off completely by turning the valve a quarter turn. Double-check to see that the meter isn’t moving. Get the right pipes and fittings When purchasing a gas pipe, it isn’t about buying from a reputable brand but also picking the ideal size. Most domestic gas lines use 1.27 cm to 3.81 cm pipes. However, various cities have different pipeline installation materials, sizes, and specifications. Therefore, consult a standard company to where the building belongs before purchasing. Extend the existing line and make the connection The next step involves extending the existing gas line with the new fittings, including valves and pipe lengths, to ensure the pipeline reaches the new appliance.
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5 home decor mistakes to avoid

5 home decor mistakes to avoid

Decorating your home can be one of the most satisfying tasks to take up in your free time. You might want to spruce up the space for a special occasion or just a change. But decorating may require careful consideration to choose the right items. Missing key steps or not taking utility into consideration could lead to an unfulfilling end result. So, avoid the following home decor mistakes people usually make: Not considering available space One of the first home decor mistakes people usually make when buying any type of household item is overlooking the space in the room. Regardless of how good the item looks, you might have to send it back or resell it if it does not fit into the desired area. So, measure the area beforehand and then look for items that will work with the space you have. Inadequate lighting When decorating your home, you should find lighting solutions to create layers. So, a combination of fixtures at varying heights, such as pendant lights on the ceiling, under-cabinet lighting, and floor lamps, can create a well-illuminated space. Additionally, although lights can transform the look of any room, installing them in the wrong places could highlight undesirable features of the room.
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5 common mistakes to avoid while doing laundry

5 common mistakes to avoid while doing laundry

Doing one’s laundry is a necessary, albeit mundane, task to ensure clean and tidy clothes throughout the week. Doing laundry regularly not only facilitates clean clothes but also maintains the fabric’s freshness and increases their durability. While modern laundry products and appliances allow for considerable ease of washing clothes, understanding some techniques and strategies can enhance the process. This article lists some common mistakes one should avoid while doing laundry: Not removing stains before doing laundry Often, hard stains may not be eliminated when clothes are directly washed in the laundry without stains being pretreated. Hence, it is advisable to remove these stains first by applying some vinegar and baking soda paste on them or blotting them with a laundry or dishwasher detergent for a while. Washing and drying clothes at extremely high temperatures Setting extremely high temperatures while doing laundry can cause the clothes to shrink or tear, reducing their quality and lowering durability. As a thumb rule, clothes should be washed in cold water to ensure that they last long. Maintaining a temperature of 30 degrees while washing works well for most clothes. It is also recommended to avoid using the tumble dryer, preferably opting for a clothesline instead.
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4 common mistakes to avoid while installing a deck railing system

4 common mistakes to avoid while installing a deck railing system

Deck railing systems have become popular in many homes today as manufacturers offer them in different materials, sizes, styles, and color options. Improved safety, unobstructed views, better aesthetic appeal, and increased property value are some perks of installing such railings. However, building a deck is a massive undertaking and requires learning what not to do through the installation process. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when installing a deck railing system. Not following instructions Most railing systems, especially those that come as packaged kits, have an instruction manual. The document usually explains how to measure and fasten the railings, which brackets to use, and the types of fasteners one can consider. Ignoring these instructions could lead to a poor installation and make the setup unsafe. One should always read the instruction manual and follow the instructions to ensure the job is done correctly. Using low-quality products Installing cheap deck railings can help save money. However, they may wear out sooner, costing one more in the long haul. Therefore, individuals should use high-quality materials, even if it costs a little extra. Homeowners should also research well and choose manufacturers that offer value-for-money deals to avoid overspending on a railing system.
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5 air conditioner mistakes that waste energy and money

5 air conditioner mistakes that waste energy and money

The summer season brings a wonderful time—setting picnics out in the sun, gorging on ice cream, visiting farmers’ markets, and having a blast. With all this, however, comes the scorching heat, which can be difficult to deal with. That’s where air conditioners (ACs) come in. When installing, maintaining, or using ACs, people make several mistakes that waste energy and money. This article explores five such mistakes, along with tips to avoid them. Blocking the air vents People mistakenly place furniture, curtains, or other items in front of the air vents, blocking them. This affects the efficiency of the AC, causing it to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in the room. For proper air circulation and optimal efficiency, ensure the air vents are free of any obstructions. Not cleaning the air filter ACs work by sucking in air. In this process, they also attract dust, dander, and allergens, which are caught by the air filters. Failing to clean these regularly may lead to clogging, forcing dust into the room, slowing down the cooling process, and damaging the air conditioning system. Installing AC units in a sunny spot Window AC units must be positioned with care. Installing AC units in a sunny spot may cause them to work harder to cool the air, reducing their efficiency.
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5 window replacement mistakes to avoid

5 window replacement mistakes to avoid

Most windows have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years before they begin to degenerate and lose their energy efficiency. Consequently, when replacing windows, it is essential to make wise choices for one’s home, as this will be a long-term expense. Making mistakes while making this choice can lead to frustration, delays, and additional expenses. This article enlists five common mistakes people make when replacing windows and how to avoid them. Getting the wrong size One of the biggest risks of installing ready-made replacement windows is getting the wrong size. Be sure to measure the windows and panes well. They should fit to 1/8th inch to seal and fit properly. Ignoring add-on costs When buying a replacement window, one needs to be cognizant of all the costs involved. Depending on the material of the window chosen, one may need to cover maintenance, cleaning, and painting costs in the future. Additionally, some materials may require special frames or runners. Be sure to account for these before finalizing the purchase. Overlooking security With windows, safety is a very important aspect to keep in mind. Regular glass windows can make the house vulnerable to break-ins. If this is a major cause of concern, one must opt for premium double-pane windows with unique coatings.
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4 common basement renovation mistakes to avoid

4 common basement renovation mistakes to avoid

Today, basements of homes and offices are used for several purposes, including parking spaces, gyms and sports clubs, libraries, game rooms, home theaters, and cafeterias. Thus, basement renovation can help utilize this space effectively. Renovating a basement is a significant decision that requires thorough planning and consideration of certain factors, including how the space should be utilized and the cost of the entire process. Here are some mistakes to avoid while renovating one’s basement: Opting for wooden flooring While wooden flooring may be ideal for other rooms, laying a wooden floor in the basement may not be the best idea. This is because the humidity levels in basements are relatively higher than those in most other areas of a home or office. Consequently, moisture develops easily in the basement, and integrating moisture with organic substances like wood can lead to mold and mildew development. Hence, it is better to opt for inorganic flooring materials like ceramic tiles in basements. Overlooking the importance of sound insulation Depending on the purpose for which a basement will be used, one may need to soundproof it to avoid external noises from penetrating the basement walls and vice versa. For instance, if the basement is to be repurposed as a conference room, external noises may be highly disturbing during meetings and conferences.
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